Let’s get real for a moment.
Modern medicine has come a long way. We’ve got robot-assisted surgery, 3-D printed organs on the way, apps that can track your basic vitals, and ED meds to keep a man from the Truman years ready for action. But somehow, when it comes to women’s health? It feels like we’re still stuck in the dark ages—or at least a dusty old textbook written by men who never once had to navigate a menstrual cycle.
This isn't just annoying. It’s dangerous.
Where Are All the Women? (Not in the Research)
For decades, women were largely excluded from clinical research. Why? Considering half the population is made up of women... Because our hormones make things “complicated,” and researchers didn’t want pregnancy risks to skew their pristine, male-centric data.
I'm not sure if it is stupidity or laziness, but there it is.
And the result? Most drugs, treatments, early detections, and health protocols are based on studies done on men. It’s like designing a seat belt that fits only one foot and hoping it works for everyone. (Spoiler: it doesn’t.) Side note: those are also only considering the body mass of a man, but that is a completely different frustrating disappointment for another day.
Even today, women are still underrepresented in clinical trials—especially in the early phases. Which means medications might affect us differently... but we won’t know until it’s too late.
The Pain Gap: No, It’s Not “Just in Your Head”
Raise your hand if you’ve ever had a doctor brush off your pain, chalk it up to stress, or suggest a bubble bath and a good night’s sleep. (Yes, we see you. All of you.)
Women’s pain is routinely downplayed or misdiagnosed. And women being in pain is hyper-normalized since our first period.
And if you’re a woman of color? The gap only widens. Studies show women are less likely to receive adequate pain relief, and Black women in particular are more likely to have their symptoms dismissed.
This leads to delayed diagnoses, worsened conditions, and—in some heartbreaking cases—preventable deaths.
Still a Mystery: Female-Specific Conditions
Endometriosis. PCOS. Uterine fibroids. These are not rare conditions. They affect millions of women worldwide—yet they remain grossly underdiagnosed, underfunded, and misunderstood.
Thanks to a combo of stigma, lack of education, and medical laziness, these conditions can go undiagnosed for years. Women are often told their symptoms are “normal” or that they should just “tough it out.”
About 1 in 10 women have endo, and it can take up to 10 YEARS to get the diagnosis.
Imagine being told your appendix bursting is “just part of being a guy.”
The Layered Struggle: When Gender Meets Race
Now add systemic racism to the mix, and the issue becomes even more dire.
Black, Indigenous, and other women of color face even greater disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. From heart disease to maternal mortality, the numbers are terrifying.
And we can’t just blame a lack of access. Even with access, bias in the system means these women often don’t get the same level of care, compassion, or credibility.
Lawmakers with Zero Anatomy Knowledge
Let’s not even get started on the policies crafted by people who couldn’t find the uterus on a labeled diagram.
When lawmakers make medical decisions without medical knowledge, it’s not just insulting—it’s harmful. Menstrual cycles, contraception, and reproductive rights should not be subject to political whim. Yet… here we are.
This lack of understanding fuels misinformation, bad legislation, and ultimately worse health outcomes for women.
So, What Can You Do?
Here’s the good news: knowledge is power. Learning about your body—your cycle, your anatomy, your options—is more than just self-care. It’s an act of rebellion.
In a world that tells women to sit down, be quiet, and accept the pain, choosing to know yourself is revolutionary.
Talk to your friends. Teach your daughters. Question your doctors. Demand better. Advocate for yourself and for the women around you.
Because knowing your body isn’t just a right—it’s a birthright. And it’s how we move from surviving to thriving.
The good news? The information is out there. More than ever, we have access to brilliant medical content creators, pelvic health physical therapists, and deeply informed yoga teachers who are bridging the gap between science and embodied wisdom. But yes—there’s also a lot of noise. And rightfully, many of us worry about misinformation, wellness scams, or spiritual bypassing disguised as health advice. So, how do you protect yourself without tuning out completely? Here are a few solid ways to spot red flags:
No Credentials, Big Claims – Be wary of anyone making sweeping promises (“cure your endo naturally in 10 days!”) without credentials, research, or nuance.
Fear-Based Marketing – If someone is using guilt, shame, or fear to sell their method, that’s a major sign to pause and question.
No Room for Questions – True educators welcome curiosity. If someone shuts down questions or dismisses concerns, walk away.
Overuse of Buzzwords, Underuse of Evidence – Words like “detox,” “hormone balancing,” or “womb awakening” can be beautiful in the right context—but should still be backed up with clarity and real understanding.
They Claim to Replace Your Doctor – No educator or guide should ever tell you to stop seeing your medical provider without a legitimate reason.
You deserve information that’s empowering, honest, and grounded. Keep asking questions. Stay curious. And know that reclaiming your health doesn’t mean rejecting science—it means demanding better science, better care, and a world where your body is studied, understood, and deeply respected.