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Be Aware of these 10 Common Health Issues in Women

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Published on February 11, 2022. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

Asa woman,you probably don many hats.You take care of your loved ones, handle household chores and even contribute to the family income if you are a professional. And while carrying out different roles and responsibilities, you probably forget to take care of yourself and your health.But remember that this can make you vulnerable to different health conditionsfrom an early age.

Hence, this International Women’s Day on 8th March 2022,pledge to take your own health and wellbeingseriously. You must also buy health insurance for those uncertain times. A health insurance policy can come in quite handy during expensive treatments and hospitalisations.

And be aware of these common health issues:

1. Cervical Cancer:

This is one of the most common health issues in women. The cancer originates in the cells of the cervix, i.e., the lower part of the uterus. The condition is usually caused by different strains of HPV or human papillomavirus which is a sexually transmitted infection. In most cases, the immune system guards the body against this virus. However, in some situations, the virus survives for years and causes the cervical cells to become cancerous. You must take the vaccine against HPV infection and undergo routine screening for this condition.

2. Breast Cancer:

This is the cancer that occurs in the cells of the breasts. In this condition, the cells in the breast grow in an uncontrolled way. It can begin from different parts of the breast, like ducts, lobules and connective tissues. It can cause lumps in the breast, nipple discharge, retraction of nipples, and dimpling of the breast skin.Self-breast examination and certain tests like breast ultrasound and mammograms can help in its early detection.

3. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome:

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS is a hormonal condition that can affect you during the reproductive years. It can cause prolonged or infrequent menstrual cycles, pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, mood swings and weight gain. PCOS can also increase the levels of androgen or male hormones in the body and cause severe acne and excess body and facial hair. In some cases, the ovaries can get enlarged and may not function properly. The condition can cause complications, like infertility, diabetes, anxiety, depression, sleep apnoea and metabolic syndrome. It can be diagnosed through pelvic examinations, ultrasounds and blood tests.

4. Infertility:

This is yet another common health issue that you need to know about. Infertility is a condition in which you are unable to get pregnant even after one year of trying. Some common symptoms are short menstrual cycles (less than 21 days), long menstrual cycles (35 days or more), irregular periods, or no periods. The symptoms of female infertility related to hormonal issues are weight gain, hair thinning, more acne and dark hair growth around the lips and chin. To diagnose the condition, the doctor may ask you to get a blood test done. This test helps measure the hormone levels in the body to know if you’re ovulating.

5. Premature Menopause:

This happens when your periods stop before the age of 45. Premature menopause can happen naturally or due to the side effects of certain treatments. Some common symptoms are irregular or missed periods, very heavy or light periods, hot flashes, mood swings, urinary inconsistence, trouble sleeping, and osteoporosis. The condition is diagnosed through blood tests that help measure the levels of oestrogen and other hormones in the body.

6. Heart Diseases:

Heart conditions are counted among the most common causes of death in women. The chances of suffering from different heart conditions significantly increase after menopause. The main heart disease risk factors for women are stress, depression, diabetes, menopause, pregnancy complications, inflammatory conditions and inactivity.

Exercising, having a healthy diet, managing stress and limiting alcohol consumption can help you reduce the risk of heart conditions. Also take prescribed medicines for diabetes, blood pressure or any other condition youare suffering from. And buy a good health insurance policy to stay financially covered.

7. Osteoporosis:

Osteoporosis is more common in women going through menopause. The condition happens due to a decline in the levels of the female hormone oestrogen in the body. Oestrogen plays an important role in maintaining healthy bones. Hence, a decline in the hormone affects bone density and increases the risk of fractures. Low levels of calcium in the body can also cause osteoporosis.

Certain things that can help alleviate the risk of osteoporosis are walking, jogging, weight training, climbing stairs and dancing. You must also consume foods rich in calcium and vitamin D to promote bone health and prevent osteoporosis. Bone densitometry test helps inearly detection of the condition.

8. Stress:

Stress-related health issues are quite common among women too. Stress can be emotional, physical, mental, occupational, social or spiritual in nature. And being under stress over a long period can lead to depression, anxiety, headaches, migraines, heart conditions, bowel issues, obesity and menstrual issues. Hence, it is important to manage stress the right way by making simple changes to your lifestyle. Exercising, eating healthy, getting 7-9 hours of sleep every night, and practicing yoga and meditation can help.

9. Depression/Anxiety:

This is a serious mood disorder in which you feel anxious, sad and empty most of the time. Depression can also create feelings of guilt, helplessness and worthlessness. Overeating or weight gain, loss of appetite, fatigue, sleeping too little or too much, suicidal thoughts and digestive conditions are some symptoms. Women are at a higher risk of depression due to reproductive, genetic and other biological factors. Many times, juggling work and family increases stress levels and leads to depression. Hence, exercise and meditate regularly, eat a healthy diet, and follow other stress management techniques.

10. Obesity:

Besides being a cosmetic concern, obesity is a serious health condition as it increases the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, osteoarthritis, gallstones, sleep apnoea and other conditions in women. Some common causes are eating too much, sedentary lifestyle, consuming excess sugars and fats, lack of exercise and physical activity, hypothyroidism, and certain medications. To prevent obesity, you must make it a point to eat low fat or low-calorie diet andexercise regularly.

Conclusion

Considering that the above-mentioned health issues are common in women, you must make necessary changes to your lifestyle and take care of your overall wellbeing for a healthy and happy life. Also, buy health insurance if you haven’t already. In case of a medical emergency, you can opt for the best treatment without fretting about the hospital bills. You can also avail cashless treatment at a network hospital and save yourself from the hassle of filing a reimbursement claim.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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