A composite image of four women posed behind an electrocardiogram or EKG, monitoring the heartbeat … More
As Women’s History Month comes to a close, it is important to recognize the significant impact women have had on society and to also address women’s health issues. In the United States, women have the lowest life expectancy of 80 years compared to women in other high-income countries, and they also have the highest rate of avoidable deaths.
Prioritizing women’s health is not only crucial for scientific and ethical reasons but also for economic considerations. It is essential to understand the history of research on women’s health and to continue pushing for advancements in understanding women’s health issues from pregnancy to menopause and beyond.
One of the scientific reasons for prioritizing women’s health is that women are biologically different from men and experience diseases differently. For example, menopause notably increases a woman’s risk of heart disease, and there has been a rise in the number of pregnant women with cardiovascular diseases. However, guidelines for treating heart disease are primarily based on studies done in men, leading to gaps in knowledge and treatment for women.
Economically, women’s participation in the workforce has increased, but there are still gaps due to factors like lack of affordable childcare and workplace accommodations for women’s health needs. Research on menopausal impacts in the workplace is lacking, despite the significant economic impact of menopausal symptoms on productivity.
From an ethical standpoint, accounting for sex as a biological variable in clinical research is essential, and funding and resources must be prioritized for women’s health. It is crucial to continue advocating for new research and public health programs to address women’s health issues and make it a funded priority.
Women’s health should not be a taboo topic, and ongoing conversations and advocacy are necessary to improve the health and well-being of women in society. By prioritizing women’s health, we can work towards a healthier, happier, and more productive country for all.
