Over the past year, Komodo Health has worked to uncover critical gaps in women’s health, shedding light on underdiagnosed conditions, missed screening opportunities, and disparities in treatment access. In honor of International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting key findings from our research — because data-driven insights are essential for improving equity in care.
This year saw significant progress alongside ongoing challenges in women’s health. We witnessed the release of Zurzuvae®, the first oral treatment for postpartum depression, and Veozah®, a groundbreaking non-hormonal drug for menopause-related hot flashes. Through our collaboration with March of Dimes, we uncovered new insights into preeclampsia disparities, and in partnership with the MS Society, we analyzed treatment patterns in multiple sclerosis.
Here are some highlights from the women’s health research we published this year:
The First Dedicated Pill for Postpartum Depression
Zurzuvae brought new hope for postpartum depression treatment, but our research found low early uptake due to cost and access barriers. While 63% of users received it as a first-line therapy, White women were twice as likely to be prescribed Zurzuvae compared to Black, Hispanic, or AAPI patients. Learn more: Drug Snapshot: Postpartum Depression
Hot Flash Relief: The Launch of Veozah
Menopause treatments have long been overlooked. Our analysis tracked the uptake of Veozah, a groundbreaking non-hormonal drug for hot flashes, revealing state-by-state trends in prescribing patterns. Explore the data: Veozah’s Early Journey
Gaps in Cervical Cancer Screening
Despite rising rates of high-risk HPV, follow-up care is declining. Our analysis revealed a 34% decrease in Pap tests within a year of an HPV diagnosis and a decline in follow-up procedures like LEEP. Racial disparities persisted, with White patients more likely than Black patients to receive colposcopies. Read more: Gaps in Cervical Cancer Screening
Preeclampsia Prevention: The Hidden Power of Low-Dose Aspirin
Low-dose aspirin (LDA) therapy is recommended for high-risk pregnancies, but tracking adherence is challenging. Our collaboration with March of Dimes uncovered racial disparities in preeclampsia risk and a lack of visibility into LDA use due to it’s over-the-counter availability. See the full analysis: The Underutilized Potential of Low-Dose Aspirin
The Changing Landscape of Breast Cancer Screening
Breast cancer is being diagnosed at younger ages, but screening rates aren’t keeping up. Our research found that only 55-56% of high-risk women received recommended mammograms, even with guidelines urging annual screenings. What does this mean for early detection? Dive into the analysis: Breast Cancer Screening in Women 40-50
Perimenopause: The Diagnosis Gap
Perimenopause affects half the population, yet only 7% of women ages 45-51 had a documented perimenopause diagnosis between 2019 and 2023. Even among those with clear symptoms — such as irregular bleeding or mood changes — less than 1 in 4 received a perimenopause-related diagnosis. See what we found: Perimenopause remains vastly underrecognized and undertreated.
The Role of Digital Health in Women’s Care
Femtech is reshaping women’s health, but visibility remains limited. Our research explored how FDA-approved digital tools, like fertility tracking apps and the Apple Watch, are becoming more integrated into healthcare. Read more: Emerging Digital Health Technologies
Approaches to Multiple Sclerosis Treatment are Evolving
Women are disproportionately affected by multiple sclerosis (MS), yet there is no standardized approach to selecting treatments. Our research found that escalation therapy is now nearly as common as induction therapy, reflecting a shift toward early, aggressive treatment. Dive into the findings: Shifting Strategies in MS Treatment
As we mark International Women’s Day, these findings remind us that closing gender gaps in healthcare starts with better data and insights. At Komodo Health, we remain committed to uncovering and addressing disparities — because women’s health deserves better.
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