Women’s health has always been a topic of great importance and concern. It is an undeniable fact that a woman’s body goes through various changes throughout her lifetime, and therefore, requires special attention and care. However, despite this understanding, there is a significant lack of research and funding when it comes to women’s medical conditions in the United Kingdom. This issue is especially prevalent when it comes to Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), a condition that affects millions of women worldwide.
PMS is a common condition that occurs in the days leading up to a woman’s period. It is characterized by physical and emotional symptoms such as bloating, cramps, mood swings, and fatigue. While it may seem like a minor inconvenience to some, PMS can have a significant impact on a woman’s daily life and overall well-being. Yet, shockingly, PMS receives far less research and funding compared to other medical conditions. In this article, we will explore 10 medical conditions that receive more research and funding than PMS.
1. Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that affects the breast tissue and is the most common cancer among women in the UK. It receives a significant amount of research and funding as it is a life-threatening disease. According to Breast Cancer Now, in 2018, over £691 million was spent on breast cancer research in the UK alone. While this may seem like a positive step towards finding a cure, it also highlights the stark contrast in the amount of funding received by PMS research.
2. Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in the UK. It is a condition that affects the heart and blood vessels and can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other serious health issues. Despite its prevalence and severity, heart disease receives much more research and funding than PMS. In 2018, the British Heart Foundation spent around £152 million on heart disease research, while PMS research received a mere fraction of that amount.
3. Depression
Depression is a common mental health disorder that affects women more than men. It is a complex condition that can have a debilitating impact on a person’s life. According to Mental Health Foundation, women are almost twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with depression. However, depression receives significantly more research and funding than PMS, despite both conditions impacting a woman’s mental well-being.
4. Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of it. It can cause severe pain and discomfort, and in some cases, lead to infertility. Despite its prevalence, endometriosis receives minimal research and funding compared to other medical conditions. In fact, according to Endometriosis UK, the condition receives less than 1% of the total UK medical research budget.
5. Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that affects the ovaries, and it is the sixth most common cancer among women in the UK. It receives a significant amount of research and funding, with over £44 million spent on research in 2018. This disparity in funding between ovarian cancer and PMS is concerning, especially considering that some of the symptoms of ovarian cancer, such as bloating and mood changes, can also be experienced by women with PMS.
6. Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels. It can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, kidney failure, and nerve damage. While diabetes affects both men and women, research has shown that women with diabetes are at a higher risk of complications compared to men. Yet, diabetes receives significantly more research and funding than PMS.
7. Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition that affects the central nervous system. It is a lifelong condition that can cause a range of symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking. It receives a significant amount of research and funding, with over £21 million spent on MS research in 2018. This highlights the disparity between the amount of funding received by MS and PMS, despite both conditions affecting a person’s daily life.
8. Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory and cognitive function. It is the most common cause of dementia and primarily affects women. In fact, according to Alzheimer’s Society, two-thirds of people living
