The Most Common Women's Health Issues You Should Know

Biologically, women's life is challenging. She faces multiple health issues throughout her life, and these conditions vary in age, genetics, and lifestyle. However, some issues are common concerns for both men and women. But still, multiple health concerns are severely impacting only women.

Typically, a major population of women suffers from the following health conditions: alcohol abuse, heart disease, mental health or psychological issues, osteoarthritis, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), stress, stroke, and urinary tract health concerns.  

Diseases that Commonly Hit Women’s Health 

For sure, some diseases are diagnosed as hazardous for women only. And these are related to female organs, which can be the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and vagina. These organs are prone to developing cysts, fibroids, and cancer.

Moreover, multiple gastrointestinal concerns are commonly diagnosed, affecting women’s health profusely. These can be the following: 

• Constipation

• Gallstones

• Celiac disease

• Autoimmune liver disease

• Pelvic floor dysfunction

• Irritable bowel syndrome

• Inflammatory bowel disease 

Doctors recommend routine checkups with specialised health clinics for women so that the problem won’t escalate and treatment can be timely provided. These are some physical problems that are not solely inflicting them. Certain mental health challenges are also there that can typically make a woman bedridden.

Some studies reveal that women are more likely than men to be depressed or anxious patients. And under the age of 60, women succumb to psychological challenges and, hence, commit suicide. So, it is a leading reason for such women’s deaths. Besides, they are more likely to face violence, sexual abuse, and domestic abuse in their lifetime.

Overall, the difference is crystal clear in the physical and mental health & toughness of men and women.

Check out more Health Related Blog 

Women’s health conditions at every age

However, health conditions are uncertain. You cannot anticipate how long she will be healthy. So, staying aware of issues before they become untreatable is better.

Now, let’s understand the age-wise health problems that women often face.

At what age do health problems start for women? 

As said, diseases are like an uninvited guest. They can victimise at any age. Generally, it is observed that the problem starts when they are between 15 and 44 years old.  Doctors have found that serious conditions like cancer or heart disease are more likely to hit in the middle of life, which is 50 years onwards.

Now that you know the age when a woman starts developing health-related concerns, let’s understand the common problems in them from their teens.

Health problems in teens

Teenage is the period when females experience menstruation for the first time. The beginning phase of this condition can be tough to pass through. It may cause endometriosis and dysmenorrhea (which refers to painful menstrual cycles). And because of these problems, they suffer from pain and distress. Overall, the common health complaints during adolescence can be the following: 

• Painful periods (dysmenorrhea)

This condition can be recognised through cramps, back pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and sweating. Menstrual cramps cause unrest and cramps, which can be easily treated with pain relief medicines like ibuprofen and Panadol.

• Irregular periods

The second main health issue for teenagers is irregular periods. Many doctors recommend the intake of birth control pills so that the intensity of menstrual cramps is low. It can prove the best hack to regulate periods. 

Health problems in your 20s

In their 20s, women are sexually active, which can threaten their sexual health. STIs can be the topmost concern. Specifically, sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, and pelvic inflammation can become urgent matters to resolve. If these problems remain unaddressed, they can have long-lasting effects on their fertility.

To prevent such critical problems, they should use barriers that can be condoms and dental dams during their sexual contacts. This safety measure can help keep the risk of an STI at bay.

Health problems during your 30s

Women in their 30s usually face challenges related to fertility, pregnancy, and childbirth-related concerns. In the latter two conditions, a female needs proper shared care from a certified and experienced GP, gynaecologist, or woman healthcare expert. 

In addition, they can take some precautionary measures to stay fit and healthy during this period. Eating a healthy diet and doing physical workouts on a regular basis are musts to burn calories and stay agile. Also, these practices help in managing your stress level.

How do I stay healthy? 

Besides, moderate alcohol intake and adequate sleep for 6–8 hours can also be helpful for well-being throughout the 30s. Also, ensure that you visit your GP or gynaecologist for a general health examination monthly. GPs also recommend self-examination of your breasts. If you’re unaware, they can guide you through the process.

Also, some skin problems can also be associated with major health issues, which start developing during this phase of life. So, scanning your skin and spotting abnormal moles or changes in your skin are musts.

Health problems in the 40s 

Women in their 40s start experiencing the symptoms of perimenopause. It is a critical condition when her ovaries fail to release sufficient eggs. Her progesterone and oestrogen levels go down. Also, she suffers from irregular periods. Typically, this period can be two to ten years long. A woman reaches menopause, or the end of a menstrual period, by recognising if she hasn’t had it for 12 months continuously.

But this period is difficult to pass through because of menstrual irregularities, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, disturbed sleep, painful intercourse, infertility, weight gain, and mood swings. These symptoms can be challenging to address. So, women should contact an experienced GP who can help them through this period.

In addition to these biological issues, they may be patients with diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, obesity, and infertility. These diseases can be observed to be more prominent in them.

How do I stay healthy? 

Balance your nutritional intake. Avoiding stress can be helpful for naturally staying fit and boosting overall health. You can opt for strength training because menopause can lead to weak bones and muscles. This training can strengthen them while you manage your weight. This is how you can beat the possibility of osteoporosis.

As a precautionary measure, book an appointment with a women's healthcare specialist for the screening of your breasts and colon. It can prevent the possibility of breast and colon cancer.

Female health problems after 50

In the 50s, a female body may be the home of a range of health diseases. Commonly, urinary incontinence, vaginal atrophy and dryness, and painful intercourse (dyspareunia) are observed infecting their health. Other health concerns that can be inflicted at this age include cancer, osteoporosis, and diabetes. If these problems remain unscreened, they can lead to death.

How do I stay healthy? 

During this age, women should dedicate at least 30 minutes to moderate daily exercise. This is a healthy habit that can help maintain healthy wellbeing. As an extra precaution, emphasise immunisations, regular doctor’s visits, and common tests that he or she recommends.

Choose your health specialist.

Not just any doctor, but the one with the specialist’s credential, can be considered. Also, you should ensure that he or she is board-certified and experienced in women's health monitoring. Mouth-to-mouth referrals or trusted sources like family, friends, and GPs can help in finding the best women healthcare specialist. If these alternatives are not available, you can do research online and check their reviews. Lastly, you can verify if the preferred specialist provides a bulk billing option or accepts insurance. However, location is also important. It should be nearby.

Conclusion

Multiple health-related problems can be a matter of concern for women. These are mainly categorised according to age groups like teenagers, 30s, 40s, and 50s. Basically, they are related to STIs, the urinary tract, the menstrual cycle, mood swings, stress, etc. Proper screening with doctors can help in managing them well.