Women’s Health Issues & Research

Up to date insight on women's health issues and the latest women's health research from Harvard Medical School

Women’s health concerns cover a wide spectrum. While many health conditions affect both men and women, a number of health issues affect only women and some are more prevalent in women. In addition, a number of medical conditions may cause different symptoms in women, affect women differently than men, and may require different treatment or prevention protocols.

Besides conditions such as menopause, ovarian and cervical cancer, and pregnancy, which are unique to women, other medical conditions play a large role in women’s health. Breast cancer and osteoporosis are thought of as women’s health concerns, although they occur in men. Heart disease in a serious concern to both men and women, but risk factors and preventive strategies may differ in women, and women may experience different symptoms of an impending heart attack than men. Women may have greater concerns over aging, caregiving, emotional health issues, and skin care.

Harvard Health Publications and the faculty of Harvard Medical School have created Harvard Women's Health Watch, a monthly newsletter focusing on women's health issues, along with in-depth special health reports that cover a wide range of women's health research topics. From chronic medical conditions like diabetes, thyroid and lung diseases, to foot care, sleep disturbances, urinary tract problems, and sexuality, you'll find credible, reliable information on women's health issues from the experts at Harvard Medical School. From preventive care and screenings, symptoms and diagnosis, to treatment strategies, medications and resources, you'll get all the women's health research you need to make educated decisions and take charge of your health.