9 Common Health Issues Every Woman Should Understand

Female health issues are a broad range of concerns, but understanding the most common health issues can empower women to take charge of their well-being. Here are nine health concerns that every woman should be aware of:

1. Anaemia

Anaemia is a condition where the body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen, which can make a person feel tired, weak, and short of breath. It is often caused by not eating enough iron-rich foods, having many pregnancies close together, and being underweight.

Symptoms of anaemia include:

● Fatigue
● Weakness
● Shortness of Breath
● Light-headedness
● Cold Hands and Feet

2. Diabetes

Diabetes has an impact on the body’s utilisation of glucose, or blood sugar. In diabetes, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it effectively, leading to high levels of blood sugar.

Women with diabetes may experience the following symptoms:

● Frequent Infections
● Vaginal Dryness
● General Symptoms: increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurry vision.

3. Women’s Reproductive Health

Women’s reproductive system includes the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina, vulva, and other organs in the abdomen and pelvis. Conditions affecting the female reproductive system are referred to as gynaecology problems.

Several factors which can cause gynaecological problems in women are:

● Bacterial Infections
● Tumours
● Hormonal Imbalance
● Pelvic Pain
● Cysts
● Yeast Infections

Women experiencing gynaecological problems may notice various symptoms, including:

● Unusual or Heavy Vaginal Bleeding
● Vaginal Discharge
● Vaginal Itching

4. Gynaecologic Cancers
Any cancer that arises in a woman’s reproductive system is referred to as gynaecologic cancer. These cancers begin in different parts of the pelvis, the area below the stomach and between the hip bones.

Here are some symptoms to watch for:

● Cervical Cancer: Unusual bleeding, heavier or longer menstrual bleeding, bleeding after menopause, and pain or bleeding during sex.
● Endometrial Cancer: Abnormal bleeding, bleeding after menopause, painful urination, pain during sex, and pain or lumps in the pelvic area.
● Ovarian Cancer: Swelling or bloating in the lower abdomen, loss of appetite, gas, indigestion, nausea, frequent urination, and unusual vaginal bleeding.
● Vaginal Cancer: Abnormal bleeding, trouble urinating, pain during sex, pelvic pain, constipation, and a noticeable mass.
● Vulvar Cancer: Persistent itching, changes in vulva colour, unusual bleeding or discharge, and noticeable lumps or sores.

5. Breast Cancer

Breast cancer starts with rapidly growing abnormal cells in the breast tissue. According to the National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research, breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer amongst Indian women, accounting for over 28.2% of female cancer cases.

Women should be aware of these early signs of breast cancer:

● Breast Lump or Thickened Area
● Nipple Changes
● Skin Changes
● Change in Breast Shape or Size

6. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition where the ovaries develop many small fluid-filled sacs called cysts. These cysts can stop the ovaries from releasing eggs regularly, leading to irregular periods and other symptoms.

Some of the symptoms are as follows:

● Irregular periods
● Acne or oily skin
● Excessive body hair
● Difficulty getting pregnant

7. Maternal Health Issues

A woman’s health before, during, and after giving birth is referred to as her maternal health. Maternal health problems can have a number of common causes, including excessive blood loss, infection, high blood pressure, unsafe abortion, and obstructed labour.

Some examples of maternal health issues are:

● Cardiovascular Problems: Conditions such as heart disease and blood vessel issues that can affect the heart and circulation during pregnancy.
● Bleeding: Excessive bleeding during or after delivery that can lead to severe complications.
● High Blood Pressure: Increases the chance of problems such as preeclampsia and eclampsia

8. Postmenopausal Health Problems

Menopause happens when a woman’s ovaries exhaust their supply of eggs and stop producing hormones like oestrogen. This can lead to various changes in the body and after menopause health problems.

Common post-menopausal symptoms include:

● Mood Changes
● Vaginal Dryness
● Irregular Periods
● Bone Weakness
● Cardiovascular Issues

9. Female Health in Old Age

As women age, they often face additional health challenges. Understanding these risks and planning for healthy ageing is important for maintaining quality of life in later years.

Some of the health conditions are:

● Increased Risk of Dementia: Diseases like Alzheimer’s can lead to cognitive decline.
● Decreased Bone Density: Osteoporosis makes bones weak and more likely to break.
● Heart Disease: Increases risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks, and heart failure.
● Arthritis: Joint pain and stiffness become more common.

Managing these health issues requires regular check-ups, preventive care, and timely treatment. It’s important to get professional advice and maintain a healthy lifestyle to manage and reduce these common health problems.

Consult with a doctor and book a Full Body Checkup for Women with Dr Lal PathLabs today!