Women’s health extends far beyond reproductive care—it encompasses overall well-being, preventive screenings, chronic disease management, and access to high-quality healthcare tools. Women’s Health Month –  also known as Women’s Health Awareness Month – serves as a key opportunity to promote education, screening, and proactive healthcare measures for women of all ages.  

Healthcare providers play an essential role in ensuring that female patients receive the care, education, and tools they need to stay healthy. In this guide, we’ll cover key aspects of women’s health, from general preventive care to the importance of cervical health and how providers can support their patients year-round.  

When is Women’s Health Month Observed? 

Women’s Health Month is observed each May and serves as a reminder for women to prioritize their health by scheduling check-ups, learning about preventive care, and taking charge of their well-being. Awareness months are an opportunity for providers to encourage their patients to schedule essential screenings, discuss family history, and address lifestyle factors that contribute to long-term health.  

Why is Women’s Health Month Important?

Women’s Health Month is a critical time dedicated to raising awareness about the unique health challenges women face and encouraging proactive healthcare measures. This observance serves as a reminder for women to prioritize their well-being, from routine screenings to preventive care and overall wellness.

Here’s why Women’s Health Month matters:

• Promotes Preventive Care: Many serious health conditions, such as cervical cancer, breast cancer, osteoporosis, and heart disease, can be detected early through regular screenings. Women’s Health Month emphasizes the importance of routine check-ups, vaccinations, and self-exams.

• Encourages Health Education: Understanding risk factors, symptoms, and lifestyle choices empowers women to take control of their health. This month provides opportunities for healthcare providers to share essential information on topics like reproductive health, mental well-being, and chronic disease prevention.

• Addresses Disparities in Women’s Healthcare: Historically, women’s health concerns have been underrepresented in medical research and public health discussions. Women’s Health Month helps highlight the need for better healthcare access, gender-specific medical studies, and equity in treatment.

• Supports Maternal and Reproductive Health: From pregnancy and postpartum care to menopause and hormonal health, Women’s Health Month encourages conversations about the full spectrum of reproductive care and the importance of personalized treatment options.

• Raises Awareness for Mental Health: Women are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and postpartum mood disorders. This month helps shine a light on mental health support and encourages women to seek the care they need.

By increasing awareness and advocating for comprehensive healthcare, Women’s Health Month helps women make informed choices, seek preventive care, and improve their overall quality of life. Healthcare providers, organizations, and individuals can all contribute to this initiative by promoting education, supporting screenings, and ensuring women have access to the care they need.

Are There Other Women’s Health Awareness Months to Know About?

Yes! Throughout the year, several awareness months focus on different aspects of women’s health, emphasizing prevention, education, and advocacy. 

Here are some key women’s health awareness months to keep on your radar:

Each of these observances plays a vital role in improving women’s health outcomes, from early detection of diseases to advancing research and care. Healthcare providers can use these awareness months as opportunities to educate patients, promote preventive screenings, and advocate for better access to healthcare resources.

What are the Modern Key Health Concerns for Women?

Women’s health is multifaceted and requires attention to various aspects of well-being. Some key focus areas include:  

Heart Health

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, making blood pressure monitoring, cholesterol checks, and heart-healthy lifestyle choices essential. For females over the age of 20, 45% (nearly half!) are living with some sort of cardiovascular disease.

Breast Health

Breast cancer accounts for 25% of cancers worldwide. Routine mammograms and self-exams help in early detection of breast cancer.  

Reproductive Health & Fertility

From birth control to menopause management, reproductive health is an essential aspect of women’s healthcare.  

Bone Health

According to the FDA, women are at higher risk for osteoporosis, making calcium intake and bone density scans important. Over 10 million female Americans are estimated to have osteoporosis.

Mental Health

Women experience higher rates of anxiety and depression than men, emphasizing the need for access to mental health resources. Additionally, according to the NIH, there are also mental disorders unique to women where they may experience mental changes:

• During or after pregnancy (perinatal depression)

• Around the time of their period (premenstrual dysphoric disorder)

• During the menopause transition (perimenopausal depression)

Cervical & Gynecological Health

Regular screenings, HPV vaccination, and STI testing are key preventive measures.  

