As a woman, you have specific problems and concerns. Have you ever wondered why some health issues occur more often for women than for men?
A female’s body is a complicated thing! Why women should deal with this, more than men? Advances in medicine are constantly improving the lives of girls and ladies, but research clearly shows that females are uniquely susceptible to a specific sort of disease.
If the thought has never occurred to you, then here is a shortlist of conditions that most women face in their lives.
Breast cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women (other than skin cancer), and a leading cause of death. Every year in the United States, more than 200,000 women are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, resulting in approximately 40,000 deaths. That’s more than all other cancers combined.
There are many different types of breast cancer – they can be either hormone receptor-positive or negative – and can be broadly classified as invasive lobular carcinoma or invasive ductal carcinoma.
In addition to treatment options for breast cancer, more specific types have their own unique treatments. Traditional treatments largely include surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy; however complementary treatments such as integrative or alternative medicine are also becoming more popular among some patients.
Ovarian and cervical cancer
The fact that cervical cancer is the deadliest of all gynecologic cancers is heartbreaking, considering how preventable it is. Cervical cancer can be detected early with regular tests, and current treatments have high cure rates, yet decades of misinformation about the cause of the disease have contributed to a startlingly low screening rate.
There are three ways to treat cervical cancer: surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Ask your doctor what type of treatment might be best for you, depending on the stage of your cancer. Be aware that pelvic exams might be uncomfortable or even painful if you’ve had radiation therapy to the pelvis or are having chemotherapy.
Gynaecological health and disorders
It’s pretty much impossible to discuss women’s health without talking about gynaecological health. Gynaecology is a branch of medicine that deals with the female reproductive system, and a variety of issues which arise as a result of this system. Gynaecological disorders are normally divided into broadly defined areas of enquiry and treated by experts such as Melbourne gynaecologists.
Gynaecological health and disorders include:
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Do you often feel blue, moody or irritable in the days before your period? You are not alone. About 2% of women suffer from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe condition that causes symptoms so troubling that it interrupts their daily activities.
The cause of premenstrual dysphoric disorder is unknown. Scientists have found clues that may lead to a better understanding of what causes PMDD, such as changes in hormone levels and chemical activity in the brain.
Women who experience moderate to severe symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder generally have the following characteristics:
Pregnancy issues
Pregnancy is a beautiful time in women’s life, however, it also comes with many health issues. It is important to be prepared for them and to manage them as best as possible.
It is not only important to take care of yourself; it’s also very important to look after your unborn baby’s health too. A wholesome diet is necessary for a healthy pregnancy. Therefore, it is essential to keep a check on what you eat, what you drink and how active you are during this period.
Postpartum depression
Postpartum Diseases (PPD) is a common mental health problem that affects 10% of women after delivering a baby.
Postpartum depression is a serious, but common occurrence that can happen to anyone after giving birth. You may think of the postpartum period as the “honeymoon” time during which you recover from childbirth and adjust to new motherhood.
It is true that you probably will spend much of your energy on caring for your newborn, but it is important not to ignore your own health needs during this time—before some health problems become irreversible. The good news is that taking care of yourself and getting at least a little bit of rest can make a huge difference in how well you feel and avoid many diseases.
Menopause
When it comes to what’s happening in her body, women usually know more than men do. But on the issue of menopause, many women don’t fully understand what’s happening.
Women in their 40s, 50s and 60s can face a host of menopause health issues. Over the age of 40, there are four key stages of menopause: the early, middle, late and post-menopausal period.
Menopause is a normal part of women's life. Many women experience hot flashes, sleep difficulties, and vaginal dryness and thinning. While these are common symptoms, there are solutions that can help you feel more comfortable.
Final thoughts
A woman’s body is complex and unique. It fluctuates as she goes through her cycle and during menopause, and hormonal changes can cause symptoms of PMS, perimenopause, menopause, irregular periods and other gynaecological conditions.
No one wants to admit it, but the fact is that women suffer from certain health conditions at a higher rate than men. Because of this, they need extra attention and care. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation out there about women’s health issues. Therefore, it is extremely important for all women to understand the health risk factors associated with being a female and in order to take steps to reduce those risks.
Marina Pal is a renowned author and social media enthusiast.