Despite accounting for half of the total population and the prevalence of female-specific symptoms and conditions, our understanding of women’s health still lags behind that of men. When we speak about women’s health, we are talking about both the physical and mental aspects of women’s well-being, which evolve alongside the distinct phases of her life and the natural changes in her physiology.

Women’s health is often oversimplified to comprise only sexual and reproductive health. Contrary to this belief, it encompasses more than just “female-specific” conditions, and includes many that affect women disproportionately. Lack of knowledge in this area has many effects, from limited access to care to fewer research initiatives into treatment methods overall. In fact, a 2020 study published by McKinsey found that only 1 percent of health care research and innovation funding in the United States was invested into researching female-specific conditions beyond oncology.1 There remain many unmet needs that demand deeper insights and dedicated research.

The gender health gap particularly affects women from marginalized communities around the globe, as variables such as socioeconomic status, race and access to health care can significantly influence women’s health outcomes. Women’s health is an everyday reality for billions, and the demand from women and their families for effective, empowering solutions continues to grow.

Healthy Living

Kerry Group’s research shows that 75 percent of women are adopting a long-term strategy for maintaining their health.2 They are actively researching how to live healthier, happier lives and are self-educating on ingredients and habits to get there. By harnessing these elements, women can enhance their physical and mental health while developing a sense of control over their own well-being. In fact, 58 percent of women globally stated that they have improved their diet and increased their intake of dietary supplements in the pursuit of a healthier lifestyle.3

It’s no secret that cognitive health plays a significant role in overall well-being. The stress caused by modern lifestyles can lead to symptoms of fatigue, irritability or difficulty concentrating. Hormonal fluctuations, such as those influenced by estrogen and progesterone, can also significantly affect how women experience stress and manage their mood and energy. Kerry’s studies have found that 65 percent of global consumers recognize the link between good cognitive health and good overall health and 71 percent find dietary products positioned for improving cognitive health appealing.4

Gut-friendly ingredients are now staples in beauty routines as women seek holistic approaches to feel good, inside and out. The understanding that a healthy gut can lead to clearer skin, stronger hair and overall radiance has fueled demand for supplements and functional foods that promote digestive wellness; an overwhelming 92 percent of consumers believe the best way to attain beauty objectives is with an inside-out approach.5

Hormonal Lifecycle

The hormone lifecycle represents a remarkable and unique journey for every woman. Starting in puberty with menstruation and continuing into late age with post-menopause, it forms the backdrop to many of life’s most important milestones and experiences. Globally, 50 percent of female consumers state they are concerned about health issues, such as menopause, menstruation and fertility.6 Hormones are crucial for regulating various bodily processes, so achieving the right hormonal balance is essential for meeting women’s needs and maintaining overall well-being. These fluctuations within the body can also be challenging for women, bringing with them a host of side effects. For example, women are twice as likely as men to experience depression, with many experiencing mood symptoms related to hormone changes.

On any given day, more than 300 million women worldwide are menstruating, with 80 percent of them reporting painful symptoms.7 Caring for the body during menstruation involves a blend of physical and emotional self-care. Some hormonal changes, like menstruation, may be temporary, while others such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can be long-term. One of the more common hormone problems, it affects around 15 percent of women globally.8 Living with PCOS can significantly impact a woman’s life both physically and emotionally, with frustrating symptoms like irregular periods, weight gain, fertility issues and more.

Menopause is a pivotal, often challenging phase for many women. Hormonal changes associated with this transition can lead to negative symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings and sleep disturbances. Approximately 80 percent of women experience these symptoms, making it a common but usually overlooked aspect of women’s health.9 By 2025, as many as a billion women worldwide will be experiencing peri-menopause or post-menopause—meaning 12 percent of the population could be feeling the numerous difficult side effects.10 Addressing the symptoms of menopause head on is vital to enhancing the quality of life for millions of women worldwide. With women now spending up to 40 percent of their lifetime post-menopause, it is imperative for them and their loved ones to take steps to ensure that this time is as enjoyable and painless as possible.10

Family Planning

Whether it’s preparing for a family, going through pregnancy, or breastfeeding, motherhood is a profound and transformative time. This intricate journey is filled with moments of anticipation, joy and connection, as well as challenges and health considerations that require thoughtful attention and care. An increase in the widespread awareness of the importance of women’s health and wellness, and its link to infant well-being, has created a strong consumer demand for solutions designed to uplift women in these phases. According to Kerry’s findings, nearly half of all women are specifically prioritizing reproductive health in their routines.

