The Most Common Health Concerns For Women Today
Improving awareness of the most common health conditions that women face today can help increase the chances of spotting these problems early to rectify or treat them with greater success. While it’s not always easy to detect certain health problems, there are some signs and symptoms we can look out for in ourselves or loved ones that can compel us to visit our doctors for a check-up. Here are some of the most common health concerns facing women today, how to spot them, and what can be done to treat them.
Breast, Ovarian And Cervical Cancers One of the most common types of cancer that can affect women today is breast cancer. This occurs in the breast tissue and more often starts in the glands that produce milk, known as the lobules, and the ducts that carry the milk to the nipple. It’s important to regularly check your breasts for unusual lumps and bumps and to seek medical advice if you notice anything. Things like ovarian cancer can be harder to detect as it can disguise as regular bloating feelings. But if you have continuous feelings of bloating, combined with a need to urinate frequently a loss of appetite, and pain around your tummy or hips, then you should speak to your doctor, too. Irregular bleeding between periods is also something to be aware of, especially when it occurs during or after sexual intercourse, as this could indicate cervical cancer and should be dealt with quickly.
Reproductive Problems Women should be aware of a few different issues, especially if they intend to have children at some point in their lives. Sadly, these issues can significantly reduce the chances of conception and increases the chance of miscarriage in the early stages of pregnancy. Certain steps can be taken to lessen symptoms and treat diseases like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) including general lifestyle changes and taking certain medications. In fact, after and during treatment, the chances of getting pregnant can be increased in women with PCOS, so it’s worth remembering that developing this is definitely not a sign that you’ll never be able to have children. Other conditions like endometriosis can also impact your chances of getting pregnant, causing many other symptoms, too. This is where tissue similar to that which lines the womb grows in places it shouldn’t, such as in the fallopian tubes and the ovaries themselves. Several treatments are available to lessen symptoms, including hormone treatment and surgery.
Anxiety And Depression Another serious health concern for women is the development of serious mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. These conditions are very common today and can vary significantly in severity. Some people may get by without treatment and make use of their own coping mechanisms, such as meditation and relaxation, reaching out to friends, and speaking to a counsellor, whereas some may require more in-depth assistance. This can be in the form of talking therapies, medications, and other such treatments, and it can be very effective. Signs to watch out for in yourself and others are a lack of motivation, general feelings of sadness, and a desire to be reclusive, staying indoors and away from social situations. If you are concerned about someone you know and are worried they are showing serious signs of depression including expressing suicidal feelings, you should speak to a GP or call NHS 111 immediately.
