Latest news with #womenhealth
CTV News
8 hours ago
- General
- CTV News
In Your Community: Tampon Tuesday
London Watch CTV London's Lauren Stallone was live at Bath Fitter on Oxford Street East to talk about Tampon Tuesday.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
Why Tech-Savvy Women Are Leading The New Wellness Renaissance
VIENNA, AUSTRIA. (Photo by) Once a playground of Silicon Valley visionaries and male-driven biohackers, the longevity space is being fundamentally reimagined, and this time, it's women who are leading the charge. They're reframing aging not as a race against time but as a vibrant, dynamic and data-driven practice grounded in hormonal intelligence, precision health and embodied self-leadership. In contrast to the male-coded archetype of lifespan extension through performance metrics and cryotherapy chambers, women are designing longevity strategies that incorporate, among others, hormonal rhythms, cycle-based tracking, neuroendocrine balance and emotional regulation. In short, healthy aging and lifespan trajectories differ among genders. Studies have implied that women experience aging through distinct neuroendocrine, metabolic and immune pathways that have long been excluded from research and digital innovation pipelines until now. This gap isn't just historical. It's a biological, structural and deeply consequential threshold at the intersection of longevity, science and women's health. The myth of the "average patient" has long shaped health research and medical technologies, but as the review above suggests, sex-specific biology does play a significant role in how we age. Women, on average, live longer than men globally, but they also face a higher burden of non-fatal chronic conditions and years lived with disability. Conditions like autoimmune disease, osteoporosis and Alzheimer's disproportionately affect women, many of which are tied to estrogen's regulatory role across systems. Yet, the majority of aging biomarkers and biological age clocks (think epigenetic methylation models) have been designed around male physiology. This mismatch implies most tech-enabled longevity tools aren't optimized for female bodies. But the market is changing fast. In 2025, female-led wellness companies are designing biohacking devices, diagnostics and platforms that center sex-specific physiology while rewriting the longevity playbook altogether. Take the Evie Ring, the first smart wearable engineered for women, which measures metrics like HRV, resting heart rate and blood oxygen while accounting for menstrual phase variations. Or which translates metabolic and training data through a cycle-aware algorithm, offering adaptive insights across perimenopause, postpartum and athletic recovery. Meanwhile, platforms like Tally Health are offering at-home biological age tests and behavior-based interventions that allow women to track aging at an epigenetic level. These tools mark a departure from one-size-fits-all models and signal an apparent, optimal shift toward an adaptive healthspan strategy, not just reactive care. Another example is Levels Health, once focused purely on metabolic glucose monitoring, which has now begun expanding its insights to reflect stress-hormone interactions, cortisol cycles and dietary responses tied to hormonal fluctuations. These refinements reflect a more profound truth: female physiology isn't a variation of the male norm but is at the core of its system. Once dismissed or pathologized, women's hormonal rhythms are now being reclaimed as a source of strategic leverage. Today, cycle syncing is more than a wellness buzzword; it is a biologically intelligent blueprint. Women are aligning their training, productivity and recovery protocols with the natural arc of their endocrine system and seeing measurable gains in energy, cognition, performance, emotional resilience and beyond. This is neurobiological precision at its best—Estrogen peaks during the follicular phase, enhancing insulin sensitivity and mental clarity. Progesterone in the luteal phase supports mood regulation, metabolic balance and tissue repair. Women biohackers are leveraging these shifts to fine-tune fasting windows, optimize workouts and adapt recovery, all in sync with their internal tempo. And science is catching up. Emerging research shows that aligning behaviors with hormonal fluctuations can support mitochondrial health, boost neuroplasticity and promote long-term well-being at large. Unlike one-size-fits-all regimens built on male 24-hour cycles, cycle syncing offers flexibility and, most powerfully, sovereignty over one's own biology. Despite recent momentum, the structural gender gap in clinical research and digital health innovation continues to be a key point in the promise of personalized longevity. Research from The Lancet Digital Health suggested that just 6.2% of health tech companies actively disaggregate user data by sex or gender, a critical blind spot when designing tools intended to extend health span with precision. If female physiology represents the biological norm for half the population, then it must also become the default blueprint for next-generation longevity technologies. And certainly, the exclusion of sex-specific variables renders precision medicine fundamentally incomplete, not because sex differences are peripheral, but because they are prominent variables to determine how aging unfolds at the cellular, metabolic and neuroendocrine levels. The wellness renaissance of 2025 is about living longer, with precision, sovereignty and an in-depth biological attunement. Tech-savvy women aren't merely optimizing their health; they're rewriting the protocols. They're opting for tools that respect their rhythms, data that reflect their realities and systems that center cyclical intelligence at the heart of their sustainable health. The future of wellness entails a thorough synergy and allyship with the human body. In that partnership, women are modeling a new paradigm of leadership: one that is data-literate, intuition-led and radically coherent. It's, in the most simple terms, a return to trusting our biology.
The Sun
3 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Women reveal when they truly knew they'd hit their 40s – do you agree?
