How gender bias in healthcare harms women’s mental health

Women represent 50% of the population, yet gender inequality in healthcare persists, leaving their health needs often overlooked. Conditions unique to women such as chronic pain, menstrual health, and maternal well-being, are often under-researched and underfunded.

For instance, 80% of pain research is carried out on men whilst 70% of those affected by chronic pain are actually women. Furthermore, receiving medical treatment for health conditions can vary considerably, women are less likely than men to receive painkillers for their health conditions. This disparity exists partly because less is known about female biology compared to male biology, putting women at risk and leaving their health issues underexplored.

Reflecting on my own experience advocating for my health, I often felt misunderstood and dismissed - a sentiment shared by many of my female clients. This lack of understanding by healthcare professionals can significantly affect women’s emotional and mental well-being, leading to feelings of anxiety, frustration, isolation, and hopelessness. What’s more, my female clients often describe encountering scepticism, misdiagnosis, and gaslighting when seeking help for conditions like endometriosis, period pain or migraines.

The impact of underdiagnosis and delayed treatment

The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledges that less is known about conditions affecting women, including common gynaecological issues that severely impact health and well-being. Apparently, it takes an average of seven to eight years for women to be diagnosed with endometriosis, with 40% often requiring more than 10 GP visits before being referred to a specialist.

Furthermore, the impact of female-specific health conditions such as heavy menstrual bleeding, endometriosis, fibroids, and menopause, is often overlooked - particularly how these conditions can affect workforce participation and productivity. For example, around 60,000 women in the UK are unable to work due to the physical and mental health impact of menopause symptoms. 

Understandably, many of my female clients can feel vulnerable, misunderstood or dismissed when seeking help for issues unique to women. This can lead to women avoiding discussion about topics like periods, hormones, and other gender-specific issues, fearing they will be labelled as dramatic or overly emotional. Unfortunately, all too often women feel they are not listened to or believed by healthcare professionals, which contributes to misdiagnoses. It is important to mention that young women in particular have been identified as high risk for mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression - and suicide rates of young females have increased significantly in recent years. 

Interestingly, the UK has the largest gender health gap among G20 member countries, with many women receiving lower-quality healthcare than men. Despite advances in gender equality, medical research continues to focus on the male body, leaving health issues unique to women or that present differently in women, like ADHD and autism, underexplored. One notable disparity is the NHS’s focus on intervention rather than prevention, though women do have access to breast cancer and cervical cancer screenings.

However, as a woman from a different cultural background, I am surprised that regular gynaecological check-ups are not as commonplace in the UK. In my home country, seeing a gynaecologist is considered normal, just like seeing your GP or dentist. Yet, unfortunately, this service is not accessible in every country. This disparity can impact how women manage their health and how they can look after themselves. 

Closing the gender health gap

Women’s health issues extend far beyond reproductive care. Conditions like heart disease and strokes present differently in women, and more women actually die from strokes than men of a similar age. Apparently, women in the UK have more than double the death rate within 30 days following a heart attack compared to men. Addressing these healthcare gaps would empower women to take control of their health and feel potentially more encouraged to seek help.

Women’s health charities such as Wellbeing Of Women, The Eve Appeal or Women’s Health Concern are invaluable resources, but progress in gender inequality in healthcare requires systemic change - more funding for research that includes women, eliminating gender bias in clinical studies, and better support systems. Researchers need more opportunities to study sex differences in disease to develop better gender-differentiated medical treatments. Tackling broader societal issues such as ageism, racism, and sexism, is also essential. Women of all backgrounds want to feel seen and heard, underscoring the importance for healthcare systems to embrace diversity to create an inclusive, supportive environment.

How counselling can support women’s health and well-being

Therapy provides a safe space for women to process their experiences and emotions, and gain support in advocating for themselves and feeling empowered. A trusting, therapeutic relationship allows women to share their health challenges without fear of judgment, but rather feel validated and supported.

Only through greater awareness and active self-advocacy can we bridge the gender health gap, ensuring that women of all ages and from all social, cultural and economic backgrounds, have their health needs met and treated with the respect and attention they deserve.