International Women’s Day: Advancing Women’s Health Through Access, Advocacy, and Pharmacist Care

Every year on March 8th, International Women’s Day is an opportunity to recognize the achievements of women — and to acknowledge areas where women’s health continues to be under-recognized, underdiagnosed, or harder to access.

At Centrum Pharmacy, women’s health support extends beyond dispensing medications. Our care model is built on the 4 C’s: Complete, Comprehensive, Caring, and Connected care, reflecting the essential role pharmacists play in improving access, safety, and continuity within the Canadian healthcare system.

This International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting key women’s health issues where pharmacist-led care, counselling, and minor ailment services can make a meaningful difference.

Cardiovascular Disease in Women: Often Underdiagnosed

Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of illness and death among women, yet symptoms are often atypical and frequently overlooked. Women may present with fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, or jaw and back pain rather than classic chest pain.

Pharmacists support cardiovascular health by:

• Reviewing medications and adherence
• Identifying risk factors such as hypertension or diabetes
• Educating patients on symptom awareness
• Encouraging timely medical follow-up when warning signs appear
  

Cardiovascular disease in women is underdiagnosed — what you need to know

Endometriosis: Managing Chronic Pain and Quality of Life

Endometriosis affects approximately 1 in 10 women and is frequently diagnosed years after symptoms begin. Chronic pelvic pain, painful periods, and fatigue can significantly impact daily life.

Pharmacists can support patients by:

• Counselling on appropriate pain management options
• Reviewing medication interactions and effectiveness
• Supporting adherence to prescribed therapies
• Identifying when symptoms warrant further medical assessment
  

Managing endometriosis — treatment, symptom control, and support

Medication Safety: Evidence-Based Guidance for Women

Medication safety is a critical part of women’s health, particularly during life stages where physiological changes, pregnancy considerations, or chronic conditions affect how medications are used and tolerated.

Women are more likely to:

• Use medications across multiple life stages (reproductive health, pregnancy, menopause)
• Receive conflicting or unclear advice
• Avoid treatment due to safety concerns or misinformation

Through complete and comprehensive care, pharmacists provide individualized, evidence-based guidance to help women make informed decisions about medication use.

This includes:

• Reviewing appropriateness, dosing, and duration
• Identifying interactions and contraindications
• Clarifying what is safe, what requires caution, and when medical input is needed
• Supporting confident, informed decision-making
  

A common example is acetaminophen, which is widely used for pain and fever. While generally considered safe when used appropriately, questions often arise — particularly during pregnancy — about dosing, frequency, and alternatives. Pharmacist counselling helps ensure medications like acetaminophen are used safely and effectively, reducing unnecessary risk and anxiety.

Acetaminophen during pregnancy — what current evidence tells us

Improving Access Through Pharmacist-Led Minor Ailment Care

Access to timely care remains a major issue for women, particularly for conditions that affect daily functioning but may not require emergency or specialist care.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

UTIs are common in women and can escalate quickly if untreated. Pharmacist-led assessment allows eligible patients to receive prompt treatment, symptom relief, and education on prevention.

Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhea)

Painful periods are often normalized, leading many women to delay seeking care. Pharmacists can assess symptoms, recommend appropriate treatment, and identify red flags that require further investigation.

International Women’s Day Is About Access, Not Just Awareness

Supporting women’s health means:

• Taking symptoms seriously
• Providing timely access to care
• Ensuring medications are used safely and effectively
• Reducing barriers within the healthcare system
  

Pharmacists are an essential part of the healthcare team — improving access, supporting continuity, and advocating for women’s health every day.

Disclaimer: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider first. Full Disclaimer.