From Prevention to Innovation: How Science is Transforming Women’s Health

Women’s health is a broad concept that encompasses physical, mental, and social aspects that directly impact well-being throughout life, from reproductive health to chronic conditions such as heart disease and specific cancers. 

 

In this context, biomarkers play a crucial role in enabling the early identification and monitoring of diseases that often manifest differently in women, such as cardiovascular diseases. 

 

Precision medicine enhances this progress by utilizing biomarkers and individual genetic profiles to personalize treatments, optimizing therapeutic efficacy and reducing adverse effects. 

 

Focusing on these challenges is crucial to ensuring that today’s scientific breakthroughs translate into exceptional medical care for all women. Throughout this article, we will explore how these factors impact women’s quality of life, the main challenges faced, and the innovations that are transforming medicine dedicated to women’s health. 

 

 

The Importance of Women’s Health 

Women’s health has gained increasing recognition in society, reflecting the need for a comprehensive and specific approach throughout life. Advances in medicine enable more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatments, contributing to prevention and overall well-being (1). 

 

However, women’s health is becoming increasingly complex due to the rapid evolution of technology and medical knowledge, along with the challenge of managing multiple or chronic conditions. 

 

Despite advancements in medicine and improved access to information, a significant number of women still do not seek medical care regularly. Various factors contribute to this reality, including financial constraints, lack of healthcare infrastructure in certain regions, and the misconception that preventive consultations are unnecessary. 

 

According to the Women’s Health Index, one of the largest global studies on women’s health, more than 1 billion women worldwide did not visit a healthcare professional within a year, while approximately 1.5 billion did not undergo essential screenings for diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and sexually transmitted infections (2). 

 

The study, published in 2021, surveyed over 600,000 women aged 15 and older across 122 countries, covering representative data from 94% of the global female population in this age group. 

 

These numbers highlight the urgent need to expand healthcare access and raise awareness among women about the importance of preventive care (2). 

 

Ensuring equitable access to these innovations and addressing the underrepresentation of women in clinical trials are essential for driving continuous progress in women’s health. 

 

Women’s Health Throughout Life 

Women’s health has become increasingly complex due to technological advancements, expanding medical knowledge, and the challenge of managing chronic diseases. Gynecologists and obstetricians often require a multidisciplinary approach to address the specific needs of their patients (1). Investing in women’s health benefits not only women themselves but also society as a whole, promoting well-being and reducing the burden of disease. 

 

Each stage of a woman’s life presents unique challenges and needs, making medical and preventive care essential for quality of life. 

 

• Health in Childhood and Adolescence 

At this stage, healthcare should go beyond physical growth, encompassing emotional health and body education. Proper nutrition, vaccination, and pediatric follow-ups are essential. Puberty brings hormonal changes that can affect the menstrual cycle and metabolic health. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) should be monitored early, as they impact fertility and overall health in adulthood (3). 

 

• Reproductive Phase and Specific Care 

During this stage, the focus is on fertility, contraception, and gynecological health. Regular gynecological check-ups help prevent, diagnosis and treatment sexually transmitted infections (STIs), assess menstrual cycle health, and assist with reproductive planning. 

 

Additionally, conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and vaginal microbiome imbalances can affect quality of life and fertility. Healthy habits, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise, play a crucial role in hormonal regulation and overall well-being (4). 

 

• Menopause and Healthy Aging 

During menopause, healthcare focuses on preventing chronic diseases such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular problems while managing hormonal transition symptoms. Biological, psychological, and behavioral changes impact this phase, requiring specialized care (5). 

 

Regular medical check-ups and preventive screenings are essential for ensuring a healthy and active aging process. 

 

Throughout life, women’s health requires close attention and an integrated healthcare approach, reinforcing the importance of information, prevention, and access to quality medical services. 

 

The Impact of Women’s Diseases on Public Health 

Diseases such as breast cancer, endometriosis, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular conditions have a significant impact on public health due to their high prevalence and socioeconomic consequences. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death among women, accounting for more than 35% of female deaths worldwide (6). 

 

Obesity, a major risk factor for various chronic conditions, affects approximately 40% of adult women globally, increasing the incidence of type 2 diabetes and hypertension (7). 

 

Preeclampsia, a severe pregnancy complication, affects about 5% to 7% of pregnancies and is one of the leading causes of maternal and fetal morbidity. Beyond immediate risks, women who experience this condition have a higher predisposition to developing hypertension and cardiovascular diseases later in life (8). 

