To provide a unique social forum about important intimate women’s health issues, a Phoenix company has launched www.empowHer.com, a new Internet social community run by women for women.

The site’s launch last month represents the new concept in Internet online forums where social connectivity, patient advocacy, expert opinion and commentary provide insightful information and resources to help patients help themselves.

“This is the new home for women who want to share their most intimate health concerns, inspirational stories and tips with other women,” said Michelle Robson of North Central Phoenix, founder and CEO of EmpowHer.com. “This is the virtual coffee shop, hairdresser and nail spa type conversations about issues that many women have no place to turn to find answers and support, even from their own doctor, husband or family. These are the whispers we women share about what’s going on with our bodies.”

Robson personally invested millions of dollars to fund the development of EmpowHer.com after her own health ordeal. “I was told I needed a hysterectomy and did what my doctor said,” she recalled. “After that, I fell into an abyss of health problems that I continue to battle. Now I want to share what I learned and offer a forum of discussion for others.”

Robson said she’s heard from women all over the United States about the need for more women’s health advocacy. “As women, we tend to not advocate for ourselves. We are great at advocating for our loved ones but when it comes to our own health, we tend to do what we are told with out doing any research or asking others for help. Our intuition is so strong but we rarely use it for ourselves.”

Through EmpowHer.com, Robson will reach out to all women, giving them access to the latest in medical information, news and health events. More importantly, she will provide a safe place for women to share their stories and support one another.

The concept of teamwork between patient and doctor is one that Robson strongly believes in and plans to promote with her site. Experts of all health areas will be invited to participate in educational forums and blogs on the EmpowHer site.

The site is initially focused on six areas of women’s health: menopause/hormones, thyroid disorders, heart disease, post partum depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and osteoporosis.

“These health issues are very important to women and there are many differing opinions about how to diagnose and treat them,” Robson pointed out. “What we are doing is providing a place for women to talk about these issues and learn from others what they did and what to avoid.”

When the site is fully launched, it also will feature a local and national calendar of health events. Those looking for free or low-cost health care screenings and services in their communities will be able to find them in one single location at EmpowHer.com. Hospitals, community based health care organizations, non-profits, medical groups and senior centers, among others, post their calendar of events.

“With the cost of health care skyrocketing even for those with health insurance, it’s more important than ever to bridge the gap to access health care services,” said Robson. “By offering a calendar of local events for people in one single on line location, we make it very easy to find a health care resource in a person’s own community.”

For more information, log on to www.empowher.com.