Survey: Physicians raise concerns about the state of women's health

Women’s health care continues to face persistent gaps in access, research, and treatment, particularly in fertility care and menopause management. Despite rising demand, infertility services remain unevenly covered by insurance, leaving many patients to shoulder high out-of-pocket costs for diagnostics, medications and assisted reproductive technologies. Geographic disparities further limit access, with reproductive endocrinology services concentrated in urban centers. At the same time, delayed childbearing and rising rates of conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis are increasing the complexity of fertility care.

Menopause care presents a different but equally significant challenge. Many physicians report limited training in menopause management, contributing to underdiagnosis and undertreatment of symptoms such as vasomotor instability, sleep disruption, and cognitive changes. Confusion following findings in the early 2000s from the Women’s Health Initiative has also led to lingering hesitation around hormone therapy, despite more recent evidence supporting its safety for many patients when appropriately prescribed. Across both areas, fragmented care delivery, stigma and a lack of standardized guidelines continue to hinder optimal outcomes, underscoring the need for improved education, clearer clinical pathways and more comprehensive insurance coverage.