Women’s Health in Spotlight: German Minister Calls for Greater Medical Attention

German Health Minister Nina Varken stated that women’s diseases and symptoms have not received sufficient attention in medicine so far and stressed the need for change.

Speaking to the Rheinische Post, she said: “Compared to men, women are sometimes treated unfairly in medicine. It is worrying that women’s needs have only been considered in clinical studies for a few years.”

She explained that women experience different symptoms than men, particularly in cardiovascular diseases, and that medications act differently in female bodies compared to male ones. This, she noted, has not yet been adequately addressed in medical studies and training.

Her ministry has set up a funding pool of €11.5 million ($13.5 million) until 2029 to support research projects aimed at improving women’s healthcare. Additional funds are available in the Ministry of Research, headed by Dorothee Bär.

Varken added: “Politically, I also want to address women’s diseases and restrictions they face, such as menstrual pain, the effects of endometriosis, or menopause.”

She explained that in endometriosis, tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, such as on the ovaries or in the abdominal and pelvic area, causing severe pain.

Asked whether Germany should introduce “menstrual leave” as Spain has done, she said: “We would gain a lot if administration became more aware of this issue and women did not feel additional pressure during severe symptoms.”

She noted that such pressure often leads women to choose part-time work instead of full-time.

Sources - Agencies