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Women Health: What Do You Need to Know About

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Although both men and women experience health problems, some of these health problems are experienced differently and more frequently by women and are a cause of concern for women’s health. In addition, most drug trials do not use female test participants, and many illnesses affecting women’s health are misdiagnosed. Today we will talk about many gender-specific difficulties, including estrogen production, mental health, sexual health, and fertility issues related to women’s health.

Importance of women’s health

Women experience significant mental and physical changes as they move through various life stages. It’s crucial to be aware of the ailments that rank among the top health dangers for women, such as breast cancer and heart disease. However, for many women, leading a fulfilling life also requires properly managing other issues that impact daily health, such as premenstrual syndrome, birth control, fertility, menopause, and more.

Additionally, when a woman ages, her health concerns are likely to shift, raising a number of issues like What should you do if you discover a breast lump? Can belly fat cause health issues? Do Kegel exercises need to be done? What is the most effective strategy to handle menopause changes?

Regardless of your age, making the right lifestyle decisions can significantly reduce your health risks and give you the life you want. Your health can significantly improve with regular exercise and a nutritious diet.

Let’s read on to find more on the importance of women’s health,  women’s health problems and solutions, and health tips for women.

The following ailments pose serious health hazards among those that affect women the most commonly.

Most Common Female Health Problems

Heart disease: The leading cause of death for women is heart disease. Although it’s commonly believed that heart disease affects men more than it does women,  this is not the case. More than half of the female population worldwide isn’t aware that heart disease is the most significant health problem which poses the greatest threat to their gender. Chest pain, breathlessness, and arm weakness are signs of a heart attack. Women, however, mostly do not identify their symptoms as heart attack signs and often reject them as being due to strenuous workouts or excessive heartburn. Some risk factors, such as reduced estrogen, higher cholesterol, higher blood pressure and, are more prevalent after menopause, even though menopause does not cause heart disease.

Cancer: Breast and cervical cancers are two of the most prevalent tumors that affect women. The key to keeping women alive and healthy is early detection of both of these malignancies. According to the most recent data available, 500,000 women worldwide die of breast cancer and 500,000 of cervical cancer per year. The most aggressive cancer afflicting women worldwide is breast cancer, which often develops in the lining of the milk ducts. Breast cancer is dangerous as it is a type of cancer that metastasizes to other organs. At first, Women with breast cancer may just lump in the breast. Although most lumps in the breasts are not dangerous, it is important for women to get every lump examined by a specialist.

Sexual health and bladder issues: Since both STDs and urinary tract infections (UTIs) impact women more quickly than males, they should be concerned about their sexual as well as bladder health. It has been noted that women experience STD effects more severely than men. Although STDs frequently go undiagnosed in women due to their less obvious symptoms or higher likelihood of being mistakenly diagnosed with another illness, they have major consequences, such as infertility in women.

Women’s shorter urethras make it easier for bacteria to spread before they reach the bladder and begin an infection. Therefore, females are more likely than males to experience urinary tract issues such as infections and incontinence.

Pregnancy & Maternal health issues: The changes a woman goes through during pregnancy can have an influence on her health, from iron-deficiency anemia to high blood pressure. Both the mother’s and the unborn child’s health can be endangered if the pre-existing conditions get worse during pregnancy. If untreated throughout pregnancy, asthma, diabetes, and depression can harm the mother and the unborn child.

A healthy mother’s red blood cell count might fall during pregnancy, a disease known as anemia, which can also lead to sadness. Another issue that prevents continued gestation is sometimes a reproductive cell plants itself outside the uterus. Fortunately, most of the time, both common and uncommon health problems during pregnancies can be managed and treated by obstetricians.

Depression: According to recent research, women are more likely than males to feel anxiety and despair. The most prevalent mental health issue for women is depression, and suicide is the top cause of death for women under 60, according to the WHO.

Depression interferes with your daily life and can linger for longer than a few weeks. The illness can be brought on by hormonal changes, particularly after childbirth or after menopause. Family history, marital issues, chronic sickness, traumatic events, physical or sexual abuse, etc., are additional risk factors. While most people require treatment, some actions, including exercising and spending time with trusted friends and family, can be beneficial.

