Analysis of Developments in the Women's Health Market

This News Covers

• What leading voices are saying about women's health
• Top Recent Investments in Women's Health
• Top Women's Health Challenges in Focus
• What is WHO's role in women's health
• Curated: Women's Health Market Insights from MarketsandMarkets
• Top Challenges Relevant to Women’s Health Market
• Top Industries in Ecosystem of Women's Health in 2023

More than half a billion dollars worth investments have been recently made in women's health market.

This market has witnessed significant advancements in recent years, with a surge in investments and innovations. These developments underscore the growing interest of investors in the femtech and women's health sectors. Let's delve deeper into the context of these developments, the challenges women face, and the shaping of this market.

MarketsandMarkets welcomes these developments and our editors share their views.

 

What leading voices are saying about women's health

 

1. Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: "Women are underrepresented in clinical trials, which can lead to less effective treatments and interventions for women's health conditions."
2. Dr. Megan Ranney, Emergency Physician and Associate Dean of the Brown University School of Public Health: "Women's pain is often undertreated or dismissed, which can lead to serious health consequences."
3. World Health Organization: "Gender inequality is a major barrier to women's health. Women are more likely than men to live in poverty, have less access to education and employment, and experience violence and discrimination. All of these factors can have a negative impact on women's health."

Here are some of the challenges women face in healthcare in 2023 and beyond, according to leading voices and organizations:

1. Access to healthcare: Women in many countries still have limited access to healthcare, especially in rural areas and in developing countries. This is due to a number of factors, including poverty, lack of transportation, and cultural barriers.
2. Affordability of healthcare: The cost of healthcare is a major barrier for many women, especially those who are uninsured or underinsured. This can lead to women delaying or foregoing needed care.
3. Quality of care: Women often receive lower quality care than men, even for the same conditions. This is due to a number of factors, including gender bias, lack of research on women's health, and underrepresentation of women in healthcare leadership positions.
4. Mental health care: Women are more likely than men to experience mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. However, they often have difficulty accessing mental health care services. This is due to a number of factors, including stigma, lack of providers, and high cost.
5. Reproductive health care: Access to reproductive health care, such as contraception and abortion, is a major challenge for women in many countries. This is due to a number of factors, including restrictive laws and policies, and stigma.

In addition to these challenges, women also face specific challenges in healthcare related to their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. For example, women of color and low-income women are more likely to experience health disparities and receive lower quality care.

 

Top Recent Investments in Women's Health

 

Notable investments in the women's health market

1. Company: Maven Clinic
2. Investors: Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia Capital, General Catalyst, others
3. Funding round: Series D
4. Amount raised: $150 million
5. Use case/benefit targeted: Maven Clinic is a virtual women's and family health clinic that provides telehealth appointments, online resources, and community support. The investment will be used to expand Maven's services and reach more patients.

1. Company: Elvie
2. Investors: Goldman Sachs Asset Management, NEA, Octopus Ventures, others
3. Funding round: Series C
4. Amount raised: $75 million
5. Use case/benefit targeted: Elvie is a femtech company that develops wearable devices and apps for women's health. The investment will be used to develop new products and expand into new markets.

1. Company: Flo Health
2. Investors: General Atlantic, Insight Partners, Target Global, others
3. Funding round: Series D
4. Amount raised: $50 million
5. Use case/benefit targeted: Flo Health is a femtech company that develops a period and ovulation tracking app. The investment will be used to expand Flo's services and reach more users.

1. Company: Modern Fertility
2. Investors: General Catalyst, Union Square Ventures, Serena Ventures, others
3. Funding round: Series C
4. Amount raised: $45 million
5. Use case/benefit targeted: Modern Fertility is a femtech company that provides at-home fertility testing kits and other fertility services. The investment will be used to expand Modern Fertility's services and reach more patients.

1. Company: Tia
2. Investors: Greycroft, Bessemer Venture Partners, Collaborative Fund, others
3. Funding round: Series C
4. Amount raised: $43 million
5. Use case/benefit targeted: Tia is a women's health clinic that offers a variety of services, including primary care, gynecology, and mental health care. The investment will be used to expand Tia's services and reach more patients.

These are just a few examples of the many investments that have been made in the women's health market in recent months. These investments are helping to fund the development of new and innovative products and services that are improving the health and well-being of women and girls around the world.

 

Top Women's Health Challenges in Focus

 

The investments above are targeting a variety of use cases and benefits, including:

1. Providing more convenient and accessible healthcare services for women
2. Developing new tools and technologies to improve women's health
3. Empowering women to take control of their own health
4. Addressing the unmet needs of women's health

Overall, the investments in the women's health market are a positive sign for the future of women's health. These investments are helping to create a more equitable and inclusive healthcare system for women and girls.

