In today’s world women have to constantly juggle between their household chores, work, children and what not. It is a 24/7 job with no breaks.
Also along with the common illnesses, females have their additional set of issues which is an add-on. In between the mesh up of activities and responsibilities, women is ignoring the most important part of her life, which is her “health”. On basis of various studies performed by health organisations across the world the most common health issues that women facing are mentioned below.
Heart Disease
A Study done in India revealed that 3 in 5 women are at high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) as early as 35 yrs. and women between 35-44 yrs. are at highest risk of developing CVD. Most common risk factors are low HDL and high BMI (obese or overweight females). Apart from these smoking, diabetes, high BP, Sedentary lifestyle, compromised nutrition etc. also contribute in accelerating heart disease.
Women can reduce their risk of heart disease by keeping a regular check on BP and blood glucose levels. Life style modification is necessary for reducing the risk. A well-balanced diet and exercise, smoking cessation & limiting alcohol intake helps reducing the risk. Also, by reducing stress levels and by maintaining cholesterol and triglyceride levels within range will help a lot.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a malignant tumour that begins in the breast tissue and invades surrounding tissues or spread to distant areas of the body. The most common symptom is appearance of a new lump which is usually painless & irregular in shape. Other symptoms include any change in breast shape, size or feel and fluid discharge from nipples. The non-modifiable risk factors include – female sex, family history of breast cancer, women who got their periods early (before age 12) or entered menopause late (after 55 years).
The risk factors that can be controlled are – alcohol consumption, Hormone therapy, any previous radiation exposure during breast development, obesity etc. Women who never gave birth or who gave birth after 30 years are at high risk of developing breast cancer. It is very important to have the aforementioned symptoms checked by a health care professional experienced in diagnosing breast diseases.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis, meaning a bone which is porous, is a disease in which the density and quality of bone are reduced. As a consequence of this the bones become more porous and fragile, eventually leading to fractures. The International Osteoporosis Foundation reported that around the world, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men are at risk of an osteoporotic fracture. The loss of bone density is progressive in nature and there are usually no symptoms until the first fracture occurs. Out of these osteoporotic fractures the most common fractures occur at the hip, spine and wrist and the risk of fractures increases with age.
The risk factors which if modified might prevent fractures are alcohol, smoking, low BMI, Vitamin D deficiency, poor nutrition, low dietary calcium intake etc. If appropriate lifestyle changes are practiced along with required medical treatment, many fractures can be avoided.
Menopause
Menopause is the absence of menstruation for a period of 12 months which briefly means that your ovaries have stopped producing hormones and you are unlikely to get pregnant.The average age of menopause is about 51 years however it may happen as early as 35 years or may be delayed to late 60s. The menopausal symptoms include hot flashes, mood changes, vaginal & urinary symptoms, weight gain etc. However, certain serious changes and symptoms which might lead to complications require professional treatment. These include Heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease, Osteoporosis, Urinary incontinence and Sexual function. It is advised that you see your GP, if these menopausal conditions have started troubling you.
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