Table of Contents
Which women's health issues are the most crucial?
Menstrual issues
While there are certain common chronic health issues between men and women, women also have specific health difficulties of their own that require special attention. A woman’s everyday chaos may cause her to neglect leading a healthy lifestyle. Every woman needs to have access to information about the range of health issues that affect her body overall, not just in relation to her reproductive system. By raising awareness, they may encourage healthy lifestyle choices, which are the best ways to stave off illness, live longer, and live better.
These six prevalent health conditions impact millions of women annually.
Women frequently experience problems with their periods, which might include irregular, heavy, scarce, or skipped cycles. Women’s period cramps continue to be another health concern.
Generally speaking, menstrual blood loss above 80 milliliters or more than seven days are considered heavy menstrual bleeding. It is estimated that between 9 and 14 women out of 100 experience heavy menstruation.1. In severe circumstances, heavy menstrual issues can even lead to iron deficiency anemia and cause significant disruptions to everyday life. If you experience significant monthly bleeding, consult your doctor to rule out any underlying causes.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which affects 47.8% of women worldwide who are of reproductive age, is another issue that women experience during their periods.2. Changes in hunger, weight gain, headaches, backaches, nausea, constipation, anxiety, mood swings, and breast swelling are among the common symptoms of PMS. These signs appear a few days after the menstrual cycle begins.
Problems with fertility
According to a recent estimate, the fertility rate among Indians has decreased by over 50%, from 4.97 to 2.3. This rate is expected to continue decline to 2.1 between 2025 and 30; 1.86 between 2045 and 50; and 1.78 between 2095 and 100. At the moment, 1 in 6 couples experience infertility, with a rate of 10 to 14% in urban regions.
Women become infertile for a variety of reasons, including PCOS, problems with contraception, infections during abortions, STDs, postpartum infections, pelvic inflammatory illnesses, etc. Infertility can also result from certain lifestyle choices, such drinking alcohol and smoking, eating processed food, and experiencing physical or mental stress.
Depending on the underlying cause, infertility can be addressed with the assistance of an expert. Your doctor may recommend some hormone testing, such the FSH test, to gain an early understanding of your situation.
Thyroid issues
Among women of childbearing age (18–35 years old), thyroid illness is widespread and twice as common in women as in males.5. The metabolism slows down in women who have hypothyroidism, or low thyroid hormone levels. Among the symptoms include fatigue, sluggishness, and weight gain. On the other hand, menopause may also begin early due to elevated thyroid levels, either before or in the early 40s.
In addition, pregnancy has been shown to increase blood levels of thyroid hormones, and 5% to 10% of women experience postpartum thyroiditis within a year of giving birth.Six
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women. According to the most recent global estimates, breast cancer kills approximately half a million women per year.8 Various risk factors include rising age, family history, early onset of periods or menopause after the age of 55, obesity, and so on. Keep yourself informed about breast cancer self-examination.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women. According to the most recent global estimates, breast cancer kills approximately half a million women per year.8 Various risk factors include rising age, family history, early onset of periods or menopause after the age of 55, obesity, and so on. Keep yourself informed about breast cancer self-examination.
Sexual health and bladder concerns.
Given how quickly urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can impact women, they should be concerned about both their bladder and sexual health. Women have been found to be more severely affected by STDs than men are. Despite the fact that sexually transmitted infections (STDs) are often misdiagnosed as other conditions or go undetected because of their less obvious symptoms, STDs can have major consequences for women, including infertility.
Women should be mindful of their personal cleanliness in addition to their sexual health. Because women’s urethras are shorter than men’s, bacteria can infect the bladder more quickly by traveling a shorter distance. As a result, female urinary system issues—such as infections and incontinence—are more prevalent. It is best to speak with your healthcare provider right away.
Depression
According to new research, women are more likely than males to suffer from anxiety and despair. Suicide is the top cause of mortality for women under the age of sixty-seven, and depression is the most prevalent mental health issue affecting women, according to the WHO.
Depression might disrupt your daily life and linger longer than a few weeks. The illness may be brought on by changes in hormones, particularly after pregnancy or around menopause. Family history, marital issues, chronic sickness, traumatic life events, physical or sexual abuse, etc. are additional risk factors. Even though most individuals require treatment, some things can still be helpful, such exercising and spending time with people you can trust.