We need to talk (more) about Women’s Health

Why breaking the silence around women’s health is one of America’s most urgent opportunities

The real health gap: It’s not just science—it’s silence

In the United States, women are living longer—but many are not speaking openly about the health challenges they face.

From menstrual pain to menopause to managing long-term risks after serious conditions like stroke, too many experiences remain minimized, normalized, or simply not discussed. When these experiences go unspoken, the consequences are real.

This silence creates a hidden gap:

• Symptoms are dismissed or normalized
• Conditions go undiagnosed or undertreated
• Women delay seeking care

The challenge is not only what science has yet to solve—it’s what society still struggles to talk about.

The hidden burden of stigmatized conditions

Many of the most common women’s health experiences are still surrounded by stigma or silence.

Menopause: Around 6,000 women enter menopause every day in the U.S. , yet many report not discussing symptoms openly.

Menstrual health: Most women experience symptoms like cramps or fatigue, yet these are often minimized or treated as “just part of life”.

Stroke prevention: Stroke is a leading cause of death in women in the U.S., yet awareness and risk management to prevent stroke still lag.

Mental Health: Over one-third of U.S. farmers are women, often balancing farm work, off-farm work and caregiving—frequently putting themselves and their health last and not talking about the mental burden enough.

These are not niche issues—they are everyday realities affecting millions of women across the country.

Why awareness is the first step to better health

Progress in women’s health doesn’t start only in the lab—it begins with awareness.

When health topics are openly discussed:

• Women are more likely to recognize symptoms early
• Conversations with healthcare providers improve
• Better health decisions can be made

Breaking stigma is not just a cultural shift—it is a critical step toward improving health outcomes.

How Bayer is supporting women’s health

Women’s Health is not a moment for Bayer, it’s a long-standing commitment. Across healthcare, consumer goods, nutrition, and agriculture, Bayer supports women at every stage of life through science-based solutions.

This includes:

• Prenatal vitamins: One A Day® prenatal multivitamins support pregnant women with key nutrients during pregnancy, such as Folic Acid, DHA and Choline. One A Day® is also a partner of Vitamin Angels, a non-profit helping underserved pregnant women and children access nutrition solutions.
   
• Menstrual health: Midol® provides relief for multiple menstrual symptoms including cramps, bloating, water-weight gain, headaches, backaches, and fatigue. The brand is highlighting its commitment to women’s health by partnering with influential voices in health & wellness to underscore the importance of menstrual health education through the “Midol in Motion” campaign.
   
• Menopause: Bayer has products for the treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS) due to menopause
   
• Nutritional needs: Bayer is not only supporting female farmers with innovative tools they need to grow food and maintain a sustainable income, it’s also one of the top-tier producers for fruits and vegetables seeds in the U.S. To inspire healthy eating, Bayer is committed to making fruits and vegetables as appealing as they are nutritious. Eating more fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy diet is associated with reduced risk of heart disease, stroke and certain cancers.
   
• Stroke prevention: Asundexian, an investigational, once daily, oral Factor XIa inhibitor, has been investigated as a potential treatment for secondary stroke prevention and granted Fast Track Designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a potential treatment for stroke prevention in patients after a non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke.

What 'Science Delivers' means in this context

Science drives better health for women — from the medicines that treat conditions to  food systems that nourish families. But science cannot deliver impact if people don’t know what information to trust and don’t feel comfortable talking about their health. 

This is why Bayer’s ‘Science Delivers' campaign champions evidence-based science, challenges misinformation, and celebrates how rigorous research and science improves lives. For women’s health, it means:

• Making stigmatized conditions visible
• Translating science into everyday understanding
• Empowering women with credible, accessible information

Why this matters now

Women today are navigating more health information than ever before—but not always better clarity.

In a world crowded of misinformation and noise, raising awareness grounded in science is more important than ever.

Because when women understand their health, they are better equipped to take action—for themselves, for their families, and their futures.

A call to action: Start the conversation

Improving women’s health in the United States starts with breaking the silence.

Talk openly about health experiences—and share how science has shaped your life

• Seek credible, science-based information
• Encourage conversations with your doctor, in families and communities
• Support greater awareness and education

Now is the time to ensure that science doesn’t just advance—but is understood, discussed, and truly delivers for women across America.

Women’s Health has always been in our DNA. For more than a century, we have supported women- listening, learning and advancing science to support their health through every stage of life today and for generations to come.