The Shockingly Late Arrival: Women Finally Included in Medical Trials in 1993

The Startling Reality of Women & Menstruating Humans Exclusion from Medical Studies

Women have historically been excluded from clinical trials, with their inclusion not becoming standard practice until 1993. This is a significant issue as disease often presents differently in women, leading to under-diagnosis and inadequate treatment.

One example of this is migraines, which research has shown can be exacerbated by menstruation. During menstruation, the brain is more susceptible to migraines due to a decrease in magnesium levels. This decrease in magnesium leads to an increase in the clotting action of calcium on the blood, resulting in small blood clots clogging the brain's blood vessels and causing migraines.

While women have faced significant barriers in the medical field, there have been pioneering women who have fought for their right to practice medicine and for the healthcare of other women. Elizabeth Blackwell was the first female doctor, graduating at the top of her class from New York's Geneva Medical College in 1849. Despite facing prejudice as a female physician, she founded a clinic which later became the New York Infirmary for Women and Children, and in 1868, she opened the Women's Medical College at the infirmary to train more female doctors.

Women's healthcare has also seen significant advancements in the realm of menstrual hygiene. The first successful pad was introduced in 1921 by the Kimberly-Clark company with the launch of Kotex. In 1933, the first disposable tampon was patented by Dr. Earle Haas, and later sold to Gertrude Tenderich who founded the Tampax Sales Corporation.

Margaret Sanger, a nurse and advocate for birth control, opened America's first birth control clinic in 1916 in Brooklyn, New York. In 1921, she founded the American Birth Control League, which later became the Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

It is important for women to have equal access to healthcare and for their unique needs to be taken into consideration. Women should advocate for their own health and seek out medical professionals who prioritize their care. If you are a woman in need of healthcare, don't hesitate to seek out the resources and support available to you. Together, we can work towards improving healthcare for all women.