In her new book, "All in Her Head: The Truth and Lies Early Medicine Taught us about Women's Bodies and Why It Matters Today," Dr. Elizabeth Comen exposes the deep-seated discomfort women have with their bodies. As an experienced breast oncologist, Comen has witnessed countless women feeling embarrassed and apologizing for normal bodily functions or their own bodies. This not only stems from societal stories and cultural norms but also reveals the urgent need to challenge these inherited beliefs.

Comen's extensive research for the book left her horrified and surprised by the egregious stories from the past that continue to influence medical care today. She emphasizes the need to dismantle myths surrounding women's bodies, particularly the notion that they are vulgar or dirty, and highlights the importance of embracing normal bodily functions without shame or embarrassment.

One of the prevailing myths Comen discusses is the assumption that studying diseases in men can be directly applied, albeit in lower doses, to women. Women's health is fundamentally different from men's, and the way diseases manifest in women can differ significantly. A recent study even found that signs of heart disease appear differently in women, leading to delayed diagnoses compared to men.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women, yet it is often overlooked as a women's health issue. These misconceptions not only hinder proper diagnosis and treatment but also result in inadequate attention and funding for conditions that specifically affect women.

Shockingly, the medical literature on women still lags behind the research conducted on men. It was not until 1993 that the National Institutes of Health mandated the inclusion of women in clinical trials and earlier research stages. Even laboratory studies and animal models were influenced by the belief that women were too hormonal and difficult to study, further exacerbating the gender disparity in medical knowledge and treatments.

As a consequence, women today may be prescribed medications or using medical devices that have never been adequately studied in women. This gender disparity leaves women with limited options for effective healthcare tailored to their specific needs.

Comen also criticizes the limited understanding of hormones in women. Stereotypes surrounding women's hormonal health persist, unfairly maligning estrogen and progesterone while glorifying testosterone as a symbol of strength. The oversimplification of hormone dynamics further restricts the understanding of women's hormonal health and impedes appropriate treatment options.

Additionally, Comen delves into the historical focus on the uterus as the root of women's health problems. Ancient Greek beliefs that the uterus wandered throughout the body and caused various ailments perpetuated the stigmatization of women's health. For centuries, women were diagnosed with "hysteria," a term rooted in the Greek word for uterus, hystera. The diagnosis persisted until the 1980s when it was finally acknowledged that the uterus was not the cause of hysteria symptoms.

This excessive emphasis on reproductive health often means that other crucial health issues faced by women, particularly as they age, are overlooked. Menopause, cognitive health, and heart disease are areas that require further research and understanding to provide comprehensive healthcare for women.

Dr. Elizabeth Comen's eye-opening book exposes the deep-rooted myths and misconceptions that continue to shape medical care for women today. By unraveling these inherited beliefs, she emphasizes the urgent need for a more nuanced and comprehensive approach to women's healthcare. It is time to move beyond the past and dismantle the barriers that hinder women from receiving the healthcare they deserve in all aspects of their lives.