While men and women share many health conditions and diseases, there’s a difference: women face several health concerns related to their reproductive system at higher rates. Menopause, pelvic pain, hormone disorders, chronic illnesses… All of these conditions can affect a woman’s wellbeing in a specific way. In this article, we’re breaking down what are the most common diseases that affect women’s health in Arizona. Keep on reading to learn what sets them apart from male patients.
♀️Women’s Health: What Makes It Different
Women’s health is the broad spectrum of health issues that are unique to women, including reproductive health, hormonal conditions and other daily health concerns like birth control, premenstrual syndrome, fertility, menopause, etc. It’s not only about approaching the symptoms of these diseases, but also about preventative care and addressing it in a holistic way, throughout each stage of a woman’s life.
What sets women’s health conditions apart from men’s lies in the contrasts between them due to biological, psychological and social factors. Let’s break down the differences and how they manifest:
- Biological and physiological foundations: the contrast between hormones is what sets the stage. The presence of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone in a woman’s life during moments like menstrual cycles and pregnancy, have multi-system effects. They constantly fluctuate and make women susceptible to mood disorders like premenstrual dysphoric disorder, postpartum depression and a higher risk of heart disease.
- Reaction to autoimmune diseases: Did you know that 80% of autoimmune disease patients are women? Especially those with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and multiple sclerosis. Although the cause is still unknown, it may be related to the structure of the female immune system and the genetics of the X chromosome.
- Reproductive health through every stage: Life stages like puberty and menopause are milestones that create many health needs and make women vulnerable to many health concerns. After puberty, women can start facing symptoms of conditions like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, PCOS, etc.
Women’s Health Concerns: 4 Common Conditions
Although the variety of women’s health concerns is wide, there are conditions that are very common amongst women that don’t affect men the same way, or that don’t affect them at all. Some of them are the following:
1. Menstrual & Reproductive Disorders
Due to women’s complex biology and reproductive system, they are prone to experiencing a wide range of health concerns that affect the menstrual cycle. Issues like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ovarian or cervical cancer, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and interstitial cystitis are some of the affections that can put a woman’s reproductive health in danger.
2. Heart Disease
Normally, heart disease is deemed as a male issue, but it’s been proved to be the leading cause of 1 in 5 women in the U.S. On top of that, the manifestation of symptoms is different from men, due to women having smaller hearts and narrower blood vessels. Heart disease in women can look like this:
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Sweating
- Pain in the neck, jaw, back, or arms
3. Pelvic Floor Pain
Pelvic pain in women is often caused by menstrual camps, UTIs, uterine fibers, ovulation, or pelvic inflammatory disease. It’s typically felt in the lower abdomen or pelvic region, during intimacy or when urinating, and is often related to menstrual cramps, ovarian cysts, or a swollen fallopian tube.
4. Thyroid disorders
Thyroid disorders are more common in women than men, usually manifesting as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, often caused by having either Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s. The most common symptoms amongst these diseases are fatigue, weight changes, mood swings, mental fog, unstable menstrual cycles.
🙋🏻♀️Our Advice on Women’s Health
Making changes in your lifestyle can help you improve your health as a woman. If you want to avoid or prevent the symptoms of these illnesses from getting worse, following these simple tips can help you:
- Get your health screenings: going to your annual wellness check is an opportunity to check on your overall wellbeing. Breast exams, cervical cancer screenings and STI testing are recommended as well.
- Balance your diet: eating meals packed with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains can benefit your hormonal health.
- Be active: regular movement can improve your bodily functions and your mental health. Walking, swimming, weight lifting and pilates are known for being great for women’s wellbeing.
Improve Your Wellness in Phoenix, Arizona
Treating your health concerns as a woman may be a challenging journey, but it doesn’t have to be a lonely one. At Prestige Medical Care, our team of healthcare experts in gynecology and endocrinology are here to help you navigate and heal your symptoms, so you can live your life to the fullest without worrying about your reproductive health. If you’re in Arizona, you can contact us to talk about our women’s health services and book your appointment.