#1

Only 4% of all global research funds are allocated to research in female health even though we represent 50% and the world's population.

In comparison, research in prostate cancer alone receives 2% of global research funds.

#2

Period blood was once seen as something holy and magical. The stigma around it is a rather "new" phenomenon making its entrance in the dark middle ages when we began to live by the Bible.

If you read Leviticus 15 it states: "When a woman has her regular flow of blood, the impurity of her monthly period will last seven days, and anyone who touches her will be unclean until evening". Aren't we all ready to let that go?

#3

There are 10 main types of birth control options available for women, ranging from hormonal, to non-hormonal, to permanent methods.

Currently there are still only 2 options for men: 1) Condoms and 2) Vasectomies.

Even though the earliest research for a male birth control pill began in the 1970's we're still waiting for the release date. Some say we need to wait a further 5-10 years.

One of the primary challenges has been getting men in trials to accept the side effects counting; mood swings, weight gain or reduced libido. Similar to those seen in women using hormonal contraception.

#4

It's actually a *rare phenomenon* in the animal kingdom to menstruate (humans + a small handful of species shed their uterine lining).

But even though this *rare thing* isn't rarely happening with billions of people menstruating every.single.day, we still don't have any conclusions as to why we do it. - we simply don't know why we have this feature and what the evolutionary reasons for it are.

#5

We've been taught that periods are painful. But it's actually not completely true and holding on to this belief keeps us from going to the doctor.

And when we finally go to the GP, they often lack knowledge and hence miss symptoms of endometriosis, especially in its early stages.

1 in 10 women suffer from endometriosis and they end up seeing 7-10 different practitioners before receiving a definitive diagnosis, causing a significant drop in life quality risking both infertility, progression of the disease and a big impact on mental health along the way.

#6

Your cycle should be seen as the 5th vital sign together with body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate.

It shows a great indication of your hormonal health along with a reflection of your fertility and it works as an early detector of underlying conditions.

Menstrual blood is not yet routinely tested in medical exams, unlike stool samples. Which reflects both the stigma and the lack of knowledge surrounding our periods.

#7

This phrase downplays the complexity and challenges of women's health issues which are real and for some painful and debilitating.

We outlive men but with a much lower quality of life than them. Women spend 6-8 more years in poor health compared to men. We spend a larger proportion of these years living with disabilities and mental health issues. We are twice as likely as men to experience depression and anxiety in older age.

It's not about what's natural but about the structures of the patriarchy and about being underresearched, underfinanced and underrepresented in clinical trials

sources: American Journal of Public Health, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center for Health Statistics

#8

A 2019 study published in The Lancet found that 1 in 10 women in the UK experience symptoms so severe during/related to their period that they need to take time off work.

It's actually estimated that 200 million workdays are lost each year in the US due to menstrual-related absenteeism.

Lots can be done: Promoting open communication, reducing stigma and improving understanding in the workplace. Flexible hours, remote work, or menstrual leave to help employees manage severe symptoms without taking full sick leave. Provide menstrual products and private spaces for employees to manage their needs. Offer access to health resources, counseling and wellness programs related to menstrual health.

#9

Men's hair loss has been deemed more profitable historically compared to menopause. But it is a big misunderstanding to think that serving women, especially aged 40+ isn't a big business:

- In the US, women generally account for around 70-80% of all consumer spending

- A global survey has documented that women 40+ have a major influence on 80-85% of all household purchasing decisions.

- 50+ are expected to drive an economic growth of 3 trillion dollars in the coming years.

sources: Nielsen, Deloitte, Boston Consulting Group