BRITISH women have revealed the tell-tale signs they knew they'd hit their 40s. A poll of 1,500 aged 40 plus revealed the top signs that made them realise they had hit their 40s. 3 3 Some of the top signs were when they start sounding like their mum, are excited by the latest home appliances, and prefer baths to nights out. A poll of 1,500 women aged 40 plus found 19 per cent didn't accept they'd completed their fourth decade until they were at least two or more months into it. With other moments of realisation including being unable to drink coffee after 4pm and having to explain just how big the Spice Girls were to those younger than them. Going to bed before 10.30pm, realising their favourite album is 25 years old, and developing a tendency to complain about the price of things were similarly revelatory. The research was commissioned by Vitabiotics Wellwoman Perimenopause which provides nutritional support for women before the menopause when the body begins to change. It forms part of a campaign to raise awareness of perimenopause among women in their 40s and highlight the support available to them. More than half (51 per cent) of those aware of perimenopause tended to think of it as something which happens to women when they get old – which 81 per cent don't consider themselves to be. While 12 per cent admitted they hadn't heard of this "rarely discussed" natural stage in a woman's life prior to taking part in the study. Perimenopause expert Emma Bardwell, and author of The Perimenopause Solution, said: 'Life is constantly teaching us new things. "As you get older, these revelations can turn out to be real wake-up calls. "When I entered the perimenopause at the age of 42, it was an incredibly challenging time. "I couldn't find the support I needed, and didn't know where to turn. "Women don't always want to hear this but, if you're in your forties, you're likely to be perimenopausal as hormone levels are changing at that time. "Fortunately, we now have so much more information and are better educated than ever about this time of life. And, the good news is, it's never too early to start putting yourself - and your health - first." Other instances where being in their 40s truly hit home, include having to look up slang used by younger people and having a predominantly 2000s and 2010s Spotify playlist. With thinking your celeb teenage crush is now 'getting on a bit' and feeling relieved when social gatherings get cancelled similarly revelatory. Despite these moments of realisation, 15 per cent consider their 40s to be the best years of their lives so far. With the top three best things about this decade including caring less about what people think, appreciating the little things in life, and knowing themselves better. It also emerged 75 per cent of those polled have taken their health more seriously than they had before since hitting 40. And for many, perimenopause is likely to be part of their reason for prioritising this more – 50 per cent have been or going through this stage of life. Although 80 per cent wish they had known more about it before they experienced it. They described the experience as emotionally draining (21 per cent), physically tiring (17 per cent), and stressful (10 per cent). Carried out through OnePoll, the research identified the one piece of advice those polled would give their younger selves, with 22 per cent revealing it would be to read more about the perimenopause. A spokesperson for Vitabiotics Wellwoman Perimenopause, a one-a-day tablet providing 25 nutrients including vitamin B6 to help reduce tiredness and fatigue, said: 'When it comes to the perimenopause, there is a clear lack of understanding, and what this means for women. "Although some may know what the perimenopause is, this stage of life comes with plenty of myths, misconceptions, and misunderstanding. "Advice is often lacking, and women are not sure where to turn. "There are steps you can take for advice, with talking to a health professional a great starting point.' TOP 40 - MOMENTS WOMEN REALISED THEY WERE IN THEIR 40s Caught yourself talking about how fast the year is going Began enjoying the idea of a "quiet night in" Started going to bed before 10.30 Realised you sound like your mum You felt relieved when social events were cancelled Having to look up slang used by younger family members, friends and colleagues You now can't read the 'small print' because it's too small to read Realised you'd rather have a nice bath than a night out Realised your favourite album was 25 years old or more Noticed once fashionable items of clothing had become fashionable again Heard a song from your youth in a supermarket and realised it's now considered a "classic" Became more interested in healthy eating Took a multivitamin as part of a new health routine Realising a song you still know all the dance moves to was released last century (e.g. Hit Me Baby One More Time, Macarena, Saturday Night) Realised you couldn't drink without a three-day hangover Noticing you make a noise when standing up / sitting down Became annoyed at forgetting reusable bags You finally understood the importance of a good nap Forgot your own age - more than once Started using the phrase "back in my day" unironically Looked forward to weekends mainly for cleaning or gardening Being unable to function without your morning coffee Realised you were getting irrationally excited about home appliances Realised you enjoyed complaining about the price of things Cared more about the weather forecast than weekend plans Bought a pair of "sensible shoes" - and liked them Spoke to your younger colleagues and friends about bands they knew nothing about Thinking your celeb teenage crush is now "getting on a bit" Started choosing seats over standing at gigs Complained about modern music and how it was too loud Realising people are looking to you for advice Felt surprised by how young police officers' look Became irrationally worried about younger people not wearing coats in cold weather Became extremely loyal to a particular brand of tea Realising you had a predominantly 2000s and 2010s Spotify playlist Stopped being able to drink coffee after 4pm Had to explain just how big the Spice Girls were to someone younger Made a conscious decision to stop dyeing grey hairs Suddenly became more active on Facebook Began treating your house plants as your children 3