Fertility issues: One-third of the women’s healthcare problems affecting women between the ages of 15 and 44 have a sexual or reproductive health component. According to the most recent report, India’s fertility rate has decreased from 4.97 to 2.3, a decrease of more than 50%. Currently, 1 in 6 couples experiences infertility, which is higher in metropolitan regions where the rate is 10 to 14%.

PCOS, problems with contraception, infections during abortions, STDs, post-partum infections, pelvic inflammatory disorders, and other factors are some of the causes of reproductive health problems in women.

So, which precautions will you follow to maintain reproductive health? Infertility is significantly influenced by lifestyle issues like smoking, drinking, eating processed foods, and being under a lot of physical and emotional stress. Depending on the underlying cause, the issue of reproduction and infertility can be managed with the assistance of a specialist. Your doctor may recommend specific hormone tests, such as the FSH test, to gain a preliminary assessment of your health.

Osteoporosis: is a condition that weakens your bones, making them prone to fracture. In those with osteoporosis, the hip, spine, and wrist are most prone to fractures or breaks. Osteoporotic fractures are seen more commonly in women who have gone through menopause. Early menopause, certain drugs, low body mass index (BMI), cancer treatments, and certain genetic components are some of the additional risk factors associated with osteoporosis. By consuming enough calcium, staying active with the right weight-bearing workouts, and abstaining from smoking and heavy alcohol consumption, you can reduce these risks.

Tips For Boosting Women’s Health

The benefits of a healthy diet, regular exercising, and composure and harmony in your body and mind cannot be emphasized enough. The greatest ways for a woman to get in shape physically and psychologically are by following these simple suggestions, which include eating wholesome foods, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and generally taking care of herself. Without a doubt, it takes time, but with a little forethought and drive, the outcomes could change your life. These health tips for women can help women boost their chances of enjoying better health throughout their life, regardless of their age or general health status:

  1. Give up smoking. You’ll considerably lower your lung and heart problems risk if you quit smoking. Every system in the body is harmed by this destructive habit. You are more prone to develop osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, cataracts, and gum disease, in addition to an increased risk for certain cancers. Women who smoke are also more likely than non-smokers to experience menopause earlier in life.

2.) Keep up with your yearly wellness exams. You’re missing a huge opportunity to protect your long-term health if you only visit the doctor when you’re feeling under the weather. If you are unaware of an underlying health issue, you cannot treat it. You can always find time for your yearly well-woman exam because preventive care is the foundation of good health. This behavior can improve the likelihood of early disease or chronic condition detection, which improves your odds of taking action to address any health issues you may experience.

3.) Spend quality time in bed. You can stay productive, maintain a better level of reasoning, and maintain control over your emotions by getting the amount of sleep you require to feel refreshed and balanced. Additionally, it promotes long-term health protection. Regular sleep not only reduces stress but also delays the effects of aging and enhances mental clarity.

4.) Make it a priority to exercise in your daily life. Regular physical activity must be emphasized more. Women who exercise regularly typically have healthier blood pressure and cholesterol levels and a lower chance of significant chronic conditions, including dementia, diabetes, and heart disease. Maintaining an active lifestyle as you approach menopause can also help reduce or eliminate troublesome symptoms, including hot flashes, nocturnal sweats, and moodiness. You may give only 20 minutes to exercise every day. By making regular exercising a lifelong habit, you will improve your heart health and can manage your weight and stress.

5.) Give attention to your diet. Healthy women need not eat food that is bland or uninteresting. Instead, it can entail vibrant, appealing meals, exciting new flavors, and foods you’ve never tried before. Eat as much fresh produce and whole foods as you can. A realistic diet with lots of fruits and vegetables is preferable to crash diets or overindulgence. Include more plant-based foods like vegetables, legumes, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and seeds in your diet to increase your fiber intake. Women who consume a diet high in fiber are more likely to keep their weight down, stay healthy, and live longer.

More on Nutrition

Nutritionists generally advise women of all ages to consume a diet high in fruits, vegetables, fiber, and protein. Your doctor can point you in the direction of the right resources to assist you in creating a diet that best supports long-term health.

