Breaking the Silence: Why Understanding Women’s Health Matters Now More Than Ever

Women’s health has become a prominent topic in the news and discussions worldwide, yet there remains a significant gap in understanding and addressing its complexities.

Despite the increasing attention, misconceptions and overlooked areas continue to hinder progress. This issue demands urgent focus, not only for the well-being of women but for the advancement of societal health as a whole.

From hormonal health to reproductive rights, and from clinical research to public awareness, the conversation around women’s health has never been more critical. In this article we take a closer look into the often-overlooked aspects of women’s health, the barriers to research and care, and the steps needed to create meaningful change. The narrowing of the gender health gap will bring great socioeconomic benefits.

The Scope of Women’s Health

Women’s health is about so much more than reproductive health, it includes a wide array of conditions and concerns, ranging from autoimmune disease and hormonal imbalances to the management of chronic diseases and wellness in ageing. Conditions like endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and menopause often go undiagnosed or untreated for years, significantly impacting quality of life.

Dr Rosia Shah is VCTC’s Medical Lead and is a UK-trained specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, with 20 years of medical experience. Dr Shah states, “Women’s health is multifaceted, and understanding the interplay between hormonal, reproductive, and general health is essential for effective treatment.”

Challenges in Women’s Health Research

Despite its importance, women’s health research faces unique barriers:

1. Underrepresentation in Clinical Trials

Historically, women have been underrepresented in clinical trials, leading to gaps in data and treatment efficacy for female patients. Factors like hormonal cycles and pregnancy risks have been cited as obstacles to inclusion. The social barriers to female participation have been ignored.

The burden of household duties, childcare and unpaid caring responsibilities fall disproportionately onto the shoulders of women. On average women perform 40% more chores than men and by the time they are 46 1 in 2 women will have unpaid caring responsibilities. Fewer women can afford the time commitment to trials.

2. Lack of Awareness and Stigma

Conditions like endometriosis and menopause are often surrounded by stigma, leaving many women to suffer in silence. This lack of awareness contributes to delayed diagnoses and treatment. Women will often normalize debilitating symptoms such as severe pelvic pain.

3. Complex Interactions Between Systems

Women’s health issues are rarely isolated. Hormonal health, for instance, often affects cardiovascular, mental, and metabolic health, requiring a more holistic approach to care.

Dr. Shah emphasises, “Understanding these interconnections is crucial. For example, a woman presenting with symptoms of depression may also have an underlying hormonal imbalance that needs addressing. Equally, she could have a chronic disease with high burden that has a secondary impact on her mental health.”

Why Women’s Health Matters Now More Than Ever

The urgency to prioritise women’s health stems from several key factors:

• Ageing Population: As women live longer, managing health conditions related to ageing becomes increasingly important.
• Technological Advancements: Innovations in diagnostics and treatment provide opportunities to address historically overlooked conditions.
• Societal Shifts: Greater advocacy and awareness are empowering women to seek specialised care and demand better representation in research.

Driving Change in Women’s Health Research

Addressing the gaps in women’s health research requires collaborative efforts and innovative solutions:

• Enhancing Diversity in Clinical Trials: The inclusion of diverse female populations in clinical studies ensures that results are representative and actionable.
• Holistic Care Models: Integrating general and reproductive health into research approaches acknowledges the multifaceted nature of women’s health concerns.
• Breaking Stigma Through Education: Raising awareness and reducing stigma around conditions such as endometriosis or menopause is vital for improving diagnoses and care.

In Conversation with Dr Rosia Shah

1. What inspired your focus on women’s health?

Women’s health is fascinating because it is influenced by so many factors. Understanding the interplay between hormonal cycles and then the impact of menopause on health, well-being and longevity is both challenging and rewarding. There are many unacceptable metrics in female health. For example, conditions like endometriosis take on average 7 years to diagnose. The gender health gap is a well-recognised phenomenon and working to close this gap is an important goal for me.

2. In your experience, what are the most significant barriers to advancing women’s health research?

The complexity of women’s lives makes health a secondary issue for a lot of women. The research protocols are not designed with women in mind and are often not accessible to their lives.

3. How can clinical research contribute to breaking the stigma around conditions such as endometriosis or menopause?

Opening up conversations with KOLs and leaders in the area can increase the visibility of these conditions. It can validate women’s experiences and empower them to seek help as well as motivate them to participate in research.

4. What innovations in women’s health research excite you the most?

The conversations around inclusion are very important. The rise of female founders and entrepreneurs is inspiring new approaches to age-old problems. Decentralising trials and thinking about how trials can be more accessible will also break down barriers. The government initiative: Women’s Health Strategy in 2024 will also serve to tackle underfunded neglected conditions such as endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Building a Healthier Future

Understanding and addressing women’s health is not just about improving individual lives - it’s about building a healthier, more equitable society. By tackling barriers in research, raising awareness, and embracing innovative approaches, we can drive meaningful change in women’s healthcare.

At VCTC, our expertise and commitment to advancing women’s health research contribute to delivering impactful results. For more information on how we can support your research, get in touch with us today.