The importance of women's health

Every year, in March, we celebrate women. One thing we do not always think about amidst the celebrations of women's day, is that women have many unique health concerns. The usual conditions that often give women trouble are the menstrual cycles, birth control, pregnancy and menopause. As a result of this there are certain concerns that affect only women. Although certain conditions affect both sexes, men and women may still suffer from different symptoms. If you feel like every month that date is looming over you here you can find a few tips on how to ease you PMS symptoms naturally.

In a recent poll I carried out on my social media I asked, 'what health conditions do you associate most with women?'

The most common answer was breast cancer. However, breast cancer also occurs in men even though it is more prevalent in women.

Women's health is so broad that we could write an article a day about a myriad of topics. Topics ranging from sexual health, such as frequent UTIs, vaginal dryness, Cervical cancer, libido, which you can read more about here, birth control, PCOS, menopause. To other effects of female sex hormones on cardiac health, osteoporosis, IVF and the list goes on and on.

Here is a list of the most common health concerns women should be on the lookout for, and what you can try to do to prevent them.

1. Cancer

Breast cancer

• Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. It is estimated that 25.8% of all new cases of cancer in 2018 where breast cancer. Stats for 2019 are not published as of yet.
• It is estimated that one in every 8 women will get breast cancer.
• Living a healthy lifestyle such as not smoking, exercising regularly, eating a healthy balanced diet, avoiding excessive alcohol intake, breast feeding and avoiding long term hormonal therapy can help lower the risk of breast cancer.
• Performing regular self-breast examinations are essential for early detection. Click here for more information regarding early detection of breast cancer.
• Screening is extremely important in the form of ultrasounds, and mammograms. In Malta we have an excellent screening system in place. Take advantage of it.

Colorectal cancer

• This is the second most common cancer in women and 3rd most common cancer in men.
• Symptoms of colorectal cancer can easily be mistaken with menstrual symptoms these include abdominal cramps and tiredness.
• This cancer is most common in the late 40s and early 50s.
• For those with a family history of colorectal cancer screening is extremely important.
• A personal history of polyps may also be a contributor.
• A healthy active lifestyle is extremely important to reduce risks associated with this form of cancer.

Cervical cancer

• According to the WHO Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women.
• Early stage cervical cancer generally has no symptoms. This is why regular Pap smears are extremely important.
• One of the causes of cervical cancer is the HPV virus. The HPV vaccine can significantly reduce the possibility of this cancer.
• Practicing safe sex using condoms is another way of reducing your risk of cervical cancer.
• Smoking increases the risk of cervical cancer as it stimulates the production of certain cells that lead to this form of cancer. Smoking cessation is an important part of lowering risks of cervical cancer.

2. Cardiovascular Disease

• Heart disease is the most common cause of death for both men and women. Symptoms can vary between men and women and women do not always know what they need to watch out for.
• Although women will feel chest tightness during hearth attacks it is not the same crushing pain that men usually have when having a heart attack.
• Women will most likely have other heart attack symptoms such as tightness in their jaw, tingling arms, nausea, lightheadedness, sweating and indigestion.
• Family history and cholesterol as well as high blood pressure are generally associated with heart disease in men. However other conditions actually cause a bigger risk for women and these include: diabetes, stress, depression, a sedentary life, menopause, and inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
• In order to lower the risk of heart disease one needs to: Manage stress levels, exercise, limit alcohol intake, eat a healthy and balanced diet, and avoid smoking.
• Click here to find out how magnesium can help with this condition.

3. Osteoporosis

• Osteoporosis is the depletion of bone mass and the development of brittle bones. This results in fractures from simple movements such as coughing.
• The most common fractures due to osteoporosis are wrist fractures, hip fractures and spinal fractures.
• There are typically no symptoms in the early stages of osteoporosis.
• As the disease progresses we may notice things like back pain, loss of height and posture problems as well as frequent fractures.
• Women have a higher risk of osteoporosis than men, especially women of Caucasian or Asian descent. Having an overactive thyroid and having a low BMI and small frame puts you at a higher risk of osteoporosis as well.
• To reduce the risk of osteoporosis one needs to avoid cigarettes, reduce alcohol intake, get adequate calcium and vitamin D3 from your diet and do weight-bearing exercises.
• One should also begin Bone Mineral density screenings around the time of menopause.

4. Fertility issues

• Infertility is defined as trying to get pregnant (with frequent intercourse) for at least a year with no success.
• The main symptom of infertility is difficulty to conceive. If you suffer from a menstrual cycle that is either irregular, absent, too long (approx. 35 days or more) or too short (20 days or less) it will prove to be more of a challenge.
• Fertility issues may be associated with certain disorders such as Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), various hormonal imbalances, premature loss of eggs from the ovaries, pelvic inflammation, surgeries in the abdomen or pelvis and endometriosis amongst others.
• Risk factors include a sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle with high levels of stress, unhealthy diet, smoking, high alcohol consumption, age and previous history of sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia.
• Prevention includes a healthy balanced lifestyle, with a healthy work to life balance, lowering stress levels, exercise, low caffeine consumption, smoking cessation and limiting alcohol intake.

5. Menopausal symptoms

• The most common complaints of women reaching menopause are menopause symptoms such as lack of sleep, continuous hot flashes, vaginal dryness, decrease in libido, thinning hair, weight gain and mood swings.
• Menopause is most common after 50 years of age however there can be cases where it can happen in women in their 30s and 40s due to hormonal problems. It can also be forced due to hysterectomy, chemotherapy and radiation.
• After menopause women have a higher risk of cardiac problems, osteoporosis, urinary incontinence, and sexual function.
• Menopausal hormone therapy is an option that can help reduce symptoms after discussion with your gynecologist. Women with hysterectomies and early menopause should make sure they speak to their health care provider.

6. Anxiety

• From the time girls reach the age of puberty they are twice as likely to develop anxiety symptoms as men. The action of progesterone and estrogen on the brain results in the fight or flight system remaining activated for longer in women then it does in men.
• Research also shows that women are more sensitive to stress hormones than men, also explaining why anxiety in women tends to be higher.
• Symptoms of anxiety include: being nervous and irritable, higher heart rate, having trouble concentrating, sweating profusely, hyperventilation, sleep disturbances and gastro intestinal symptoms such as heartburn.
• Sleeping more, eating a balanced diet, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, doing mild workouts, and taking magnesium supplements are a good way to start avoiding anxiety.

This was a very brief overview as women's health is a never ending topic. Should you wish us to focus on any topic in particular please do let us know