Lea Baskin Monk with the CRSHE
Our understanding of women’s health has been shaped by decades of research, marked by innovations such as the development of modern oral contraceptives but also oversights, such as the historical exclusion of women from clinical trials. Women’s reproductive health has emerged as a critical focus area, deepening our understanding of human biology while drawing increasing attention and resources in support of further studies.
In this blog series, I will explore key topics and emerging trends in women’s reproductive health, aiming to contextualize the scientific advancements, challenges, and evolving priorities that are shaping the field of women’s reproductive health. Together, we’ll delve into issues such as the connection between autoimmune diseases and pregnancy, menopause, and advancements in fertility care. Along the way, I’ll provide historical context to help us understand how we arrived at this moment and where the field is heading.
What is Women’s Reproductive Health?
Women’s reproductive health encompasses the overall well-being of women, recognizing the significant impact that the reproductive system has throughout all stages of life. This field spans a diverse range of health issues and services, such as menstrual health, fertility, contraception, menopause, and reproductive aging. Despite its wide-ranging implications, many aspects of women’s reproductive health remain under-researched and misunderstood.
The Cutting Edge: Where We Are Today
Attention to issues related to women’s health is growing, as evidenced by the 2023 White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research, which underscores the federal government’s commitment to addressing gender disparities in healthcare. Similarly, the private sector is stepping up, with the burgeoning femtech industry developing innovations tailored to women’s needs and pharmaceutical companies investing in treatments for conditions like Endometriosis and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). For more information on some of these conditions, check out the CRSHE’s fact sheets on our education page.
A few ongoing questions in women’s reproductive health include:
- What is the connection between the reproductive system and diseases that disproportionately affect women, such as autoimmune disorders?
- Why do humans experience menopause, while a majority of other species do not?
- What effects do environmental toxins have on fertility?
- Can advancements in stem cell research improve fertility treatments?
- Why do 80% of women develop uterine fibroids, and what can be done to prevent or treat them?
Looking Ahead: Stay tuned for accessible and thought-provoking discussions designed to engage anyone interested in the future of women’s health. Each post will focus on a facet of women’s health that is reshaping our understanding of the field.
Citations and Further Reading
- History of oral contraceptive drugs and their use worldwide – PubMed
- History of Women’s Participation in Clinical Research
- Opinion | Women’s Health Care Is Underfunded. The Consequences Are Dire. – The New York Times (nytimes.com)
- Moving Beyond Reflexive and Prophylactic Gynecologic Surgery – PMC
- So You’ve Had a Hysterectomy. Do You Know What Was Removed?
- White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research
- Is ‘Femtech’ the Next Big Thing in Health Care? – The New York Times (nytimes.com)