Closing the Women’s Health Gap: Why It’s Time to Act ❗️Women spend 25% more time in poor health than men – that’s an extra 7 days of poor health per woman per year, adding up to 75 million years of disability globally. ❗️ But here’s the good part: if we close this gap, we could unlock $1 trillion in global GDP annually by 2040. Yes, investing in women’s health doesn’t just improve lives (which should be enough on it’s own) but it also transforms economies. 🚨 Where’s the gap? The McKinsey Health Institute recently highlighted nine key health ranging from endometriosis and menopause to heart disease and maternal health complications. These issues often go under or misdiagnosed or undertreated, leaving millions of women struggling unnecessarily. It’s not just a medical issue – it’s a systems issue. Gaps in data, research, and care mean that many women don’t get the timely or accurate care they need. 🌟 What can we do? Here’s a simple but powerful framework to make meaningful progress: 1️⃣ Count Women: Collect better, sex-specific data to understand what’s really going on. 2️⃣ Study Women: Focus on research that highlights women’s unique health needs. 3️⃣ Care for Women: Deliver clinical guidelines and care systems that prioritize women. 4️⃣ Include All Women: Ensure care is equitable and accessible for all women, everywhere. 5️⃣ Invest in Women: Allocate resources to women’s health and support female leadership in the field. 💙 Why does this resonate with us at LEVY Health? Because this is exactly the gap we’re working to close every day. By creating solutions that empower clinics and patients, we’re helping to reduce diagnostic delays, personalize care, and improve outcomes for women everywhere. It’s not just about #health – it’s about #equity, #opportunity, and #progress. When women thrive, we all do. #WomensHealth #FertilityCare #HealthEquity #BetterTogether
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Regular incontinence screening is essential for all women. Read Drs. Milena Weinstein and Samantha (Mandy) Pulliam's essay that identifies small tweaks that could make it easier for clinicians to screen (and treat) more women. #health #screenings #women #womenshealth #incontinence https://lnkd.in/eTRHZUmX
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This McKinsey & Company report about #womenshealth came out last week and highlights a couple of compelling statistics: 🔹 Women are expected to spend 25% more time in poor health than men. 🔹 This gender health gap is mostly due to an effectiveness gap (lower effectiveness of treatments for women), but also due to a care delivery gap and lack of data. 🔹 Women can face a barrier to timely and accurate diagnosis, and the report gives staggering examples. (Did you know that for cancer, it took women two and a half more years to be diagnosed than men! And did you know that it is estimated that fewer than half of women living with endometriosis have a documented diagnosis! And did you know that women were up to seven times more likely than men to have a heart condition misdiagnosed and be discharged during a heart attack?! So many examples in this report!) 🚀At the same time, the market potential is huge, with examples of menopause and endometriosis where there's a large unmet need and a market potential for innovative treatments that is estimated to be similar to the whole oncology market. 🤩 As the report concludes, this represents an opportunity of $1 trillion in economic potential driven by improved women’s health and economic participation.
Closing the women’s health gap: A $1 trillion opportunity to improve lives and economies
mckinsey.com
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"As women are often the cornerstones of their families, communities, and workplaces, addressing their health equity could have far-reaching effects on all strata of society. This can begin by reframing women’s heart health as a problem for everyone to tackle, not as a 'women’s problem.'" Beautifully said. Existing care disparities tend to alienate even the most pressing issues, and women's heart health is a prime example. This is something we all need to work on together because doing so helps us all. #HeartHealth #HealthEquity #HealthDisparities
The state of US women’s heart health: A path to improved health and financial outcomes | McKinsey
mckinsey.com
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The average human lifespan is estimated to span 26,791 days. Women, on average, surpass this benchmark by living 27,083 days, in contrast to men who live an average of 25,477 days. This disparity indicates that women typically outlive men by approximately 1,606 days. However, it is noteworthy that women experience a 25% greater duration of time in suboptimal health conditions compared to men. Discover the latest research insights in the field of health: https://lnkd.in/gwmDdhCc Despite these statistics, there are specific periods in a woman's life where she exhibits enhanced resilience to health challenges. These pivotal moments are crucial for maintaining and promoting women's overall health and well-being. GenSci, recognized for its extensive experience and profound expertise in the domain of women's health, takes a holistic approach to health management. By acknowledging the unique biological and reproductive characteristics of women, we offer a comprehensive suite of health services designed to safeguard their well-being. Our commitment extends across the spectrum of women's health needs, from assisted reproduction and menopausal support to the management of common gynecological conditions. Learn more about our organization and our dedication to women's health excellence: https://lnkd.in/g8NA54Qn Tim Rudolphi #GenSci #Womenhealth #healthgap
Bridging the women’s health gap: A country-level exploration
mckinsey.com
