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.

What we’re doing

Stay informed on progress in women’s health research and learn more about the exciting work we do.

Paper: The Roles of Sex and Gender in Women’s Eye Health Disparities in the United States

This recent paper in Biology of Sex Differences captures insights and recommendations from the Women’s Eye Health Working Group convened by SWHR and with the shared goals of identifying knowledge gaps and unmet needs; exploring better means to advance research; improving patient care; and raising awareness of key issues.

Fact Sheet: Menopause Preparedness

While most women experience menopause in their late 40s or 50s, some individuals may experience menopause early due to certain medical conditions or surgical procedures. SWHR’s fact sheet on menopause provides an overview of the transition, symptoms, and treatment options.

Roadmap: Crucial Vaccination Conversations: A Roadmap to Engage Women and Their Communities

are an important measure to promote family and public health by slowing, and sometimes preventing, the spread of infectious and dangerous diseases. SWHR’s roadmap is designed to to guide community program planners as they engage women and their families in meaningful conversations and initiatives to improve individual and public health through vaccinations.

 

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.

WHAT IS WOMEN’S HEALTH RESEARCH?

Two-thirds of those with Alzheimer’s disease are women.

Women may experience different heart attack symptoms than men.

90% of women with sleep apnea go undiagnosed.

Women often have a stronger and faster immune system response to infections than men.

Migraine is three times more common in women than men.

  we’re leading the way

Together with our partners from diverse sectors, we bring attention to areas of need in women’s health.

ABOUT SWHR
SWHR IN THE NEWS
PARTNER WITH SWHR
SUPPORT SWHR

30
YEARS

PRIORITIZING WOMEN’S HEALTH

Since 1990, SWHR has been championing for research and policy that improves women’s health.

+50%
WOMEN

IN FDA DRUG TRIALS 

After years of SWHR advocacy, in 2017, for the first time, women accounted for over half of research participants for approved drugs.

11
SCIENCE NETWORKS

IDENTIFYING GAPS IN RESEARCH

SWHR convenes researchers, clinicians, patients and other stakeholders to effect change in overlooked areas of women’s health