The gender health gap refers to disparities in access to healthcare services and outcomes experienced by men and women.
Despite scientific advances in the medical field, women often face unique challenges that contribute to these inequalities and can lead to longer waiting times for an accurate diagnosis.
Many factors, such as biological differences, socioeconomic status and gender-specific conditions, can play significant roles in shaping women’s health experiences. Understanding and addressing them is crucial for improving women’s overall health and longevity.
Conditions Limiting Women’s Lifespan
These three significant conditions limit women’s lifespan:
- Heart Disease
Heart disease is a leading cause of death among women, yet it often goes undiagnosed and untreated. This is largely because women often present with symptoms that differ from those typically seen in men, such as nausea, shortness of breath and pain in the back or jaw.
You might think that if these symptoms are so common in women, why isn’t heart disease immediately considered when these symptoms first appear? It’s because the common nature of these symptoms can often get misdiagnosed initially, and investigations into heart disease can often be a last resort when treatments and medications for other potential conditions fail. This delay can lead to women enduring the disease long-term, resulting in potentially irreversible damage.
Family history also plays a role in assessing heart disease risk. Even if a woman doesn’t smoke and maintains normal cholesterol levels, a family history of heart attacks can still heighten her risk. It’s important for women to be aware of these unique symptoms and risk factors and to discuss them with their healthcare providers.
Gender-specific symptoms and risk factors, such as hormonal changes during menopause, make it essential for women to prioritise heart health through regular check-ups, a balanced diet and physical activity.
- Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is primarily caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Regular screening through smear tests and HPV tests can detect precancerous changes early, improving treatment outcomes.
- Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Early detection through mammograms and self-examinations is necessary for successful treatment. Risk factors include genetics, hormonal factors and lifestyle choices.
Long-Term Conditions Affecting Women
Women often live with long-term conditions that can significantly impact their quality of life, such as:
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
PMS encompasses a variety of emotional and physical symptoms that occur before menstruation. Symptoms include mood swings, bloating and fatigue. Lifestyle changes, medication and stress management can help alleviate PMS.
- Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue and cells similar to the lining of the uterus grow outside the uterine cavity. This causes excruciating pain and can potentially lead to long-term issues like infertility. The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, but it may involve genetic, hormonal and immune system factors.
According to Endometriosis UK, it can take up to eight years for women to receive a diagnosis. Diagnosing it can be challenging initially, as there’s no definitive pain or bleeding threshold to determine whether a woman’s menstrual experience is normal or not.
Additionally, each woman’s symptoms and severity will be different.
Endometriosis can impact fertility as excessive uterine-like cells can grow across the ovaries and fallopian tubes, damaging the tissue and making it difficult for eggs to be released and fertilised. Stress can also exacerbate symptoms, and the condition may worsen with age, particularly if left untreated.
Treatment options for endometriosis are largely determined by the stage at which a woman is diagnosed. In the early stages, such as Stage 1 and 2, characterised by minimal to moderate cell overgrowth and adhesions or lesions, management may involve pain relief medications or oral contraceptives.
But in more advanced stages, like Stage 3 and 4, where there is extensive tissue overgrowth and severe lesions affecting the womb and other reproductive organs, surgical intervention through a laparoscopy may be necessary.
Unfortunately, due to prolonged diagnostic delays, many women are reaching these advanced stages, where pain relief alone is insufficient. Endometriosis UK says some women are facing waits of up to two years for surgery, leading to significant suffering and extended absences from work.
- Menopause
Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years and brings various symptoms, such as hot flushes, night sweats and mood changes. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and lifestyle modifications can help manage menopausal symptoms.
- Migraines
Migraines are severe headaches often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light and visual disturbances. Women are more likely than men to have migraines, particularly during hormonal changes. Treatment includes medication, lifestyle changes and stress management.
Steps to Reduce the Gender Health Gap
To bridge the gender health gap, women can take proactive steps to manage their health. These are my tips:
- Regular Check-ups: Schedule visits with your healthcare provider to monitor heart, cervical and breast health.
- Healthy Diet: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Limit intake of saturated fats and trans fats to manage cholesterol levels.
- Exercise: Take regular physical activity to improve cardiovascular health and overall wellbeing. Strength training is recommended for everyone, especially for women, due to its ability to reduce the risks of osteoporosis, heart disease, diabetes and even cancer.
- Know Your Family History: Be aware of your family’s medical history and discuss it with your doctor to better understand your risk factors.
- Stay Informed: Educate yourself about the unique symptoms and risks associated with heart disease and endometriosis to advocate for your health effectively.
- Stress Management: Practice stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness, yoga or meditation, as stress can exacerbate symptoms and impact overall health.
Improving Women’s Health
Addressing health inequalities for women requires a multifaceted approach. Whether through increased media coverage or more accessible information from healthcare providers, women are encouraged to attend regular medical check-ups or perform self-examinations to spot any symptoms early on.
Additionally, improving access to healthcare ensures women have affordable, comprehensive services available to them. This helps create an environment where women feel confident seeking care, even if they feel there’s nothing to worry about.
Promoting research focused on women’s health issues is imperative for gaining a better understanding and improving the treatment of gender-specific conditions. Advocating for policy changes by encouraging policymakers to prioritise women’s health and tackle systemic barriers can play a vital role in reducing health inequalities.
By addressing these critical areas, we can work towards closing the gender health gap, so that women receive the care and attention they deserve for a healthier and longer life.
Claire Small
Claire is a Consultant Physiotherapist and the Chief Clinical Officer and co-founder of Pure Sports Medicine. As co-founder she has been with Pure Sports Medicine since its beginning in 2003, delivering outstanding clinical care for over 20 years.
Claire’s clinical specialities include issues of the spine, hip, groin and pelvis including persistent problems, pregnancy-related complaints and movement dysfunction. She has a specific interest in helping women manage the symptoms associated with menopause and metabolic syndrome.
As an accomplished and well-established clinician, speaker and researcher, Claire is also an Honorary Lecturer and Examiner at Queen Mary University of London and the University of Hertfordshire, an invited Lecturer at UCL, Kings College, London & University of Bath and a Journal Reviewer for Manual Therapy and Physical Therapy in Sport & the British Journal of Sport Medicine. She was made a Fellow of the Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in 2016.
In 2015 she was named Australian Businesswoman of the Year in the UK for her work in healthcare.