Everyone’s in their wellness era. So why are women still struggling with their health?

Last year, the Her World What Women Want survey on ageing and ageism revealed more than fatigue or stress. Beneath the data was a deeper concern: whether women feel prepared, informed and supported as their bodies change over time.

That strain surfaced clearly in women’s health and wellness. A striking 94 per cent of respondents said it has become harder to maintain their physical health or energy levels as they age.

Hormonal health added another layer of complexity – almost 40 per cent reported experiencing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) at first mention, often with significant impacts on mood, energy and overall well-being. Nearly half said they had gone through perimenopause, with more than a third experiencing major emotional or physical changes. Among those who had entered menopause, close to a third reported a decline in quality of life.

These gaps are not unique to Singapore. Global research points to similar blind spots around common yet poorly understood gynaecological conditions. The World Health Organization estimates that endometriosis affects around 10 per cent – roughly 190 million – of women and girls of reproductive age worldwide, yet diagnosis is often delayed for years. Confusion remains common, even between conditions such as endometriosis and adenomyosis, despite the distinction shaping treatment options and long-term outcomes.

PCOS reflects a similar systemic gap. With a global prevalence of 10 to 13 per cent and up to 70 per cent of cases undiagnosed, the issue extends beyond individual awareness to education, early intervention and access to care.

That is not to say there has been no progress. In Singapore, national screening programmes and subsidies have helped normalise preventive care, while HPV vaccination has shifted conversations towards earlier intervention. These efforts show what is possible when education, policy and healthcare systems align.

Still, last year’s survey made clear how much women continue to manage quietly as they age – and what remains missing.

This year’s What Women Want survey builds on that insight, not to ask women to try harder, but to question whether care, clarity and support are truly keeping pace. Our 2026 edition continues this inquiry, inviting women to share the perspectives and experiences shaping their lives today.