I read an amazing book called ‘Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men’, The author Caroline Criado Perez has gathered various statistics that show how women are treated unevenly. She has argued that the data shows that healthcare is “systematically discriminating against women, leaving them chronically misunderstood, mistreated and misdiagnosed”.
Women are more likely than men to suffer adverse side effects of medications because drug dosages have historically been based on clinical trials conducted on men.
The 2001 study ‘The Girl Who Cried Pain: A Bias Against Women in the Treatment of Pain’ argued that women:
are less studied, but also argued that they are misdiagnosed more and taken less seriously by the health system. They also get prescribed less pain medication than men after identical procedures and are less likely to be admitted to hospital and receive stress tests when they complain of chest pain. Women are significantly more likely than men to be undertreated for pain by doctors.
It can be extremely difficult to express the pain that can stem from female health issues, especially those that suffer with PMS, endometriosis, menopause and hysterectomies. Women find it difficult and embarrassing to talk to their partners, families, children, work colleagues and bosses. They are often dismissed when they do try and raise their concerns, even talking to health care professionals and doctors can be a challenge. On top of this women’s healthcare is underfunded and we are often made to feel like we cannot express our pain and concerns.
A Report for the House of Lords on 1 July 2021 states that overall systemic biases due to pregnancy, health and other issues prevent women with complex and multiple problems receiving the care they need.
In a recent press release, the Government outlined some of these issues, stating that:
Less is known about conditions that only affect women, including common gynaecological conditions that can have severe impacts on health and wellbeing. For example, on average it takes 7 to 8 years for women to receive a diagnosis of endometriosis, with 40% of women needing 10 or more GP appointments before being referred to a specialist.
There is evidence that the impact of female-specific health conditions such as heavy menstrual bleeding, endometriosis, pregnancy-related issues and the menopause is overlooked. This includes the effect such conditions can have on workforce participation, productivity and outcomes.
Furthermore According to an article in the Guardian newspaper in 2019, women have been woefully neglected in studies on pain... There is five times more research into erectile dysfunction, which affects 19% of men, than into premenstrual syndrome, which affects 90% of women.
Women’s bodies are often discussed, evaluated and even scrutinized in the media. For centuries women have been ignored and dismissed then told that they must act and look a certain way, thankfully the situation has started to change for women but there is still a long way to go. Huge gender pay gaps for example still exist and women encounter judgement about their bodies at home, work, in public places and health facilities. As a result women compare themselves to others constantly and can develop unhealthy habits to cope if they do not feel good enough.
Together we can change this and improve the lives of women. I create a safe, secure and supportive space for each person to feel heard and valued, to express themselves and to become the best version of themselves that they can be, but to also help them love themselves for who they are in order for them to lead more fulfilled lives instead of living in fear.
As the famous actress Audrey Hepburn said, “True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul”.
I realise now that taking true time for myself is not a luxury, self-care is not selfish. Even when I used to be on holiday I would be working and looking to fill the time with activities. I have given myself the time to recover from my surgery, and heal the emotional scars, to forgive myself and others and to truly find what makes me happy.
I have been where many of you are, suffering from unbearable pain and not feeling like I could express it. I help women identify their concerns and help to process their emotions so that they can have a happier and healthier life and be more present and connected to their entourage. I can help you find your sublime- self.
Physical symptoms from these conditions can manifest in the following ways: Painful & irregular periods, endo belly, (swollen abdomen), hot flashes, stomach pain, pelvic cramps, excessive bleeding, nausea, vomiting, constipation, hormone imbalances, ovarian cysts, fibroids, infertility, constant fatigue, dry skin, hair loss and painful intimate relations, these are just to mention a few.
The physical aspect is one side of the healing, the emotional aspect can also have a huge impact. Emotional symptoms can include anxiety, irritability, and isolation, mood swings, being withdrawn and even depression.
If you suffer from any or all these then book a free call with me to ascertain how I can help you. I have suffered from many of these symptoms and with my training and experience I want to help you.
In the words of Maya Angelou, “I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it”.