UMCG Launches FemHealthData to Advance Research and Care for Women
New Groningen-based database combines data from over 108,000 women to improve long-term understanding of women’s physical, mental, and reproductive health.
The University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) has launched a major initiative to improve care for women through the creation of FemHealthData, a new research database that includes anonymised records from more than 108,000 women aged 18 to 55. Presented on National Women’s Health Day, the project aims to better understand how health conditions, treatments, and care differ for women, an area many experts believe has been historically overlooked.
“In healthcare, men are often still the standard, and as a result, certain complaints in women remain under the radar,” says UMCG clinical epidemiologist and project leader Lilian Peters. “We want to see her better, understand her better, and take better care of her.”
A Unique Data Infrastructure
FemHealthData is one of the first initiatives in the Netherlands—and even globally—that brings together a wide range of data to support long-term, gender-specific health research. The project combines general practitioner data, maternity care records, questionnaires, cohort studies such as Lifelines Women's Affairs, and links to external sources such as Statistics Netherlands (CBS) data on absenteeism and healthcare costs.
“This gives us a treasure trove of information,” Peters explains. “We can follow women over time after events such as childbirth, both with and without complications, and examine how these experiences affect physical, mental, and sexual health.”
The data is analysed by a multidisciplinary team of data experts, clinicians, psychologists, midwives, and researchers. According to Peters, it is essential that the complex results are translated into clear and applicable insights for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and women themselves.
Addressing Gaps in Women’s Health
The development of FemHealthData stems from a growing call for more attention to women’s health in medical research. Peters notes that many studies, guidelines, and treatments have historically been based on male data, leaving gaps in care for women, especially in areas like post-pregnancy care and menopause.
“It’s unbelievable that we still don’t fully know what women need after multiple pregnancies,” she says. “We know about complications like preeclampsia, but for others, we have little long-term insight.”
The database is expected to empower preventative care and improve women’s ability to continue working, maintain mental and sexual health, and receive the right treatment at the right time.
A Call for Collaboration
The team at UMCG sees FemHealthData as a foundation, not a final product. The platform is open for collaboration with researchers, healthcare institutions, and policymakers. Peters invites professionals and women alike to contribute their expertise or project ideas that align with the database’s mission.
“Everyone who wants to improve care for women is welcome to work with us,” she says. “From a scientifically solid foundation, we continue building this ecosystem together.”
For more information or collaboration inquiries, visit the FemHealthData platform.