Focusing on sex and gender differences could improve quality of care, said experts at Northwell Health’s Raise Health Forum.

Sex and gender are key factors in healthcare, and the industry must take steps to address women’s specific needs to improve their health, said experts on a virtual panel discussion at Northwell Health’s Raise Health Forum.

One important aspect is ensuring women are represented in clinical trials, since sex can have an effect on variables like drug dosage or side effects.

That extends to preclinical or laboratory research on cells and animals too, said Dr. Janine Clayton, director of the Office of Research on Women’s Health at the National Institutes of Health.

“We know that one-size-fits-all, unisex research doesn’t address the health needs of women and men,” she said. “And, in fact, it's less rigorous by definition, because it definitely is biased from the outset. So now that we know that every single cell in your body has a sex – it’s either XX or XY. We know that's important to consider in the preclinical space as we translate into the clinical space.”

It’s also important to acknowledge biological differences that can put women at increased risk for some diseases.

“One of the things we need to do is become aware of the differences of women and how they are represented in trials,” said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association.

“And of course, I must say that in cardiovascular disease there are unique complicators like pregnancy and menopause that across the lifespan put us at greater risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, including MINOCA, which is a heart attack without blocked arteries, which often goes undiagnosed or untreated by doctors.”

But gender and the social expectations that come along with it can affect health as well.

“Gender is a multidimensional social construct. It talks about behaviors, dynamics, expectations – the clothes we choose to wear. The fact that in Western countries caregiving is predominantly delivered by women is a gendered behavior. And that also affects health. Clearly, caregiving responsibilities can affect the caregiver,” Clayton said.

Read more- https://www.mobihealthnews.com/news/more-inclusive-health-research-could-help-boost-womens-health-future