U.S. women's health issues require urgent attention

As Women’s History Month comes to a close, attention turns to women's health issues. In the United States, women have a lower life expectancy and higher rates of avoidable deaths compared to those in other wealthy nations. There is a call to make women's health a priority, focusing on ongoing research and care from pregnancy to menopause. Women’s health research is still relatively new. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), created in 1887, only established a dedicated women's health office in 1990. Women experience diseases differently than men. For example, cardiovascular disease risk increases significantly during menopause. Recent statistics show rising heart disease mortality rates among younger women, particularly those ages 35 to 44. Women's representation in clinical trials was historically low. Laws passed in 1993 sought to improve this by ensuring women were more involved in research. Currently, women are estimated to make up nearly half of clinical trial participants, though some studies suggest the number is lower. Limited female participation may compromise the effectiveness of treatments for women. The workforce is seeing more women than ever, with around 79 million women engaged in work. However, challenges remain, such as a lack of affordable childcare and workplace accommodations for women’s health. Menopause affects many working women, with most between the ages of 45 and 64. The cost of lost productivity related to menopausal symptoms is significant, totaling about $1.8 billion annually. Recognizing women's health is crucial for advancing society. Scientists and researchers must focus on how diseases affect women differently. Additionally, it is important to continue conversations about women's health beyond just one month a year. Advocating for more research and funding in this area will lead to healthier lives for women, benefiting society as a whole.