What all you need to know about Women’s Health Issues
Introduction
When talking about women’s health issues, gynaecological problems like infertility, complications of pregnancy and childbirth, menopause, etc., come to mind. But we often overlook the other health aspects in women, which affect them differently than men. It’s been observed that heart attack symptoms in women are different from those in men. Not understanding the differences between the symptoms posed by differences in physiology leads to misdiagnosis of common health ailments in women.
In this blog, we have discussed different women’s health issues, their symptoms, risk factors, and options for management.
What Are Some Common Women’s Health Issues?
Here are some of women’s most prevalent health concerns and what you can do to minimise your risk.
1. Cardiac Diseases
Cardiac (heart) diseases are among the top reasons for death among women. Common heart attack symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and weakness in the arms. Women may also experience nausea or vomiting in addition to these symptoms. The issue is that several women dismiss these symptoms as acidity or heartburn, delaying treatment.
Certain risk factors for heart diseases become more common after menopause, such as higher blood pressure and cholesterol and lower oestrogen levels, which may contribute to a heart attack. Other risk factors may include obesity, diabetes, and alcohol consumption. Therefore, women need to be aware of these risk factors and manage them under medical guidance to prevent the chances of having a heart attack.
2. Diabetes
Although diabetes is not exclusive to women, it certainly increases the risk of developing heart disease by four times. Women are also more vulnerable to diabetes-related complications, like blindness, kidney disease and depression. Pregnant women are also at risk of gestational diabetes, in which their glucose level goes up, and other complications develop, too.
To lower your risk for type 2 diabetes, try maintaining a healthy weight, exercising frequently and quitting smoking. Women with gestational diabetes can treat diabetes with proper diet, exercise, blood glucose monitoring, insulin injections, and oral medication.
3. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
UTIs occur when germs enter the urinary tract. Women are more susceptible to UTIs as they have a shorter urethra than men. Women may experience frequent urination, pain or burning when urinating, and cloudy urine as a result of UTIs. UTIs often go away on their own; if they don’t, antibiotics can work.
4. Maternal Health Issues
Pregnancy can impact a woman’s health in numerous ways. Not only pregnancy care is important, but preconception care is essential to ensure a safe pregnancy and motherhood. Women suffering from chronic health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, major cardiac disorders and neurological issues should discuss their care plan with their physician or gynaecologist before conceiving.
Pregnant women should consume adequate nutrients and take preventive measures by getting the appropriate immunizations. If any doubts arise, a gynaecologist should be consulted.
5. Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a global health concern for women. It is the most prevalent cancer in women, and timely identification is imperative to ensure timely access to adequate health measures and manage breast cancer. Women may experience the following breast cancer symptoms:
- A lump or thickening in the breast
- Dimple formation on the nipple or areola
- Redness or warmth on the skin
- Abnormal nipple discharge
Women can perform self-examination of their breasts to look for such signs from time to time. After the age of 40, women should undergo regular screening for breast cancer. It is essential for those with a family history of breast cancer or who carry the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which increase the risk of breast cancer. You can manage risks by making healthy lifestyle choices, such as exercising and quitting smoking.
6. Sexual health
Women can also contract sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and the most common one is human papillomavirus (HPV), which the HPV vaccine can prevent. There are over 30 types of STDs.
Cervical cancer is among the top common causes of death among women. With advancements in medical science, it is possible to prevent precancerous cells and deliver treatment to eliminate them, thereby reducing the risk of developing cervical cancer.
7. Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a common age-related condition affecting the bones, which weaken due to gradual wearing and degeneration, making them vulnerable to fractures. Postmenopausal women are more susceptible to the risk of fractures due to osteoporosis than men. There are other risk factors associated with osteoporosis, such as consumption of certain medications, early menopause, a low body mass index (BMI), cancer treatment and genetics.
Osteoporosis can be delayed or even prevented by increasing your calcium intake, exercising regularly by using appropriate weight-bearing equipment and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol use.
8. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
It is one of the most common reproductive health problems and causes of infertility among women globally. In the majority of the cases, women find out about PCOS only when they’re trying to conceive. Although it is not a life-threatening condition, it causes infertility and trouble conceiving. Such women are at a higher risk of endometrial cancer, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
Women with PCOS may experience:
- Irregular periods
- Excessive hair growth on face, chest, back
- Weight gain around the belly
- Hair thinning in typical male balding patterns
- Oily and acne-prone skin
Following appropriate dietary habits and taking medications under the guidance of a gynaecologist can be beneficial for treating PCOS.
9. Endometriosis
The endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus in women. In endometriosis, this lining grows outside the uterus. It may cause extreme pain, especially during menstruation. Women may also experience pain during intercourse, excessive or intermenstrual bleeding, and infertility.
Endometriosis cannot be cured, but it can be diagnosed and managed effectively at an early stage, which helps reduce the severity of the symptoms and minimises the chances of complications.
10. Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is another age-related degenerative condition affecting the brain in which abnormal particles called neurofibrillary tangles and plaque form in the brain and destroy healthy brain cells. Although it is not exclusive to women, around two-thirds of the female population is likely living with Alzheimer’s. While scientists are not sure why or how it happens, it is believed to occur due to genetic variations. Making healthy lifestyle choices, such as staying active and eating healthy, as well as performing activities that engage and improve cognitive abilities, can help promote optimal brain health.
Conclusion
Most health issues women face can be managed and sometimes prevented by adopting healthy lifestyle choices. It is essential to be aware of your body and take active steps to talk about reproductive and overall health and wellness to raise more awareness and concern on the matter.
Giggles Hospital is a leading healthcare institution championing the cause of women’s health and wellness. We strive daily to put more women on the path to wellness through top-notch healthcare and patient care services. Contact us today to address your health concerns under the supervision of our best physicians and surgeons specialising in maternity and women’s health.