Women’s Health: Why Medicine Has Historically Overlooked the Female Body

For centuries, medical research and practice have often centered on the male body, leading to significant gaps in understanding and addressing the unique health needs of women. While progress is being made, disparities persist in diagnosis, treatment, and overall healthcare experiences. This article explores the historical context of this imbalance, its current consequences, and the ongoing efforts to create a more equitable approach to women’s health.

A Historical Perspective: The “Eternal Sick” and Beyond

Historically, women’s health has been framed through a lens of perceived weakness and difference. As far back as the 19th century, figures like Jules Michelet described women as “eternally sick,” a notion that contributed to the medicalization of female experiences and a tendency to view women’s bodies as inherently problematic.¹ While perspectives have evolved, and women in Western countries now generally have a longer life expectancy than men, this longevity doesn’t necessarily translate to better health.

The Paradox of Longevity and Healthspan

Despite living longer on average, women often spend a greater proportion of their lives living with illness. Research indicates that while women in France live, on average, a little over 85 years compared to just over 79 years for men, their “healthspan” – the years lived in good health – extends to just over 65 years.¹ This means women can spend approximately 20 years navigating significant health challenges. This disparity is further compounded by socioeconomic factors.

Systemic Biases in Medical Research and Practice

A fundamental issue is the historical tendency to design medical research around male subjects. This has resulted in a lack of understanding of how diseases manifest differently in women, how medications affect them differently, and how their unique physiological characteristics influence health outcomes.

• Diagnostic Disparities: Studies have shown that in emergency room settings, healthcare providers are less likely to perceive a woman’s condition as serious compared to a man’s, even when presenting with identical symptoms.¹ Specifically, 62% of healthcare workers judge a man’s case as severe versus only 49% for a woman.
• Medication Dosages: Drug dosages are often based on studies conducted primarily on men, potentially leading to inappropriate or ineffective treatment for women.¹
• Symptom Misinterpretation: Women’s symptoms, particularly those related to heart attacks (such as nausea, shortness of breath, and fatigue), can be overlooked or misattributed because they don’t align with the “classic” male presentation of the condition.¹

Socioeconomic Factors and Access to Care

Beyond biological and research biases, socioeconomic factors significantly impact women’s health. A substantial retirement gap between men and women (approximately 40% in France) leaves women more vulnerable to financial hardship when facing illness.¹ limited access to healthcare due to geographic barriers (medical deserts), transportation difficulties, and the cost of care further exacerbate these inequalities. Social factors, such as ethnicity, language proficiency, and socioeconomic status, as well play a role, with marginalized women often facing greater barriers to accessing quality care.¹

The Importance of Listening to Patients

A growing emphasis on patient-centered care highlights the critical importance of listening to women’s experiences and validating their concerns. One example cited is Bayonne, France, recognized for its high-quality women’s healthcare due to physicians taking the time to listen to their patients.¹ This approach leads to more accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans, addressing issues that might otherwise be dismissed or overlooked.

Looking Ahead: Towards Equitable Healthcare

Addressing the historical and ongoing biases in women’s health requires a multifaceted approach:

• Increased Research: Prioritizing research that specifically focuses on women’s health conditions and considers sex-based differences.
• Education and Training: Educating healthcare professionals about the unique health needs of women and the importance of recognizing and addressing biases.
• Policy Changes: Implementing policies that promote equitable access to healthcare for all women, regardless of socioeconomic status or geographic location.
• Patient Advocacy: Empowering women to advocate for their own health and demand the care they deserve.

By acknowledging the historical context, addressing systemic biases, and prioritizing patient-centered care, we can move towards a future where women’s health is valued, understood, and effectively addressed.

¹ Belin-Editeur. “Femmes et santé, encore une affaire d’hommes?” http://www.belin-editeur.com/femmes-et-sante-encore-une-affaire-dhommes. Accessed February 27, 2026.