Women have been acting as the gatekeepers of their family’s health for ages. However, when it comes to their own well-being, they have faced neglect within the healthcare system for far too long. This systemic disregard has not only hindered women’s access to comprehensive care but has also undermined the overall health of societies. It is imperative that we address this issue and strive for a more equitable and inclusive approach to women’s health care.

The Historical Neglect of Women’s Health

Historically, women’s health concerns were marginalized, leading to inadequate research and limited access to accurate health information. Between 1977 and 1993, females of reproductive age were banned from participating in clinical trials in the United States. Luckily, Congress passed the NIH Revitalization Act in 1993 which reversed this ban and permitted female participation. This change was absolutely critical for the next wave of women’s health research and innovation. Over the last 30 years, some major milestones were achieved:

1. Life expectancy has increased in American women by 6 years.

2. In 1987 only 27% of women 50 and older reported having a mammogram in the last two years, today that’s increased to 76%.

3. The first prescription followed by over-the-counter emergency contraception was approved and commercialized.

4. Rates of teen pregnancy have decreased by half.

5. The first diagnostic and vaccines for cervical cancer caused by HPV were created.

6. The BRCA1 gene and its connection to breast and gynecological cancers were discovered.

In addition to a lack of participation in clinical research, women’s health care primarily focused on breast cancer and reproductive organ conditions, resulting in a limited understanding of women’s overall well-being. While conditions such as breast cancer and gynecologic issues predominantly affect women, numerous health concerns impact both men and women differently due to the interplay of sex and gender. Sex refers to biological characteristics, while gender encompasses socially constructed roles. Recognizing this intersectionality is crucial in understanding women’s unique health needs and developing appropriate healthcare strategies.

Take mental health, for example. Due to their chromosomal and hormonal differences, women are more likely than men to experience depression as a result of puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. As a gender, women are culturally more likely than men to talk about and seek treatment for mental health issues.

Women have been historically underrepresented in cardiovascular clinical trials. As a result, most of the medications and recommendations were developed considering only men. In fact, one study on aspirin as a heart attack prevention method included 10,000 male participants and zero women participants.

Breaking the Cycle of Gaslighting

In the realm of healthcare, women have often been subjected to a phenomenon known as gaslighting—an experience where their physical and mental health concerns are disregarded or misdiagnosed. This pervasive issue has hindered women from receiving the appropriate care they deserve. Whether it’s heart disease labeled as anxiety, an autoimmune disorder considered to be depression, or ovarian cysts considered as “normal period pain,” many women’s health issues are likely to be misdiagnosed or dismissed by doctors as something less critical. For instance, the diagnosis of “hysteria” was prevalent, attributing women’s symptoms to their reproductive organs and dismissing their experiences as emotional or imaginary. And, unfortunately, these sorts of beliefs still carry on today. How often does a woman get angry, only to be asked if she’s PMSing? How often does a perimenopausal woman go to her doctor’s office to complain about weight gain, only to be told that it’s related to hormones? How often has a woman with PCOS asked to lose weight as a medical solution, or come back for treatment when they want to conceive? Our hormones aren’t making us anxious or upset—these condescending attitudes are.

We, at Ashmi Health, strive to empower women’s health through nutrition

It is evident that women’s health and nutrition need to be prioritized. However, achieving this goal requires collaboration among governments, healthcare providers, NGOs, and startups. The motivation behind building Ashmi Health is to empower women’s health through personalized nutrition. During times of crisis, women’s nutrition often suffers. Balancing work and family responsibilities leaves many women struggling to maintain a diverse diet rich in essential micronutrients. Consequently, we observe a rising prevalence of hormonal conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) among women worldwide, with 1 in every 10 women affected. Ashmi Health aims to utilize data-driven approaches to understand individual biological responses to food and design tailored, personalized nutrition plans.

In today’s digital era, where movie recommendations, social media feeds, and financial plans are personalized, it seems odd that our nutritional intake remains relatively generic. We continue to receive and follow the same generalized guidelines: “eat more fruits and vegetables, limit processed foods, and reduce sugar and carbohydrate intake.” While these guidelines are valid, we require more specific recommendations that cater to our unique bodies, health goals, genetics, lifestyle, and environment. Personalized nutrition is gaining significant attention in the scientific community. Advances in research have provided insights into individual biological responses to food and how this information can help address chronic conditions.

However, personalized nutrition for improving women’s health is still relatively underdeveloped. The reality is that women’s health has long been neglected. Only recently have we begun to recognize that sex and gender can influence conditions beyond reproductive health. At Ashmi Health, our mission is to drive research in personalized nutrition specifically tailored for women’s health. Given the lack of comprehensive data on women’s health, we aim to understand the variations in biological responses to different foods among women, how these responses impact hormonal balance, and how they can be translated into better health outcomes.

By focusing on women’s health and nutrition, Ashmi Health seeks to fill the existing knowledge gaps and deliver personalized nutrition plans that cater to the unique needs of women. Our data-driven approach allows us to create tailored solutions for hormonal imbalances, such as PCOS, and address other women’s health concerns. Through ongoing research and collaboration, we aim to improve women’s health outcomes and contribute to a world where personalized nutrition is accessible and effective for all individuals.

At Ashmi Health, we firmly believe that by embracing personalized nutrition, we can revolutionize women’s health and empower women to take control of their well-being. Together, we can bridge the gap between scientific advancements and individualized care, ensuring that women receive the personalized support they need to thrive and lead healthier lives.

#pcos #PCOD #PCOSawareness #clinicaltrials #WomensHealth #hormonalhealth #healthcare