I discovered a few years back that much of the health and wellbeing advice we are given by healthcare professionals, governments and other official bodies, is based upon studies and research conducted on men, and generalised across the world’s population. But women are not small men.
Women are not small men.
Dr Stacy Sims
Anatomical differences aside (which are visible and appropriately researched), biological differences play a huge role in how health matters affect us. Chromosomes and hormones influence how we feel and act on a day-to-day basis, and how diseases manifest and progress.
For instance, estrogen in women is known to affect mood but also offers some protective benefits against heart disease, while testosterone in men can drive aggressive behaviour and also dictates different patterns of fat storage, impacting their cardiovascular risk.
Genetic predisposition is a fascinating topic that illustrates how deeply our biology influences health outcomes. For instance, women are generally more prone to autoimmune disorders like lupus, whereas men have a higher risk for conditions like Parkinson’s disease. But predisposition does not guarantee an outcome; the science of epigenetics has shown us that behaviours and environmental triggers play a bigger role in driving outcomes than genetics alone.
Grasping these concepts can lead to more strategic health interventions and preventive measures, and it’s good that more is now being invested in the study of female health.
Social and Behavioral Factors Shaping Health Disparities
Social norms and stereotypes play a big role in shaping health outcomes differently for men and women. Traditional ideas about biological classifications can lead to stress and mental health issues specific to each group. Women tend to experience anxiety and depression more frequently, yet men are often underdiagnosed because of cultural pressures to ‘tough it out.’ These dynamics can lead to different coping mechanisms and varied health outcomes.
Lifestyle choices influenced by biology-specific societal expectations also carve out distinct paths to health. For example, men might engage more in risky behaviors like heavy drinking or smoking, often seen as stereotypically masculine, while women might focus more on healthy lifestyles but struggle with stress-related eating or exercise challenges. Acknowledging these patterns can inspire more effective targeted health interventions that take into account these behavioral nuances.
Tailoring Healthcare Approaches
Taking biological characteristics into account would make healthcare far more effective and precise, and would drastically improve outcomes. For instance, medications might work differently in women compared to men due to metabolic differences driven by hormones. Recognizing these nuances would help healthcare providers prescribe treatments that are more likely to be effective and less likely to cause side effects.
Male/female-sensitive policies can bridge gaps in healthcare access and quality. It’s not just about treating the illness; it’s about recognizing and adapting to the unique needs each biological classification presents. This approach could mean pushing for policies that support maternal health programs or ensuring mental health services cater strongly to men’s specific needs.
The push for informed research is crucial for driving healthcare innovations. Historically, medical research has side-lined these differences, but bringing this focus into the spotlight can lead to breakthroughs in treatments and understanding of diseases. Funding and support for studies that specifically address the impacts of biological classifications can lead to therapies that are more inclusive and effective.
Ultimately, integrating biological characteristics into the health equation isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for advancing health equity. When we acknowledge how physiological profiles influence health, we open doors to preventative measures and treatments that are more attuned to the realities men and women face. It’s about matching medical services to the lived experiences of all, ensuring everyone receives the care they deserve.