When it comes to health, we all deserve answers. But for way too long, medical research has prioritized men’s bodies. Women’s health has been underfunded, understudied, and often misunderstood. As a result, women are more likely to experience delayed diagnoses, misinterpreted symptoms, and gaps in their treatment. It’s astonishing to think that it took decades to fully embrace the advantages of routine mammograms, let alone develop standardized guidelines for their use.
Women’s bodies are biologically different, from hormonal fluctuations to reproductive organs and genetic predispositions. This means they also face their own set of health risks. So why is it still so hard to get the right research and treatment? Let’s dive into the health challenges that affect women.
Gynecological Health Challenges
Women's gynecological health involves unique challenges that need careful attention. Conditions like endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are quite common, but they often go undiagnosed.On average, women with endometriosis wait approximately six years for a diagnosis, leading to increased healthcare costs and a lower quality of life. This can increase their healthcare costs and negatively affect quality of life. PCOS impacts about 8–13% of women of reproductive age, but up to 70% of women remain undiagnosed worldwide. This gap in diagnosis leaves too many people in unnecessary pain and discomfort without access to the proper treatment or relief. Unsurprisingly, mental health disorders associated with PCOS, like anxiety and depression, contribute an additional $4.2 billion to annual healthcare costs.
Cervical cancer is another major concern, being the most common cancer linked to HPV in women. The good news is that regular screenings, like Pap smears, can detect precancerous and cervical cancer cells. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screenings every three years for women between 21 and 65 years old. By focusing on regular check-ups and early detection, we can work towards better and healthier outcomes for women.
Cardiovascular Health Disparities
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, yet there are still challenges in how it's diagnosed and treated. Women are 50% more likely than men to receive a misdiagnosis after a heart attack. This is often because their symptoms present differently. Despite the differences in symptoms and the higher misdiagnosis rate, women are underrepresented in heart-related clinical trials. In 740 cardiovascular trials, only 38% of participants in these studies were women, which complicates efforts to create treatments that work well for them.
We need equal representation in medical studies so we can understand and address women's specific heart health needs. Because heart attacks alone can lead to an average loss of over 16 years of life, the earlier women can detect, diagnose, and implement changes, the better their chances of greater longevity and quality of life.
Breast Health Concerns
The most common type of cancer is breast cancer, which predominantly impacts women. Male breast cancer accounts for less than one percent of all breast cancer cases. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 316,950 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025, with approximately 42,170 deaths. In contrast, about 2,800 men are expected to be diagnosed, with approximately 510 deaths.
Like all cancers, breast cancer is an area where early detection plays a critical role in getting the most effective treatment. Nearly 100% of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer at Stage 1 survive at least five years following their diagnosis. That percentage plummets to 25% for those who are diagnosed at Stage 4.
Detecting breast cancer early can significantly improve survival chances, but challenges persist, especially for women with extremely dense breast tissue. In fact, mammography's sensitivity can drop to 48% for these women, compared to 78% in the general population. This reduced sensitivity increases the likelihood of false-negative results, where existing cancers remain undetected.
Underdiagnosed autoimmune diseases predominantly affecting women
Autoimmune disorders affect women much more than men, with about 80% of cases found in women. But getting a diagnosis can be a long and frustrating journey, often taking years and multiple healthcare provider visits to figure out what's going on. This delay can mean more suffering and higher healthcare costs. Diseases like lupus and multiple sclerosis not only impact health but also reduce productivity and increase financial stress. Catching autoimmune diseases early is key to managing them better. Detecting inflammatory conditions early can improve clinical outcomes and help control disease-related costs by 20% or more.
Understanding Fertility Issues
Infertility affects roughly 17.5% of the global adult population, which means about 1 in 6 individuals face challenges when trying to conceive. This condition is far from rare and deserves open conversation and support.
Dealing with infertility often extends beyond the personal sphere, impacting work life as well. Nearly half (49% ) of individuals undergoing assisted reproductive technology report negative effects on their work performance. In fact, a study in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that employees undergoing infertility treatment faced an average health-related productivity loss of 30.6%. This impact is notable, even when compared to other serious health conditions like cancer (25.3% productivity loss) and osteoporosis (25.9% productivity loss).
For women, understanding the root causes of infertility is crucial. Ovulation disorders, like PCOS, are the leading cause of infertility accounting for 40% of cases. Furthermore, conditions like endometriosis and pelvic adhesions are responsible for 15% and 12% of infertility cases, respectively. Knowing these facts can help women advocate for themselves and seek appropriate medical guidance early on.
Menopause and Its Effects
Menopause is a major life change that can come with health challenges. Women who go through menopause before 40 face a higher risk of heart disease and stroke than those who experience it later. Plus, during the first five to seven years after menopause, women can lose up to 20% of their bone mass, increasing the chances of osteoporosis and fractures. Many women don't realize they have osteoporosis until they have a fracture, often leading to late-stage diagnosis and irreversible bone loss. Osteoporosis is a “silent disease” – there are no symptoms until a fracture occurs. Women who suffer fractures have a higher risk of depression and social isolation. Osteoporosis alone has been associated with depression among older adults.
Even though menopause symptoms are common, a large percentage of internal medicine residents and OB/GYNs report feeling unprepared to discuss or treat menopause. This lack of training often leads to missed diagnoses and inadequate care. The problem extends to the workplace too, where symptoms like hot flashes and trouble sleeping can affect job performance. Many women say these symptoms interfere with work, but they often aren't noted in medical records.
Understanding Unique Health Risks Women Face
Addressing the differences in women’s health helps to improve overall well-being and closing the long-standing gaps in healthcare. Early detection and regular screenings play a pivotal role in identifying and managing these conditions and diseases before they become more serious. By embracing advancements in medical technology, prioritizing research, and promoting personalized care, we can build a healthier and stronger future for everyone.
