The Top Seven Recurring Woman’s Health Issues
While men and women share many disorders equally, women’s health encompasses a broad range of gender-specific ailments. Despite increased awareness over the past few years, many of us still put our physical and mental well-being second to the general health of our families and loved ones, careers or fast-paced lifestyles.
Maternal and professional instincts aside, many women refrain from attending regular check-ups with their GPs, gynaecologists, radiographers and dentists. Furthermore, they often do not recognise or ignore niggling afflictions which may constantly reoccur or be signs or symptoms of something more sinister rather settling for a pain tablet or vitamin pill before consulting a professional.
Having the benefit of experience and dealing with women’s health issues regularly, Intercare would like to offer you insights on the top seven recurring women’s health issues in 2022.
Recurring Women’s Health Issues Observed in 2022
We would like to assist you in preparing for your physical and mental health journey through 2023. Remember that exercise, a healthy diet and a centred spirit will go a long way in preventing many health conditions. However, these ailments are still prevalent. Making you aware of our observations will perhaps assist in initiating a happier, healthier you for the next twelve months.
1. Heart Disease and Related Heart Health Issues
Avoiding medical check-ups, poor self-diagnosis, high blood pressure, cholesterol, obesity, stagnant lifestyles and post-menopause-related conditions all contributed to “the silent killer” in women globally in 2022. Cardiovascular disease (CVD), also known as heart disease or stroke, was the leading cause of female deaths in the USA. However, in South Africa, the proportion of CVD deaths in women between the ages of 35 and 59 was one-and-a-half times more likely than that of women in the US. Contributing factors were excessive smoking, alcohol abuse, hypertension and others. Sadly, many of these cases were preventable through healthier living, a sensible diet and exercise.
2. Cervical and Breast Cancer
Looking toward 2023, breast and gynaecological cancers seem to be the most prevalent variants of this disease in women. Although some cases are hereditary, other factors contribute to the disease, like menopause or advanced age.
For this reason, women are recommended to attend annual mammograms and gynaecologist visitations. While there are preventative lifestyle choices and diets, the chances of developing the disease cannot be eliminated entirely. Early diagnosis is a major contributor to the success of treatment. So, maintain regular check-ups and attend annual scanning and screening appointments.
3. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
PMS and the more severe premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) are possibly responsible for the most common problems faced by women in 2022. Though PMS is considered a normal aspect of women’s menstrual cycles, the effects thereof can disrupt a woman’s daily lifestyle.
Symptoms usually begin to appear seven to 10 days before a period begins and last for a few days after. Both have physical and emotional symptoms causing mood shifts with PMDD being more extreme. PMS affects as many as three of every four menstruating women and symptoms include mood swings, irritability and depression, cramps, sensitive breasts, fatigue, food cravings and acne.
Reducing alcohol, sugar, caffeine and nicotine intake may ease symptoms. Carbohydrate-rich diets containing an excess of grain products, calcium-rich food and drinks, veggies, vitamin B-6 and slow, relaxing exercise like yoga and tai-chi are also known to reduce these causes and effects.
4. Reproductive and Maternal Health
Along with PMS and PMDD, reproductive and sexual health problems affect women with equal severity. Thirty-five per cent of women between 15 and 44 may endure problems relating to reproductive system health issues and many will have planned or unplanned pregnancies.
From iron-deficiency anaemia to high blood pressure and hormonal fluctuations, the changes women’s bodies undergo during pregnancy can be severe. Carrying and birthing a child is a physical and mental taxation on the female body and measures to care for prenatal health should be undertaken as early as possible.
Consult an Intercare doctor and dietician to prescribe daily supplements and medication, where necessary, and adopt a healthy diet of veggies, calcium and iron to assist with these conditions.
5. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and Bladder Conditions
Chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhoea and HIV/AIDS are a few of the most prolific STDs. Often, vaginal and bladder/urinary tract infections are interlinked in women and are frequently left untreated since their symptoms are less noticeable and often misdiagnosed.
Embarrassment and shyness are additional causes of prolonged neglect and could lead to newborn deaths, stillbirths or even sterility. Abstinence, proper protection and safe sex practices are ways to prevent these conditions.
6. Mental Health Issues
Research has shown that twice as many women experience depression and anxiety during their lives than men. They have also been found to be the most common mental illnesses affecting women’s health in 2022. Chronic illnesses, marital problems, family history, physical, sexual and mental abuse and others are contributing factors to these illnesses and may lead to self-harm and even suicide.
If you or anyone you know may be suffering from this debilitating illness, reach out and contact an Intercare professional immediately. Professional therapy in tandem with supervised self-help programmes and changes to lifestyle (and possibly circumstances) can assist in repairing mental health and wellbeing.
7. Arthritis and Osteoporosis
Where arthritis affects the joints and results in painful swelling around them, osteoporosis affects the bones and increases the risks of fragmentation fractures and breaks. Both conditions can be extremely painful and regular screening is advised for early prognosis. Regular exercise, and calcium and vitamin-D-rich diets may prevent these conditions from escalating.
Looking in our rear-view mirror that was 2022, these are only seven of the top recurring women’s health issues that we need to be mindful of in the coming year.
Allow 2023 to be the year where you look after yourself, while you take care of everybody else. Introduce yourself to your local Intercare Medical and Dental Centre, keep to routine scanning and screening appointments, attend regular check-ups and do not hesitate to get in touch with an Intercare professional for expert guidance and friendly support. Contact us today to find your Intercare provider.
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