To help avoid birth deformities, women of childbearing age also require folic acid-rich diets, such as leafy green vegetables, beans, and citrus fruits.

To prevent bone damage, it is advised that postmenopausal women increase their consumption of calcium- and vitamin-rich foods (such as seafood, fruit, low-fat dairy, and egg yolks).

More On Physical Activity

For heart health, weight control, and stress reduction throughout your life, a physical activity program that includes 20–30 minutes of daily cardiovascular activity (such as walking, jogging, swimming, hiking, or biking) is advised. As you age, You may also benefit from adding weightlifting or other strength training exercises to your workout routine to help avoid the loss of muscle mass and bone density.

It’s never too late to begin an exercise routine, which is great news. You can start small and slowly build your way up to a regular exercise routine that will help you to enhance your general health, even if you may be over 50 yrs and don’t have much of a history of physical fitness.

More On Recommended Screenings

Cholesterol and Blood Pressure: Women over the age of 20 should think about including annual cholesterol tests and blood pressure checks in their normal healthcare practice. If there is a family history of these issues or if you have other risk factors, then your doctor might suggest a more regular schedule.

Pelvic Exams and Pap Smears: Women between the ages of 21 and 65 should get annual pelvic exams and, at least every three years, a pap smear. Your general physician or your OB-GYN might do these exams.

Breast Exams and Mammograms: Beginning at the age of 20, every woman should have a breast exam every year. Most doctors recommend getting annual mammograms for women from ages 40 to 50 and every alternate year subsequently. You should make it a routine to self-check your breasts at least once a month. Your doctor can instruct you on how to conduct ‘self-checks’ properly.

Osteoporosis screenings: Women 65 and older are more likely to get bone disorders; thus, most doctors advise starting annual bone density exams at this age.

Colorectal Screenings: Ask your doctor about recommended colonoscopies and other colorectal screening tests once you turn 50 to check for the possibility of colorectal cancer and other possible issues.

Skin Cancer: Women of all ages should practice noticing changes in their skin, as well as changes to moles and birthmarks, to help prevent skin cancer. When you have your annual health exams, mention anything that seems odd.  You can ask your doctor if he advises routine tests if there are skin cancer risk factors, such as a fair complexion, family history, or a history of childhood sunburns.

Diabetes: Depending on your family history and risk factors, you may need regular screenings starting at age 40 in addition to being aware of the signs and symptoms of diabetes and controlling your risk factors. Consult your doctor for advice.

FAQs

What are the tips to overcome insomnia?

To overcome insomnia, you can try some of the strategies listed below:

  • Keep a regular sleeping routine.
  • Take only brief naps.
  • Limit your intake of alcohol and coffee-based beverages.
  • Make an effort to relax.
  • Attend cognitive treatment sessions.

Why is taking multivitamins important?

CoQ10, magnesium, and B vitamins (B1, B2, B6, K1, and Niacin) are all essential for sustaining cardiovascular health. Since multivitamins contain all these vitamins and minerals, they can be helpful. It functions as something like additional insurance for women’s health. Simply make sure that all of your bases are covered.

What can women over 50 do to minimize stress?

The advice listed below can help women reduce stress:

  • Do light exercises daily.
  • Maintain a positive outlook.
  • Take steps to unwind.
  • Get plenty of rest and sleep.
  • Eat wholesome, well-balanced meals.

Conclusion

It can be quite challenging for most women to juggle the responsibilities of a family, their partner, and a career, and occasionally even some cultural pressures to fit into some social mold, behave in a particular way or look nice. However, each woman must prioritize her health above all else as she navigates through the various life stages. Although most women don’t place “taking care of yourself” at the top of their list of priorities, “It’s Time for You” to prioritize your health and fitness as well as other things. After all, healthy women at the top of the health and wellness pyramid can take care of all the individuals who do depend on them to do so.

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Srujana Mohanty
She is the Managing Editor of Cogito137, one of India’s leading student-run science communication magazines. She's been working in scientific and medical writing and editing since 2018, also associated with the quality assurance team of scientific journal editing. Majored in Chemistry with a minor in Biology at IISER Kolkata, Srujana loves doodling and watching series.

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