While both men and women contract various conditions, some health issues affect women differently and more commonly. Even so, women bear exclusive health concerns, such as heart diseases, breast cancer, ovarian and cervical cancer, gynecological health, and pregnancy issues. About 1 in 16 women age 20 and older have coronary heart diseases which is the most common type of heart disease. Depression and anxiety exhibit more frequently among female patients. Urinary tract conditions present more often in females, and sexually transmitted diseases can cause more harm to women. Among the conditions that present most frequently in women, the following eight illnesses pose considerable health risks.
- Heart Disease
Heart disease causes one in every four deaths among women. Although the public considers heart disease a common issue among men, the condition affects males and females nearly equally. Yet, only half of women realize that heart disease is the top health condition threatening their gender. High blood pressure, high LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, and smoking are key risk factors for heart disease. About half of all people have at least one of these three risk factors. Several other medical conditions and lifestyle choices can also put people at a higher risk for heart disease, including
>Diabetes
>Having overweight or obesity
>Eating an unhealthy diet
>Physical inactivity
>Drinking too much alcohol
- Breast Cancer
Breast cancer, which typically originates in the lining of the milk ducts, can spread to other organs and is the most aggressive cancer affecting the global female population. The condition presents more among female populations in developed nations due to their extended life spans. Initially, women afflicted with breast cancer may develop breast lumps, a lump or mass felt in the breast, an area of thickened tissue in the breast, a change in the size or shape of the breast, and swelling in or around the breast. Most breast lumps are non-threatening, but women need to have each one checked by a care provider.
- Ovarian and Cervical Cancer
Many people are not aware of the differences between ovarian and cervical cancer. Abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding after vaginal sex, bleeding after menopause, bleeding and spotting between periods, or having (menstrual) periods that are longer or heavier than usual. Bleeding after douching may also occur. While ovarian cancer presents extremely vague symptoms, the condition is very complex. Finally, Pap smears detect cervical but not ovarian cancer.
- Gynecological Health
Bleeding and discharge are normal parts of the menstrual cycle. However, added symptoms during menstruation may indicate health issues, and unusual symptoms, such as bleeding between menstruations and frequent urinating, can mimic other health conditions. Vaginal issues which may include A change in the color, odor, or amount of vaginal discharge, Vaginal redness or itching, vaginal bleeding between periods, after sex or after menopause, a mass or bulge in your vagina, and pain during intercourse could also indicate serious problems such as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or reproductive tract cancer. While care providers might treat mild infections easily, if left unchecked, they can lead to conditions such as infertility or kidney failure.
- Pregnancy Issues
Pre-existing conditions can worsen during pregnancy, threatening the health of a mother and her child. Asthma, diabetes, and depression can harm the mother and child during pregnancy if not managed properly. Pregnancy can cause a healthy mother’s red blood cell count to drop, a condition called anemia, or the occurrence of depression. Another problem arises when a reproductive cell implants outside the uterus, making further gestation unfeasible. Fortunately, obstetricians can manage and treat common and rare health issues that emerge during pregnancies.
- Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis weakens bones, allowing them to break easily. Several factors can cause the condition that occurs mostly in women, such as Age, alcohol consumption, certain prescriptions, genetics, lack of exercise, low body mass, smoking, and steroid use to detect the condition, care providers measure bone density using an X-ray or ultrasound diagnostic. While no cure exists for osteoporosis, care providers can prescribe treatment to impede illness progression, including dietary supplements, healthy lifestyle choices, or prescription medication.
- Depression and Anxiety
Natural hormonal fluctuations can lead to depression or anxiety. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) occurs commonly among women, while premenstrual dysmorphic disorder (PMDD) presents similar, but greatly intensified, symptoms. Shortly after birth, many mothers acquire a form of depression called the “baby blues,” but perinatal depression causes similar – but much stronger – concerns, emotional shifts, sadness, and tiredness. Some people experience depression once in their lives, and other women experience it as more of a reoccurring challenge in their life. It may get better and worse through different times, but it never seems to go away completely. Perimenopause, the shift into menopause, can also cause depression. No matter how intense the symptoms are, care providers can provide relief with a prescription or treatments.