Addressing Women's Healthcare Needs: A Call for Action

The issue of inadequate healthcare for women has come to the forefront, particularly highlighted by the challenges faced by patients with thyroid disorders. This situation demands urgent attention from healthcare policymakers in Värmland, as it showcases a broader trend of gender inequality in the medical field.

Despite women constituting a significant proportion of healthcare consumers in Sweden, studies reveal that they are more frequently given psychosomatic explanations for their symptoms, which leads to misdiagnoses and insufficient treatment. The Sköldkörtelförbundet, alongside other health organizations, emphasizes the need for systemic changes to ensure equitable healthcare for women.

In Sweden, over half a million individuals are currently undergoing treatment for thyroid conditions, with women accounting for more than 80% of these cases. In Värmland alone, approximately 13,100 individuals are diagnosed with thyroid diseases, predominantly affecting women, as reported by the Socialstyrelsen's medical database.

Recent agreements between the government and the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions have recognized the necessity of prioritizing thyroid-related health issues. This marks a positive step toward enhancing the diagnosis and treatment of women suffering from thyroid diseases and advancing towards gender-equitable healthcare.

Research indicates that around 20% of patients with thyroid disorders do not achieve symptom relief through standard treatment with levothyroxine. Those affected require comprehensive support, including expanded testing for various thyroid levels and essential nutrients. It is vital that primary care services incorporate diverse healthcare professionals such as nurses, psychologists, and occupational therapists to provide holistic care. Patients should also be actively involved in their treatment processes, focusing on overall health rather than solely on routine blood tests.

To address these issues, the Sköldkörtelförbundet urges the Värmland region to implement several key strategies:

• Enhancing Knowledge in Primary Care: All primary care physicians should receive ongoing training regarding women's health issues, particularly thyroid disorders, to ensure timely and accurate diagnoses and treatment.
• Ensuring Individualized Treatment: Patients who do not respond well to standard treatments must be approached with curiosity and thorough questioning to better manage their conditions. Quality of life assessments, though available, are often underutilized.
• Developing and Implementing Care Programs: A national care program for hyperthyroidism was established in 2023, yet its implementation is still pending. Furthermore, a care program for the more prevalent hypothyroidism is yet to be developed.

Improving the management of thyroid patients necessitates a more equitable and individualized approach. The Sköldkörtelförbundet hopes that local policymakers will collaborate to implement these necessary changes for the benefit of women's health.