Why Your Pain Matters: Tackling the Gender Bias in Healthcare

The Hidden Crisis in Women’s Healthcare:

When it comes to healthcare, women often face an uphill battle. Studies show that women’s pain is frequently dismissed, downplayed, or misdiagnosed—conditions like endometriosis take an average of 7.5 years to diagnose in the UK (Endometriosis UK), while heart attack symptoms in women are more likely to be labelled as "anxiety" or "stress" (British Heart Foundation). This systemic bias doesn’t just affect medical treatment—it spills into the workplace, where women struggle to get the support they need for chronic illnesses, reproductive health, and pain management. 

The Gender Health Gap: Key Facts and Figures 

• Women are 50% more likely to be misdiagnosed after a heart attack. 

• 1 in 10 women  suffer from endometriosis, yet research funding remains disproportionately low. 

• Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety are often overmedicated in women, while physical pain is under treated. 

• In the workplace, only 22% of UK employers have specific policies for women’s health issues like menopause or chronic pain (CIPD). 

  
  

Real Stories: Women’s Experiences of Being Dismissed:

"I was told my severe pelvic pain was ‘just period cramps’ for years—until I was finally diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis." – Sarah, 34 "After my third ER visit with chest pain, a male doctor asked if I was ‘just stressed about work.’ It was a heart attack." – Priya, 42 

These stories aren’t rare—they’re the norm. Women are more likely to be told their pain is "psychological," leading to delayed treatment and worsening conditions. 

The Research Gap: Underfunded and Underrepresented 

Historically, medical research has centred on male physiology—meaning symptoms, drug reactions, and even diagnostic criteria are often based on men. For example: 

1. Only 2.1% of publicly funded research focuses on reproductive health (Wellcome Trust). 

2. Clinical trials frequently exclude women of childbearing age, skewing data on medication effectiveness. 

   
   

This lack of research perpetuates myths like "women tolerate pain better" (they don’t—they’re just socialised to endure it silently). 

What’s Being Done? Policies and Support Organisations 

Change is slow but happening. Key developments include: 

The UK Women’s Health Strategy (2022):

A government initiative to close the gender health gap, focusing on better care for endometriosis, menopause, and mental health. 

Employer-led initiatives:

Advocacy groups:

What You Can Do: Advocacy, Self-Care, and Resources 

1. Advocate for Yourself in Healthcare 

• Keep a symptom diary with dates, triggers, and severity—doctors take concrete data more seriously. 

• Ask for tests in writing if refused, and request second opinions. 

• Use the NHS RightCare programme to challenge inadequate treatment. 

  
  

2. Push for Workplace Support 

• Know your rights: The Equality Act 2010 covers disabilities (including chronic pain) and pregnancy-related conditions. 

• Request adjustments: Flexible hours, ergonomic workstations, or remote work during flare-ups. 

• Propose policy changes: Lobby for menopause support, fertility benefits, or mental health days. 

  
  

3. Build a Support Network 

• Join employee resource groups (ERGs) for women’s health. 

• Share your story—visibility drives change. 

 

Conclusion: The Path Forward—Demanding Better Healthcare for All Women 

The gender health gap isn’t just a medical issue—it’s an economic and social one. When women’s pain is ignored, careers suffer, productivity drops, and inequalities widen. But by documenting our experiences, challenging biases, and demanding systemic change, we can create a healthcare system—and a workplace—that truly serves women. 

How Women of Our Time Can Help:

At  Women of Our Time, we’re here to support you every step of the way in advocating for your health and rights. Here’s how we can help: 

Signposting to Trusted Organisations 

We connect you with expert organisations specialising in women’s health, workplace rights, and advocacy, including: 

• Endometriosis UK for diagnosis and treatment support 

• The Menopause Charity for workplace adjustments 

• The Wellbeing of Women for research-backed health campaigns 

Free 1:1s via the Support Hub:

Workshops:

Access to Our Resources Section:

Newsletters and Blogs:

Up-to-Date Information:

Stay Informed, Stay Empowered 

The fight for equitable healthcare is far from over—but together, we’re rewriting the narrative. Through WOMENIVERSE™, our free global community, we connect women with the experts, tools, and collective power to drive change. 

Got questions or want to take action? 

Explore how we can support you - With love, rage, and unwavering solidarity, The Women of Our Time Team.

P.S. Share this with a woman who’s ever been told her pain is "just stress." Let’s turn overlooked struggles into collective strength. 💜⚡