By addressing these areas, healthcare providers can help women take control of their health and reduce risks for common illnesses.  

Guide to Navigating Women’s Health Month with Your Patients

Women’s Health Month is an opportunity for healthcare providers to engage in meaningful conversations with their female patients, encourage preventive screenings, and promote overall well-being. As a provider, your role is instrumental in educating and empowering women to take charge of their health.

Below is a guide to help you navigate these discussions and provide comprehensive care during Women’s Health Month and beyond.

How Healthcare Providers Can Support Women’s Health 

Providers play a key role in educating, screening, and treating women throughout their lives. Here are a few simple ways you can support women during Women’s Health Awareness Month (and throughout the year!):

Encourage Preventive Screenings  

Preventive screenings are a cornerstone of women's healthcare, helping detect diseases early when they are most treatable. Routine check-ups, mammograms, cervical screenings (Pap smears and HPV testing), and bone density scans should be emphasized based on a patient’s age and risk factors. Healthcare providers should take the time to educate patients about recommended screening schedules and the importance of early detection. By discussing these tests in detail and addressing any hesitations, providers can empower women to take control of their health and schedule necessary screenings without delay.

Advocate for HPV Vaccination  

The HPV vaccine is one of the most effective tools for preventing cervical cancer, yet many patients remain unaware of its benefits or have concerns about its safety. Providers should initiate conversations about the HPV vaccine, explaining how it protects against high-risk strains of the virus that cause most cervical and other reproductive cancers. Addressing common misconceptions—such as concerns about side effects or the belief that the vaccine is only for younger individuals—can help increase vaccine acceptance. Encouraging patients to get vaccinated, ideally before they become sexually active, can significantly reduce their risk of HPV-related diseases.

Offer STI and Reproductive Health Testing  

Comprehensive STI screening is a crucial component of women’s reproductive health, particularly for those who are sexually active. Providers should routinely offer tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and other common infections, ensuring early detection and timely treatment. Utilizing reliable diagnostic tools such as the Hologic® Aptima Combo 2 Test (which detects both chlamydia and gonorrhea) and the Sekisui Osom Trichomonas Rapid Test (which identifies Trichomonas vaginalis) allows for quick and accurate results. By normalizing STI testing as a routine part of healthcare, providers can help remove stigma and encourage patients to prioritize their reproductive health.

Educate About Menopause and Hormonal Health 

As women approach menopause, they often experience a range of symptoms, from hot flashes and mood swings to bone density loss and increased heart disease risk. Providers should take an active role in discussing hormonal health with their patients, offering guidance on symptom management, lifestyle adjustments, and potential treatments like hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Conversations about osteoporosis prevention, including calcium and vitamin D intake, weight-bearing exercises, and bone density scans, are also essential. By providing comprehensive education on menopause, healthcare professionals can help women navigate this life stage with confidence and improved well-being.

Provide Mental Health Resources

Mental health is an integral part of overall wellness, yet women experience higher rates of anxiety and depression than men due to hormonal fluctuations, societal pressures, and life transitions. Providers should incorporate mental health screenings into routine check-ups, asking patients about their emotional well-being, stress levels, and any symptoms of depression or anxiety. Offering referrals to therapists, support groups, or wellness programs can make a significant difference in a patient's ability to manage mental health concerns. By addressing these issues proactively, healthcare professionals can help women access the resources they need to maintain emotional and psychological well-being.

12 Key Questions to Consider Asking Your Female Patients During Women’s Health Month (and Always)

To provide personalized care, start with thoughtful and relevant questions about their health history, current concerns, and preventive care needs. 

