On March 8, in commemoration of International Women’s Day, it is essential to reflect on the importance of adopting a gender perspective in the field of medicine. Throughout history, the androcentric approach has dominated medical practice, relegating the specific needs of women and perpetuating a gender bias that impacts the health and well-being of millions of people worldwide.
If we were asked to imagine someone who had suffered a myocardial infarction a few decades ago, the description would typically depict a businessman: a smoker, successful, and stressed. However, in the 21st century, this perception has evolved considerably, challenging the gender stereotypes ingrained in society.
WHAT IS ANDROCENTRISM IN MEDICINE?
Androcentrism in medicine refers to a biased approach that positions men as the standard or universal measure in all aspects of health and medical practice. This approach, which has predominated throughout the history of medicine, has led to a lack of attention to and understanding of the specific needs of women and other gender identities in healthcare.
In the medical context, androcentrism manifests itself in various forms:
Research and diagnosis based on men
Many studies and clinical trials have predominantly focused on male subjects, resulting in a limited understanding of how diseases affect women and other groups differently. For instance, symptoms of certain diseases, such as myocardial infarction, may vary between men and women, leading to potential misdiagnosis or treatment delays for women.
Design of treatments and therapies
Medical treatments are often devised and tested with a focus on their effectiveness in men, potentially resulting in less effective therapies for women. This discrepancy may arise from biological and hormonal differences between genders that are not considered in treatment development.
Stigma and discrimination
Androcentrism in medicine can also manifest in how mental health problems and other aspects of medical care are addressed. For example, men seeking help for mental health issues may encounter stigma and discrimination due to gender expectations dictating they should be strong and autonomous.
GENDER BIAS IN MEDICAL RESEARCH AND DIAGNOSIS
Androcentrism in the medical field manifests in various ways, influencing how diseases are studied and treatments are designed. A clear example is seen in the case of infarction, where, for years, it has been based on typical symptoms in men, disregarding the diverse manifestations that women may present. While precordial pain and left arm irradiation are common symptoms in men, women may experience more vague symptoms, such as anguish and general malaise.
This androcentric approach has resulted in misdiagnosis and treatment delays, underscoring the necessity for a gender perspective in medicine. The exclusion of women from clinical trials and the lack of differentiated research have perpetuated this bias, neglecting the biological and health particularities of women.
SYMPTOMATIC DIFFERENCES AND DIAGNOSTIC DELAY
The gender perspective in medicine encompasses a broad spectrum of diseases and conditions. From infectious diseases to mental disorders, differences in symptoms between men and women can result in delays in diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Overlooking these disparities has perpetuated stigma and prejudice, pushing women’s health to the sidelines.
ANDROCENTRISM AS A DISCIPLINE
Androcentrism is not confined to the clinical setting but also permeates academia and research. Portraying the male body as the universal norm has overlooked biological and cultural diversity, neglecting the contributions of women throughout the history of medicine. It is time to transcend this biased approach and amplify the voices of all individuals, irrespective of gender, in medical research and practice.
GENDER BIAS IN THE COVID-19 VACCINE
An illustrative example of this issue arose during the COVID-19 pandemic, once again underscoring gender disparities in medicine. Although female representation was considered in the clinical trials of vaccines, the androcentric design failed to account for unique hormonal variations in women. This has raised uncertainties about potential side effects, such as menstrual alterations, which have not been thoroughly investigated.
A gender perspective in medicine is essential to ensure equitable and comprehensive care for all individuals. Overcoming androcentrism and acknowledging the biological and health differences between men and women represent a crucial step towards a more inclusive and just medical approach, promoting the health and well-being of all individuals, regardless of gender.