The State of Women's Health in 2025: Voices from Ohio

Executive Summary

This report provides a qualitative analysis of a voice-conducted survey on women's health, conducted by Socratic Research in Spring 2025. Through responses from nine women in Ohio, the data reveals a landscape of unmet needs, inconsistent care, emotional fatigue, and political anxiety. Their candid reflections shed light on systemic gaps in mental health support, reproductive care, preventative screening, and patient trust—especially among older women.

Methodology

  • Timeframe: March–April 2025
  • Location: Ohio
  • Participants: 9 women, ages 22–64
  • Method: Facebook ad → voice-based survey with "Sally," an AI assistant
  • Format: Conversational responses to scripted questions
  • Data Use: Qualitative theme identification supported by direct quotes
  • Demographics: See full snapshot at the end of this report

Section 1: General Health & Lifestyle

Survey Questions:

  1. How often do you engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity, such as brisk walking, running, or exercise classes?
  1. How would you describe your usual eating habits?
  1. On average, how many hours of sleep do you get per night?
  1. How often do you experience stress, anxiety, or other mental health challenges?
  • Follow-up: What strategies have you found helpful in managing these challenges?

Key Themes: General Health & Lifestyle

Inconsistent sleep and exercise routines

Mental health challenges are common, but often go unaddressed

Most women rely on coping, not care

Quotes:

"Once a week." — on physical activity

"I snack throughout the day… sometimes two good meals, sometimes three."

"Probably like nine hours. It really depends on what my life looks like."

"Every day." — Woman, 22, on mental health challenges

"I just keep going, I guess."

"Yoga." — the only coping strategy some can afford

Section 2: Reproductive Health & Birth Control

Survey Questions:

  1. Do you currently use any form of birth control?
  1. Which method or methods do you use?
  1. How satisfied are you with your current method(s)?
  1. What are your biggest concerns or barriers regarding birth control?
  1. Do you have a preference for hormonal or non-hormonal methods?
  1. Do you feel you have sufficient education or information about different methods?
  • Follow-up: What types of information would be most helpful?
  1. Have you or would you consider fertility tracking apps or devices?

Key Themes: Reproductive Health & Birth Control

Most women aren't currently using birth control

Many cite health risks or dissatisfaction with hormonal methods

Some believe they are "informed" but still express major confusion

Distrust of providers is recurring

Quotes:

"Blood clot risk." — Woman, 44

"I don't need it." — Woman, 22

"If I were to use it, I would prefer non-hormonal."

"I don't think I have enough information."

"My gynecologist never told me about any side effects… I asked directly." — Woman, 30

Section 3: Fertility & Hormonal Health

Survey Questions:

  1. Have you ever sought medical advice for hormonal imbalances, such as PCOS or thyroid issues?
  • Follow-up: How would you describe your experience?
  1. Have you or would you consider fertility tracking apps or devices to plan or prevent pregnancy?

Key Themes: Fertility & Hormonal Health

Fertility tools are either dismissed or deemed unnecessary

Many participants showed little interest in fertility tracking technology, with some explicitly rejecting the idea and others considering it irrelevant to their life stage.

Experiences with hormonal care are often poor or minimal

When asked about medical support for hormonal issues, responses revealed consistently negative experiences with healthcare providers.

Some women are managing conditions (e.g., thyroid) with little support

Several participants mentioned ongoing treatment for hormonal conditions but indicated minimal guidance from healthcare professionals.

Quotes:

"Absolutely not." — on fertility tracking

"I'm on medication for thyroid."

"Poor. Yes." — describing care for hormonal imbalance

"No, not necessary." — postmenopausal participant

Section 4: Mental Health & Social Pressure

Survey Questions:

  1. How often do you experience stress, anxiety, or other mental health challenges?
  • Follow-up: What strategies have you found helpful?
  1. Have you ever sought professional help for mental health concerns (e.g. therapy, counseling, medication)?
  1. Do you feel pressure from social media or society regarding body image or beauty standards?

Key Themes: Mental Health & Social Pressure

Mental health struggles are common

Nearly all participants reported experiencing some form of anxiety or stress on a regular basis, with varying degrees of severity.

Formal care is rare, and self-care solutions are limited

Despite widespread mental health challenges, few women had accessed professional support, instead relying on minimal self-care practices.

Social media's influence is mixed but notable

Responses about social media pressure varied by age, with younger participants more likely to acknowledge its impact.

Quotes:

"I have mild to moderate anxiety daily and moderate to severe anxiety probably two or three times a week."

"Once." — on professional help

"Yes." — to societal beauty pressure

"No, not really." — Woman, 64

Section 5: Preventative Care & Screenings

Survey Questions:

  1. How often do you attend recommended health screenings such as Pap smears, mammograms, and wellness exams?

Key Themes: Preventative Care & Screenings

Attendance varies widely

Responses showed significant variation in how regularly women attend preventative screenings.

Some follow provider recommendations; others don't go at all

While some participants reported consistent attendance based on medical guidance, others admitted to avoiding screenings entirely.

Lack of guidance is a concern

Several women expressed uncertainty about screening schedules and recommendations.

Quotes:

"Every year." — Woman, 40

"As recommended." — Woman, 64

"I don't." — Woman, 44

"When to get Pap smears? More information?" — Woman, 44

Section 6: Aging, Pain & Being Believed

Survey Questions:

  1. What would you say is your biggest health concern at the moment?
  • Follow-up: How has this concern affected your daily life?

Key Themes: Aging, Pain & Being Believed

Pain and mobility issues are major concerns among older participants

Women in their 60s frequently mentioned chronic pain and physical limitations as their primary health concerns.

Many express fear of not being taken seriously

A recurring theme was anxiety about healthcare providers dismissing or minimizing women's reported symptoms.

Delays in diagnosis or care are devastating

Several participants shared stories of serious health consequences resulting from delayed or inadequate care.

Quotes:

"Chronic discomfort, muscle spasms, pain in my neck." — Woman, 64

"My friend died of ovarian cancer… there's not a lot of belief in women." — Woman, 62

"I just want to age without pain."

"Concern for possible surgery."

Section 7: Systemic Critique & Reproductive Rights

Survey Questions:

  1. Is there anything you would like to see improved in women's healthcare services?
  1. Any additional comments or concerns?

Key Themes: Systemic Critique & Reproductive Rights

Some women voiced political concerns outright

Several participants directly referenced political figures and policies as barriers to adequate healthcare access.

Others called for basic gender parity in care

Many responses highlighted perceived disparities between men's and women's healthcare priorities and funding.

Many referenced fear of losing bodily autonomy

Concerns about diminishing reproductive rights and healthcare freedoms were prominent across age groups.

Quotes:

"Donald Trump." — as a barrier to reproductive access

"We should at least have the rights we had two years ago." — Woman, 45

"If we're going to treat ED, why not prioritize women's care?" — Woman, 64

"It's an attempt to subvert women… pressure them to return to an antiquated state." — Woman, 64

Conclusion: What These Voices Demand

Across all responses, four common needs stood out:

To be believed

by doctors

To be informed

with honest, accessible information

To be treated equally

in the system

To retain control

over their bodies and care decisions

The voices in this report are small in number—but powerfully representative. They offer not just critique, but direction.

Appendix A: Demographic Snapshot

Total Respondents: 9 Age Range: 22–64 (7 provided age) Relationship Status:

  • Married: 3
  • Single: 2
  • Partnered: 1
  • Married, soon to be separated: 1
  • Not stated: 2

Age Distribution:

  • 20–29: 1
  • 30–39: 1
  • 40–49: 3
  • 60–69: 2
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