Women's health, an often-neglected area in the medical field, deserves more attention. With half of the world's population being female, there is a pressing need to emphasize this area. The failure to adequately address women's unique health needs has significant implications not only for women, but also for public health, economics, and society as a whole1.
Significant disparities exist between men and women in the medical field, particularly in the context of acute emergency medicine. An illuminating example lies in the treatment of acute coronary syndrome and myocardial infarctions. While the stereotypical chest pain is a common symptom for men, women often present with indigestion, epigastric pain, nausea, or vomiting. These symptoms, often labeled as atypical, are actually common presentations in female patients. The lack of recognition of these gender-specific symptoms can delay treatment and worsen outcomes for women experiencing heart attacks2.
The neglect of women's health extends to preventative medicine as well. Menopause is a condition unique to women, characterized by the loss of important hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. It is a natural, inevitable part of aging for women, yet research into tailored therapy and medications to optimize the process and improve women's quality of life during menopause is lacking3.
So, why is this the case? A complex interplay of societal, medical, and institutional factors contributes to the neglect of women's health. There is a persistent view that women's health revolves solely around reproductive health, which leads to a narrow and insufficient approach to women's overall health4. The underrepresentation of women in clinical trials and medical research also plays a significant role in this gap5. It is only recently that the medical research community has begun to acknowledge the need for gender-specific studies.
Investing in women's health can yield significant returns on many fronts. Improved women's health can contribute to increased workplace productivity, reduced healthcare costs, and enhanced societal well-being6. Municipal governments and management can play a crucial role in this endeavor. They can develop and implement policies that prioritize women's health in public health efforts. They can also collaborate with local health agencies, hospitals, and community organizations to improve access to women's health services. Another critical role they can play is in education and awareness campaigns to debunk myths and misconceptions about women's health and to promote awareness of gender-specific health needs7. The task is undoubtedly challenging, but the rewards are substantial. It is not just a matter of justice; it is a matter of public health, economic efficiency, and societal progress. Together, we can and must do better.
References
Bleich, S. N., Sherrod, C., Chiang, A., Boyd, C., Wolff, J., DuGoff, E., & Anderson, G. (2015). Systematic review of programs treating high-need and high-cost people with multiple chronic diseases or disabilities in the United States, 2008-2014. Preventing Chronic Disease, 121.
McSweeney, J. C., Rosenfeld, A. G., Abel, W. M., Braun, L. T., Burke, L. E., Daugherty, S. L., ... & American Heart Association Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing, Council on Clinical Cardiology, Council on Epidemiology and Prevention, Council on Hypertension, Council on Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health, Council on Quality of Care and Outcomes Research. (2016). Preventing and experiencing ischemic heart disease as a woman: state of the science: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association2.
Greendale, G. A., Lee, N. P., & Arriola, E. R. (1999). The menopause3. The Lancet, 353(9152), 571-580.
World Health Organization. (2009). Women and health: today's evidence tomorrow's agenda4. World Health Organization.
Mazure, C. M., & Jones, D. P. (2015). Twenty years and still counting: including women as participants and studying sex and gender in biomedical research5. BMC Women's Health, 15(1), 1-10.
World Bank. (2011). Reproductive health at a glance: gender6. World Bank.
Public Health Agency of Canada. (2014). What determines health?7. Public Health Agency of Canada.