In a world where women’s health concerns have been marginalised and overlooked, documentaries emerge as powerful catalysts for change.
These compelling narratives delve into the complexities of women’s health and wellbeing, shining a light on pressing issues and advocating for change.
With better awareness of issues surrounding menopause and reproductive health, these productions play a pivotal role in shaping a more equitable and compassionate world for girls and women all over the world.
Below, we’ve assembled a list of what we believe are some of the best women’s health documentaries everyone should watch.
Davina McCall: Sex, Myths and the Menopause
British TV presenter Davina McCall was 44 and felt like she was losing it – hot flushes, depression, mental fog. In this powerful documentary, she tells her menopause story, busting midlife taboos from sex to hormone treatment.
Underpinned with the personal stories of women from a variety of backgrounds who have lived through everything the menopause has thrown at them, Davina’s first Channel 4 film sparks a candid conversation about the subject and investigates the science that adds to our understanding of the menopause and its impact on women’s health.
Below the Belt
Through the personal and inspiring stories of four women urgently searching for answers to mysterious symptoms, Below the Belt exposes widespread problems in our healthcare system that disproportionately affect women.
Through the lens of endometriosis, a disease that affects one in nine women, the film shows how women are often dismissed, discounted and disbelieved. During the 10 years it takes to be diagnosed with endometriosis, women are often told that symptoms are in their head or part of being a woman.
Due to outdated notions, they are then often treated with an array of ineffective drugs and surgeries and erroneously told that pregnancy and hysterectomy are cures. Nearly 50 per cent of infertility cases are due to endometriosis and almost all are preventable.
From societal taboos and gender bias to misinformed doctors and financial barriers to care, Below the Belt shines a light on how millions are effectively silenced and how, by fighting back, they can improve healthcare for all women.
Davina McCall’s Pill Revolution
After starting a national conversation with her first documentary on the menopause, Davina McCall turned her attention to the contraceptive pill after watching the struggles of her 19-year-old daughter.
Released in June, the Pill Revolution looks at the existing evidence base, side effects and other contraceptive options. It also features Davina having a Mirena coil fitted by Wellbeing of Women Chair, Professor Dame Lesley Regan, to help demystify the process.
Through a compelling programme featuring some heartbreaking testimony from women who started the pill only to be overcome by depression, the TV presenter hopes her most recent film will lead to more research, better care and broader contraceptive options for women.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnvkFJ7rEk0
Abortion Helpline, This Is Lisa
Shortlisted for Oscars 2021 for Best Documentary Short Subject, Abortion Helpline, This Is Lisa exposes how economic stigma and legislation have determined access to abortion in America.
Filmed at an abortion helpline centre in Philadelphia, where counsellors – all called Lisa – arrive each morning to the nonstop ring of calls from women and teens seeking financial help to end a pregnancy, the documentary shines a light on the importance of accessing safe, legal and affordable abortion services in the US.
Women’s Health: Breaking the Taboos
In a fascinating Channel 5 documentary series, British TV presenter Cherry Healey uncovers the secrets surrounding female health issues, joining a variety of women who share their stories, discover what help is available for them and embark on treatment.
The programme sees Healey take a closer look at some of the most prominent conditions affecting women today, in a bid to get more of us talking about our health.
Covering everything from vaginal dryness and incontinence to heavy periods and endometriosis, Women’s Health: Breaking the Taboos is definitely a must-watch series.
Newsletter
Sign up for free weekly updates
The latest femtech news, research and investment, straight to your inbox.
