Why Women's Health Is a Big Deal for Everyone

Women often struggle to get the healthcare they need. They juggle many roles, like caring for kids or elderly parents, and this makes it hard to find time for their own health. For instance, a working mom might find it tough to take time off for a simple check-up. This is a big problem because women make most healthcare decisions and use healthcare services the most. Research often overlooks women. A recent study found that a common heart medication can harm women after certain types of heart attacks. This was a surprise because older studies didn't include enough women. Women are also more likely to have side effects from medications, but we don't always know why. This is partly because most clinical trials focus on men. Women's health is about more than just reproductive care. Women are at higher risk for stroke, heart disease, and dementia. Yet, only a small part of medical research focuses on women's specific needs. In 2024, female-focused startups got even less funding than before. This isn't because there's no innovation, but because women's health isn't a priority. When women are left out of healthcare research and decisions, everyone pays the price. Women spend more time in poor health, which costs the economy billions. Plus, products that don't work well for women can lose trust and market share. Investing in women's health could add a trillion dollars to the global economy by 2040. Designing healthcare solutions for women doesn't mean leaving others out. Solutions that work for women, like flexible benefits and chronic disease support, can help everyone. Women's health is complex, but that's also what makes it valuable. If a product works for women at different stages of life, it can inspire solutions for anyone. To improve women's health, we need to make healthcare more accessible and convenient. We should fund more companies that focus on women's needs and follow guidelines to include women in research. Expanding benefits beyond reproductive care and building tools that understand women's bodies and behaviors are also important. This isn't just the right thing to do; it's also a smart business move.