AI And The Future Of Women’s Health Technology

For far too long, women have been underrepresented in medicine, technology, research and innovation, but times are quickly changing. With a new wave of health technology centered around Women and their needs, often referred to as “femtech,” we are beginning to see more inclusive and personalized care. 

Healthcare and femtech are being revolutionized by Artificial Intelligence (AI), allowing us to enter a future where women can track, better understand, and advocate for their health care needs like never before. Using AI in healthcare is not just for convenience but also about paving the way for health equity and Women empowerment. 

In this article, we will dive into health care issues that women have been facing and the ways AI can help women take control of their health.

In order to truly understand the value of AI, we must first understand why women are seeking transformation in healthcare. Here are a few gender-specific issues that Women face: 

Just a few years ago, the government issued the National Research Act of 1973, which banned women with “childbearing potential” from clinical trials. As a result, many medical treatments and clinical practices do not benefit women, because they were designed with men in mind, delaying progress in achieving scientific advancements for women.

Compared to men, women are more likely to face resistance and scepticism regarding the severity of their pain levels. Downplaying or ignoring the severity of a woman’s pain is rooted in gender biases and toxic cultural norms. Instead of believing women and resolving their issues, their pain is often attributed to psychological factors or hormonal fluctuations.

Both men and women will face health issues throughout their lifetime. However, certain diseases show up at higher rates in women, sometimes presenting with different signs and symptoms compared to men. Here are several health conditions are disproportionately affecting Women:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common gynecologic disorder, affecting up to 20% of women during their reproductive age, normally between 15 and 49 years old. PCOS comes with a variety of other symptoms such as anovulation, polycystic ovaries, and weight gain.

Though endometriosis, a condition causing outgrowths on the reproductive track, is a different health condition, it tends to coexist in women with PCOS.

Both diseases can cause heavy bleeding and pelvic pain, making life difficult for women. Though both diseases are common, they are often misdiagnosed.

According to Standford University, out of approximately 24-50 millions of Americans who have autoimmune diseases, 4 out of 5 of them are Women.

Autoimmune disorders are when the body’s immune system begins to attack its own tissues, presenting itself as common diseases such as Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Multiple Sclerosis.

Each year, strokes kill more women than men. women and men are at higher risk for stroke if they are a person of color, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or have a history of smoking.

However, there are other reasons Women are at higher risk for stroke that are gender specific:

• Pregnancy
• Menopause
• Hormonal Medication

From predictive health care analysis to period and reproductive tracking, Integrating AI into apps and Telehealth platforms has begun to optimize healthcare experiences for Women.

Purpose: To provide women with expert care and personalized prescriptions for menopause symptoms. 24/7 access to medical professionals for members.

Cost: Free trial offered. $35-49 per month.

Purpose: With over 10 million users globally, Clue is the science-based, menstrual and fertility tracking app.

Cost: Free to download. Offers in app purchases.

Purpose: Folia is an AI app that can supports women with rare and chronic health conditions, as well as those who are still looking for a diagnosis. In addition to tracking your health, they also give users gift cards if they decide to participate in optional research studies.

Cost: Free

For a preview of the app, click here.

For years, women have faced gaps in research causing poor health care experiences and many misdiagnoses. By embracing AI platforms, women can gain greater control over their health, receive personalized help, and begin to close the gender health gap that has persisted.