The Power to Create Women’s Health and Wellbeing

Women’s health is a vast and fascinating realm. A universe that encompasses the physical, mental, emotional, and, I argue, spiritual wellbeing of (just over) half the world’s population.

From the complexities of hormonal fluctuations to the miraculous potential and capacity of pregnancy to the smaller flux of everyday function, women’s health is incredible and deserving of attention, understanding, and advocacy.

Yet, there is work to do in this area. Women still face many challenges in the quest for on-point information, compassionate care, and optimal health. That’s what this blog is about. Dedicated to, you might say.

Women’s Health and Wellness: Nurturing the Essence of Life

Women’s health is a celebration of life itself. It is about understanding our bodies’ unique aspects and health experiences. From the rhythmic dance of menstrual cycles to the unique perspectives we each bring and beyond.

It’s about recognising the interconnectedness of physical, psychological, and deeper wellbeing and appreciating how these elements weave together to form the intricate tapestry of our health.

Promoting self-care, self-awareness, and empowerment are the pillars of wellness. We aim to gently take your hand and encourage you to enter the driver’s seat. To help you listen to your body and make informed decisions about what’s best for you and your wellbeing.

By nurturing the essence and presence of your life, we hope to walk with you as you flourish in the way only you can do.

The Importance of Women’s Health: A Journey of Resilience

Women play a pivotal role in society, and our vitality is essential for the collective progress of humanity. Ensuring women’s health is about your individual flourishing and the ripple effect it has on our loved ones, communities, and future generations. But first, we must care for ourselves.

It is not selfish to practice self-love; it’s a personal and collective necessity.

But our health is also a journey of resilience, a testament to the strength and endurance of women. We must recognise women’s challenges, from health issues unique to them, like PCOS and endometriosis, and the underappreciation of — and resources directed to — our common good.

We must pick up societal pressures and expectations and look under the hood. See what lurks there, what untruth stories we’ve been forever fed. In particular, what stories we believe. Because our beliefs determine our actions and, so, our outcomes. Yes, our physical, psychological, and spiritual health.

Recognition of Important Issues in Women’s Health

Women’s healthcare is often shrouded in mystery and contempt.

Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) are commonly misunderstood, overlooked, and mistreated if treated at all. Period-related pain and heaviness, and persistent incontinence remain taboo. Many women have diagnoses delayed for years, leading to dismissal and suffering.

Then some conditions occur across sexes but are more common in women, like autoimmune disease and fibromyalgia.

There are broader issues that impact health, too. Like socioeconomic stress and inequality and, as the World Health Organization puts it, there is the “potential or actual experience of physical, sexual, and emotional violence.”

These challenges demand attention. The lack of research, searching in the wrong places for heath-orientated answers, and resultant inadequate - even harmful - treatment advice for these conditions only adds to the challenges women face.

An article published on the Academy of Medical Sciences (UK) website called A man’s world: how healthcare and research is failing women notes the shortcomings in healthcare and research that disproportionately affect women.

Female subjects are regularly excluded from research, often because the hormonal flux of the menstrual cycle introduces variability. This means research is conducted without a view of the nuances and importance of women’s bodies.

When women are included in studies, the findings rarely investigate gender differences, leading to potential issues in treatment. The consequences of applying male-centric research to women’s health are far-reaching and detrimental. We must acknowledge this bias and work towards a more inclusive, understanding, and empathetic approach to women’s health.

This raises an important question...

Are women's health issues underfunded?

Yes, there (still!) remains a significant lack of funding for research into women-specific health issues, including but not limited to reproductive health, compared to the budget allocated for other areas like cancer.

We believe it’s time to challenge the notion that women’s health issues are merely inconvenient. They are real, impactful, and deserve our full attention and understanding.

Empowering Women: Navigating the Journey to Optimal Health

With the above said, our goal is to empower women. To encourage open conversations about women’s health, break the stigma associated with women’s health issues, and promote education and awareness about our unique health needs.

We are incredible, we women. We are each a unique tapestry woven with strength, resilience, inherent capacity and beauty, and the stories and threads of those who walked before us. By unraveling the intricacies of women’s health and raising awareness about our challenges, we can strive for a future where women’s wellbeing is prioritised, supported, and celebrated.

Together, let us embark on this transformative journey, empowering women to claim their rightful place at the center of their health and wellness.