In our last blog post, we delved into key aspects of women’s health, particularly focusing on menstruation, menopause, and peri-menopause. This served as a foundation for our recent event at The Network, where we explored these topics further. But beyond raising awareness, it’s crucial to understand why women need to prioritize their health and explore supportive and alternative therapies to enhance their overall wellness.

A report from McKinsey & Company highlights a sobering reality: women spend a greater portion of their lives in poor health compared to men, a concept known as the health span (distinct from life span). On average, women endure nine years of compromised health, affecting their ability to be fully present at home, in the workplace, and within their communities. This not only diminishes their earning potential but also impacts their overall quality of life. The report estimates that by addressing the 25% more time women spend in poor health compared to men, we could improve the well-being of millions of women and generate a significant economic boost—potentially adding at least $1 trillion to the global economy annually by 2040. This effort to reduce the women’s health gap could have the same impact as bringing 137 million women into full-time employment by the same year.[1]

However, the gap is not merely a statistical anomaly—it reflects deep-seated issues in healthcare delivery and societal perceptions. Conditions that disproportionately affect women, such as depression, fibromyalgia, and other autoimmune diseases, are frequently dismissed as psychological rather than physiological. Chronic fatigue syndrome, for instance, is still often treated with recommendations for exercise and positive thinking, despite scientific evidence proving these measures ineffective. Furthermore, many women with conditions like endometriosis, multiple sclerosis, or autoimmune diseases endure years of misdiagnoses, being told repeatedly that their symptoms stem from stress. This systemic dismissal not only delays proper treatment but exacerbates the health gap.[2]

According to McKinsey, workplaces play a pivotal role in addressing these disparities. Employers can make a significant difference by reassessing their policies and benefits to better support women’s health. This includes involving more women in decision-making processes, offering health and wellness benefits tailored to women’s unique needs, and fostering environments where women feel safe discussing their health concerns openly. Creating a culture that values and prioritizes women’s health isn’t just beneficial for employees—it’s a strategic move that boosts overall productivity and well-being.[3]

But closing the gender gap in health requires more than just workplace changes. It calls for systemic reforms in how healthcare is delivered and researched. Improved data collection is critical for accurately assessing how conditions uniquely impact women, while scientific research must evolve to better account for sex-based biological differences. Historically, clinical trials have predominantly focused on male subjects, leading to a lack of understanding about how certain diseases manifest in women and how treatments might affect them differently.[4]

Euromonitor International highlights a significant trend: women are increasingly taking charge of their health, [5]  seeking sustainable, long-term solutions beyond conventional medical treatments. This reflects a growing shift toward holistic wellness and the integration of alternative therapies. Euromonitor identifies four key pillars driving the transformation of women’s health:[6]

1.Personalized Approaches to Life Stage Health

Women are becoming more proactive in addressing the physiological changes that accompany different life stages—from menstruation to menopause. This involves not only managing symptoms like pain and hormonal fluctuations but also focusing on areas such as skin and hair health. Greater awareness and education about hormonal imbalances enable women to tailor their health regimens with a mix of topical treatments, dietary supplements, and holistic therapies. Digital tools, such as apps for tracking hormonal changes and symptoms, further empower women to manage their health effectively, integrating physical care with emotional well-being.

2. Nutrition-Centered Health and Preventive Care

Nutrition is playing a pivotal role in women’s health journeys, with increasing emphasis on understanding the role of diet in hormonal regulation and overall well-being. Women are seeking out nutrient-rich, non-invasive solutions that promote long-term health and prevent the onset of chronic conditions. Educational initiatives around dietary needs throughout different life stages—such as during pregnancy, post-partum, and menopause—are helping women make informed choices, shifting the focus from reactive treatments to proactive wellness.

3. Mental and Emotional Well-being Integration

The intersection of physical health and mental well-being is especially significant for women, who statistically experience higher levels of stress and are more susceptible to anxiety and depression. Conditions such as endometriosis, fertility struggles, and menopausal changes can intensify emotional health challenges. As a result, women are seeking comprehensive care that addresses both the physical and psychological impacts of these conditions. Integrating mindfulness practices, therapy, and stress management techniques alongside traditional medical treatments is becoming a cornerstone of holistic health approaches.

4. Building Communities for Support and Advocacy

Creating spaces where women can share their health experiences and access educational resources is essential. Whether through online platforms, educational forums, or loyalty programs that encourage engagement, community-building fosters a sense of solidarity and empowerment. These support networks not only provide practical advice but also combat the isolation that often accompanies chronic health issues. By fostering open dialogue and shared learning, women can collectively advocate for better health outcomes and challenge systemic barriers in healthcare.

Conclusion

Addressing the women’s health gap isn’t just a matter of fairness—it’s a societal and economic imperative. By recognizing the unique health challenges women face and embracing alternative therapies and wellness strategies, we can help close this gap and improve the quality of life for millions. Workplaces, healthcare systems, and communities must all play a role in supporting women’s health, from better data collection and scientific research to inclusive workplace policies and holistic health practices. Empowering women to take control of their health not only fosters individual well-being but also drives broader economic and societal progress. It’s time to shift the narrative from merely managing symptoms to creating environments where women thrive—physically, mentally, and professionally.

                                                                                                                       By Laura Mendez                                                                                    

[1] https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/closing-the-womens-health-gap-a-1-trillion-dollar-opportunity-to-improve-lives-and-economies

[2] https://qz.com/1006387/women-are-flocking-to-wellness-because-traditional-medicine-still-doesnt-take-them-seriously

[3] https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/closing-the-womens-health-gap-a-1-trillion-dollar-opportunity-to-improve-lives-and-economies

[4] https://review.brunswickgroup.com/article/womens-health-investment/

[5] https://www.euromonitor.com/press/press-releases/feb-2024/women-are-prioritising-health-and-embracing-holistic-solutions-to-take-charge-of-their-wellbeing-euromonitor-international

[6] https://www.euromonitor.com/article/transforming-womens-health-four-key-pillars-of-empowerment