Women's Health and Clinical Trials
The fastest and safest way to determine whether new treatments work is through clinical research. Traditionally, fewer women than men have participated in clinical research. However, some treatments may work differently in women than men. It’s important for women to participate in clinical research order to help scientists understand gender differences in health and disease.
For example, women who smoke have a higher risk of lung cancer and cardiovascular disease than men. While men are more likely to smoke due to the effects of nicotine, women are more likely to smoke in order to relieve stress and regulate their moods. Yale has created a research center to address these issues by developing gender-sensitive treatments that aid women in quitting smoking.
There are many research studies underway at Yale that need female volunteers. Some are designed to test treatments for diseases that primarily affect women, while others seek to understand gender differences that may lead to more effective treatments for women.