Women’s health includes health concerns specific to women, such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, menopause, infertility, and dysmenorrhea. Although most research focuses on cisgender women, it can also relate to transgender and nonbinary individuals depending on the conditions studied.
What does women’s health encompass?
Women’s health encompasses the health concerns that women experience, which include conditions such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), menopause, infertility, and dysmenorrhea. Most research is conducted on cisgender women, but (depending upon the conditions/biological structures investigated) it can also pertain to transgender and nonbinary people.
How could diet affect women’s health?
Although many types of diets have been studied, eating a nutrient-dense and balanced diet is essential for supporting women’s health. Women tend to need more food that contain calcium, iron, and folic-acid (especially at different life stages such as pregnancy and breastfeeding) than men. A lack of these nutrients in the diet can lead to various conditions ranging from pregnancy complications to anemia.
What supplements are of most interest for women’s health?
Women often do not consume enough folic-acid, vitamin B12, calcium, vitamin D, and iron in their diet; therefore, supplements containing these nutrients are of great interest for women's health.
Additionally, supplements such as ginger, lavender, magnesium, and St. John’s wort have been studied for reducing discomfort from various women’s health conditions. Finally, certain supplements are of interest for women’s health due to their estrogenic and other hormonal effects. Examples of these include: black cohosh, red clover, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), evening primrose oil, vitex agnus-castus, and soy isoflavones.
Examine Database: Women’s Health
Research FeedRead all studies
Can dietary supplements improve endometriosis-associated pain?
In this meta-analysis of 9 randomized controlled trials, taking supplements for endometriosis-related pain did not improve symptoms and pelvic pain or quality of life scores.
Can vitamin D reduce pain from menstrual cramps or endometriosis?
Can vitamin D improve metabolic health in polycystic ovary syndrome?
Which nonpharmacologic interventions can improve polycystic ovary syndrome?
Can aspirin reduce the risk of preeclampsia?
How do carbohydrates, calories, and genetic risk affect breast cancer risk?
Adherence to a Mediterranean diet and breast cancer risk
Does butyrate reduce intestinal permeability in postmenopausal women?
Could alpha-linolenic acid and L-carnitine reduce migraines?
Can psychosocial interventions reduce perinatal depression in young women?
Does carbohydrate intake affect PCOS symptoms during strength training?
Lifestyle interventions for managing polycystic ovary syndrome
Can vaginal probiotics improve embryo transfer success rates?
The effects of aerobic exercise in women with obesity
Melatonin improves sleep in women with breast cancer
Frequently asked questions
What does women’s health encompass?
Women’s health encompasses the health concerns that women experience, which include conditions such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), menopause, infertility, and dysmenorrhea. Most research is conducted on cisgender women, but (depending upon the conditions/biological structures investigated) it can also pertain to transgender and nonbinary people.
What type of healthcare provider should someone seek for women’s health concerns?
Quick answer:
For women's health concerns, it is recommended to consult an obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN), who specializes in the female reproductive system and related health issues. Women may also seek care from specialists in other fields for different health concerns.
For care related to specific conditions that women may encounter, an obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN) should be consulted. OB/GYNs specialize in the care of the female reproductive system, pregnancy, and women’s health as a whole. However, women may also experience other health concerns and may seek care from specialists in other fields.
What health screening tests are recommended for women?
Quick answer:
Regular health screenings for women are essential for early detection of potential health issues and include tests such as pap smears, bone density testing, breast exams, and pelvic exams. The frequency of these screenings varies based on age and individual health history.
Regular screening is key for catching potential health problems at an early stage. Examples of screening include a pap smear (a test for cervical cancer), bone density testing, breast exams, pelvic exams, and immunization. The frequency of health screening depends upon factors such as age and previous health history.[1]
Can certain health conditions affect women differently?
Quick answer:
Yes, certain health conditions can affect women differently due to historical underrepresentation in medical research, which leads to underdiagnosis and a lack of understanding of their symptoms. For example, women may experience milder symptoms during a heart attack, such as back pain and fatigue, rather than the typical chest pain seen in men.
Yes. Historically, women have been underrepresented in medical research.[2] Because of this, some health conditions are sometimes underdiagnosed due to a lack of understanding of how they affect women. For instance, heart attacks tend to present differently in women when compared to men. It is not uncommon for women to not feel any chest pain during a heart attack. Instead, they may experience much milder symptoms, along with pain in the back, chest, arm, neck, jaw, shortness of breath, and general fatigue. For this reason, increased representation in medical research is paramount in improving health outcomes for women.[3]
How could diet affect women’s health?
A nutrient-dense and balanced diet is crucial for women's health because women require higher amounts of calcium, iron, and folic acid at different life stages, particularly during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Insufficient intake of these nutrients can result in health issues, including pregnancy complications and anemia.
Although many types of diets have been studied, eating a nutrient-dense and balanced diet is essential for supporting women’s health. Women tend to need more food that contain calcium, iron, and folic-acid (especially at different life stages such as pregnancy and breastfeeding) than men. A lack of these nutrients in the diet can lead to various conditions ranging from pregnancy complications to anemia.
What supplements are of most interest for women’s health?
Women’s health supplements of interest include those that address common nutrient deficiencies, such as folic acid, vitamin B12, calcium, vitamin D, and iron. Additionally, supplements like ginger, lavender, and black cohosh are studied for their potential benefits in alleviating discomfort from various health conditions and for their hormonal effects.
Women often do not consume enough folic-acid, vitamin B12, calcium, vitamin D, and iron in their diet; therefore, supplements containing these nutrients are of great interest for women's health.
Additionally, supplements such as ginger, lavender, magnesium, and St. John’s wort have been studied for reducing discomfort from various women’s health conditions. Finally, certain supplements are of interest for women’s health due to their estrogenic and other hormonal effects. Examples of these include: black cohosh, red clover, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), evening primrose oil, vitex agnus-castus, and soy isoflavones.