Unwell Women

Unwell Women by Elinor Cleghorn embarks on a compelling journey through the history of women's health and their ongoing battle against medical oppression. This meticulously researched chronicle reveals how women's bodies have been subjected to centuries of scrutiny, misunderstanding, and mistreatment. Cleghorn delves into the deep-rooted misconceptions that have plagued women's medical care, from the ancient belief in the 'wandering womb' to the evolving, yet still confounding, perspectives on hormones, menstruation, and menopause. As an unwell woman herself, Cleghorn offers a poignant and personal insight into these issues, making the narrative both relatable and profoundly impactful.

Medicine carries the burden of its own troubling history. Over centuries, women's bodies have been demonised and demeaned until we feared them, felt ashamed of them, and were humiliated by them. However, despite the pervasive medical misogyny, women—often as doctors, researchers, campaigners, and most significantly, as patients—have continuously challenged and resisted the status quo. Their strength, resistance, and courage have confronted and slowly redefined medical orthodoxy.

In this ground-breaking history, Elinor Cleghorn unpacks the roots of the perpetual misunderstanding, mystification, and misdiagnosis of women's bodies, illnesses, and pain. From antiquity's whimsical theories to contemporary medical practices, Unwell Women unearths the revolutionary stories of women who have suffered, fought back, and made strides towards rewriting the narrative of their own health. The book profoundly questions and critiques the medical world's handling of women's health issues, making it a timely and significant expose.

Drawing on extensive historical research and enriched by her own experiences, Cleghorn's voice is both authoritative and empathetic. This book not only highlights the historical injustices faced by unwell women but also celebrates their relentless determination to claim autonomy over their own bodies. It is a powerful and enlightening read for anyone interested in understanding the deep-seated issues within the medical community and advocating for meaningful change in women's healthcare.