Health problems in men and women are similar to a long extent, but women’s health includes various gender-specific issues that deserve special consideration. The term women’s health refers to a broad spectrum of physical and mental health problems that are an exclusive concern for women. They go through dramatic physical and mental changes due to the changes in their reproductive systems. Proper diet, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and stress management are some of the key things that can keep women’s health healthy and going.
Women are twice as likely as men to get migraine headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, etc. Their bodies go through major changes all through their lives, leading to different health concerns in different age groups. Women are more prone to mental health like depression, anxiety and eating disorders during their physiological transitions. During adulthood, a wide range of sexual issues like infertility, STD and birth control gains impetus. Post-menopause, women suffer from disorders due to hormonal changes, however, these diseases, if diagnosed and treated early are curable and women can lead a healthy life just by maintaining simple health tips.
Some facts about women health
- Diseases like Cancer, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and depression are some major health risks associated with women’s health.
- Stress and depression are more common in women in comparison to men
- Women’s sexual health is affected by reproductive issues, birth control measures, and STDs.
- According to reports women in the United States and also other countries are more affected by osteoarthritis than men.
- Women suffer from UTIs more than men.
The Aging Process of Women
Women’s life is immensely affected by their reproductive cycle in different stages. Physical changes in women occur due to the changes in their estrogen levels during adolescence, maturity and old age.
After conceiving, girls instantaneously start showing physiological changes. Even girls develop breasts and are born with the milk-duct system while still in the womb. Right from childhood, girls develop concerns regarding their weight. Approximately at the age of eight or nine, girls’ ovaries begin to produce estrogen that leads to breast development and also pubic and underarm hair growth start at this age.
Post-Menopause Life of Women
There are a lot of changes in women experiences after menopause. Usually, menopause in women begins in the late 40s and early 50s and officially regarded when a woman doesn’t have her periods for one whole year. During menopause, the progesterone and estrogen levels fluctuate. With the decrease in estrogen level, many tissues in the body including the breast lose elasticity and hydration. The risk of depression and physical fatigue is very high after menopause usually because circumstance makes women lonely. There also occur some physical problems especially related to dermatology and weight gain/loss. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, surrounding loved ones and leading a stress-free life is the best way to deal with the post-menopause phase.
Common diseases in Women
Though men and women suffer from the same conditions but the diseases affect them differently. To begin with, high blood pressures cause different health issues in women. While women have a lower risk of high blood pressure but men and women have a higher risk of blood pressure after the age of 65. Also women, who usually don’t have high blood pressure before menopause, develop this condition after it.
Women are at a higher risk of metabolic syndrome that causes high blood pressure, abnormal lipid levels, high glucose levels, increased waist size, etc. throughout their lives. As already mentioned that women are at higher risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, amongst them, the type of cancer that is exclusive in women-only is breast cancer. If detected at an early stage, with proper treatment, breast cancer in women has a higher rate of survival.
Osteoporosis is a common health concern that comes with aging and even before. Older adult women are mostly affected by this health condition for which they need to follow some specific routine, some medication and certain changes in the lifestyle.
Also, more women than men suffer from anxiety and depression. This condition can cause great harm to the overall health of women, affect their ability to work, sleep, and feel stress-free. Depression also leads to the suicidal tendency in women.
Sexual Health and Fertility
Sexual health in women refers to the wellbeing of women’s sexual activity and their participation. Apart from physical factors, sexual health is affected by social, interpersonal and psychological factors. Sexual activity is not only possible due to the sexual organs, hormones, the brain, and body. Other psychological factors like-emotions, expectations, and experiences affect sexual health too.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), Endometriosis, Illicit Birth Control Means, Hormonal Methods, Intrauterine devices (IUDs), Natural Family Planning (NFP), Barrier methods are some of the concerns related to the sexual health of women. While these concerns have been considered and practiced by women, however, it is very necessary for every woman and their partner/family to sensibly deal with any issue regarding these aspects. There are various modern-day diagnosis and treatment that can easily cure such health concerns.
Some Health Tips For Women’s health and wellbeing
The following tips are informative and helpful for women of different age group-
Physical Activity and fitness-
Some easy activities like walking, gardening, stretching, dance, and music can keep women healthy both mentally and physically. Dedicating at least half an hour to any of these activities is necessary.
A Healthy Diet:
While women are considered to look after the health of the family, they should never estimate their health. A balanced diet, a properly scheduled meal plan, intake of protein, minerals, fiber, and carbohydrate is necessary to be at best. Avoid taking too much sugar and salt, food with high-cholesterol to maintain blood pressure level and cardiovascular diseases.
Take Proper Medications:
While depending too much on prescription drugs is not a good thing for both men and women, however, women should never ignore any symptom that doesn’t make them g=feel good. Visit doctor routine checkups.
Maintain Healthy Weight:
Maintaining a healthy weight is the key to keep all the health concerns away. Balance your calorie consumption with proper calorie-burning activities.
Limit Smoking and drinking:
Smoking is another key reason for different health concerns in women. Also, alcohol intake must be reduced.
Stay Hydrated:
Drinking plenty of water and fluids is necessary for detoxifying your body.
Tracy Everhart
Tracy Everhart is the Editor for Drug Law Journal. A highly-trained and certified medical professional, Tracy is also an accomplished medical writer. After spending years on the front lines of the medical profession, Tracy now devotes her expertise and skills to researching and reporting on new drugs and devices that enter the market, as well as their side-effects and the real-life stories involved. Prior to joining Drug Law Journal, Tracy wrote for benchmark online healthcare resources focused on families and, in particular, women’s health issues. Tracy holds post-graduate degrees from both the American College of Healthcare Sciences and the Yale School of Nursing. She is also a graduate of both Hampshire College, where she studied microbiology and the University of South Carolina school of nursing.