Pioneering Change: Women’s Healthcare Needs a Room of Its Own

In 1929, Virginia Woolf wrote, “A woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction.” Nearly a century later, women are still fighting for rooms, but this time, they are seeking medical ones. The reality is clear: by 2025, women need not just physical spaces but entire healthcare systems that truly understand and cater to their bodies and experiences. Just as financial independence was crucial for Woolf, affordable access to specialized healthcare is vital for modern women to thrive.

Pioneering Change in Women’s Healthcare

Joanna Strober, CEO of Midi Health, echoes Woolf’s sentiments when discussing the current state of women’s healthcare. “In the sterile corridors of modern medicine,” she tells us, “women have too often found themselves speaking into a void, their symptoms dismissed, and their experiences minimized.” Strober believes change is imminent, driven by innovators who recognize the necessity of a healthcare system designed specifically for women. “We need a room of our own—a space where menopause isn’t whispered and decades of medical gender bias are addressed through technology, accessibility, and personalized care.”

Strober’s journey began with her own lived experience of menopause, noticing significant gaps in support. “It was this realization that motivated me to create Midi Health,” she shares. Not alone, Strober is part of a growing number of entrepreneurs entering this space, as highlighted in a recent report by StatNews.

The Growing Need for Specialized Menopause Care

“Women are seeking a room of their own for women’s healthcare,” Strober explains. “The healthcare system hasn’t been made for us nor by us. We want care that matches women with experts who really understand women’s needs.”

Data corroborates Strober’s narrative. A study exposes a stark funding disparity in healthcare research and development for women’s needs, revealing systemic gender bias in healthcare resources. While the U.S. military allocated $294 million to erectile dysfunction treatments over a decade, a bill to fund menopause and mid-life women’s health research has been challenging to pass with $275 million proposed, nearly 6.5% less. This highlights an urgent need for reevaluating how healthcare research resources are allocated.

From Taboo to Trending: The New Menopause Narrative

Celebrities like Naomi Watts and Halle Berry are leading the charge in breaking taboos around menopause, a crucial step towards destigmatizing these conditions. With TikTok influencers also entering the conversation, this cultural shift is vital as a new generation of women witness their family members’ struggles with osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s.

However, Strober warns about the potential downsides of increased hype. While menopause has become a buzzword in startup circles, she stresses that effective solutions must be backed by scientific proof. Distinguishing between credible products and those making exaggerated claims, Strober emphasizes the importance of personalized care. “We need to ensure that women are discussing their unique experiences with dedicated professionals.” This accessibility has often been hindered by high costs.

Menopause Meets Technology

Access to quality care is a central focus of efforts to democratize women’s healthcare. Strober highlights the high fees typically charged by specialists, up to $1,500 for a consultation. Her own experience of this cost motivated her to start Midi Health, aiming to provide insurance-covered care and accurate information on treatments, ranging from skin creams to hormones.

“We’re trying to give women the right information on what they should take,” she says. “Technology can help us provide this at an affordable price, ensuring more women have access to the care they need.”

AI For Menopause

Strober believes AI can play a crucial role in transforming healthcare but advocates for a balanced approach. While AI solutions are rapidly adopted across industries, Midi Health is focusing on enhancing human provider training, streamlining billing, and aiding in chart reviews. “AI can lead to the creation of the world’s largest dataset on women’s health outcomes,” she notes, “but patient privacy and human interaction remain essential.”

“We are fundamentally a care company,” Strober emphasizes, “so while AI supports our efforts, all care will be provided by dedicated professionals.”

A Holistic Vision for Women’s Health

This era represents a significant shift in women’s healthcare. Progress, though long overdue, offers real hope. Integrating technology, accessibility, and affordability ensures women’s unique health needs are heard and addressed. By embracing innovation and prioritizing personalized care, we can create a future where women’s health is celebrated and supported in society.

Just as Woolf called for rooms of their own, women are now claiming their rightful spaces in medicine and healthcare networks. This progress is a testament to the power of advocacy and innovation in fighting systemic biases. Women of all ages deserve better, and by championing these changes, we can ensure a brighter, healthier future for all.

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