The newly released publication, Recent Developments in Women’s Health Research at the U.S. National Institutes of Health, highlights key NIH programs, policies, and scientific advancements that have informed and improved the health of women. Co-authors include ORWH Director Janine Clayton, M.D., FARVO; NIH Director Monica Bertagnolli, M.D.; Deputy Director for Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives in the NIH Office of the Director Tara A. Schwetz, Ph.D.; Director of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Diana Bianchi, M.D.; and Director of the National Institute on Aging Richard Hodes, M.D.

Historically, women’s health research has focused on reproductive health and female-specific conditions, but it has since expanded to encompass all aspects of the health of women. The publication reviews how the changes NIH has implemented have affirmed the importance of women’s health research through policies and programs that support rigor and the inclusion of women in biomedical research. A significant milestone in this effort was the establishment of ORWH in 1990. ORWH serves as the focal point for coordinating women’s health research and integrating sex and gender considerations into scientific frameworks across NIH Institutes, Centers, and Offices, federal agencies, and the broader scientific enterprise.  

The publication also discusses current challenges in women’s health in the U.S., such as:  

• Women account for nearly 80% of autoimmune disease cases.
• Women comprise more than two-thirds of those 65 years and older with Alzheimer disease.
• Over 60 million women live with heart disease and cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death for women.
• Increased substance use, opioid overdose deaths, and intimate partner violence during pregnancy.
• Increased maternal morbidity and mortality rates.

Explore the publication to learn more about NIH’s initiatives that harness cutting-edge science and its integrative approaches that expand and improve research on women’s health.