Women have unique health needs, and most diseases and conditions affect women differently than men.
The Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR) is the thought leader in promoting research on biological sex differences in disease and improving women’s health through science, policy, and education. We are making women’s health mainstream.
JOIN US FOR THE 33rd Annual Awards Gala
Supporters of SWHR will gather in-person, together for SWHR’s 2023 Annual Awards Gala on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 to honor leaders who have significantly advanced women’s health throughout their careers.
The event will be held at the InterContinental Washington DC – The Wharf, with the cocktail reception beginning at 6:00 p.m, followed by the dinner and program at 7:00 p.m. Learn more about the 2023 Annual Awards Gala here.
DISCOVER THE Women’s Health Equity Initiative
Women in the United States experience health disparities throughout their lifespans as a result of their gender, historic health inequities in the health care system, and socioeconomic conditions.
The new Women’s Health Equity Initiative highlights statistics on women’s health in the United States and aims to engage communities on solutions to improve health equity across multiple disease states, conditions, and life stages. The first phase of the Initiative is focused on Alzheimer’s disease, bone health, maternal health, and menopause.
Through the creation of a unique roadmap and video testimonials, featuring caregivers, patients, and clinicians across the United States, SWHR is working to end women’s health disparities based on age, race, ethnicity, geography, and among caregivers. To learn more and support the Women’s Health Equity Initiative, visit www.swhr.org/healthequity.
The SWHR Women’s Health Dashboard offers a platform to explore the latest national and state data on diseases and health conditions that have significant impacts on women’s health across the lifespan – including public health data, research investment and progress, health insurance coverage, and relevant policy implications and actions. SWHR aims to bring attention to these issues, highlight current opportunities to address these disparities in women’s health, and track progress regarding science, education, and health care policy outcomes.
Five women’s health issues emerged as the focus areas of the Dashboard because they were the leading causes of death or disease burden for women, and/or they were the most disproportionate causes of death for women compared to men: Alzheimer’s Disease, Breast Cancer, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Depressive Disorders, Ischemic Heart Disease
UPCOMING SWHR EVENTS
Join us for expert conversations on women’s health research and care, hosted by SWHR and featuring SWHR leaders.
February 2023
PRGLAC Then and Now: Where We Are and Where We’re Going
The 21st Century Cures Act established the Task Force on Research Specific to Pregnant Women and Lactating Women (PRGLAC) to advise the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regarding gaps in knowledge and research on safe and effective therapies for pregnant women and lactating women. The Task Force’s work culminated in a set of recommendations based on information gleaned during four open meetings and a public comment period. The central theme of those recommendations was “the…
The Impact of Menopause on Women’s Health: A Workplace Initiative
An estimated 6,000 women in the United States reach menopause daily, with 51 being the average age. For many individuals, the hormonal changes that take place during the menopause transition are associated with physical and psychological symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood fluctuations, sleep disruptions, and cognitive challenges. These highly variable symptoms are commonly misdiagnosed, resulting in inappropriate management and disruption of day-to- day activities. With approximately 44% of women in the workforce being older…
The Impact of Menopause on Women’s Health: A Workplace Initiative
An estimated 6,000 women in the United States reach menopause daily, with 51 being the average age. For many individuals, the hormonal changes that take place during the menopause transition are associated with physical and psychological symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood fluctuations, sleep disruptions, and cognitive challenges. These highly variable symptoms are commonly misdiagnosed, resulting in inappropriate management and disruption of day-to- day activities. With approximately 44% of women in the workforce being older…
April 2023
SWHR 2023 Annual Awards Gala
SWHR’s 2023 Annual Awards Gala will be held on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 to honor leaders who have significantly advanced women’s health throughout their careers. The event will be held at the InterContinental Washington DC – The Wharf, with the cocktail reception beginning at 6:00 p.m, followed by the dinner and program at 7:00 p.m. Business attire. We look forward to seeing you there. MORE EVENT INFORMATION To purchase a sponsorship or tickets, click here.
WHAT WE’RE DOING
Utilization Management Policies and Autoimmune Diseases Fact Sheet
This resource explores autoimmune and immune-mediated diseases care options and related policy affects on provider and patient experiences.
Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
Understanding the many changes related to menopause and being prepared for their effects can help women embrace wellness during the journey. This toolkit helps prepare individuals for life through and following the menopause transition.
Promoting Bone Health Through Policy: A Call to Action
SWHR’s first disease-specific policy agenda is intended to serve as a roadmap outlining key areas of policy needed to improve the bone health of women from childhood through adulthood.
Noninvasive Prenatal Screening Resource Guide for Women
Screening for genetic conditions can be done using a number of different methods and at different time points in a person’s life. Learn more about the role of Noninvasive Prenatal Screening (NIPS) in this personal toolkit.
SHARE YOUR STORY
SWHR is asking women to share their personal health journeys, to be posted on the SWHR website and other SWHR-branded material, as appropriate. In addition to patient stories, SWHR is interested in the stories of those who serve as caregiver for a family member (parent, spouse, child, etc.). Your story is powerful and we hope to share with policymakers, researchers, providers and most importantly, other women.
Your story could help educate and inform other women who may be going through a similar experience.
who we are
Learn more about SWHR’s science, policy and education efforts to make women’s health mainstream.
Learn more about SWHR’s mission, vision, and strategic map.
Learn more about our science programs.
Work that
matters
Biological differences between the sexes exist, from a single cell to the entire body. SWHR is bringing attention to sex and gender differences in health and disease in order to address unmet needs and research gaps in women’s health.
we’re leading the way
