In the early 20th century, labor movements and demands for better working conditions, voting rights, and equal opportunities rose, highlighting the progress in women's empowerment. Women were now raising their voices against gender disparities, it was all to make a better, a more inclusive society! Thus the day of March 8 came to be known as International Women's Day, wherein each year we celebrate women's achievements. But, has the society really become inclusive? Something as basic as medical needs are still driven by men, based on men, and women are high underrepresented. Their bodies are considered atypical, while men's bodies are the norm, since 1946, notes the Pew Research Center. This is why most of the modern medicine do not take how the medicine reacts on women's body in account.

As per the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC), despite the policy and social changes in 1990s which helped turn the tide, women are still underrepresented in research. In fact, a 2019 study published in Author Manuscript, titled Inclusion of female does not increase variability in rodent research studies highlight that even to this date, many medical researcher avoid conducting studies on female mice. The reason being greater costs associated with purchasing and housing both sexes and concerns that the fluctuating hormones and reproductive systems of female mice may confound the study results. However, isn't what they are supposed to find? Don't women's cycles, their hormone and how the body and its hormones react to a medicine deserve to be studied for better administration of medicines.

AAMC also highlights the historical biases, which have been designed to shield unborn children from exposure of drugs and treatments and ongoing challenges to recruiting and retaining women in clinical trials and medical research limit the understanding of women, their experiences, conditions, and more. There is already so many biases surrounding women, more, if you are a woman of color.

A 2022 study published in Nature, Let's Talk About (Biological) Sex, also highlights that women's hormones play a role in physiological, metabolic, hormonal and even cellular differences. All such factors can influence how disease present and effectiveness of the medicine. The biases run deep, despite the proven fact that heart diseases are the leading cause of death in the US for both men and women, the medical field only recognized that women experience a different symptom of the disease than men when the American Heart Association published its Guide to Preventative Cardiology for Woman in 1999.

Martha Gulati, MD, and a cardiologist at the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, and director of prevention and associate director of Barbara Streisand Women's Heart Center and president of the American Society for Preventive Cardiology says, "Women shouldn’t be [put] in a ‘special populations’ category. It’s important to study women to find out how to care for [51%] of the population. We are the majority of the population. So, although women are special, we are not a ‘special population'."

Case Studies From When Women Were Ignored From Science

Before the 1970s, women were already underrepresented in medical research. Progress suffered another setback in 1977 when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) implemented a policy barring women of reproductive potential from Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials—unless they had a life-threatening condition—according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Research on Women’s Health. This decision stemmed from the thalidomide tragedy of the previous decade, in which thousands of pregnant women in Europe and Australia took the drug for morning sickness, only to later discover it caused severe birth defects and even infant deaths. Although thalidomide was never approved in the U.S., the FDA’s policy response was sweeping, broadly interpreted to exclude nearly all premenopausal women from clinical trials, even those on birth control, with sterile partners, or abstaining from sex.

The 2016 study published in Pharmacy Practice mentions some of the trials where women have been highly underrepresented. Furthermore, there are many studies that one can look at and read for themselves. Some of these case studies are mentioned below:

1962: In response to the thalidomide tragedy—which caused over 10,000 infant deaths and birth defects in Europe and Australia—the U.S. strengthens the FDA’s authority.

1977: The FDA issues guidelines barring women of reproductive potential from early-phase clinical trials, except in cases of life-threatening conditions. This policy is broadly applied, effectively excluding most women of childbearing age from medical research.

1986: An NIH advisory committee recommends including women in medical research studies.

1990: The NIH establishes the Office of Research on Women’s Health to advance women’s health research and increase female representation in clinical trials—as both participants and investigators.

1991: Bernadine Healy, MD, becomes the first female director of the NIH.

1993: The FDA reverses its 1977 policy, now requiring the inclusion of women in clinical research unless exclusion is justified (e.g., for diseases affecting only men). That same year, Congress passes a law mandating the inclusion of women in NIH-funded clinical trials.

