During Women’s Health Week we believe it is important to acknowledge the apparent bias in the health system that negatively impacts women’s healthcare. From the “gender pain gap” to conditions that your doctor is more likely to miss or misdiagnose, just because you are a woman, it is evident that there is still work to do to improve women’s healthcare.
In the past, there has been a lack of research into many conditions which exclusively affect women which has compromised the health information that is available. There are also “gendered notions and stigmas that cloud possible symptoms and diagnosis”. This year’s theme for Women’s Health Week being “Grow Your Knowledge” is so important to ensure that women are better informed about their health with information that is accurate and easy to comprehend. If you want to read more about conditions that are often misdiagnosed in women, including ADD and ADHD, autism, endometriosis, heath disease and mental health conditions, then please click the link below.
https://www.mamamia.com.au/endometriosis-health-diagnoses-women-miss
Additionally, if you want to make a contribution to improve the health system for women during Women’s Health Week, the Australian government is urging women to share their personal experiences of bias in the health system through public consultation.
You can participate by sharing your story at the following link: https://www.health.gov.au/womens-health-advisory-council