Women's health is having a moment. From innovative startups to increased public awareness, we're seeing exciting momentum in a space that's been historically overlooked. Companies like Somedays, with their life-changing cramp cream, Hertility, empowering women with accessible hormone and fertility testing, and Hers, a U.S.-based pioneer in holistic care, are leading the charge toward better, more inclusive healthcare.
Progress? Absolutely. But scratch beneath the surface, and a troubling reality emerges.
Let that sink in for a moment.
A recent McKinsey report revealed what many women have experienced firsthand: the vast majority of healthcare research focuses on conditions that affect both men and women, often failing to account for how these diseases manifest differently in female bodies.
The result? Underdiagnosed and undertreated conditions. Women suffering from chronic pain, autoimmune diseases, and reproductive health issues often face years of medical gaslighting, being told "it's just stress" or "it's all in your head."
This research disparity isn't just a statistic—it translates to real, unnecessary suffering and diminished quality of life for millions of women worldwide.
The roots of this inequality run deep. Historically, medical research has been overwhelmingly male-centric, with clinical trials primarily conducted on male subjects. The assumption? That findings from male bodies would simply apply to female bodies. Spoiler alert: they don't.
Beyond research methodology, there's the funding problem. Women's health receives significantly fewer resources, with investment flowing predominantly toward conditions that affect men or both sexes. Add in centuries of social and cultural stigma around menstrual health, menopause, and reproductive issues, and you have a perfect storm of deprioritization.
Yes, there's an economic case. When women receive proper healthcare, they can work longer and contribute more to the economy. Improved productivity, reduced sick days, greater workforce stability—the business case is compelling.
But here's what really matters: dignity, respect, and equality for 50% of the world's population.
Women are people. We feel love, happiness, pain, and frustration just like anyone else. The impact of repeatedly walking into a doctor's office and hearing "there's nothing wrong with you" when you know something is wrong—that's devastating. That's gaslighting. That's the lived experience of far too many women, past and present.
It's time we changed the future.
Advocacy for more funding and resources dedicated to studying women-specific conditions is critical. Organizations and governments need to recognize both the economic and social benefits of investing in women's health. Every pound, every dollar allocated to this research brings us closer to answers.
Companies like Somedays and Hertility are paving the way by offering products and services tailored specifically to women's needs. But we need more. More partnerships between startups, research institutions, and healthcare providers. More innovation driven by women's actual experiences, not assumptions.
Women's voices matter. Sharing our stories, demanding better care, and supporting initiatives focused on women's health can drive real change. Grassroots movements and digital platforms amplify our collective power. When we speak up, people listen and things change.
This is why our platform exists. We're building a bigger, stronger tribe for women, a space where you're seen, heard, and supported.
Whether you're navigating endometriosis, fertility struggles, or simply seeking better information, our mission is to empower you with resources, education, and community.
The journey to better women's health starts here. Let's close the gap together.
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Because every woman deserves healthcare that sees her, hears her, and heals her.