Maven Clinic: The substantial investment in Maven Clinic emphasizes the rising demand for telehealth services, especially post-pandemic. Virtual clinics offer convenience, privacy, and accessibility, making healthcare more inclusive for women.

Elvie: Wearable devices and apps are revolutionizing women's health by offering real-time data and insights. Elvie's focus on developing such tools indicates the market's shift towards tech-driven solutions.

Flo Health: Period and ovulation tracking apps empower women with knowledge about their reproductive health. Flo Health's investment showcases the importance of digital tools in modern healthcare.

Modern Fertility: Fertility has been a significant concern for many women. The investment in Modern Fertility highlights the need for easy-to-use, at-home testing kits, reducing the stigma and making fertility discussions mainstream.

Tia: Holistic healthcare, encompassing primary care, gynecology, and mental health, is the future. Tia's approach and subsequent investment underscore the importance of comprehensive care for women.

The women's health market is evolving rapidly. The influx of investments is not just about financial growth but also about addressing long-standing challenges. The focus is shifting from merely treating diseases to prevention, awareness, and holistic well-being. Tech-driven solutions, be it apps or wearables, are bridging the accessibility and awareness gap.

Moreover, the global narrative is changing. With platforms like Instagram amplifying voices on women's health, there's a societal shift towards openness, acceptance, and empowerment.

 

What is WHO's role in women's health

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) plays a critical role in women's health. WHO's mission is to promote health, prevent diseases, and improve the quality of life of people throughout the world. WHO works to improve women's health through a variety of programs and initiatives, including:

1. Research: WHO conducts research on women's health issues and develops evidence-based guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of women's health conditions.
2. Advocacy: WHO advocates for policies and programs that promote women's health and well-being.
3. Technical assistance: WHO provides technical assistance to countries to help them improve their women's health systems.
4. Monitoring and evaluation: WHO monitors and evaluates the progress of countries in improving women's health.

Some specific examples of WHO's work on women's health include:

1. The Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health: This strategy aims to reduce maternal and child mortality and morbidity, and to improve the health and well-being of women, children, and adolescents.
2. The Safe Motherhood Initiative: This initiative aims to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity by providing access to safe and quality maternal health services.
3. The Essential Medicines List: This list includes essential medicines for women's health conditions, such as contraception, prenatal care, and treatment for sexually transmitted infections.
4. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC): IARC conducts research on the causes and prevention of cancer, including cancer in women. IARC also develops guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.

WHO's work on women's health has had a significant impact on the lives of women and girls around the world. For example, WHO's Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health has helped to reduce maternal mortality by 44% since 1990.

WHO's work on women's health is essential to achieving global health goals, such as the Sustainable Development Goals. The Sustainable Development Goals include a goal to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. WHO's work on women's health is helping to achieve this goal by ensuring that women and girls have access to the healthcare services they need to live healthy and productive lives.

Here are the top resources from the World Health Organization (WHO) where one can learn about its women-related initiatives and the impact created:

1. 6 Priorities for Women and Health: This resource highlights the health systems that can assist women survivors of violence. It also introduces new WHO resources that advocate and strengthen violence prevention and care services.
2. Women's Health: This page emphasizes the health of women and girls, particularly in societies where they face discrimination rooted in sociocultural factors. Read more.
3. WHO's Commitments Towards Women's Empowerment and Health: WHO has made extensive commitments focused on ending gender-based violence, advancing sexual and reproductive health rights, and supporting health workers.

 

Curated: Women's Health Market Insights from MarketsandMarkets

 

The global women's health diagnostics market size is projected to reach USD 36.6 billion by 2025 from USD 25.8 billion in 2020, at a CAGR of 7.3% during the forecast period.

The breast imaging market is projected to grow from USD 3.7 billion in 2020 to USD 5.4 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period.

The fertility test market is projected to reach USD 680 Million by 2025 from USD 472 Million in 2020, at a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period.

The global probiotics food & cosmetics market is estimated to be valued at USD 56.6 billion in 2021. It is projected to reach USD 84.5 billion by 2026, recording a CAGR of 8.3% during the forecast period.

The global in vitro fertilization (IVF) market is projected to reach USD 987 million by 2026 from USD 638 million in 2021, at a CAGR of 9.1% during the forecast period.

