National Women's Health Month: Celebrating and Prioritizing Women's Well-being

May is National Women's Health Month—a dedicated time to put a spotlight on the physical and mental well-being of women everywhere. It's more than just a calendar observance. It's a much-needed nudge to step out of autopilot, reflect on what your body and mind need right now, and make space for the care you deserve.

Women are often the decision-makers and caregivers—showing up for others at home, at work, in relationships, and in community. This month is a powerful reminder to turn some of that care inward and advocate for improved healthcare access and equity for women across all life stages.

The Significance of National Women's Health Month

National Women's Health Month was established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health (OWH) to amplify the conversation around women's unique health needs. Since its inception, this observance has grown into a comprehensive campaign that educates, inspires, and mobilizes women to take actionable steps toward better health outcomes.

An article published in the National Library of Medicine states that despite making approximately 80% of healthcare decisions for their families, women often neglect their own health needs while caring for others. National Women's Health Month serves as a reminder that self-care isn't selfish—it's necessary.

Primary Health Concerns for Women

Women face distinctive health challenges throughout their lives that require specialized attention. Women’s Health Month acts as an opportunity to educate women on the most common risks to their health, the symptoms, the warning signs, and when they should seek medical attention, so they know when something is out of the ordinary. Here are some of the most important health concerns that women should consider during Women’s Health Month:

Cardiovascular Health
According to the CDC, heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women in the United States, claiming approximately 299,578 lives annually—about one in every five female deaths. Yet only 56% of women recognize heart disease as their greatest health threat, according to the American Heart Association. Women often experience different heart attack symptoms than men, including shortness of breath, nausea, and back or jaw pain, which can lead to delayed treatment.

Cancer Awareness and Prevention
Breast cancer affects about one in eight U.S. women (12%) during their lifetime. The five-year survival rate is 99% when detected early, highlighting the critical importance of regular screenings. Additionally, gynecological cancers (cervical, ovarian, uterine) collectively affect over 98,000 women annually, according to the American Cancer Society's 2024 statistics.

Reproductive and Maternal Health
Comprehensive reproductive healthcare remains essential throughout a woman's life. Office on Women’s Health (OASH) reports that approximately 10% of women (6.1 million) in the United States have difficulty getting pregnant or staying pregnant. Meanwhile, the maternal mortality rate in the U.S. stands at 23.8 deaths per 100,000 live births—significantly higher than other developed nations and with stark racial disparities that demand urgent attention.

Bone Health
According to OASH, osteoporosis disproportionately affects women, who represent 80% of the 10 million Americans with this condition. The dramatic decrease in estrogen during menopause accelerates bone loss, making women over 50 particularly vulnerable. A woman's risk of breaking a hip due to osteoporosis is equal to her combined risk of breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer.

Autoimmune Conditions
Women account for nearly 80% of those affected by autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. The American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association estimates that these conditions collectively affect 50 million Americans, with women bearing the predominant burden.

Women's Mental Health: Unique Challenges

Women experience depression and anxiety at nearly twice the rate of men, with major depressive episodes affecting over 10% of adult women compared to just over 6% of men, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. But behind the numbers is a more complex story—one shaped by both biology and the weight of societal expectations.

Hormonal fluctuations tied to menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause can intensify emotional challenges and increase vulnerability to certain mental health conditions. For example, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that 1 in 8 women experience postpartum depression, while others may face mood disruptions linked to perimenopause or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)—conditions that are only recently gaining the clinical attention they deserve.

But biology is just one part of the equation. Societal pressures also heavily influence mental health outcomes. Many women carry the invisible load of unpaid caregiving. They're more likely to experience trauma, including sexual violence. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 1 in 3, or 30%, of women have been subjected to physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner or non-partner sexual violence or both. Gender discrimination, pay inequity, and unrealistic beauty standards can create daily stress and erode self-worth over time.

The result? Not only are disorders like depression, anxiety, and eating disorders more prevalent among women—they also often show up differently, requiring care that’s nuanced, responsive, and rooted in real life.

Preventative Care:

A comprehensive approach to women's health encompasses regular preventative care:

Essential Screenings by Age

• ‍• Ages 20-39: Annual well-woman visits, cervical cancer screening, STI testing as needed, clinical breast exams ‍
• • Ages 40-49: All above plus mammograms (frequency based on risk factors), diabetes screening, thyroid testing ‍
• • Ages 50-64: All above plus colorectal cancer screening, bone density testing, mammograms every 1-2 years ‍
• • Ages 65+: All appropriate screenings from above plus focus on cognitive health assessment, fall risk evaluation

The Path Forward: Advocating for Women's Health Equity

National Women's Health Month reminds us that women's health isn't just an individual concern—it's a societal priority requiring ongoing attention, research, and resources. Despite significant advances, gaps persist in research, clinical practice, and healthcare access.

Let’s honor National Women’s Health Month by:

• • Schedule preventative screenings and annual exams
• • Learn about women's specific health risks and warning signs
• • Support the women in your life in prioritizing their health
• • Advocate for policies that advance women's health equity

By raising awareness and taking concrete actions during National Women's Health Month, we contribute to a future where all women have the knowledge, resources, and support to achieve optimal health throughout their lives.