Empowering Women’s Health on International Women’s Day

As we celebrate International Women's Day on March 8th, we reflect on the progress made and the challenges that persist for women, particularly concerning women's healthcare. From access to essential services to the quality of care received, women around the world continue to face systemic barriers that jeopardize their health and well-being.

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Understanding Healthcare Inequities for Women

Women across the globe often find themselves facing unfair hurdles when it comes to healthcare. Imagine not being able to easily access basic services like contraception, prenatal care, or safe abortion options. Unfortunately, for many women, this isn't just a thought experiment—it's their reality. Laws and cultural norms in various places restrict women's choices about their own bodies, leading to unnecessary risks during pregnancy and childbirth, and sometimes even tragic outcomes. What's worse, these barriers hit marginalized women the hardest, leaving those in rural areas or from ethnic minority backgrounds with even fewer options.

But it's not just about reproductive health. Women also struggle to get the care they need for chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or mental health issues. Sometimes, it feels like the system just isn't designed with women in mind. Gender biases mean that women's symptoms might be dismissed or downplayed, or they might not get the right treatment. And let's not forget the financial side of things—many women simply can't afford the care they need, especially if they don't have health insurance or come from lower-income backgrounds. It's a tangled web of challenges that leaves far too many women without the support they deserve.

For an example of the disparities in health between men and women, let’s look at heart health. The classic signs of a heart attack are based on how men experience symptoms: chest pain or discomfort, often in the center or the left side of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes, or that goes away and then comes back. Women, however, are more likely to have other symptoms that are not as commonly recognized, like nausea or unexplained fatigue. These less familiar symptoms cause delays in receiving critical care. With a narrow window of time for optimal treatment—within a few hours of a heart attack— that delay has a deadly impact. 

Because women and men can display different symptoms of heart disease and a heart attack, and given that most research has been conducted on men, women often do not recognize symptoms of a heart attack. Health care providers are also more likely to downplay their symptoms or delay treatment. Despite the prevalence and severity of heart disease, research shows that only 56% of women in the United States are aware that heart disease ranks as their leading cause of mortality. 

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Factors that Contribute to Healthcare Inequities for Women

Healthcare disparities for women stem from a mix of issues like limited funding, policy gaps, and societal factors like poverty and discrimination. Sometimes, women's health programs don't get enough financial support, making it harder for them to access important services like reproductive care and screenings. Economic struggles, cultural beliefs, and discrimination based on factors like race or sexuality can all stand in the way of women getting quality healthcare. Cultural norms and biases can also make it tough for women, especially those from marginalized groups, to get the care they need. 

One example of a cultural bias that often makes it harder for women to access healthcare is the stigma surrounding reproductive health issues. In many societies, discussing topics like menstruation, contraception, or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may be considered taboo or shameful. This stigma can discourage women from seeking information or assistance related to these vital aspects of their health. They might delay seeking medical attention, leading to untreated conditions or missed opportunities for preventive care. Additionally, cultural beliefs that prioritize the health needs of men over women may result in women's health issues being downplayed or ignored within families or communities, further hindering access to appropriate healthcare services.

There's a problem with how medical research often focuses more on men, leaving a big gap in understanding women's health. It was only about 30 years ago that women and minorities were included regularly in clinical research in the U.S. This means women might not get the right diagnoses or treatments, leading to worse outcomes. For example, as shared in Harvard Health, 70% of those affected by chronic pain conditions are women, whereas 80% of pain research is conducted on males.

Plus, in healthcare, women sometimes don't get the same level of attention or treatment as men, facing longer waits and less aggressive care. A 2022 study of emergency room visits by adults 55 and under revealed that women who came in with chest pain waited longer to see a doctor or nurse and were less likely to be admitted for observation than men. Fixing these issues means making changes in policies, giving more support to women's health programs, training healthcare providers to be more aware of biases, and making sure everyone gets the care they need, no matter who they are.

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‍Impact of Healthcare Inequities on Women

Women’s healthcare inequities have a significant impact, affecting women’s health, finances, and well-being in profound ways, and it can lead to serious health problems. For example, they might not get the screenings they need for conditions like breast or cervical cancer, resulting in later diagnoses and poorer outcomes. Similarly, disparities in maternal healthcare can lead to higher rates of complications during pregnancy and childbirth, putting both mothers and babies at risk.

These inequalities also hit women financially. If they can't access healthcare when they need it, they might miss work or struggle to keep up with their responsibilities, leading to lost wages and economic instability. Plus, healthcare costs can pile up quickly, especially for those without adequate insurance coverage, creating a cycle of financial strain and debt. 

On top of all this, dealing with healthcare inequities can take a toll on women's mental health. It's stressful and frustrating not being able to get the care you need, and it can make women feel overlooked or marginalized by the healthcare system. All of these factors combined make it clear that addressing healthcare disparities isn't just about improving physical health—it's also about supporting women's well-being and equality in society.

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International Women's Day

This year, on International Women’s Day, we recognize the progress that has been made and the continued work we have yet to tackle. Hello Alpha was founded after our CEO experienced her own difficulties navigating our healthcare system. The effort, time, and mental and financial wherewithal needed to see her healthcare needs met was staggering. As sheI shared her experiences with fellow mothers, working women, and even healthcare providers, the picture of our broken system became clearer. So did the incredible strength and perseverance of all the women she connected with. 

Women deserve healthcare that puts more decisions in their hands, that doesn’t paternalize or dismiss their concerns, and honors that we are patients and people. That’s the story of why Hello Alpha was created: to rebuild a system that addresses women’s unique health needs. 

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About Hello Alpha

Hello Alpha is a virtual primary care platform that specializes in inclusive, expert care for all by bridging the gaps in women’s health. With a personalized approach catering to an individual’s unique health goals, Hello Alpha can treat more than 100 conditions ranging from allergies to eczema and diabetes to menopause. Additionally, Alpha providers will proactively help identify and manage underdiagnosed conditions while connecting patients to labs, specialists, and other essential resources. The aim is to ensure that patients feel as healthy and vibrant as possible.

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