1. Women's Health Diagnostics Market:
2. Breast Imaging Technologies Market:
3. Fertility Testing Devices Market:
4. Probiotics Food & Cosmetics Market:
5. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Market:

 

Top Challenges Relevant to Women’s Health Market

 

 

• In 2023, women in the United States continue to face a myriad of health challenges, many of which are deeply rooted in economic and social disparities. Drawing from insights provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) and considering the legislative landscape in the U.S., here's an enhanced analysis:
• Access to Healthcare
  • Many women, particularly in marginalized communities, still grapple with barriers to quality healthcare, including lack of insurance, prohibitive costs, and geographical disparities in healthcare facilities.
  • Legislation: Various states have been working on expanding Medicaid and introducing bills to ensure more comprehensive insurance coverage for women's health services.
• Reproductive Rights:
  • Women's autonomy over their reproductive choices remains under threat due to ongoing debates and legislative changes.
  • Legislation: In 2023, several states have passed restrictive abortion laws, while others have fortified protections for women's reproductive rights.
• Mental Health:
  • Women face unique mental health challenges, such as postpartum depression, and there's a persistent stigma associated with seeking help.
  • WHO Insight: Sociocultural factors, including unequal power dynamics and societal norms, can exacerbate mental health issues among women.
• Chronic Diseases:
  • Diseases like breast cancer, osteoporosis, and heart diseases disproportionately affect women.
  • WHO Insight: Early detection and affordable treatment options are paramount, and there's a need for more global initiatives focusing on women's chronic diseases.
• Economic Barriers:
  • Fact: Wage disparities and lack of paid maternity leave can indirectly impact women's health, leading to stress and deferred medical care.
  • World Economic Forum Insight: Economic empowerment of women has been linked to better health outcomes and overall societal well-being.
• Violence Against Women:
  • Domestic violence, sexual harassment, and other forms of gender-based violence have profound physical and psychological impacts.
  • WHO Insight: Women and girls face increased vulnerability to various forms of violence, which can have long-term health repercussions.
• Aging Population:
  • The increasing aging population necessitates addressing health challenges specific to older women.
  • WHO Insight: Sociocultural factors, such as an exclusive focus on women’s reproductive roles, can sometimes overshadow the broader health needs of aging women.

Economic and Social Impact

The health challenges faced by women can ripple through the economy. Unhealthy women or those without healthcare access can lead to decreased productivity and increased healthcare costs. Deferred medical care due to economic barriers can escalate into more severe and costly health complications later.

Women play pivotal roles in society, and their well-being directly influences families and communities. Addressing women's health challenges is not just a medical concern but a broader socio-economic imperative.

It's crucial to advocate for comprehensive policies that prioritize women's health, address economic and social barriers, and ensure a more equitable future for all women. The legislative landscape in 2023 reflects a mixed bag of advancements and setbacks, underscoring the need for continued advocacy and action.

Top Industries in Ecosystem of Women's Health in 2023

1. Pharmaceutical Industry
   1. This industry plays a pivotal role in women's health by developing medications tailored to women's specific health needs, such as birth control pills, hormone replacement therapies, and treatments for conditions like endometriosis. In 2023, advancements in personalized medicine have led to more targeted treatments, reducing side effects and increasing efficacy.
   2. Solutions/Products: Customized hormone therapies, biologics for autoimmune diseases predominantly affecting women, and advanced fertility drugs.
2. Medical Devices & Diagnostics
   1. This sector focuses on creating devices and diagnostic tools specifically for women's health issues, such as mammography machines, ovulation prediction kits, and wearable devices that track menstrual cycles.
   2. Solutions/Products: Wearable breast health monitors, AI-powered ovulation trackers, and non-invasive prenatal testing kits.
3. Digital Health & Telemedicine
   1. With the rise of digital health platforms, women now have more access to healthcare resources, consultations, and information. Telemedicine, in particular, offers remote consultations, which is crucial for prenatal and postnatal care.
   2. Solutions/Products: Virtual gynecologist consultations, mental health platforms focusing on postpartum depression, and mobile apps for pregnancy tracking.
4. Nutraceuticals & Supplements
   1. Recognizing the unique nutritional needs of women, this industry offers supplements targeting bone health, pregnancy, menopause, and more.
   2. Solutions/Products: Calcium and vitamin D supplements for bone health, prenatal vitamins, and menopause relief supplements.
5. Femtech
   1. Femtech, or female technology, is a rapidly growing sector focusing on software, diagnostics, products, and services that leverage technology to improve women's health.
   2. Solutions/Products: Period and fertility tracking apps, smart breast pumps, and wearable devices that monitor reproductive health.
6. Wellness & Fitness
   1. This industry emphasizes holistic health, offering solutions that cater to women's physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
   2. Solutions/Products: Women-centric fitness programs, meditation apps focusing on menstrual cycle syncing, and wellness retreats for women.
7. Cosmetic & Aesthetic Medicine
   1. Beyond aesthetics, this industry also addresses conditions like scars from cesarean sections or mastectomies, offering treatments that can have profound effects on a woman's self-esteem and mental health.
   2. Solutions/Products: Laser treatments for post-pregnancy stretch marks, non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation procedures, and therapies for hair loss in women.