In the realm of healthcare, the conversation around gender differences has sparked various debates and breakthroughs. Back in 2013, the US Food and Drug Administration shook the foundation of pharmaceutical norms by recommending a lower dosage of the insomnia drug zolpidem for women compared to men. The reasoning? Women seemed to metabolize the medication at a slower rate, raising safety concerns.
Fast forward to 2019, a groundbreaking study from Tufts University challenged this gender-based prescribing practice. Researchers found that the varying effects of zolpidem were not rooted in sex but rather in body size. It turned out that the prescribed lower dosage for women could potentially lead to underdosing, jeopardizing effective treatment for insomnia. Angela Saini, author of The Patriarchs: How Men Came to Rule, sheds light on this issue, stating, “We were using sex as a proxy for body size because that’s the data we typically collect, rather than the data we actually need.”
Saini continues to emphasize that many health disparities between men and women are not inherently linked to biological sex. While certain differences exist, such as in reproductive health, the majority of health-related disparities stem from gender biases. This notion challenges common misconceptions, like the belief that women experience unique heart attack symptoms. Recent research from the University of Edinburgh revealed that both men and women predominantly report chest pain during a heart attack, dispelling the myth of gender-specific symptoms.
The heart of the issue lies in the way individuals are perceived and treated based on their gender. Saini highlights a poignant example from a 2016 Canadian study on patients with acute coronary syndrome. The research uncovered that individuals who conformed to stereotypical female roles, regardless of their gender, exhibited higher recurrence rates. This was attributed to the anxiety often associated with traditional gender roles.
Addressing these disparities calls for a shift in healthcare practices. Saini advocates for a more holistic approach to diagnosis, moving away from biased assumptions. She applauds the work of Jennie Joseph, a midwife who revolutionized maternal healthcare by improving quality, listening to women’s concerns, and providing responsive care. Joseph’s endeavors significantly reduced maternal mortality rates among minority women, emphasizing the transformative power of unbiased care.
As we navigate the complexities of gender, health, and bias, it becomes clear that the path to equitable healthcare lies in understanding and addressing societal norms and prejudices. By actively challenging assumptions and embracing inclusive care practices, we can pave the way for a healthier future for all.
This article is featured in the July/August 2024 edition of WIRED UK magazine.