Let’s take cardiovascular disease for instance. Studies say that women are more likely to face a greater impact from a heart attack than men. This is often due to how symptoms manifest differently as compared to men, regardless of the heart health history. For example, while chest pain may be common to both and is easily identifiable, women also sometimes display atypical symptoms such as back ache and fatigue, which we often don’t associate with a heart attack and tend to ignore.

Technological innovations, such as remote monitoring, can help with better screening for heart distress. Insertable cardiac monitors track the workings of the heart, including anomalies, and help by alerting us to potential issues and irregular cardiac activity that can then be diagnosed by your doctor in conjunction with other symptoms and health history. Remote monitoring devices can gather data that may be used to study gender differences in the experience of cardiovascular conditions, paving the way for better care and solutions. New, relevant information helps create holistic treatment plans for women’s health and the detailed data collected over time also helps with identifying and addressing how certain health issues manifest in individual cases, regardless of gender.

Biowearables and sensor based technologies too are helping bridge information gaps and allowing for more in-depth research, that may have previously been lacking due to the under-representation of women in clinical trials. They also empower us to take charge of our health at home, making us more active participants in matters of our health. In cases of health issues unique to women, such as gestational diabetes, devices like continuous glucose monitors empower mothers-to-be with 24/7 data such as glucose variations and time-in-range allowing them to tackle dietary concerns and physical activity levels as per their readings and connect with doctors when the need arises. This can help improve delivery of care, while managing diabetes during pregnancy. Diabetes also has impact on fertility and menstrual health in women and menopause too can affect insulin resistance – making information gathered from continuous glucose monitoring tech all the more useful at every stage.

FemTech and innovative women’s healthcare solutions.

The emergence of FemTech, i.e. Female Technology geared towards managing women’s health concerns, has also ushered in a new wave of women’s healthcare solutions. The is even more pertinent when it comes to women’s reproductive health. From mobile applications that help track menstrual cycles and keep you aware of premenstrual symptoms, to tools that help with matters of sexual health, and even the management of symptoms of certain types of cancers –  accessible, technology-driven solutions are empowering women to take charge of their unique health conditions, symptoms and concerns. Such self-care measures are also helping women navigate societal norms or ‘taboos’ surrounding certain health topics and changing the conversation to a more inclusive and supportive one.

Enhancing one’s quality of life requires access to information, services, opportunity and support that is relevant to our unique needs… for healthcare and more! And technology, today, is allowing for more equitable and accessible care. From in-depth data-gathering to innovative solutions for harnessing and leveraging the power of tech, we can help create better health for all, regardless of gender, race, age and other differentiators.

Disclaimer: The information mentioned in this document is only suggestive /for patient education and shall not be considered as a substitute for doctor’s advice or recommendations from Abbott. Please consult your doctor for more information.