Health & Wellbeing
Superheroines: Why the Female Body Deserves More Recognition
The female body is a true marvel, possessing a unique ability to create life and remarkable resilience to adapt across different life stages. However, it remains disadvantaged in medicine, as research has historically focused on men, neglecting female characteristics and needs. This inequality persists today, evident in the inadequate consideration of hormonal differences and the stigmatization of female bodies. In her book We Superheroines: A Gynaecologist Reveals What You Always Wanted to Know About Your Body (available from March 12, Penguin Random House), Dr. Dorothee Biener debunks myths and provides insights into the strength of the female body. In an interview with spot on news, she discusses overcoming shame and taboos and emphasizes the need for equal consideration of female bodies in medicine.
Dr. Biener highlights that women are true superheroes due to their ability to react to and overcome various challenges within their bodies. Their unique ability to have children requires the seamless coordination of multiple organs and systems. She also notes that many women are unaware of their body’s remarkable adaptability to different environments and life stages. Despite these challenges, women tend to smile more, maintain closer bonds with caregivers, have a lower risk of heart attacks and cancer, and live longer than men. However, a common falsehood imposed on women is the belief that happiness depends on having a “perfect” body. Society perpetuates unrealistic beauty standards, making women feel that their natural form is inadequate, which Dr. Biener strongly refutes. Every woman is unique and beautiful in her own way.
In her book “We Superheroines” (available from March 12, 2025, Penguin Random House), Dr. Dorothee Biener explains the female body. (Image: Penguin Random House)
Addressing the shame and taboos surrounding the female body requires open conversations. Dr. Biener suggests practicing discussions in a safe environment, using correct terminology, and seeking factual information. Speaking freely with loved ones or a trusted gynecologist can help build confidence, ultimately encouraging more open discussions with others. She stresses the importance of teaching children accurate terms and avoiding falsehoods to break the cycle of misinformation and stigma.
Medicine plays a crucial role in women’s emancipation, but significant gaps remain. Historically, medical research focused on men, disregarding the fact that women experience illnesses and respond to treatments differently. Women require specialized medical attention, making it essential to close existing knowledge and care gaps. Dr. Biener hopes for a future where medicine prioritizes prevention and the maintenance of women’s health. She believes that empowering women to advocate for their bodies and well-being should be a fundamental pillar of healthcare.