1994: The FDA establishes the Office of Women’s Health to promote women’s participation in clinical trials and improve women’s healthcare.

2001: The Institute of Medicine publishes a report highlighting the biological impact of sex differences and the need to study them in clinical research.

2022: A Harvard Medical School study finds that, as of 2019, women remain significantly underrepresented in clinical trials for major diseases.

Women’s reproductive health is a vital part of overall well-being, but it often doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Conversations around it are still considered taboo in many communities. Because of this silence, many women continue to suffer through discomfort, pain, and long-term health issues without proper help. Some of these problems, if ignored, can affect fertility or even become life-threatening.

Here’s a look at five common gynaecological issues that affect women and why it's important to address them early.

Menstrual Problems

Many women experience some discomfort during their periods, but when the pain is severe, it could be a sign of dysmenorrhea. This condition causes intense cramping in the lower abdomen or back, often disrupting daily life. It happens due to strong uterine contractions that reduce blood flow and oxygen to the tissues.

Another issue is menorrhagia, or unusually heavy periods. This can lead to fatigue and anaemia if not managed. Then there are irregular periods, which may signal hormonal imbalances or conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

Ignoring menstrual irregularities may lead to bigger health problems later, including fertility issues.

Vaginal Infections and Discomfort

Many women experience vaginal infections at some point. These can result from bacterial, fungal, or yeast overgrowth. A condition called vaginitis often presents with itching, burning, unusual discharge, or changes in odour.

Although treatable, recurring infections should not be ignored, as they may point to an underlying health concern. Regular hygiene and medical attention can help prevent complications.

Ovarian Cysts and PCOS

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop on the ovaries. While most are harmless and go away on their own, some can cause pain or discomfort and may need medical attention.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a more serious condition that causes multiple small cysts on the ovaries. It’s linked with hormonal imbalances that can lead to irregular periods, acne, hair growth, weight gain, mood changes, and difficulties in getting pregnant. Managing PCOS often involves lifestyle changes and medication.

Endometriosis and Fibroids

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. It can cause painful periods, heavy bleeding, pain during sex, digestive problems, and infertility. Treatment may include hormone therapy, pain relief, or surgery, depending on severity.

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths inside or around the uterus. They may cause heavy periods, pelvic pressure, or frequent urination. While some fibroids don’t need treatment, others may require medication or surgical removal.

Urinary Tract Issues

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are common in women and can cause a burning sensation during urination, lower abdominal pain, and the need to urinate frequently. Prompt treatment with antibiotics is usually effective.

Urinary incontinence, or the loss of bladder control, may happen after childbirth or during menopause. It’s often treatable with pelvic floor exercises, medication, or surgery.

Why It Matters

Bringing these issues into open conversation helps women take charge of their health. Early detection and treatment can make a big difference—preventing long-term complications and improving quality of life.

Just like every other organ in the body, the brain changes as you get older. Ocasional subtle memory problems are usually no big deal. They are considered a part of normal ageing. However, when you see yourself repeating things or facing difficulties in accessing things quickly, like names and certain words, then it is definitely time for an evaluation. Recently, Time quoted an expert on subtle signs that indicate that you may be at risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Dementia.

7 Signs It’s Time to Take Your Memory Issues Seriously

You Have Trouble With Familiar Tasks

Many people love to multitask—jumping between texting, watching videos, and cooking dinner. That’s often doable thanks to neuroplasticity, which makes younger brains more adaptable. But as you enter middle age, your attention span tends to shrink, and life usually becomes more demanding. One day, you might find yourself staring at the toaster oven, blanking on how to use it.

You Miss Your Usual Commitments

If you begin to forget regular commitments that you've reliably handled for years, it could be more than just normal ageing. However, when to worry depends on your personal baseline. If forgetting an important event is highly out of character for you, it’s worth mentioning to a doctor. However, if you’ve been overwhelmed or unusually busy, an isolated incident may not be cause for alarm—unless it becomes a pattern.

