Society for Women's Health Research

08/10/2026

Your story is a powerful tool in your advocacy toolbox! Erika Sward, Chief Advocacy Officer at UsAgainstAlzheimer’s reminds us that it is important to share your personal story as an advocate.

Use your story to become a advocate today! Learn more at swhr.org.

Watch the full webinar online at https://swhr.org/resources/advocating-for-womens-health-research-101/

08/09/2026

August is National Immunization Awareness Month .
Do you wonder, how safe the HPV vaccine is? The is very safe and effective against 90% of HPV-related .

Get you vaccine questions answered and check out the Video Series:
http://ow.ly/7uFM50NeaHi

08/08/2026

Men and women may respond differently to the same medications due to many factors, including variations in hormones and the way medications are metabolized. Learn more about the importance of understanding in medical research by checking out SWHR’s fact sheet! https://swhr.org/resources/understanding-s*x-differences-in-medical-research/

08/07/2026

August is National . When was your last eye exam?

Regular, comprehensive eye exams can help detect eye diseases early and protect your vision throughout every stage of life. Learn more by exploring SWHR's free Patient Toolkit: A Guide to Women's Eye Health: https://swhr.org/resources/patient-toolkit-a-guide-to-womens-eye-health/

08/06/2026

This August, SWHR recognizes with Clinical Advisory Board member Dr. Lyndsey Harper, a board-certified OB/GYN.

> Why did you choose to work in obstetrics and gynecology?
OB/GYN combines so many of my favorite things. I love taking care of women and getting to know my patients across every stage of their lives. I love pregnancy and birth, and I love surgery, which makes this field a perfect fit for me.

> What is one thing you want more people to know about ?
As our society has evolved, much of the knowledge around breastfeeding and lactation that used to pass down naturally between generations has been lost. Breastfeeding can be a special, even wondrous experience, but it can also be painful, heart-wrenching, nauseating, and exhausting. I'm encouraged by the growing support networks out there, but I want people to know breastfeeding isn't the be-all, end-all. Our goal is fed babies. Postpartum already comes with so much to navigate, and we shouldn't add another source of guilt or stress to that list.

> What makes you a women's health advocate?
I start a lot of conversations about women's health, both within the field and outside of it. I want to see real improvement in women's health, and I believe that starting conversations with progress as the goal makes anyone an advocate.

Learn more about the SWHR Clinical Advisory Board at https://swhr.org/about/clinical-advisory-board/

08/06/2026

This week, August 1-7, marks . August is also National .

looks different for every family – but regardless of your journey, there are resources to help. Our parters at the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists - ACOG offer evidence-based guidance on breastfeeding, including tips for getting started, common challenges, and available support.
Check it out today:

Find tips for successful breastfeeding and how to deal with challenges.

08/05/2026

Life is already busy. Don’t let the flu pile on. A yearly flu shot helps lower the risk of flu illness and serious complications. Ask about your before flu season begins. Voices for Vaccines

08/05/2026

NEW RESOURCE! SWHR released the Navigating Obesity Management and Treatment: A Patient Resource Guide for Women today.

The comprehensive guide helps women understand their obesity treatment options, with chapters on
> Seeking Care for Obesity
> Medical Support for Obesity
> Utilizing Coverage for Obesity Treatments
> and a patient Risk Factor Worksheet!

Download your free care guide today: https://swhr.org/resources/navigating-obesity-management-and-treatment-a-patient-resource-guide-for-women

08/04/2026

Happening next week! Join SWHR on August 14 for "The State of Rare Autoimmune Diseases in Women," a webinar event about the current state of clinical care, research, and policy impacting women living with rare autoimmune diseases. Save your spot to join us: https://swhr.org/event/the-state-of-rare-autoimmune-diseases-in-women/

Thank you to our speakers, from The Ohio State University, Rare Disease Diversity Coalition, HERstory In Color!

08/03/2026

“A comprehensive understanding of the impact of rare diseases on women remains severely deficient, as women have been only marginally considered in research, policy, and care," SWHR writes in a new call to action document.

Read the new SWHR resource: https://swhr.org/resources/rethinking-rare-disease-systems-for-women/