From $2.5B in Women’s Health Funding to the Cervix’s Secrets

Good Morning!

Last week, the Gates Foundation pledged $2.5 billion to women’s health — one of the largest commitments we’ve seen in recent years. What’s also positive is this isn’t happening in a vacuum. It’s part of a growing recognition that women’s health is not a niche market — it’s central to public health, economic growth, and innovation.

It also signals to VCs, startups, and policymakers that the time to invest — in research, clinical care, and innovation for women — is now.

While the Fempower Health podcast isn’t officially back, I’m doing select interviews that push the conversation about healthcare and women’s health to the next level. If there’s a topic you’re dying for me to cover, just hit reply to this email — I’d love to hear from you.

In that spirit, this week’s issue dives into:

• 🎙 My interview with Dr. Jennifer Garrison on the science of aging in women — plus a sneak peek at my next longevity guest.

• 🧬 New research on the cervix’s role in endometriosis, adenomyosis, and painful periods.

• 🧠 The truth about autism “being on the rise” — and why misdiagnosis is the real crisis.

• 🏃‍♀️ Long overdue recognition of training with your menstrual cycle.

Let’s get into it.

SPOTLIGHT

Longevity & the Science of Aging

What if we’ve been thinking about aging all wrong? Dr. Jennifer Garrison breaks down how aging works at the cellular level, why it’s the #1 risk factor for disease, and what this means specifically for women — from brain health to menopause to the often-overlooked role of the ovaries as endocrine organs.

This is a newly edited, 15-minutes-shorter cut of our interview, making it easier to absorb without losing any of the insight.

🎥 Watch here
🎥 Also watch: Ovaries Are Endocrine Organs — a one-minute YouTube Short that will change how you think about reproductive health.

Next up: I’ll be talking with Roma van der Walt to explore longevity from a completely different angle — looking at it more broadly and through the lens of women’s health. Stay tuned for a conversation that connects the science with the bigger picture.

RESEARCH AND NEWS

📣 New in Women’s Health Research

The Cervix’s Role in Pain & Disease
Emerging research shows the cervix may play a role in conditions like endometriosis, adenomyosis, and painful periods. This could change how these conditions are diagnosed and treated — and finally push for more targeted therapies.

🔖 Read the study

Autism: Is It Really on the Rise?
Not exactly. Researchers say the increase is largely due to better screening, expanded definitions, and correcting historic biases (e.g., autism was long underdiagnosed in girls). But the bigger crisis? We’re still failing those who need care most.

• More white children are diagnosed, while many marginalized communities are overlooked.

• Misdiagnosis and medication issues remain widespread.

• Advocates like Dena Gassner are pushing for equity in care.

🎧 Listen to the episode (68 citations were used for this one!)

Women’s Health & Sports Performance
That old advice to “train with your menstrual cycle”? Once dismissed — seems to now be gaining traction again.
📺 Watch this Instagram Reel
🎧 My podcast episode on the science

🙌🏼 What Caught My Eye This Week

🌡 Struggling to Explain Menopause to Your Family?
This short clip nails it — a simple, clear way to explain menopause that might just get your loved ones to finally get it.
👉 Watch on Instagram

📄 Adam Grant Wants Job Descriptions to Change
Ever been intimidated out of applying for a job? Adam Grant has a message for employers that could make a huge difference.
👉 Watch on Instagram

🧬 Eight Babies, Three Parents, Zero Mitochondrial Disease
UK scientists have pioneered a method using genetic material from three people to prevent devastating, often fatal conditions in newborns — and it’s working.
👉 Learn how it works

💧 This Teen’s Invention Could Change How We See Water
A young innovator has created a device that could reshape our understanding of water scarcity. Science, creativity, and hope — all in one inspiring story.
👉 Watch the journey

🚗 From Car Exhaust to Clean Air
Two teens have developed an exhaust filter that turns harmful emissions into oxygen. Yes, really.
👉 See the innovation

👉 Have something for me to share with this group? Reply to this email. 🙏🏼