Closing the Women’s Health Data Gap

In this journal, we explore the historical reasons why women's health is understudied in the UK and reveal the real and lasting consequences of the gender health disparity known as the women’s health data gap. 

We also look at the different nutritional needs of men and women and explain how we are investing in female-focused supplement research to help close the data gap and support women in living longer, healthier lives

What is the gender gap in health?

Male and Female bodies work in unique ways, with hormone changes through the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause all impacting how nutrients are used and stored. 

While these differences have been long-established, health science has traditionally treated the male body as the default, leading to a gendered imbalance in health data known as the gender gap.

The health gender gap in action

Historically, medical studies have enrolled mostly men, analysed results without separating by sex, and overlooked conditions that uniquely or disproportionately affect women (Lego, V.D. 2023).

And the women’s health gap isn't just in the medical sphere; it's in supplement space, too. The majority of studies of dietary supplements have been evaluated in men. 

What the health data gap means for women

Delayed treatment, fewer tailored therapies, and avoidable suffering are just some of the possible consequences of a gender bias in the health care system.

Statistics also tell us that, because UK health research has focused on men, women are: (Lego, V.D. 2023).

• Diagnosed later for major diseases such as cancer and diabetes, often 2.5 to 4.5 years later than men.
  
  

• Underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed for conditions like endometriosis, heart disease and autoimmune disorders.
  
  

• Living longer in poor health, spending around 25% more time with debilitating conditions compared to men.

What the health data gap means for supplements 

The UK's gender health gap also means that we are still building our understanding of how supplements affect women differently.

A good example of this is creatine. While studies have long shown that men who take creatine may see muscle gain and strength, we are only just starting to hear about studies showing the benefits of creatine supplementation for women.

Thanks to investment in female-focused studies, we now know that creatine not only supports female performance and strength, but also during menstruation, pregnancy, and postpartum. 

We can also see that creatine supports longevity by improving mental and physical health in older women.

Why Ancient + Brave Is Investing in Female-Focused Research

As a female-founded wellbeing brand, we design our science-backed nutrition products to honour the female body and believe that investing in female-focused health research isn’t only a moral imperative, it’s essential for innovation.

Better female health data means:

• More effective products designed with women’s needs in mind

• More accurate guidance

• Health equity, so women can live longer, healthier lives

Through citizen-science trials that prioritise female participants and initiatives like the Ancient + Brave Inner Circle, we aim to shift the standard of evidence and create nutrition that truly serves women’s health and generates the sex-specific evidence that science has too often ignored.

Conclusion: Investing in women’s health is investing in everyone’s health.

Closing the women’s health data gap isn’t only a “women’s issue”; it’s a catalyst for better health outcomes for everyone.

When women receive timely diagnoses and effective treatments, families thrive, workplaces flourish, and healthcare systems become more efficient.

By championing research that truly represents female biology, we’re not only empowering women—we’re creating a foundation of knowledge that supports men, children, and future generations. 

Together, we can build a future where everyone is fully seen, heard, and cared for in health science and medicine.

References

Criado Perez, C. (2019). Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men. Chatto & Windus. Available at: https://carolinecriadoperez.com/book/invisible-women/ (Accessed: 3 October 2025).

Eijsvogels, T.M., Scholten, R.R., van Duijnhoven, N.T., Thijssen, D.H. & Hopman, M.T. (2013) ‘Sex difference in fluid balance responses during prolonged exercise’, Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 23(2), pp. 198-206. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2011.01371.x.

Giersch, G.E.W., Charkoudian, N., Stearns, R.L. et al. Fluid Balance and Hydration Considerations for Women: Review and Future Directions. Sports Med 50, 253–261 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-019-01206-6

Grikiniene, J., Volbekas, V. & Stakisaitis, D. (2004) ‘Gender differences of sodium metabolism and hyponatremia as an adverse drug effect’, Medicina (Kaunas), 40(10), pp. 935-942. PMID: 15516815.

Lego, V.D. (2023) ‘Uncovering the gender health data gap’, Cadernos de Saúde Pública, 39(7), e00065423. doi:10.1590/0102-311XEN065423.

Regensteiner, J.G., McNeil, M., Faubion, S.S., Bairey-Merz, C.N., Gulati, M., Joffe, H., Redberg, R.F., Rosen, S.E., Reusch, J.E., Klein, W., 2025. Barriers and solutions in women’s health research and clinical care: a call to action. The Lancet Regional Health – Americas, 44, p.101037. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lana.2025.101037 [accessed 3 October 2025]. 

Rodriguez-Giustiniani, P., Rodriguez-Sanchez, N. & Galloway, S.D.R. (2021) ‘Fluid and electrolyte balance considerations for female athletes’, European Journal of Sport Science, 22(5), pp. 697-708. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2021.1939428.

Tarnopolsky, M.A. (2000) ‘Gender differences in metabolism, nutrition and supplements’, Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 3(3), pp. 287-298. doi: 10.1016/S1440-2440(00)80038-9.

Wohlgemuth, K.J., Arieta, L.R., Brewer, G.J., Hoselton, A.L., Gould, L.M. & Smith-Ryan, A.E. (2022) ‘Sex differences and considerations for female-specific nutritional strategies: a narrative review’,  27, Published online 01 April 2022.