These are the web resources to look at if you want reliable, in-depth information on women’s health.
Science’s expertise of health is always expanding, but its understanding of women’s biological wellbeing is still limited. Women’s health is generally the subject of much less research than men’s, and the majority of currently available medical health information is based on male bodies.
The reasons for the gender health disparity are discussed here, along with reliable online resources you may use to learn more about women’s health.
Why Is There a Lack of Knowledge About Women’s Health?
For three key reasons, female bodies—both human and animal—have historically been excluded from medical research.
- Changing hormone levels. Female humans and animals were formerly omitted from study in favor of male-only experiments due to the continuing belief that female hormone cycles were a “nuisance” for controlled investigations.
- Pregnancy. Using fertile women in clinical studies has raised ethical concerns due to the possibility of injuring unborn children.
- Inaccessibility of options. Females were frequently unavailable to participate in the studies when they were needed in earlier research, when women were still viewed as the major carers. Instead of providing accessible options, researchers conducted their tests on men.
Visit The Academy of Medical Sciences website to learn more about medical gender bias and the dearth of research on women’s health. The following online sites can be useful if you wish to know more about women’s health today, including what is being done in terms of research and assistance.
1. Dr. Hazel Wallace—BSc, MSc, MBBCh (The Food Medic)
Dr. Hazel Wallace is a licensed medical doctor as well as a nutritionist and is well known as the Food Medic. Dr. Wallace, who covers a wide range of health issues, is an advocate for women’s health and gives her expert insight on a number of online venues.
On the following platforms, you can find Dr. Hazel Wallace discussing women’s health and other significant wellness issues:
- Instagram: Dr. Wallace’s official (and blue tick-stamped) Instagram profile is @thefoodmedic, where she routinely posts advise for women and updates on the state of women’s health research.
- Podcast by Food Medic. Dr. Hazel, whose work is available on Spotify, Apple, and Global, invites top experts to present evidence-based guidelines for leading healthy lives while addressing contradicting well-being material that is frequently found online.
- The webpage for Food Medic. On the official website, you may find a multitude of resources for women’s health, including free articles, recipes, webinars, and courses. You can subscribe to the newsletter to get information about women’s health delivered right to your inbox.
- In addition, Dr. Hazel Wallace is the author of several publications, including The Female Factor, which may be purchased on Kindle.
2. The NHS
On its dedicated Women’s Health page, the National Health Service (NHS) of the UK provides a wealth of information and support on health, wellbeing, conditions, and more.
On the NHS website, you may find a multitude of female-specific resources if you’re seeking for assistance on women’s health. Some of the numerous subjects discussed include:
- Periods. The NHS provides a summary of adenomyosis, endometriosis, and toxic shock syndrome, among other period-related medical problems.You can utilize tracking your ovulation and fertility to compare the information you learn here to your own health.
- Reproductive well-being. In this setting, you can learn about ailments that may impact your reproductive organs, which are frequently taboo topics in normal conversation.
- ADHD and Autism. Women and girls are more likely to go undiagnosed or present different symptoms of neurodiverse conditions, and so the NHS provides advice for seeking advice and diagnosis here
The women’s health resources on the NHS website can provide you with more in-depth knowledge of your body and well-being and hopefully give you the courage to speak to your GP about any potential health concerns.
3. The Office on Women’s Health
Established in 1991 by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Office on Women’s Health aims to provide comprehensive resources and support for women’s health issues. Here, you’ll find evidence-based information and resources that promote the health of women in the US.
The Office on Women’s Health is a truly robust database of information. Navigate to the A-Z of Health Topics to find a wide variety of subjects covered, including:
- autoimmune and thyroid diseases.
- Mental health support (including for eating disorders)
- Fertility, infertility, menstrual cycle, and menopause.
- National weeks specific to women and girls (including National Women’s Health Week).
You’ll find fact sheets and health center locators for each of the listed topics on the website.
The Office on Women’s Health also runs a wide range of activities and programs to help advance policies and educate the public on women’s health. You’ll find information on these activities and ways that you can get involved within the About Us section of the website.
4. Society for Women’s Health Research
The Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR) is a non-profit US-based organization that promotes research and improving women’s unique health needs through science, policy, and education. The ultimate goal is to make women’s health mainstream (as it should be!).
On the SWHR website, you’ll find the following resources:
- Facts about women’s health research. Learn about the health gap for women and the milestones within “The Inclusion of Women in Research.”
- Research initiatives. Stay in the loop with women’s health research on the SWHR blog.
- Events. SWHR regularly hosts science and policy events to raise awareness about the issues that affect women’s health research.
- Resource library. Find webinars, publications, peer-review articles, and other guides and tool kits that promote awareness around women’s health and sex differences research.
You can also sign up for the SWHR newsletter via the website to stay up to date with the latest news and developments in women’s health.
5. Women’s Health Journals
Free open-access journal sites aren’t just for students—they can provide a wealth of current information (and highlight past texts) on women’s health research.
Using journal sites to find information about women’s health is a great way to educate yourself as you’ll be reading peer-reviewed scientific reports and studies. Some reputable journal sites you can use include the following:
- PubMed Central
- The Journal of Women’s Health
- Women’s Health Issues Journal
- Sage Journals
The best way to learn about women’s health is to use specific search terms to find topics you’d like to learn about. Including keywords such as “women’s health research” and “gender gap” can help here.
You Can Learn About Advancements in Women’s Health Research Online
While there’s still a long way to go for women’s health, progress is being made and an increasing number of resources are becoming available. Hopefully, the above resources can act like a starter pack for you to learn more about women’s health and empower you to take your health into your own hands