Top 10 Women's Health Concerns

Many health concerns are preventable conditions.

What comes to mind when you think about women’s health concerns? Breast cancer probably tops the list. But there are others whose attention you must keep in mind.

Fortunately, many of women’s top health concerns are preventable conditions. Keep these health concerns on your note pad and find out what you can do to prevent them.

1. Heart Disease

Studies have shown that more than one in three American women have some form of cardiovascular or heart disease. And heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. 

But the good news is heart disease is a preventable health issue through diet, exercise, not smoking, and limiting alcohol. The major cause of majority of the heart disease we encounter globally today is hypertension.

Hypertension has also play a major role in development of other health concerns such kidney disease and eye problems.

2. Cancer

In term of women's health, breast cancer tops the list when you think about women and cancer. And breast cancer is definitely a top health concern for women.

Despite this record, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States? Other cancer includes Lung, colon and uterine cancers combined account for almost as many cancers as breast cancer. 

So perform monthly breast self-exams, wear sunscreen, don’t smoke, get your colonoscopy, and see your doctor about abnormal periods or abdominal problems.

3. Stroke

Every 40 seconds, someone and somewhere in the globe suffers a stroke. And every four minutes, a person dies as a result. You should know 60% of these deaths occur in women. 

Do you know stroke warning signs? Remember FAST: Face drooping, Arm weakness or numbness, Speech problems, Time to call 911 or rush to hospital .

Be caution, for time is brain. The sooner you seek treatment, the more brain function you can save. Dont hesitate to contact your physician on time to prevent total disability.

4. Diabetes and Obesity

Type 2 diabetes is an epidemic  globally, affecting nearly million adults. And almost half of these cases are women. Because obesity is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, it shouldn’t be a surprise that there is a similar trend for obesity.

About a third of U.S. adults for example are obese; the prevalence is similar for men and women. The combination of these two conditions increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. But you can prevent both with healthy lifestyle changes.

5. Osteoporosis

One out of two women will experience osteoporosis in her lifetime. And this silent disease starts long before problems develop. The earlier you start protecting your bones the better. Women’s bone mass peaks by age 30, making the childhood and teenage years key for bone building. But all women can help prevent osteoporosis by getting enough calcium and vitamin D, and strengthening bones with weight-bearing exercises. Learn more about preventing osteoporosis.

6. Depression

We all get the blues from time to time. But depression is more than that. Depression lasts for more than a couple of weeks and interferes with your daily life. And it’s almost twice as likely to affect women compared to men. Most people need treatment to get better, but there are ways you can help yourself: exercise, break up large tasks into smaller ones, and spend time with people you trust. Find out more about how depression affects women.

7. Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases occur when your immune system goes haywire and attacks healthy tissues. There are a wide variety of these diseases that affect nearly every organ system. And 75% of the time, they affect women. In fact, approximately 30 million women in America suffer from an autoimmune disease. While these diseases aren’t necessarily preventable, early diagnosis is often key to managing them. So don’t ignore persistent symptoms, even vague or sporadic ones.

8. Menopause

It’s a fact of life. If you’re a woman, you will eventually have to deal with menopause. No one looks forward to hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep problems.

But not every woman has severe symptoms and there is life after menopause. The menopausal transition is also called perimenopause. It lasts several years until 12 months after your last period.

Entering menopausal period is a must and not preventable, but symptoms and signs can be managed.

9. Family Planning

While family planning isn’t a health condition, it is a concern for most women. Some phases of your life are spent preventing pregnancy, while others are focused on conceiving a child.

Either way, your obstetrician-gynecologist or family doctor is your “go to” person for family planning issues. Seeing your doctor regularly will help you prevent unwanted pregnancies and prepare you for a healthy pregnancy when the time is right. 

10. Sexual and Bladder Health

Sexual health can go hand-in-hand with bladder health. Infections are a concern, both sexually transmitted diseases and urinary tract infections.

But so are functional problems, such as urinary incontinence and sexual difficulties. Bladder problems are known to worsen sexual problems if you are self-conscious or embarrassed. 

There are many types of treatments for urinary incontinence, which in turn can boost your confidence and improve your sexual health.