Amy West •
Work-life balance is a universal challenge, but for women, it often feels like a relentless juggling act. Careers, caregiving, family responsibilities, and personal health, all compete for attention, leaving women carrying more than their share. The result? Missed appointments, delayed preventive care, and a growing mental and emotional toll.
As we transition into “back-to-school” mode, this imbalance becomes especially clear. For many families, September brings a whirlwind of school schedules, sports sign-ups, and childcare logistics. Women often absorb the bulk of this “mental load,” managing calendars, coordinating transportation, and supporting kids’ physical and emotional well-being—often while working full-time. It’s a seasonal reminder of how deeply women’s time and energy are stretched.
At HITLAB, we see a different path forward—one where digital health isn’t just a buzzword but a tool for reclaiming time, autonomy, and peace of mind.
The Invisible Load Women Carry
Women are the backbone of families and communities. They are more likely to be caregivers for children and aging parents, all while managing demanding careers and household responsibilities. Back-to-school season amplifies these pressures, leaving even less space for women to care for themselves.
Digital health solutions have the potential to lighten that load. When done well, they bring healthcare to women instead of making women chase it.
Care That Meets Women Where They Are: Verbena
HITLAB’s usability evaluation of Verbena, a women-centric telehealth platform, demonstrates what thoughtful innovation looks like. Designed to support women through every stage of life, Verbena offers secure video visits, prescription management, lab coordination, and health education—right from home.
This kind of convenience doesn’t just save time; it empowers women to take control of their health without rearranging their lives—especially during hectic months like back-to-school season, when carving out time for doctor’s appointments can feel impossible.
Aging in Place: A Lifeline for Women and Caregivers
Women live longer than men and are often primary caregivers for aging family members, sometimes while raising children. Back-to-school chaos often intersects with caregiving responsibilities, increasing stress.
Tools like WD-Home.co, which HITLAB recently spotlighted, use remote monitoring and AI-driven alerts to help older adults live independently while easing caregiver stress. With real-time insights into activity patterns, caregivers—many of them women—can provide smarter, more effective support without being tethered to constant worry.
Hormone Health at Your Fingertips: Proov
Hormonal changes affect every aspect of a woman’s health, but testing and care have historically been complicated, time-consuming, and stigmatized. HITLAB’s evaluation of Proov, a women-led digital health company, highlights how at-home testing and app-based guidance can simplify this process.
From fertility to menopause, Proov gives women the tools they need to understand their bodies and advocate for themselves—on their own schedules.
Innovation That Respects Women’s Time
Digital health isn’t just about technology; it’s about empathy. These innovations—Verbena, WD-Home.co, and Proov—share a common thread: they respect women’s time, simplify care, and provide autonomy.
For too long, health systems have placed the burden of access on women’s shoulders. By flipping the script and delivering care that fits seamlessly into their lives, we can begin to create a healthcare system that works with women, not against them.
A Call to Action
At HITLAB, our Women’s Health Tech Initiative champions solutions that are designed by and for women. To make this vision real, we must have more:
Women-led startups and innovations
Investments in solutions that address real-world needs
Equitable access to technology that empowers, rather than overwhelms
Digital health has the power to help women not just survive their busy lives, but thrive. As families settle into back-to-school routines, let’s ensure women have the tools they need to prioritize their own health, reclaim time, and create balance in every season of life.
Learn more about
Amy West
Principal Director, Advisory Services & Chair, Women's Health Tech Initiative, HITLAB
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