Women’s health is the focus of new platform OM – inspired by a Chrissy Teigen tweet about childbirth, say its founders

Medical protocols are based on male-centric research that ignores the female experience – potentially putting women’s lives at risk

‘So many women’s health matters remain taboo,’ says the co-founder of OM, an online educational platform where women can consult experts on their health issues

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OM founders Gigi Ngan (left) and Anca Griffiths (centre) photographed with Emilie Berthet Clairet. OM addresses women’s health issues, which modern medicine largely ignores thanks to male-centric medical research. Photo: Xiaomei Chen

Published: 5:45pm, 10 Jul 2021Updated: 6:26pm, 10 Jul 2021

It took a Stage 3 breast cancer diagnosis for Dr Emilie Berthet Clairet to realise the weaknesses in the male-centric foundations of modern medicine.

The Hong Kong-based microbiologist-turned-certified holistic nutritionist began standard treatment for the disease three years ago. While undergoing surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, doctors warned Clairet of the classic side effects such as nausea, low blood count and hair loss – but not of the potential effects on her ovaries, reproductive system and hormones.

A year after having hormonotherapy to reduce the risk of breast cancer returning, the then-45-year-old Frenchwoman was shocked to discover she had reached menopause.

“I wasn’t at all prepared. When I asked my doctor, she said menopause may or may not have been induced by chemotherapy,” says Clairet. “I was given very little information and support around the changes in my body, my mental health, my looks and how to handle all of this with my three young children.”

Emiliie Berthet Clairet was warned of the classic side effects of cancer treatment such as nausea, low blood count and hair loss – but not of the potential effects on her ovaries and hormones. Photo: Xiaomei Chen

To support her own healing, Clairet studied holistic nutrition online during her cancer treatment. Post-treatment, she lost sensation in her left arm and chest, and suffered back pain when she tried to exercise. When her doctor said she probably would not fully recover, Clairet turned to natural health care practitioners for help.