 

Anemia is one of the most common nutritional issues among women, affecting about one-third of the female population and surpassing 40% during pregnancy. This condition is a risk factor for the development of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions (9). 

 

Osteoporosis is a significant concern, especially after menopause, when bone mass loss accelerates. Factors such as genetics, nutrition, and lifestyle directly influence this risk. 

 

Early diagnosis through bone densitometry enables preventive interventions, reducing fracture risks and improving quality of life. 

 

The socioeconomic impact of these diseases is substantial, affecting productivity and increasing healthcare costs due to hospitalizations and long-term treatments. Studies indicate that chronic diseases in women generate billions of dollars in direct and indirect medical expenses annually, reinforcing the need for public policies focused on prevention, early diagnosis, and access to effective treatments (10). 

  

Gynecological Health and New Testing Technologies 

Gynecological health is fundamental to women’s well-being, encompassing essential preventive care for the early detection of conditions such as cervical cancer, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and hormonal disorders. 

 

Regular medical follow-ups not only help identify early-stage abnormalities but also promote healthy habits and proper reproductive health management. In this context, preventive exams play a crucial role in reducing mortality rates and improving women’s quality of life. 

 

Routine tests such as Pap smears and colposcopies are widely used in gynecological disease screening, particularly for cervical cancer, but technological advancements have expanded diagnostic possibilities. 

 

The high-risk HPV test, for example, offers greater accuracy in assessing cervical cancer risk (11). Additionally, artificial intelligence is beginning to be incorporated into the analysis of gynecological exams, with the potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy and reduce false negatives (12). 

 

Another significant innovation is the use of metagenomics in vaginal microbiome analysis, enabling more detailed diagnoses of bacterial vaginosis and fungal infections, which allows for more personalized and effective treatments (13). 

 

Here on the blog, we have also explored the importance of the vaginal microbiome in women’s health. Click here to read the full article. 

 

The adoption of these technologies reinforces the importance of preventive exams, as many gynecological conditions remain asymptomatic in their early stages. Access to modern testing, combined with continuous medical monitoring, strengthens women’s autonomy and enables more precise and individualized care. 

 

 

Reproduction and Fertility: Tests That Help Women on Their Journey 

Female fertility is influenced by various factors, including age, hormonal health, genetics, and gynecological conditions. For women who wish to conceive or simply gain a better understanding of their reproductive health, specific tests can provide valuable insights into ovarian reserve, hormonal function, and potential genetic risks. 

 

Fertility assessment typically includes hormonal tests, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) measurements, which help estimate ovarian capacity and response to reproductive treatments (14). 

 

Additionally, imaging tests like transvaginal ultrasound assist in identifying conditions that may impact fertility, such as fibroids, endometriosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). 

 

Genetics also plays a crucial role in reproductive health. Genetic tests can detect mutations that affect fertility or increase the risk of passing on hereditary diseases. 

 

Women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer may benefit from BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene analysis, as mutations in these genes not only elevate cancer risk but are also associated with premature ovarian failure (15). 

 

For breast cancer patients, the Prosigna molecular test helps stratify disease risk and can influence fertility preservation decisions before undergoing oncological treatments that affect ovarian function (16). 

 

From a health perspective, men and women differ not only in reproductive biology but also in risks for many non-reproductive diseases, such as autoimmune disorders and venous thromboembolism (17, 18), the relative importance of disease risk factors (19), diagnosis rates, prognoses, and medication responses (20, 21). 

 

Medical monitoring and the implementation of these tests allow for safer and more individualized reproductive planning, granting women greater autonomy over their fertility journey. 

 

How Is Technology Revolutionizing Women’s Medicine? 

Technological innovation has led to significant advancements in women’s health. From high-precision genetic tests, such as BRCA+ and Prosigna that assess the risk of disease development as well as the risk of recurrence, to improvements in imaging exams, medicine is becoming increasingly personalized and predictive. 

 

Moreover, telemedicine and digital platforms are facilitating access to medical consultations and health monitoring, broadening the reach of women’s healthcare. 

 

The development of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine was a major breakthrough in cervical cancer prevention, which is the third most common cancer among women worldwide and a significant cause of penile carcinoma in men (22). Initially targeted at girls, the vaccine now also includes boys at the ages of 11 or 12. 

 

Despite women making up nearly half of the world’s population, the technology industry focused on their healthcare needs remains a small fraction of the global market. 

 

In 2019, the “femtech” industry—which encompasses services, products, and software catering to women’s biological and medical needs—generated $820.6 million in revenue and received $592 million in venture capital investments (23). This amount is minimal compared to the women’s healthcare market, which exceeds $500 billion annually (24). 

