Women’s Health in focus: key themes for 2026

The women’s health sector is undergoing significant transformation. A major driving force for this is the evolution of AI and the impact this is having on data science and analytics. While women’s health was once seen as a niche segment, it is now recognised as a significant growth opportunity and an emerging strategic priority at both the investment and policy level. Social expectations around women’s health are also changing.

We consider some of the key themes for the year ahead below.

A personalised approach

Digital platforms and wearable devices are continuing to evolve from basic symptom trackers to more sophisticated, biomarker‑based analysis and continuous monitoring. As these systems begin to capture physiological signals with increased precision, there is focus and excitement around the potential for earlier identification of (for example) hormonal or metabolic changes and better targeted management of conditions affecting fertility, pregnancy or menopause. 

While this evolution is part of a wider trend towards personalised, data-driven healthcare, in women’s health especially – where historical data gaps have limited diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficacy – the potential to transform both clinical understanding and user outcomes makes it an area to watch. However, developers and manufacturers need to be aware of the additional regulatory burdens they might be faced with as their products become more sophisticated. 

FemTech’s new frontiers

FemTech continues to expand beyond the focus of its earlier days on reproductive health into areas where women experience different and/or disproportionate disease burden, including cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, migraine and mental health. This diversification is fuelled by increased patient demand (including for virtual and hybrid care models) and clinical evidence improved by the application of AI, as well as high-profile philanthropic and commercial funding. 

One area of particular focus is around diagnostics. As with digital technologies, there is a shift toward measurable, biomarker-based and AI-enhanced diagnostic methods. Innovators in this area are focused on the opportunities on offer to tackle chronic and underdiagnosed conditions, such as ovarian cancer and cardiovascular disease. Confidence in the emerging science is being further reinforced by a developing regulatory landscape, which is beginning to set clearer standards for governance as new health technologies move towards mainstream clinical use.

Addressing the gender health gap

Momentum around closing the women’s health research gap continues to grow, with organisations using innovative research models to address decades of clinical underrepresentation. 

An overarching challenge the sector faces is how to tackle the real and perceived lack of information, and risks of misinformation, as the gender health gap is narrowed. 

Innovators must address challenges around obtaining sufficient data to get regulated products “approved.” There will also be privacy considerations driven by the use of sensitive data and how to standardise large datasets to support evidence-based decision making. Once products are launched, questions around how to ensure digital promotion is lawful and effective and how to broaden access to reliable information become of central importance. 

Integrating women’s health data into mainstream care requires careful navigation of evolving technical standards and regulation, and alignment across legal, scientific and commercial considerations is critical.

Women at work

Women’s health trends are not confined to the lab. They are having an effect on women’s day to day lives through shifts in workplace expectations. Employees are increasingly seeking support in areas such as menopause, fertility treatment and pregnancy loss, and, as major legislative developments are unrolled, employers will need to update policies, wellbeing initiatives, and broader ESG strategies to comply.

Women’s Health and Bristows

At Bristows, we are committed to playing an active role in supporting those shaping the future of women’s health. Over the coming year, we’re excited to explore the key themes outlined above in greater depth through a programme of events and insights.

Keep engaged with Bristows’ women’s health and innovation activities by signing up for updates here.