LGBTQ Health: Lesbian and Bisexual Women
Women have similar health concerns. For example, all women should:
- Maintain a healthy diet and body weight.
- Exercise regularly.
- Limit alcohol consumption.
- Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke.
Lesbian and bisexual women, however, have a higher risk of poor health outcomes. For example, lesbian and bisexual women:
- Have higher rates of heavy drinking and obesity.
- Are less likely to seek routine breast and cervical cancer screenings.
The resources on this page can help explain health issues affecting lesbian and bisexual women.
Resources
- CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention): Lesbian and Bisexual Women—Health information for lesbian and bisexual women
- Top Ten Things Lesbians Should Discuss with Their Health Care Provider—Key topics to discuss between patients and healthcare providers
- Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator—Tool to find substance use or mental health treatment near you
- Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders in LGBTQ Populations—Facts about substance abuse among LGBTQ people
- National Helpline: 800-662-4357—Free 24/7 service for mental health and substance abuse treatment. Available in English and Spanish.
- Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline—Free 24/7 service for substance abuse treatment and recovery. Available in English and Spanish. Call 211.
- American Cancer Society: Cancer Facts for Lesbian and Bisexual Women—Information about cancer risk, prevention, and detection
- National LGBT Cancer Network—Information about cancer risks and an online screening reminder
- National LGBT Cancer Project—LGBTQ group that supports and advocates for cancer survivors
- Wisconsin Well Woman Program—Wisconsin program for women with little to no health insurance coverage. Provides health screenings.
- Vivent Health—AIDS programs in Wisconsin
- CDC: HIV information—General information about HIV
- Health Resources and Services Administration Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program—Information about the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program
- Wisconsin HIV Program—Information about HIV in Wisconsin
- Depression in the LGBT Population—Information about depression among members of the LGBTQ community
- The Trevor Project—A national group focused on crisis and suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth. Toll-free hotline: 866-488-7386
- Mental Health and the LGBTQ Community (PDF)—Fact sheet about mental health and the LGBTQ community
- Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—Free, 24/7 support service for people in stressful situations. This includes thoughts of suicide, mental health concerns, or substance abuse issues. Call or text 988.
- Understanding Anxiety and Depression for LGBTQ People—Information and support about anxiety and depression among LGBTQ people
- Wisconsin Department of Health and Human Services (DHS) Suicide Prevention—Information and resources about suicide prevention in Wisconsin [H3] Sexual health
- CDC: Sexually Transmitted Diseases—Information about STDs
- Recognizing the Needs of Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Women—Information about lesbian, bisexual, and transgender health
- CDC: Tips from Former Smokers—Stories of LGBTQ people with smoking-related conditions
- Truth Initiative—Fact sheet on tobacco use in the LGBTQ community
- Northwest Network—Support for abuse and violence victims
- StopBullying.gov—Resources for stopping and preventing bullying