Women’s health has come a long way, but plenty of women’s health issues are still to watch out for in 2022. Women’s health problems are incredibly complicated in today’s world, as work, family, and fun, often get in the way of taking care of yourself. In this article, we will look at the top 10 women’s health questions and issues to be on the lookout for. We’ll address the top women’s health problems and solutions to those problems.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
PMS is perhaps the most common problem that women face year after year. PMS affects 40% of women and usually occurs in the last two weeks of the menstrual cycle. There are numerous symptoms, including breast tenderness, acne, cramps, stomach aches, bloating, cravings, headaches, depression, anxiety, fatigue, and difficulty falling or staying asleep.
PMS is painful and mentally taxing, but you can do things to fight its effects. You should consume a carb-rich diet consisting of lots of grains and veggies. You should also exercise for at least 30 minutes per day, three days a week. You might also want to include a broad range of vitamins and minerals in your daily diets, such as calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B6.
Reproductive Health
Along with PMS, sexual and reproductive health problems are most common in women. One-third of problems in women between the ages of 15 and 44 stems from reproductive health problems. The best way to prevent reproductive issues is to engage in safe sex. Reproductive health issues can lead to anxiety, depression, or other more serious health conditions down the road.
Heart Health and Heart Disease
Heart disease is sometimes referred to as the silent killer. It’s also the number one killer of women in the U.S. Whether it’s high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, or even menopause and a stagnant lifestyle, heart disease is something to be on the lookout for. A big part of why it’s so deadly is simply that people don’t get screened or tested for heart diseases.
Luckily, there are many things you can do to reduce the risk of heart problems. The upside is that each one of them will lead to a healthier life. Regular exercise, eating healthy, abstaining from smoking, and lowering your stress levels will reduce the risk of heart health problems.
Breast and Cervical Cancer
Cancer is something that women should receive screenings for once they reach adulthood. Breast cancer and cervical cancer, in particular, are two of the most rampant among women. The earlier you catch cancer, the better your odds are of beating it.
While there are lifestyle choices you can make to decrease cancer risk, there’s no way to eliminate it. Most deaths from cancer result from simply not knowing you have it until it’s too late. Annual screening is the best way to catch breast and cervical cancer before it progresses too far.
Osteoporosis and Arthritis
The older we get, the more likely women are to contract osteoporosis or arthritis. Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens the bones and increases your risk of breaks and fractures. Arthritis, on the other hand, attacks the joints and results in painful inflammation around the joints.
These diseases are more prevalent in older women and are extremely painful. The best way to prevent arthritis is through early screenings and catching the problem before it progresses. Osteoarthritis can be prevented through regular exercise, a diet heavy in vitamin D and calcium, and taking additional supplements where necessary.
Prenatal Health
Whether you’re pregnant or not, you should begin taking measures to protect your prenatal health as early as possible. Carrying and birthing children is incredibly difficult and takes a toll on your body. Vegetables, calcium, and iron are important aspects of enhancing your prenatal health. Regular exercise is also a good way to prepare your body for shedding the baby weight.
If you plan to get pregnant, you should start taking a folic acid supplement three months before your planned pregnancy at least once per day. This helps to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in your baby-to-be. Most importantly, seek advice from doctors and women around you, as they will have the best advice and support to help you.
HIV and Sexually-Transmitted Disease
HIV, gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia are some of the top STDs to be on guard from. Using proper protection and engaging in safe sex is the best way to protect from these illnesses. Syphilis that goes untreated is responsible for hundreds of thousands of stillbirths and tens of thousands of newborn deaths.
Mental Health Illnesses
It seems like more than ever; mental health illnesses are a problem for women of all ages. The stresses of everyday life combined with the anxiety of uncertainty can result in depression, high anxiety, and feelings of hopelessness. Women are more likely to experience a mental health problem than men, and suicide has become a leading cause of death in women under 60.
If you begin feeling any signs of anxiety or depression, it’s important that you seek the help you need. Reducing the stress in your life will help, but you may require counseling to repair your mental health and well-being completely.
Aging and Getting Older
Aging is the one thing that seems to catch up to everyone no matter what. However, some women age much faster than others and feel its negative effects. You can prevent the painful symptoms of aging by maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes diet, exercise, and stress reduction. Keeping your heart, mind, and bones healthy is paramount to living a long and healthy life.
Insomnia and Sleep Disorders
Sleep disorders such as insomnia are increasing in numbers, especially amongst women. They’re often the result of a high-stress lifestyle and a lack of a healthy diet. Sleep disorders often accompany anxiety and other mental illnesses.
Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the most important aspects of living a healthy life. Medication and learning a sleep routine that works for you are the best ways to overcome insomnia and other sleep disorders.
If this list of women’s problems has you worried, don’t be. NORE Women’s Health is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or visit our website for valuable resources and information about protecting your health. You don’t have to fight women’s health issues alone! Let NORE give you the help and assistance you need.