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I misssed Endometriosis Awareness Month and Women’s History Month by a few days. The intersection of women and their health has been a primary social issue for centuries, across every nation and tribe. No one can argue that women deal with complex and challenging healthcare experiences over their lives. And their access to the care they need has never been as simple as creating more access. Somehow we’re still making it hard on women to get the care they deserve without extreme frustration, guilt, stress, penalties, lawsuits, and costs. 👆This is the stuff that gets in the way of women progressing in their personal and professional lives. Or just living their lives. And frankly sometimes it feels like it’s by design. It’s why I’m passionate about making changes to our healthcare system and championing women’s health innovation every chance I get. The operational brokenness that surrounds getting to diagnosis and treatment faster is inexcusable. And something we can fix now. Women’s lives literally hang in the balance. Our maternal mortality rates in the U.S. are increasing year over year. 32.9/100,000 live births end in death for moms in one of the wealthiest countries in the world. The compounded effects over decades and centuries of women not getting the care they need and deserve will keep our society running at a deficit. Let’s lift women every chance we get. Steffany Benton, DNP, MNSc Robin Mangieri April Roy Elizabeth Prenger Jennifer "Jaki" Johnson Meghan Doyle Erika Lucas Martine Downs Pollard Kristen Davidson, PT, DPT Canem Arkan Jeannette Collins Jacqueline Blocker, JD Anna Daily, PhD Sheereen Brown #internationalwomensday #endometriosis #womenshealth #women
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Fascinating to read this piece from McKinsey that explores the gap in women's health care issues. Did you know that women live an average of 1,606 more days than men but spend 25% more time in poor health? This disparity is tied to critical gaps in efficacy, care delivery, and data—areas where women's unique health needs, particularly in sexual and reproductive health (SRH), are often overlooked. Despite sexual and reproductive health accounting for only 5% of the overall women’s health burden, it's a crucial part of the larger picture. Diseases like cervical cancer and conditions stemming from HPV remind us that when we talk about women's health, we’re not just talking about maternal or reproductive health; we’re talking about conditions that uniquely or disproportionately affect women and can have lasting impacts on their quality of life, especially during their working years. Addressing the research gaps in SRH and cervical health, in particular, could have profound effects—not only on individual women but on families, communities, and the global economy. According to McKinsey's analysis, closing the women’s health gap could add 75 million extra disability-adjusted life years globally and unlock $1 trillion in potential economic growth. It’s time to reframe how we think about women’s health. How do you think we can bridge these gaps? What steps can we take to ensure that research and healthcare delivery are more inclusive of women's unique health needs? https://lnkd.in/gUAW9j3G #WomensHealth #CervicalHealth #HealthcareInnovation #HPVAwareness #GlobalHealth #HealthEquity #ReproductiveHealth
Bridging the women’s health gap: A country-level exploration
mckinsey.com
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Women’s health is not a siloed category, but rather one that affects individuals, families, and the economy. Women’s health encompasses the range of health experiences that affect women uniquely, differently, or disproportionately versus men. The women’s health gap is the disease burden associated with inequities between women and men in intervention efficacy, care delivery, and data. A recent analysis from the McKinsey Health Institute, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, has shown that closing the women’s health gap globally could result in better overall health, fewer early deaths, and a boost in the economy. Addressing the women’s health gap could enhance the quality of life for women throughout their lives and improve future generations’ health and wealth. Tackling women’s health means understanding that women are not simply smaller versions of men and that their biology is uniquely different, beyond differences in reproductive organs. Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) account for only 5 percent of the women’s health burden. Comparatively, more than half of the women’s health burden reflects conditions that affect women disproportionately or differently, with most of the impact affecting women’s working years. #womenshealth #femtech #healthtech #digitalhealth #healthcare #healthcareinnovation #startups #innovation #health #medtech #healthcareresearch #femalehealth #genderhealthgap #reproductivehealth #venturecapital #vc #funding #investment #grants #maternalhealth #periods #menstruation #sexualhealth #sextech #menopause #fertility #pregnancy #postpartum #eggfreezing #IVF #healthequity #pelvicfloor #pelvicfloorhealth #hormonehealth
Bridging the women’s health gap: A country-level exploration
mckinsey.com
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This women's health week, it's important to call out the lack of research and funding on women's health - impacting patients' treatment and lives. Women's health issues have less research funding, leading to less of an understanding AND less access to innovative solutions to major women's health issues such as endometriosis and menopause. It is time to make a change. Women spend 25% more of their lives suffering from medical issues compared to men. This is a staggering statistic. Closing this gap between women and men would be best for the Global Economy, as women made up 48% percent of the workforce in 2022. Diagnosing and treating women's health issues will help get women back into the workforce, help them optimally function, succeed in their career, and contribute to the Global Economy. Women make up 50% of our US population, yet they continue to suffer in 2023 from Women’s Health issues that lack research, data, and proper treatments.
