The Evolution of Women’s Health: Bridging the Gap with Tech and Innovation
Growing up, the stories I heard from my mom about how women’s health was treated, at the time, seemed normal. Any hormonal shift—be it tied to menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause—was often dismissed with a blanket diagnosis: “She’s going crazy.” Women were sent home with little more than a prescription for rest or, in more severe cases, told they needed a hysterectomy. The prevailing approach to women’s health was reactive, dismissive, and shockingly uninformed.
Looking back, it’s no wonder women’s health took so long to get the attention it deserves. For most of medical history, women were excluded from research. The default test subject was male, and the resulting treatments were developed without any consideration of how a woman’s body might respond differently. It wasn’t until 1993—yes, less than 30 years ago—that the U.S. mandated the inclusion of women in clinical trials funded by the NIH. Even then, progress was slow.
◉ A Problem of Neglect
The underrepresentation of women in clinical studies created a ripple effect of misdiagnoses, inadequate care, and a persistent health disparity. Conditions like endometriosis, which affects 1 in 10 women, were often overlooked or treated as minor inconveniences, even when they severely impacted a woman’s quality of life. The lack of research meant delayed diagnoses and a limited understanding of how to manage these conditions effectively.
Even today, many of the tools and treatments for women’s health come from adaptations of male-focused research. Hormonal changes that occur throughout a woman’s life—puberty, pregnancy, menopause—are still frequently misunderstood, leading to frustration and mistrust in the healthcare system.
◉ My Perspective: Why This Matters Now
From my own experience, I’ve noticed myself, girlfriends and colleagues experiencing similar changes and guess what - we’re not crazy!! There is something alarming to it though: women are experiencing hormonal shifts at younger ages, while simultaneously living longer lives. Our lifespans are increasing, but our healthspan—the number of years we live in good health—seems to be lagging behind.
It’s exciting to see innovation within women’s health. Brilliant teams around the world are delivering much needed products. Not just tools that add years to our lives but technologies and solutions that enhance our quality of life during those years.
◉ The Rise of FemTech and MedTech
Enter FemTech: a rapidly growing sector dedicated to addressing the unique health needs of women. From wearable devices that monitor hormonal fluctuations to apps that connect women with specialized healthcare providers, FemTech is reshaping how we approach women’s health.
● Some innovations are already making waves:
➺ Wearables for Early Detection: Devices like biosensor bras can detect early signs of breast cancer, potentially saving lives through early intervention.
➺ AI-Powered Fertility Tools: Apps that analyze cycles to help women better understand their fertility windows are empowering women to make informed reproductive choices.
➺ Endometriosis Diagnostics: Startups are leveraging AI to improve diagnostics for conditions like endometriosis, which traditionally take up to a decade to diagnose.
◉ Challenges Ahead
While these advancements are promising, they’re not without their challenges. Data privacy is a significant concern, especially when it comes to sensitive health information. Some apps, for instance, have been criticized for sharing user data without consent. Then there’s the question of accuracy: not all FemTech products deliver on their promises, which can undermine trust in the industry.
Moreover, funding for FemTech remains disproportionately low compared to other sectors. In 2022, FemTech startups received just 2% of global venture capital investment in healthtech. News as recent as December 2024, is showing increases in VC and PE funding, however this disparity underscores the ongoing struggle for recognition and resources in women’s health.
◉ The Future: A Holistic Approach to Healthspan
What excites me most about the evolution of women’s health is the shift toward improving the healthspan. Instead of merely treating symptoms, emerging technologies are focusing on enhancing the overall patient experience and outcomes.
● For example:
➺ Telehealth platforms tailored to women’s health are providing access to care for those in underserved areas.
➺ Personalized medicine, driven by genetic and hormonal profiling, is enabling more precise and effective treatments.
➺ Community-driven health apps are creating spaces for women to share experiences and support one another, reducing feelings of isolation.
◉ Why It Matters
When women are healthy, societies thrive. Yet, for too long, women’s health has been sidelined. The rise of FemTech and medtech marks a turning point, but it’s only the beginning. To truly close the gap, we need more funding, research, and a cultural shift that prioritizes women’s unique health needs.
For my mom’s generation, health solutions came late, if at all. For ours, the tools are finally here—but it’s up to us to ensure they’re accessible, equitable, and effective. It’s not just about living longer; it’s about living better.
The evolution of women’s health is far from over—and every step forward makes a world of difference. ITEOM Talent is proud to be bridging talent and technology across FemTech, MedTech, and SaaS & Manufacturing Healthcare technology. workwithus@iteomtalent.com