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
How Wisp Built The Most Complete Women's Health Platform In America
Wisp STI Test As clinic access shrinks and provider shortages rise, Wisp—the largest pure-play women's telehealth platform in the U.S., available in all 50 states—is betting big on home as the new front line of healthcare. Today, the company launched a diagnostics vertical designed to bring testing and follow-up care for common STIs directly to patients' doors. With more than 1.5 million users nationwide, Wisp has quietly become a category-defining force in virtual women's health. Its new At-Home Testing & Follow-Up Care service allows patients to collect samples discreetly at home, mail them to CLIA/CAP-accredited labs, and receive results within 3–5 business days—no clinic visit required. All tests include free consultations and, if needed, asynchronous treatment within the Wisp platform. 'We're simplifying the path to complete, 360-degree care, making it possible for patients to access testing and treatment from the comfort of home,' said Monica Cepak, CEO of Wisp. Wisp's diagnostics offering debuts with three test panels: a Common STI Panel (Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Trichomoniasis), a 3-Site Panel (multi-site Chlamydia and Gonorrhea), and an M-Gen Panel (Mycoplasma Genitalium). All tests are processed through CLIA/CAP-accredited labs using non-invasive swab and urine samples. According to Wisp, 62% of surveyed patients expressed interest in at-home STI testing. The platform's STI, STD, and Herpes categories are up 40% year-over-year. 'We're not just improving convenience—we're helping to destigmatize sexual health and empower patients to take control of their care with confidence,' said Dr. Jillian LoPiano, MD, MPH, FACOG. Wisp is actively building an interconnected care ecosystem through strategic partnerships: In March 2025, Wisp launched a comprehensive weight care vertical that includes access to GLP-1 medications for women navigating hormonal imbalances, PCOS, and perimenopause. The offering consists of prescription access, metabolic panels, and support tools to monitor nutritional deficiencies and long-term weight maintenance. The move positioned Wisp as one of the few platforms approaching GLP-1s from a women's hormonal health lens, not just weight loss. Wisp also recently launched a first-of-its-kind Male BV Partner Treatment, addressing a longstanding clinical blind spot. The new product provides prescriptions for male partners to prevent reinfection and reduce recurrence rates of BV in female patients. 'This move is about science, empathy, and eliminating recurring frustration for our patients,' said Dr. LoPiano. In a recent interview with Femtech Insider, Cepak shared how Wisp's lean growth strategy was fueled by SEO and trust, not splashy fundraising. Over 60% of new patients find Wisp through organic search, and the company has remained profitable since before its 2021 acquisition by WELL Health Technologies (Forbes). 'We focused on listening to our customers and solving real problems, faster and more affordably than anyone else,' said Cepak. Wisp Diagnostics STI Essential 3Panel Wisp is one of the only DTC platforms offering a fully virtual stack—from diagnostics and treatment to Rx delivery and hormonal health—available in all 50 states. As Wisp pushes beyond birth control into diagnostics, weight care, and asynchronous treatment, its competitive set reveals a fragmented market—one where most players specialize in narrow verticals, not comprehensive care. Here's how the landscape stacks up: Wisp is among a new wave of digital health companies redefining reproductive health branding. In the wake of Roe v. Wade's overturning, the company has embraced direct, unapologetic messaging around sexual health and bodily autonomy. As reported by The Guardian, Wisp deliberately avoids euphemisms and medical gatekeeping in favor of plainspoken, rights-based language. This strategy is on full display in its award-winning campaign, 'We Heart Healthy Vaginas.' Created by agency Oberland, the Valentine's Day-themed campaign used playful packaging, reclaimed language, and merch like 'pH-balanced' candy hearts to promote awareness of Wisp's vaginal health offerings. The campaign reached over 30 million impressions and boosted first-time patients. 'We don't want our users to feel like they're entering a hospital portal. We want them to feel seen,' said Cepak. 'Our brand is a promise—not just a product.' Wisp STI Kit Founded in 2018 by Matthew Swartz, Wisp scaled without raising traditional VC capital. In 2021, it was acquired by WELL Health Technologies, a Canadian public company focused on digital health platforms. Though WELL is based in Canada, Wisp serves patients exclusively in the U.S. across all 50 states, with over 1.5 million users and growing. 'Wisp's expansion into diagnostics is a move that reflects our shared vision of building a fully integrated, patient-first healthcare experience. By bringing lab-grade testing into the home and pairing it with accessible virtual care, Wisp is not only enhancing convenience and affordability, but it's redefining what 360-degree care looks like for women.' — Hamed Shahbazi, Founder, Chairman and CEO of WELL Health Technologies 'This launch underscores our founding mission: to put more power, privacy, and choice in the hands of patients,' said Cepak. As telehealth evolves from transactional visits to full-stack care, Wisp is laying the foundation for an always-on, lifestyle-centric women's health platform. Diagnostics is just the latest step. From birth control and STI testing to fertility, weight care, and hormonal health, Wisp is building what may become the most complete digital front door for women's health. Read more on how GLP-1 telehealth models are evolving in this Forbes feature.
CTV News
4 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Rosey visits Kelly's Boutique 2
Ottawa Watch Rosey takes a closer look at the technology that goes into building the prosthetic inserts that go into the undergarments for women who have undergone mastectomies.
