SWHR comments on CBS 60 Minutes segment on how drugs uniquely affect men and women

Feb 11 2014

The Society for Women's Health Research (SWHR) is the leading voice on research into the biological differences between women and men. SWHR President and CEO Phyllis Greenberger comments on the CBS 60 Minutes segment that aired February 9 on how drugs uniquely affect men and women:

"For nearly 25 years, the Society for Women's Health Research has fought for more research into sex differences in health and medicine. We appreciate 60 Minutes highlighting these differences in the area of prescription drugs. The more women know how drugs may affect them differently from men, the healthier they will be.

SWHR is proud to have presented 60 Minutes with historical background and research—literally hundreds of documents—that helped them put together their report. We applaud them for talking to some of the leading experts in the field, three of whom—Dr. Larry Cahill, Dr. Noel Bairey-Merz and Dr. Doris Taylor—have been actively engaged with SWHR on research into sex differences.

While exploring these differences in drugs is important, there are a whole range of differences that impact the onset, prevalence and severity of diseases and conditions in women and men. We need more understanding into the mechanisms of disease for how they should be treated individually. This year alone, SWHR is actively supporting research into how women are uniquely affected by cardiovascular disease, chronic disease and domestic violence, and sleep disorders, just to name a few.

SWHR continues to advocate for increased public and private funding for women's health, greater inclusion of women and minorities in medical studies, and more analysis of the differences between women and men. We are pleased 60 Minutes helped bring greater awareness to this issue of vital importance to millions of women nationwide."

SOURCE Society for Women's Health Research (SWHR)