Women's Top 5 Health Concerns

Although women are now aware of their health and fitness yet they are at higher risk of health-related issues ranging from breast cancer to depression. Ample studies and researches have been conducted on living a healthy and long life.

 Our core focus here is on the five medical conditions that are of great concern for women: heart disease, breast cancer, osteoporosis, depression, and autoimmune diseases.    

As suggested by experts and researches it has now become important for women to take charge of their health. The changing lifestyle and cultures make it mandatory to understand your body and educate ourselves about the same.       

1. Heart Diseases

Heart-related issues are common amongst both men and women. As per results, heart diseases cause one in every four deaths among women.

However, only 45% of women realize that heart disease is the top health condition threatening their gender.

Main Factors Responsible For Heart Problems Are:

 • High blood pressure

 • High cholesterol

 • Smoking

 • Physical inactivity

 • Obesity and overweight

 • Diabetes

The risk can be overcome or reduced by modifying lifestyle: including a well-balanced diet and exercising regularly.

2. Breast Cancer

It is one of the most common types of cancer in women. After lung cancer, breast cancer causes the second-highest death amongst women.

But, it is important to learn that breast cancer is not a death sentence.

The Factors Responsible Are:

- Increasing age

- Family history of the disease

- Personal history of the disease

- Abnormal breast biopsy

- Chest radiation

- Early onset of menstruation (before age 12) or menopause after age 55

- Not having children

- Medication use, such as diethylstilbestrol (DES)

- Too much alcohol

- Obesity

A lot of treatments are now available to combat this particular type of health issue. Bringing some lifestyle change can help prevent this health issue largely.

- Control your weight

- Exercise regularly

- Quit smoking

- Talk to your doctor about your risk

- Appropriate screening for breast cancer

3. Osteoporosis

According to the report, 68% of women suffer from hunched backs and back pain, although osteoporosis is highly curable and preventable. The behavior that is adopted in childhood, adolescence, and early adult years play a significant role in the development of the disease because bodies build up most of the bone mass until age 30.

Factors Responsible For Bone Problems Are:

- Increasing age

- Small, thin-boned frame

- Family history

- Sex hormones- Infrequent menstrual cycles and estrogen loss due to menopause may increase risk

- Anorexia

- Diet low in calcium and vitamin D

- Medication use, particularly glucocorticoids or some anticonvulsants

- Sedentary lifestyle

- Smoking

- Excessive alcohol

Osteoporosis can be cured if women take responsibility and start to work towards repairing bone damage. Consume adequate calcium and practice weight-bearing physical activities.

4. Depression

It seems more common in women than in men. It is medically proven that about 12 million women are affected by a depressive disorder each year compared to about 6 million men.

Factors Responsible Are:

- Hormonal change particularly after pregnancy (Postpartum) or around menopause

- Family history of depression

- History of heart problems

- Serious chronic illness

- Marital problems

- Substance abuse

- Use of drugs that could trigger depression, such as medicines for high blood pressure or seizures

- A stressful life event

- Diseases such as vitamin deficiency and thyroid disease

- Recent serious illness or surgery

- Childhood history of physical or sexual abuse

- Being a worrier or overly anxious

- Having an eating disorder or an anxiety disorder

Like any other disease, depression can also be overcome by making efforts to reach out into the community, volunteering for good reasons like work, love, pets, and developing self-love.

5. Autoimmune Diseases

It is a group of disorders that attacks the immune system and destroys or alters tissues. About 75% of women are prone to autoimmune diseases. Women need to take multiple visits to the doctor to finally get diagnosed. The problem is that this area is not very well understood and pointing out specific risk factors is also difficult.

For overcoming this disease it is important to take initiative and become health-oriented.

Take-home Advice

Hey women, it’s time to pull your socks and look after your health and wellness. It is now or never. Visit your doctors and gain important information because you need to love your body.