International Women's Day: the health gap women deserve to know about

This International Women's Day, we wanted to share something genuinely useful rather than performative. Because the women who ask the right questions, seek out the right professionals and take their own health seriously are the ones who make the biggest difference, for themselves and for everyone who comes after them.

The gap is real, and it has consequences

For decades, women were underrepresented in clinical trials. That's improved, but the effects are still felt.

A recent analysis of over 4,600 UK clinical trials found that male-only studies (6.1%) were nearly twice as common as female-only ones (3.7%). Pregnant women featured in just 1.1% of trials and breastfeeding women in only 0.6%.

What does that look like in practice?

Heart disease is responsible for twice as many deaths as breast cancer in the UK. Yet because it's long been framed as a "men's condition," many women don't recognise the warning signs, and research shows women's symptoms are more frequently misdiagnosed or put down to anxiety.

Then there's endometriosis, which affects around 1 in 10 women. Despite being incredibly common, it now takes an average of nearly nine years to get a diagnosis in the UK. Endometriosis UK found that almost half of women surveyed had visited their GP ten or more times before anyone gave them an answer, and 78% had been told at some point that they were making a fuss.

These aren't rare or obscure conditions. They're things that affect millions of women, and they deserve better.

Things are changing, and it matters

The picture isn't all bleak, and that's worth saying.

The UK government's Women's Health Strategy, launched in 2022, is a ten-year plan to improve health outcomes for women and girls. It covers everything from menstrual health education to specialist care pathways, and Women's Health Hubs are being rolled out across England. NICE has updated its endometriosis guidelines, recommending earlier diagnostic scans even when examinations appear normal.

The conversation is shifting. Researchers, regulators and healthcare professionals are increasingly recognising that women's health needs to be taken more seriously, not just in how care is delivered, but in how the research behind it is designed. And women are at the centre of that conversation in a way they haven't been before.

What this means if you're navigating your own health

Knowing about the research gap doesn't fix it overnight, but it does change how you approach your own healthcare. Not because the burden should fall on you, but because informed women tend to get better outcomes.

If something doesn't feel right, trust that. If your concerns are dismissed, you're well within your rights to ask again, to request a second opinion, or to ask that your symptoms and your request are noted in your medical records. That's not being difficult. It's self-advocacy, and it's something healthcare professionals are increasingly being trained to welcome.

It's also worth knowing what's available to you beyond a standard GP appointment. Registered dietitians, for example, are the only nutrition professionals regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council in the UK. The title is protected by law, which means they've completed an accredited degree and are trained to work alongside medical conditions. If you're dealing with digestive issues, hormonal changes around menopause, or just want personalised guidance you can trust, they're a credible option. Many offer online consultations, and some are covered by private health insurance.

Specialist gut health clinics, private blood panels and menopause clinics (both NHS and private) are other avenues that can provide a more complete picture of your health. The key is always to look for regulated, evidence-based professionals and to be wary of anyone promising miracle solutions.

One more thing worth knowing

There's an encouraging piece of research that often gets lost in the conversation about health gaps.

A 2025 study published in Nature Medicine, drawing on data from nearly half a million people in the UK, found that lifestyle and environmental factors have a significantly greater impact on long-term health than genetics. Things like physical activity, diet, sleep and not smoking consistently outweighed genetic predisposition when it came to ageing and disease risk. A separate study in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine found that healthy habits may offset the effects of life-shortening genes by over 60%.

We're not sharing this to suggest that lifestyle changes are a substitute for better research, better funding or better care. They're not. But it is reassuring to know that your everyday choices genuinely count, regardless of what runs in the family.

Your questions answered

Why does it take so long to get diagnosed with endometriosis?

Several factors contribute. Low awareness among both the public and healthcare professionals, the normalisation of period pain, and limited NHS capacity for specialist gynaecology all play a role. Endometriosis UK is calling for an average diagnosis time of under one year by 2030, and updated NICE guidelines now recommend earlier scans to speed up the process.

What's the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist?

In the UK, "dietitian" is a legally protected title. You must hold an accredited degree and be registered with the HCPC. "Nutritionist" is not protected, meaning anyone can use it. For medical conditions or evidence-based dietary guidance, a registered dietitian is the recommended choice.

Can lifestyle really make a difference if health conditions run in my family?

The science suggests it can make a real difference for many conditions. The 2025 Oxford study found that lifestyle and environment consistently outweighed genetics when it came to long-term health. That said, some conditions have a stronger genetic component than others, and lifestyle changes work alongside medical care, not instead of it. Talking to your GP about your family history is always a good starting point.

Where can I find a Women's Health Hub near me?

Women's Health Hubs are being rolled out across England as part of the government's Women's Health Strategy. Your local NHS integrated care system website is the best place to check availability in your area.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your GP or healthcare provider for guidance on your personal health.