A Conversation on Women's Health
Recently, we had the privilege of attending the Imperial College Femtech Conference, which inspired me to share some key insights with you.
Despite rapid technological advancements, the healthcare system remains disconnected from innovation, leaving significant gaps in research, understanding, and care, especially for women. Across the world, women continue to experience substantial health inequities and poor health outcomes, and this disparity does not just affect individuals; it has widespread economic consequences. Addressing this issue requires a fundamental shift in how we approach data collection, medical education, healthcare delivery, and investment in women’s health.
The Data Problem: Understanding Women’s Health
One of the major barriers to improving women’s healthcare is the lack of sex- and gender-specific data collection. Historically, medical research has been conducted with a focus on male physiology, leaving gaps in our knowledge about how diseases present differently in women. To bridge this gap, we must enhance data collection methodologies and set global standards for sex- and gender-based data. This will allow for better diagnoses, more targeted treatments, and improved healthcare policies.
Misdiagnosis and the Need for Better Clinical Education
Misdiagnosis remains a critical issue in women’s healthcare. In a recent UK study 24% of women surveyed experienced a misdiagnosis of a gynaecological condition, including endometriosis, PCOS, pregnancy, ovarian cysts, and period pain. Also women and girls are more likely to be misdiagnosed with mental health conditions, which can lead to the development of eating disorders or anxiety and depression. Autoimmune disorders are frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed due to a lack of awareness among healthcare professionals. Many symptoms in women manifest differently than in men, yet medical education often fails to reflect these differences. This not only leads to delayed diagnoses but also results in unnecessary suffering. Improving clinical education and revising care delivery systems can help closing this gap, ensuring that healthcare professionals are better equipped to recognise and treat conditions affecting women.
Inclusion and Equity: Healthcare for All Women
Health initiatives must be inclusive of all women, taking into account factors such as ethnicity, socio-economic status, and cultural background. Many women, particularly those from marginalised communities, face additional barriers to healthcare, including lack of access to specialised services and cultural stigma. The UK, for example, must prioritise creating safe spaces with cultural competency in healthcare settings, ensuring that every woman, regardless of background, receives the care she deserves.
Investing in Women’s Health: A Global Imperative
For too long, investment in women’s health has been inadequate. Governments and private institutions must recognise that improving healthcare for women is not just a moral obligation but an economic necessity. A healthier female population leads to greater workforce participation, reduced healthcare costs, and overall economic growth. Investing in women’s health today will pay dividends for generations to come.
The Role of FemTech and Innovation
The emergence of FemTech, technology designed to address women’s health issues, presents a unique opportunity to revolutionise care. From AI-driven diagnostics to wearable health devices and telemedicine solutions, innovation has the potential to empower women with better access to healthcare. However, these advancements must be implemented equitably, ensuring that they are accessible to all women, not just the privileged few. The UK must take the lead in integrating these innovations into the mainstream healthcare system, making them a fundamental part of patient care.
A Call to Action
The time to act is now. We need a holistic approach that includes better data collection, improved medical education, increased investment, and the implementation of cutting-edge technologies. Women’s health must be prioritised not just as a sector of medicine but as a critical pillar of social and economic progress. By addressing these disparities, we can create a future where all women receive the care they need and deserve, no matter where they are in the world.
It’s time to bridge the gap between innovation and healthcare and ensure that progress benefits everyone, not just a select few. The future of women’s health depends on it.
As I conclude, know that you are not alone on this path to better health and wellness. Your journey is unique but together we form a community of strength and support.
Let’s thrive together,
Cristina x
