In recent years, the conversation around women's health has been evolving. While traditionally focused on reproductive health, we're now understanding that women's health encompasses a much broader spectrum of issues. But why is this expanded discussion so important?

Gender plays a significant role in how many diseases and chronic conditions manifest and progress. Take the case of heart attacks, for example. The classic symptom of crushing chest pain is well-known, but studies indicate women are more likely to experience other heart attack warning signs like fatigue, nausea, or back pain. This difference has often gone underrecognized, sometimes delaying diagnosis and treatment. However, we now know that peak troponin levels – key markers of cardiac damage – are different for women and men.  New blood tests designed to detect troponin levels in women are reshaping cardiac care, boosting detection rates, and lessening the possibility of unexpected cardiac events.

Similarly, the management of diabetes requires different considerations for men and women due to variations in hormone levels, body composition, and metabolic functions between the sexes. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn't account for these biological distinctions in addressing women’s health issues.

As times change, with more women entering STEM fields and greater awareness, practical steps are being taken to make healthcare more equitable.  This progress is evident on multiple fronts: targeted awareness campaigns are driving increased awareness about the urgent need for women in STEM fields, aiming to encourage more women to pursue careers in medical research and healthcare. As more women enter the healthcare field and rise to leadership positions, they bring with them a unique perspective and a drive to enact change from within.

By addressing gender disparities in research, treatment, and access to care, we can create a healthcare system that truly serves everyone's needs. This includes understanding how certain health conditions, such as menopause and epilepsy, can manifest differently in women and require tailored approaches to treatment. Providing healthcare professionals with gender-specific education and training can help ensure that all individuals receive the individualized care they need.

A new world of personalized healthcare for women

New strides in scientific research offer opportunities for a positive shift in medical perspective, which can go a long way in closing the gender gap in healthcare. Innovative technologies in healthcare, like continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and cardiac remote monitoring devices, are ushering in a new era of knowledge and insights that can bring about meaningful and inclusive change. remote monitoring devices that track cardiac activity round the clock offer valuable insights that can enable research of gender differences in the experience of cardiac disorders.  Diabetes management, too, has traditionally taken a more generalized approach, but we now know that chronic conditions like these can progress differently across genders. By leveraging advanced technologies like CGMs, researchers can gain a more nuanced understanding of how blood sugar levels fluctuate throughout pregnancy and how these changes impact fetal development. This knowledge can inform more personalized treatment plans that take into account the unique hormonal changes experienced by pregnant women. For example, by monitoring blood sugar levels in real-time, healthcare providers can improve glycemic control and reduce the risk of complications.

Furthermore, continued research on the postpartum period can help identify women who are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Women who have had gestational diabetes are up to seven times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to women who have not had gestational diabetes. By monitoring blood sugar levels and other biomarkers in the postpartum period, healthcare providers can identify women who may benefit from early interventions such as lifestyle modifications and medication to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Emerging diagnostics are drawing much-needed attention to previously overlooked gender-based disparities in a range of health conditions, from cardiometabolic disorders to autoimmune conditions. By capturing personalized real-world data, they guide individualized care approaches that leave no person behind.

The pursuit of equity begins with an acknowledgment of disparity. Health technology equips us to understand differences that need resolution, to study gaps that need bridging, and to challenge norms in moving towards a future where women's health is no longer an afterthought, but an emphatic priority. By investing in research, affirming gender representation in the medical field, and developing gender-specific diagnostic and treatment strategies, we can create a healthcare system that truly empowers women to take control of their health. The path to equity may be challenging, but the rewards – a world where everyone gets a chance to thrive – are immeasurable.

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.