The upcoming International Women’s Day celebration is an excellent time to focus on health issues that concern women. Your biological makeup can influence how your body manages specific health conditions and how you can reduce your risk. Read on for more on health issues every woman should understand.

Did you know that women have a higher risk of diabetes-related complications than men? Research suggests that hormone fluctuations and body changes in women linked to reproductive factors can lead to gestational diabetes, which can progress to type 2 diabetes. Additionally, it can result in the development of further severe health concerns such as heart disease.

While men and women experience similar diabetes symptoms, there are specific indicators that are only prevalent in women:

• High glucose levels can trigger the growth of candida fungus. This can lead to vaginal or oral yeast infections, which are commonly known as thrush.
• High blood sugar levels compromise your immune system, increasing the risk of urinary tract infections. If the symptoms aren’t treated, it can lead to kidney complications.
• Long-term high blood sugar levels can cause diabetic neuropathy, a type of nerve damage. It can trigger loss of feeling and tingling in your hands, feet, and legs.

Cardiovascular Disease

Understanding heart disease risk factors and how they differ in women can help you seek proper treatment. Moreover, the symptoms differ in women compared to men, and you might not know what to look for. For instance, women’s symptoms are likely to show up when resting since emotional stress is a significant trigger.

Common types of cardiovascular disease in women include:

• Arrhythmia: A condition that affects your heartbeat. Your heart can beat too fast, slow, or irregularly.
• Coronary artery disease: This is the most common type and leading cause of death among women. Cholesterol buildup can narrow the coronary arteries and disrupt blood flow to your heart.
• Heart failure: Sometimes, your heart can become too weak and fail to supply blood to the rest of your organs. Chronic conditions and unhealthy habits can increase your risk of heart failure.
• Stroke: Heart disease impairs your blood vessels. If your brain doesn’t receive sufficient blood flow, it increases your likelihood of a stroke.

Maternal Health Concerns

There are various health concerns that you can be vulnerable to when you are a woman with fertility issues or pregnant. There are changes that you might experience that can impact your overall health. For instance, you can be vulnerable to high blood pressure and iron deficiency anaemia caused by hormonal fluctuations.

Pregnancy complications are common and vary from mild to fatal risks due to pre-existing health conditions such as asthma and diabetes. On the other hand, medical concerns like endometriosis and ovulatory disorders affecting fertility can pose significant health complications. Maternal health requires regular monitoring by your doctor to ensure effective management and treatment of underlying health concerns.

Reproductive Health

Taking care of your reproductive health is as important as maintaining your emotional, mental, and physical health. For example, avoiding sexually transmitted diseases such as genital herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV) and HIV/AIDS is one of the many ways that you can protect your reproductive health. A woman’s reproductive system is complex and delicate, requiring proactive care to prevent infections that can lead to long-term concerns.

Additionally, there are different life stages associated with specific reproductive health issues. While the exact cause of hormonal imbalances is unknown, taking specific measures to reduce your risk is crucial. For instance, you can maintain healthier lifestyle habits and stay up to date with regular health screenings to monitor any changes that can impact your health.

Osteoporosis

Did you know that women are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis compared to men? According to research, hormonal fluctuations, particularly during menopause, can result in a massive loss of bone density. Oestrogen is responsible for maintaining healthy bones, but during menopause, levels start to fall, which contributes to rapidly decreasing bone density.

While it’s common for bone density to become lower with age, some people might experience loss, which is considered faster than usual. Women who go through early menopause and those with irregular menstruation cycles can be at a higher risk of rapidly decreasing bone density. Medication, eating healthier, and regular exercise can help prevent the loss of bone density and manage potential dangers such as fractures.

Mental Health

Certain mental health risks are more prevalent in women than men. Specific biological differences can make women more vulnerable to eating disorders, bipolar and depression. Various factors, such as economic and social differences, genetics, and gender, play a crucial role in women’s mental health.

On the other hand, hormonal changes due to pregnancy or menopause can have a significant influence. Additionally, there’s a link between mental health concerns and autoimmune diseases such as lupus, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. Going for regular health screenings and speaking to a mental health professional is critical to reducing potential mental health risks that can lead to chronic conditions.

In summary, specific health conditions are more common in women than men. Young women should consider a proactive approach to prevent certain health risks since various life stages can affect their biological and hormonal processes. Affinity Health provides coverage that promotes preventative healthcare through regular health screenings and unlimited telephonic doctor consultations for your convenience.