Consider asking – note, many of these may be questions you’re already asking, but we’re just sharing for good measure:

General Health & Preventive Care

1. When was your last general wellness exam?

2. Have you had your recommended screenings (Pap smear, mammogram, bone density scan, etc.)?

3. Do you have any family history of conditions like heart disease, cancer, or osteoporosis?

Reproductive & Gynecological Health

1. Are you experiencing any irregular menstrual cycles, heavy bleeding, or unusual pain?

2. Do you have concerns about birth control, fertility, or menopause symptoms?

3. Have you received an HPV vaccine, and do you understand its benefits in preventing cervical cancer?

Mental Health & Emotional Well-Being

1. Have you been experiencing stress, anxiety, or symptoms of depression?

2. Do you feel supported in your personal and professional life?

3. Would you like resources for mental health support or stress management?

Lifestyle & Chronic Disease Prevention

1. Are you satisfied with your diet, physical activity, and sleep patterns?

2. Do you smoke, drink alcohol, or have any concerns about substance use?

3. Do you have any questions about managing weight, heart health, or diabetes risk?

Your Women’s Health Month Preventive Screenings & Tests Checklist

Preventive screenings play a crucial role in early detection and disease prevention. Below is a general guide based on age and risk factors:

Encourage patients to keep track of their screenings and schedule appointments in advance to stay on top of their health.

Understanding Women’s Health Across Different Life Stages

Each stage of a woman’s life brings unique health challenges and priorities. Understanding these transitions can help patients make informed decisions about their care.

Adolescents & Young Adults (Ages 13-24)

• Establishing healthy habits with routine wellness visits.

• Education on menstrual health and HPV vaccination.

• STI screening and sexual health discussions.

Reproductive Years (Ages 25-45)

• Family planning, pregnancy care, and fertility preservation.

• Management of conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, and fibroids.

• Nutrition and exercise for overall wellness.

Perimenopause & Menopause (Ages 45+)

• Managing hormonal changes, hot flashes, and sleep disturbances.

• Bone health and osteoporosis prevention.

• Heart health monitoring and lifestyle modifications.

By addressing health concerns relevant to each stage, providers can help women take control of their well-being.

Diving Deeper: Cervical Health Awareness

Cervical health is a crucial part of a woman’s overall well-being. The cervix plays a key role in reproductive and menstrual health, and maintaining its health is essential for preventing conditions like cervical cancer—the fourth most common cancer among women globally.  

What is Cervical Health Awareness Month?  

Observed every January, Cervical Health Awareness Month raises awareness about the importance of routine screenings and preventive care. It serves as a time to encourage HPV vaccinations for eligible individuals, regular Pap smears and HPV testing, and education about cervical cancer symptoms and risk factors. Healthcare providers can use this month to promote cervical screenings and educate patients about the importance of proactive care.  

HPV and Cervical Cancer Prevention 

The primary cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection with high-risk **HPV (human papillomavirus)** strains. While HPV is common, not all HPV infections lead to cervical cancer—most are cleared by the immune system. 

However, in cases where the infection persists, it can cause precancerous changes in the cervix. 

Puritan’s Commitment to Supporting Patients During Women’s Health Month

At Puritan, we are proud to support healthcare professionals with high-quality medical products that enhance cervical screenings, STI testing, and women’s health diagnostics.  

Products to Stock Up on for Women’s Health Month

The accuracy of women’s health screenings depends on the quality of collection devices. Puritan’s products ensure reliable sample collection, helping providers offer accurate diagnoses and effective patient care.  

Puritan offers a few products we recommend keeping on hand to support women:

Histobrush 7" Soft Tapered Nylon Cytology Collection Brush w/Polystyrene Handle

Tapered Histobrush with Soft Nylon Bristles and Plastic Handle for cervical collection, pap smears, and buccal collection

SKU #: 2199

Rovers® 8" Cervex-Brush® Combi w/Polyethylene Handle

Soft Flexible Cervex-Brush for Ectocervical and Endocervical Cell Collection

SKU #: 2195 COMBI

Take Action During Women’s Health Awareness Month  

Whether it’s ensuring regular screenings, advocating for vaccination, or providing high-quality diagnostic tools, every effort contributes to better women’s health outcomes. Puritan is dedicated to supporting healthcare providers and patients with trusted, American-made medical products.  

For more information on how our products support women’s health screenings, contact our team today.