Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
When you think of women’s health, you probably think of conditions specific to the biologically female body. This includes pregnancy, gynecological concerns, menopause and breast cancer. But there are many common women affected health conditions outside of these select few that greatly impact women around the globe. Johns Hopkins reports, “Many health issues affect women differently from men, and in ways that have an impact on diagnosis and care. For instance, a heart attack may show up with different symptoms in a woman, putting her at risk for a misdiagnosis.” The fact is, many women’s health conditions go undiagnosed and most drug trials do not include female test subjects. As a result, these common conditions can fall under the radar for female patients.
Osteoporosis in Women
This condition causes bones to become more weak and fragile as they rapidly lose density. Women are more likely than men to develop this condition in later stages of life due to menopause. “The hormone changes that happen at menopause directly affect bone density. The female hormone estrogen is essential for healthy bones. After menopause, estrogen levels fall. according to the National Health Service. This can lead to a rapid decrease in bone density.”
Women are more at risk for developing osteoporosis if they experience:
- Early menopause
- A hysterectomy
- Absent periods (usually caused by unhealthy dieting or excessive exercise)
Hypothyroidism in Women
Hypothyroidism, also called underactive thyroid, is when the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormones to meet your body’s needs. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases says, “Thyroid hormones control the way your body uses energy, so they affect nearly every organ in your body, even the way your heart beats. Without enough thyroid hormones, many of your body’s functions slow down.” Women are much more likely than men to develop hypothyroidism.
Your thyroid is more likely to be underactive if you have other health problems, including:
- Celiac disease
- Sjögren’s syndrome
- B12 deficiency
- Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus
Cancer in Women
The two most common cancers affecting women today are breast and cervical cancer. According to the World Health Organization, “The latest global figures show that around half a million women die from cervical cancer and half a million from breast cancer each year. The vast majority of these deaths occur in low and middle income countries where screening, prevention and treatment are almost non-existent.”
Autoimmune Diseases in Women
Autoimmune disease occurs when body cells attack healthy cells instead of harmful ones. These conditions include Addison's disease, Autoimmune hepatitis, Coeliac disease, Crohn's disease, Guillain-Barre syndrome, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Myasthenia gravis, Pernicious anemia, Scleroderma, and Sjögren's syndrome. “As these conditions continue to escalate among the population, researchers remain baffled as to why the conditions affect mostly women.” Most cause the following symptoms:
- Exhaustion
- Mild fever
- Pain
- Skin irritation
- Vertigo
Most autoimmune diseases have no cure, but some require lifelong treatment to ease symptoms. Healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly can help reduce symptoms.
Mental Health in Women
Women are at increased risk for depression, anxiety and eating disorders as compared to men. “Depression is the most common mental health problem for women and suicide a leading cause of death for women under 60,” according to the World Health Organization. The good news is that these conditions can be treated with the proper medication and therapeutic interventions. A common problem among women on a global scale is fear of seeking help for these conditions as a result of the negative stigmas associated with being mentally ill. Helping to de-stigmatize these conditions and encourage women to access care is critical for their recovery and survival.
STIs in Women
Women are more commonly infected with sexually transmitted infections than men on a global scale. WHO reports, “Three decades into the AIDS epidemic, it is young women who bear the brunt of new HIV infections.” Without proper treatment, women are at increased risk for tuberculosis, “one of the leading causes of death in low-income countries of women 20–59 years.”
There are a number of women's health conditions impacting lives on a daily basis. It is critical that research focus on female test subjects to better understand the impact these conditions have on biologically female bodies as opposed to the general population. If you suspect you are suffering with any of these conditions, do not hesitate to get tested for help immediately.
