Top Women’s Health Issues You Should Know About

It’s been said that if you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything. That really is true for everyone regardless of age, race, or gender. However, a woman’s approach to achieving good health will look a lot different than for men.

As a woman, there are specialized health concerns you should understand.  Here are the top health issues for women that bear attention as you strive to improve your physical and mental wellbeing.

Stroke Facts for Women

Did you know that strokes occur in 55,000 more women than men? Some studies show that women may be more prone to strokes than men because of pregnancy or taking birth control medicine.

Strokes are also caused by high blood pressure, blood clot disorders, or impaired circulation.  Women who have these conditions or occurrences of strokes in their family history should get a thorough medical checkup to determine if they are at risk for strokes.

Heart Disease

The risk of heart disease is known to increase in women after menopause. This is thought to be directly linked to lower levels of estrogen after menopause.  This, combined with high blood pressure and high cholesterol, can be contributing factors for women contracting heart disease.

Additionally, heart disease is the number one cause of death for women.  While this statistic is staggering, it’s likely that heart disease may go undetected, thus causing death.

Women may be more likely to pass off symptoms of shortness of breath, arm weakness, or chest pain due to overexertion or indigestion. Don’t make the mistake of letting heart disease go undiagnosed. If you’re having these symptoms, check with your physician.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in American women (skin cancer is number one). In fact, 1 in 8 women in the US will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. There are varying causes of this type of cancer, including family history, diet, and environmental influences.

While the thought of breast cancer is terrifying, early detection can make a big difference in treating and surviving it.  Conducting monthly self-examinations can detect changes in breasts that can be shared with a doctor for further investigation. Mammograms are also recommended every year for women over the age of 45, which can help with early detection to protect women’s health.

Sexual Health for Women

Women who are sexually active may be vulnerable to many sexually transmitted infections. STIs can be avoided by practicing safe, protected sex.  Cervical cancer may also develop in women with many sexual partners, or in women having sex at a young age.

While there are other factors for cervical cancer such as smoking, diet, and alcohol use, this type of cancer can be more easily identified with cervical health test kits and wellness checkups.

Maternal Health Concerns

Pregnancy should be a beautiful experience in every woman’s life, but it can sometimes lead to health complications.  Pregnancy can cause high blood pressure, iron deficiency anemia, cardiac disorders, and other conditions.

Therefore, getting regular OB-GYN checkups is crucial to monitor health while pregnant.  Women should also receive medical treatment after giving birth and continue to receive regular checkups to ensure health is optimal.

Urinary Tract Infections

Women are more susceptible to UTIs than men due to a shorter urethra which lessens the distance bacteria travels when reaching the bladder.  Women who are sexually active may have more UTIs as well.

Symptoms include burning when urinating, and discoloration of urine output. While UTIs are not life-threatening, they are definitely uncomfortable. Women can manage UTIs on their own, however, if these infections are severe or happen frequently, women should consult a physician or go to a clinic for medical treatment.

Osteoporosis in Women

According to the National Institute of Health, women are four times more likely to fall victim to osteoporosis than men. Osteoporosis is a condition of weakened bones which may lead to breaks or fractures.

Menopause, low body mass, and certain medications are attributed to osteoporosis in women. Other factors include a poor diet, lack of exercises such as weight lifting, inactivity, smoking, and excessive use of alcohol. While there is no cure for osteoporosis, there are treatments that can help strengthen bones as well as better lifestyle choices that can improve mobility.

The Last Word on Women’s Health Issues

As a woman, you know that you are uniquely equipped to handle all kinds of challenges in life.  However, when it comes to women’s health, you shouldn’t go it alone. Be sure to get regular wellness checkups as well as health tests and screenings so that you have a clear understanding of your overall health.

At the end of the day, prevention is your best weapon in handling women’s health issues.