Have you ever wondered how medical research prioritizes its focus? Do the researchers meticulously plan which diseases to delve into or what problems to immerse themselves in? One might assume a generic answer, especially in a field filled with mindful individuals. However, considering women’s healthcare, the reality is far from what you might expect. Shockingly, there is a  significant deficiency in research dedicated to female health, leading to unforeseen consequences.

It might sound astonishing, but the gender disparity in medical research is a harsh reality. This issue is not only confined to the present day; its roots can be traced back to the late 1900s when, due to a law, experimenting on women’s bodies was excluded, favoring men for clinical trials. The justification for this was the belief that male and female bodies were similar, and thus, research outcomes should not conflict. However, let’s dissect the term ‘similar’ for a moment. It’s tantamount to declaring two entirely different books from unrelated genres to be identical just because they appear to share a common binding. Treating male and female bodies as equal in biological terms is a perplexing notion.

Notably, this was not the only reason for avoiding research on women’s healthcare. Hormonal fluctuations, a natural part of the female physiology, were perceived as potential complications in research. However, scientific research is based on catering to specific problems, thereby making the argument baseless. Imagine the standard of the healthcare system if certain cases are avoided just because they are too complicated. The  unique aspects of female physiology and health are no different. How could female medical cases be addressed if no research existed?

Additionally, another pretext for avoiding experiments on women was concern over their fertility. The prevailing belief was that such experiments might harm the reproductive system, potentially robbing women of the ability to embrace motherhood. This inadvertently led to the exclusion of women from critical medical research. Female health encompasses far more than just reproductive matters, and it is high time that the medical community recognizes this.

One might question whether there is any good in a decision that sacrifices the health of an entire population demographic to save a handful of individuals. When it comes to the exclusion of women from medical research, it becomes clear that such a choice has far-reaching and dire consequences. Let’s delve into these consequences, exploring the unforeseen impacts of neglecting women’s health in research.

One of the most glaring issues is the problem of over-medication. Because drug testing historically focused only on men, prescribed dosages for women can often lead to a more concentrated effect than expected. Moreover, the dosage standards set based on male testing may not be suitable for women who tend to have lower body weight and higher fat percentages, leading to a higher absorption rate resulting in prolonged drug effects.

Medications originally designed with men in mind can also be less effective and potentially harmful for women. In some cases, medications can disrupt female cycles, creating a cascade of related medical issues.

Moreover, several diseases remain under-researched in women even though women are often more affected by them. Take, for example, heart attacks, often considered a “men’s disease.” In reality, they affect women as well but due to the lack of information, an early diagnosis is delayed. Surveys indicate that the prevalence of heart attacks in mid-aged women is higher in comparison to similar aged men.  Due to menopause the chances of heart attack increase significantly such that 70% of women develop cardiovascular disease. 

Amid these challenges, the next question that naturally arises is whether gender disparity in healthcare can be addressed.

While it’s not a swift process, prioritizing research on the effects of medication and testing them on women is crucial. Diverse cases should be considered, acknowledging the complexity of women’s health since there isn’t anything as irregular as the menstrual cycle. Women from marginalized communities, and women of color must be accommodated. 

In my opinion, to address concerns over fertility, volunteers willing to participate in medication trials at their own risk could be considered. This approach not only provides valuable data but also empowers individuals to take control of their health and contribute towards a greater good.

Finally, representation in the field is the key to success. Encouraging women to pursue research careers is vital for addressing the problem. After all, only a woman can truly understand the pain of another woman (men will never know, never). An increase in female graduates in STEM fields will undoubtedly bring fresh perspectives and solutions to the forefront.

The gender gap in healthcare and medical research is a substantial issue. With women comprising half of the global population, they must receive the attention they rightfully deserve in the medical domain. The consequences of this disparity are becoming more evident, and infertility, among other health issues, is on the rise. It’s time to acknowledge the importance of women’s healthcare, prioritize research, and foster change. After all, recognizing the value of women’s health is not just a matter of equity; it’s a matter of ensuring the well-being of society as a whole.

By Annia Bilal
Writer (Team 2023-2024)

Note: the views expressed in the article solely belong to the writer and do not reflect TLC.