Around the world, millions of people of reproductive age are struggling with infertility.11 Though it is caused by a range of outside factors, infertility can cause emotional distress for women, dampening the experience of building a family and taking a toll on mental health. Health conditions unique to women, like hormonal imbalances such as PCOS, can negatively impact fertility, making the process more difficult. With one in three cases of female infertility caused by PCOS, the demand for a naturally derived, scienced-backed solution to help women with the condition has increased.

Pregnancy is a time of incredible change as the body prepares to nurture a new life. During these months, a mother’s health becomes paramount, as the well-being of her and her baby is intricately connected. Nutrition plays a vital role during this developmental period, helping to provide a baby with the nutrients they need as they grow. Mothers’ diets have also been found to influence a baby’s health into adulthood. Some of the most popular supplements are folic acid, which is essential for preventing neural tube defects in the developing fetus, and DHA, which is key for cognitive, eye and heart development.

Emotional health is equally important during this time, as hormonal changes bring about a variety of feelings. A strong support network is crucial to help expecting mothers navigate these changes and challenges with strength and confidence.

When it comes to giving babies the healthiest start to life, breastfeeding is unmatched.

Globally, rates of exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of a baby’s life have increased by 10 percent in the past decade and are on track to hit meet the World Health Assembly target of 50 percent by 2025.12 However, it must be understood that every mother’s situation is unique, and breastfeeding comes with its own challenges. With conditions such as mastitis being the leading cause for breastfeeding cessation, exclusive breastfeeding isn’t always possible. By acknowledging these challenges openly, we can create a more supportive environment that equips mothers with the tools they need to best care for themselves and their babies.

Scientifically Backed Solutions and Resources

Understanding how imperative it is to support women throughout their health journey, Kerry has developed WOW (World of Women’s Health), an online resource addressing women’s unique health and wellness experiences. WOW houses key information so women, and those who care for them, can delve into pressing health and wellness issues, as well as news regarding the latest market trends driving innovation in women’s health.

Within WOW, Kerry draws attention to the company’s lineup of clinically-proven supplements. The products and services are designed with inclusivity in mind, ensuring they speak to today’s women without overgeneralizing or stereotyping their unique concerns. With more than 100 human clinical studies published, more than $2 million invested annually in clinical studies, 400-plus granted or pending patents on ingredients, and four clinical studies on women’s health currently ongoing, Kerry is working to better understand the health and life journey of women.

By offering innovative support across the spectrum of women’s health, Kerry aims to help women thrive—now and for years to come. Kerry’s team of expert scientists are dedicated to ensuring each ingredient provides proven benefits. These include Caronositol Fertility a natural solution for women experiencing infertility-associated PCOS that has been found to support the hormonal and metabolic balance in a woman’s reproductive cycle, promoting fertility and wellbeing. Kerry’s LC40 Breastcare is the first-ever probiotic isolated from human breast milk and supports healthy breastfeeding. Sensoril Ashwagandha Extract is clinically proven to benefit cognitive health by alleviating stress, improving sleep quality, enhancing mood, amplifying energy levels, and sharpening focus. Additionally, Wellmune is a leading yeast beta-glucan postbiotic, proven to help strengthen the immune system. These are just a few examples of the products Kerry’s scientific experts are developing to ensure women are empowered to look after their health needs.

Conclusion

Promoting wellness for women benefits the overall well-being of society. Women’s health is a dynamic and multifaceted subject that requires a comprehensive approach. By addressing hormonal balance, embracing healthy living, and supporting family planning, women can empower themselves and improve their overall quality of life. It is essential for society to recognize and support these health needs, promoting a healthier future for women everywhere.

Kerry’s scientific commitment to meeting women’s distinctive health needs makes us the ideal partner for helping create science-backed products that can have a lasting impact on the lives of billions of women globally. NIE

Resources:

1 www.mckinsey.com/industries/healthcare/our-insights/unlocking-opportunities-in-womens-healthcare.

2 https://explore.kerry.com/supplements_innovation_womens_health.html.

3 FMCG GURUS: Women’s Health in 2021.

4 https://fmcggurus.com/blog/fmcg-gurus-the-growing-importance-of-cognitive-health/.

5 The Benchmarking Company Survey. 2022.

6 www.euromonitor.com/article/supporting-womens-health-and-wellness-through-the-lifecycle.

7 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6521998/.

8 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) (owh-wh-d9-dev.s3.amazonaws.com).

9 Exploring Women´s Health: Breaking Taboos in Menopause. Euromonitor. Feb 2021.

10 About Menopause – (mountsinai.on.ca).

11 www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/infertility.

12 www.unicef.org/documents/global-breastfeeding-scorecard-2023#:~:text=For percent202023 percent20the percent20scorecard percent20demonstrates,target percent20of percent2050 percent25 percent20by percent202025.

Izaskun Monsalve, PhD, is the global marketing manager women’s and infant health – ProActive Health at Kerry Group.