 

Over the past decade, the number of technology-driven applications and services for women has grown, including fertility tracking, menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause monitoring. 

 

Biotechnology companies are focusing on preventing and managing conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. These advances, combined with the historical underrepresentation of women in pharmaceutical trials, highlight a significant and undervalued market (25). 

 

Mental Health and Its Relationship with Laboratory Testing 

The impact of stress and mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression, on women’s health is substantial, affecting everything from the menstrual cycle to cardiovascular health. 

 

Laboratory tests, including hormonal measurements and inflammatory markers, help diagnose and monitor treatments (26). Women experience a higher lifetime burden of chronic mental illnesses, with depression projected to become the leading global burden of disease among women by 2030 (27). 

 

Conditions such as depression and anxiety affect both the psychological and physical well-being of women, reducing their quality of life. Critical life stages, such as menarche, pregnancy, menopause, and late life, are periods when the risk of mental disorders increases, especially in cases of trauma, discrimination, and poverty (28). 

 

During pregnancy, untreated depression and anxiety are linked to risks such as preterm birth and low birth weight (29, 30). In midlife and old age, stress and mental disorders are associated with key cardiovascular health indicators (31, 32). 

 

Women’s health involves not only medical care but also healthy habits, such as regular check-ups, physical activity, and a balanced diet—fundamental for disease prevention and overall well-being. 

 

The Future of Women’s Health 

The future of women’s medicine is promising, with advancements in diagnostics, treatments, and prevention. The personalization of healthcare through genetic testing and digital technologies will enable increasingly effective and accessible care. Information and awareness remain powerful tools for women to take charge of their health. 

 

More than 30 years ago, the introduction of the Women’s Health Equity Act led to the creation of the Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH), which collaborates with NIH (National Institutes of Health) centers to promote inclusive research (33). In 1998, the NIH issued a directive requiring the inclusion of women and minorities in all human subject research (34). 

 

This initiative was a crucial step in ensuring that women were represented in scientific studies that directly impact their health. 

 

Recently, the European Commission reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality in research and innovation, setting a 50% target for women’s inclusion in research teams and committees under Horizon Europe (35). 

 

In 2020, as part of its webinar series, the Royal Society of Medicine hosted a three-part series dedicated to the role of digital technology in transforming women’s health (36). 

 

As we move toward a more inclusive and technologically advanced future, women’s medicine benefits from innovations that allow for more precise and accessible healthcare. 

 

The inclusion of women in scientific research and increased awareness of their needs are essential to ensuring these advancements benefit all, promoting health, autonomy, and mental well-being. 

 

Thus, women’s medicine not only evolves but also achieves a transformative impact on the lives of women worldwide. 

 

Which Tests Does SYNLAB Offer in Women’s Health? 

SYNLAB offers a wide range of tests tailored to women’s health across different life stages, from routine preventive screenings to the early detection of various conditions. 

 

With innovative technologies, these tests aid in disease screening, diagnosis, and monitoring, contributing to a more personalized and effective healthcare approach. 

 

Some of the key tests include: 

• Vaginal Microbiome: Comprehensive microbial genome sequencing

• THROMBO inCode Reproductive Health: Genetic assessment of reproductive health

• HPV Typing: Detection and typing of human papillomavirus (HPV)

• neoBona: Next-generation non-invasive prenatal screening

• Pre-eclampsia 1st Trimester: First-trimester pregnancy screening

• Pre-eclampsia 2nd and 3nd Trimesters: Pregnancy diagnosis for the second and third trimestres

• Genotyping KIR + HLA-C: Immunogenetic assessment of reproductive success

• BRCA+16 Genes: Hereditary gynecological cancer prevention

• Prosigna: Breast cancer recurrence risk assessment

• NEURO PGx: Genetic analysis of drug response

• Cardio inCode Score: Genetic cardiovascular risk assessment

• NutriHealth: Advanced nutrigenetic analysis

Get to know SYNLAB – A Leader in Medical Diagnostic Services! 

Accurate and up-to-date testing is essential for precise diagnoses and better treatment guidance. SYNLAB is here to help. 

 

We offer diagnostic solutions with rigorous quality control to the companies, patients, and healthcare providers we serve. Present in Brazil for over 10 years, we operate in 36 countries across three continents and are leaders in diagnostic services in Europe. 

 

Contact the SYNLAB team to learn about our available tests. 

 

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