Your Personality or Mood Changes

Many associate dementia solely with memory loss, but behavioural changes are often early signs too. Symptoms like irritability, depression, anxiety, and apathy can appear well before a diagnosis. "There's a behavioural aspect to dementia that people often overlook,' say brain scientists. In fact, these personality shifts can be seen years before Alzheimer’s is formally identified.

You Misplace Important Belongings

Imagine walking in the door, talking on the phone, and heading straight to the fridge. You put your keys down—but forget where. That’s multitasking, and it's normal. What's concerning, according to Dr. Tan, is when misplacing important things becomes frequent or disruptive. Again, it depends on your baseline. If you're naturally scatterbrained, occasional forgetfulness isn’t unusual. But if you’ve always been organized and suddenly start losing things, it could be a red flag.

You Repeat Certain Questions

Everyone has a friend who tells the same stories over and over. But if someone suddenly starts repeating questions or information they never used to, it could signal a deeper issue. If you miss something because you were distracted, like listening to music while driving, that’s understandable. But if there's no clear reason for the lapse, it might be time to pay closer attention.

You Get Lost in Familiar Places

Getting lost in places you know well is another warning sign. This often happens because of a decline in visual-spatial memory. For instance, to get to the grocery store, I know I have to turn right here, then left there, and there’s a drugstore on the corner where I make a sharp left. When that kind of route starts to confuse someone—despite paying attention—that’s a red flag, unless the place has drastically changed.

Your Parent Developed Alzheimer's At Same Age

The age at which symptoms appear often runs in families. If your mother was diagnosed with dementia at 85, forgetting where you put your keys in your early 60s may be nothing to worry about. But if she developed Alzheimer’s at 62, it’s wise to take memory lapses more seriously.

In a refreshing departure from traditional workouts, an international team of researchers has identified a joyful and highly effective way to reduce stress, build resilience, and enhance well-being—dancing. According to a recent study published in the Psychology of Sport & Exercise, dancing not only lifts your mood but also triggers a powerful biological response that supports mental health.

“By dancing, we can tap into a natural stress-relief mechanism that enhances our resilience and helps us cope with daily pressures,” said Jonathan Skinner, co-author of the study and a researcher at the University of Surrey in the UK. “It’s fascinating to see how something as enjoyable as dance can have such profound effects on our mental health.”

The study highlights how dancing encourages the release of feel-good hormones such as endorphins and oxytocin. These chemicals are known to reduce anxiety and foster social bonding. Researchers observed a decrease in levels of cortisol—the stress hormone—as well as reductions in heart rate and blood pressure among participants who danced regularly.

Beyond the biological benefits, dancing offers psychological advantages too. It allows for emotional expression, strengthens social connections, and can be a gateway to a sense of community. “Encouraging people to move together can create a sense of belonging and support while enhancing their ability to cope with stress,” Skinner added.

Mental Health Concerns Are On Rise Globally

These findings come at a time when mental health concerns are on the rise globally. Experts are now advocating for dance to be incorporated into community health programs, schools, and wellness initiatives. The accessibility of dance is a key advantage—it can be done solo or in groups, at home or in studios, and requires no special equipment, making it an inclusive form of exercise.

In fact, a 2022 review published in Frontiers in Physiology echoed similar conclusions. It noted that dancing improves both physical and emotional health in children and adolescents, and recommended that policymakers and educators seriously consider dance-based programs to promote long-term physical activity.

For adults, dance can be a fun way to meet the World Health Organisation's recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, along with muscle-strengthening exercises on two or more days.

The style of dance also plays a role in how many calories you burn. According to Healthline, a 150-pound person can burn around 118 calories in 30 minutes of ballroom dancing and up to 207 calories doing swing. Ballet improves strength and posture, Zumba boosts cardiovascular endurance, and even pole dancing is gaining popularity among older adults for its fitness benefits.

Whether it is salsa, hip-hop, or a kitchen dance party, the rhythm of movement could be just what your body and mind need. In a world that often prioritises high-intensity routines and rigid schedules, dance offers a more joyful, expressive path to health.