Advancing research on chronic conditions in women (2024)

Summary

Women in the United States experience a higher prevalence of many chronic conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, depression and osteoporosis, than men. They also experience female-specific conditions, such as endometriosis and pelvic floor disorders. A lack of research into both the biological and social factors that influence these conditions is a significant barrier to diagnosis, treatment and prevention efforts, contributing to poorer health outcomes for women and substantial costs to individuals and society.

The US National Institutes of Health's Office of Research on Women's Health asked the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine to host an expert committee to identify gaps in the science on chronic conditions that are specific to or predominantly impact women, or affect women differently, and propose a research agenda. This report presents the committee's conclusions and recommendations.