Women’s Health: Why Is It Essential?

Historically, women’s health has been overlooked and rarely discussed. However, today’s modern women are prioritising it like never before. Despite this progress, there remain areas of women’s health that are still shrouded in silence. In this article, we will explore few aspects of women’s health, emphasising the importance of awareness and acceptance.

Scientific research indicates that there are discrepancies in the data collected regarding women’s health issues, primarily due to a lower number of clinical trials. Until the early 1990s, women were largely excluded from most clinical trials, and the limited studies that did include women predominantly focused on diseases related to fertility and reproduction. As a result, the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic diseases in women are still largely based on historical findings derived from studies on men, leading to a lack of sex-specific clinical guidelines.

From childhood, girls experience various bodily changes due to puberty, one of the most significant being the onset of their menstrual cycle. At this tender age, understanding menstruation and coping with its effects—such as bleeding, stomach cramps, and fatigue—can be overwhelming and frustrating. The start of menstruation marks a change in a girl’s life, as few days each month are taken away from her. However, through resilience and strength, she adapts to this change and learns to accept it beautifully.

The onset of the menstrual cycle can present challenges such as hormonal imbalances and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). These issues often lead to various physical and reproductive changes, which can be distressing for many women. The reproductive difficulties that arise after a PCOS diagnosis, along with the pressure associated with difficulties in conceiving, can create a stigma for women. This situation often contributes to additional mental health challenges.

In the later years of a woman’s life, especially at the onset of menopause, significant changes occur in the body due to hormonal fluctuations. These changes can lead to both physical and mental health symptoms. While menopause is becoming more widely discussed and support networks are emerging, perimenopause remains a largely unexplored topic. This transitional phase before menopause is characterised by hormonal instabilities, and symptoms such as irregular periods, hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. Women may begin to experience these symptoms as early as their late 30s.

Another issue that women face as they age is poor pelvic floor health. The pelvic floor consists of a group of muscles located at the back of the pelvis that support the pelvic organs, control incontinence, and play a vital role in core stability. Despite their importance in daily functions, many women are unaware of these muscles or overlook the necessity of strengthening them.

These muscles are particularly crucial for bladder and bowel functions. However, as women age, the pelvic floor muscles tend to weaken, leading to problems such as stress incontinence, dribbling, and other incontinence issues. These challenges can significantly affect long-term quality of life, as well as physical and emotional well-being. Many women suffer in silence before seeking help.

A recent study by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecology (RCOG) revealed that over 60% of women in the UK experience at least one symptom of poor pelvic floor health. Nearly one in four women have never performed pelvic floor exercises that can prevent and alleviate these symptoms. The RCOG is advocating for improved information and education regarding pelvic floor health throughout women’s lives.

Moreover, due to socioeconomic disparities, the data on this issue is often underreported in many parts of the world, particularly in developing countries. A recent study in India observed that limited literature exists on this topic because social taboos discourage women from discussing common health issues, leading them to conceal their conditions.

Many women’s health issues discussed in this article are underreported and lack adequate support, not only in developing countries but also in developed nations. As a result, public awareness of these concerns remains low. Increasing awareness is crucial for creating a compassionate and inclusive society. Therefore, a primary focus should be on raising public awareness through women’s health campaigns in schools, workplaces, and various sectors, both health-related and not. Additionally, it is important to educate individuals from a young age and, most significantly, to reduce stigma by implementing empowerment programs and enacting policies that promote systemic change.