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The Unsung Heroes: Prioritizing Women's Health on World Health Day Every year on April 7th, World Health Day focuses on a critical health issue. In recognizing the complex and often overlooked landscape of women's health, this day serves as a powerful platform to advocate for change. Women's health goes beyond simply addressing reproductive issues. It encompasses a unique interplay of biological and social factors that shape their well-being throughout life. From hormonal fluctuations to societal pressures, women often face distinct challenges in maintaining optimal health. Biological Distinctions: Unlike men, women navigate a hormonal roller coaster. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone play a vital role in menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. These hormonal shifts influence everything from bone density to mood, creating a dynamic health landscape. Additionally, women are susceptible to specific health concerns like cervical cancer and osteoporosis. Social Determinants: Beyond biology, social factors significantly impact women's health. Limited access to healthcare, particularly in developing countries, can hinder preventive care and early detection of diseases. Cultural norms that prioritize male well-being or restrict women's autonomy can further exacerbate health issues. The burden of caregiving, often shouldered by women, can also lead to self-neglect and stress-related health problems. A Call to Action: On World Health Day, we must commit to: Strengthening healthcare systems: Ensure access to quality healthcare services for women, including preventive care, screenings, and treatment for specific health concerns. Promoting education and awareness: Empowering women with knowledge about their bodies, health risks, and available resources is crucial. Breaking down social barriers: Address cultural stigmas and advocate for policies that promote gender equality in healthcare access and decision-making By prioritizing women's health, we are not just investing in the lives of women, but in the future of families, communities, and nations. Let World Health Day be a catalyst for change, a day where we acknowledge the unsung heroes of society and ensure they have the resources to live healthy, fulfilling lives. #worldhealthday #Myhealthmyright #Womenhealth #Meternalhealth #Ascipgdhm .
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A Call to Action: 2025—The Year of Women’s Health Women are the backbone of families, communities, and societies, yet their health—especially in the second half of life—has long been an afterthought in healthcare priorities. That ends now. This year, I dedicate my advocacy to women, to championing their health at every stage of life. Whether it’s navigating the complex landscape of menopause, addressing chronic conditions that disproportionately impact women, or ensuring access to equitable maternal care, women deserve better. And as advocates, we must do more. The second half of life is not a time to slow down—it’s a time of renewal, opportunity, and strength. Yet too many women face this phase unprepared, underserved, and overlooked. From osteoporosis to cardiovascular disease, from managing autoimmune conditions to mental health support, the gaps in care are glaring. But the solutions are within our reach—if we choose to act. We must push for policies that prioritize women’s health. We must demand research that considers women’s unique biology, life experiences, and needs. We must challenge insurers to cover critical women’s health services and treatments. And we must meet women where they are, empowering them with the information, tools, and support they need to take charge of their health journey. To every organization, healthcare provider, policymaker, and advocate reading this: join me in making 2025 the year of women’s health. Let’s rally together to ensure that every woman, regardless of age, race, or socioeconomic status, has the opportunity to live a vibrant, healthy life. This is not just about healthcare—it’s about justice, equality, and respect. Women deserve nothing less. Together, let’s make this year one of action, one of progress, and one of unwavering dedication to women everywhere. Let 2025 be remembered as the year we showed up for women. #WomensHealth #AdvocacyForWomen #HealthEquity #SecondHalfStrong #EmpowerHerHealth #MenopauseMatters #ChronicDiseaseAwareness #HealthyAging #SupportWomensHealth #YearOfWomen #HealthJustice #HerHealthJourney #StrongerTogether #WomenDeserveBetter #EquityInCare #AgingWithStrength #LifelongHealth #WomenSupportingWomen #PatientAdvocacy #HerHealthMatters
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