Focusing on Women’s Health

Did you know that it is only recently that tampons have been tested against a substance that is not water? Or that only now, after almost 100 years of releasing them for sale and usage has a study been published showing that tampons have “an alarming amount” of arsenic and lead? You most likely didn’t even consider it because it seems like an obvious step to be taken before they were approved for sale… especially considering that they are only for one obvious use. It is also very likely that although you thought this test must have been done a long time ago, if you are the target market, now that you think about it, it makes sense that they were singed off based on being tested on water alone.

Professor of reproductive health at University College London, John Guillebaud, told Quartz that patients have described the menstrual pain/ dysmenorrhea as “almost as bad as having a heart attack.” While this doesn’t surprise many women who’ve had heart attacks since they aren’t always painful to begin with (more than 42% of women have no pain with heart attacks), it certainly grabbed the attention of anyone who read that one line. Dr Jen Gunther,  an OB/GYN and a pain medicine physician, acknowledges that it was important for this statement to be made so that the often-dismissed severity of dysmenorrhea can be understood, but she also points out how dangerous it can be for women who may think that they need to be in as much pain as they experience during their period in order to consider the possibility that they’re having a heart attack.

It is also important though that women understand that although some discomfort is expected during their period, extreme pain and PMS isn’t normal. When the menstrual cycle is abnormal and/ or PMS symptoms and pain are extreme, they are most likely secondary symptoms of an underlying gynaecological condition or reproductive health. These include endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), fibroids, endometrial cancers, uterine polyps, adenomyosis, hyperthyroidism and more. According to UC Health, the top five health concerns for women are:

• Heart disease
• Breast cancer
• Gynaecological health
• Depression and anxiety
• Reproductive health issues

Heart Disease

In 2019, the CDC reported that one in five women died because of heart disease, the top three are:

• Coronary artery disease- Not only is it the most common heart disease, but it is also the leading cause of death for women. It is caused by plaque in the walls of the arteries that supply blood to your heart and other parts of your body.
• Arrhythmia- This condition is when your heart beats too slowly, too fast, or in an irregular way.
• Heart failure- Heart failure is when your heart is too weak to pump enough blood to support other organs in your body.

Regular check-ups as well as maintaining a healthy lifestyle including good nutrition and exercise habits are great proactive efforts to either stop any of the above or get ahead of them.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the cells of the breast tissue. It primarily affects women, but men can also develop it, although at a much lower rate. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment. Regular mammograms, clinical breast exams, and self-exams can help in detecting breast cancer. If a suspicious lump or symptom is detected, further diagnostic tests like biopsies, ultrasounds, and MRIs may be performed. Breast cancer is staged from 0 to IV, indicating the extent of the cancer’s spread. Stage 0 is non-invasive, while higher stages indicate larger tumors and potential spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

Gynaecological health

Some key points regarding gynecological health are:

• Regular Check-ups- Routine gynaecological check-ups are essential for early detection and prevention of potential issues.
• Contraception and Family Planning- Healthcare providers can guide individuals in choosing the most suitable option based on their health, lifestyle, and reproductive goals.
• Infections- Common gynecological infections include yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, urinary tract infections, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications and further transmission.
• Menopause and Hormonal Changes- As women age, they experience menopause, a natural process involving the cessation of menstrual cycles. This hormonal transition can lead to various physical and emotional changes, requiring proper medical management and support.
• Gynaecological Cancers- Regular screenings and early detection (detectable by getting regular PAP smears) are vital for gynaecological cancers such as cervical, ovarian, and uterine cancer. Vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV) can significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
• Lifestyle Factors- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through balanced nutrition, regular exercise, managing stress, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to better gynaecological health.

Depression and anxiety

Women are about twice as likely as men to experience depression and anxiety at some point in their lives. Various factors contribute, including hormonal changes (such as during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause), genetics, traumatic experiences, life stressors, societal pressures, and biological differences in brain structure and function. Treatment options include psychotherapy (talk therapy), cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), medication (such as antidepressants), lifestyle changes (regular exercise, healthy diet, sufficient sleep), and support from loved ones. Pregnant women also ran the risk for postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety

Depression and anxiety often coexist. This is referred to as comorbid depression and anxiety, where a person experiences symptoms of both disorders simultaneously. Women with depression may also have higher rates of comorbid anxiety, which can complicate diagnosis and treatment.

Reproductive health issues

Female reproductive health issues encompass a range of medical conditions that affect the reproductive system in women. These issues can impact various aspects of a woman’s physical and emotional well-being, including fertility, menstrual health, sexual function, and overall quality of life. Some key female reproductive health issues include:

• Menstrual disorders
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Endometriosis
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
• Uterine Fibroids
• Ovarian Cysts
• Infertility
• Reproductive Cancers
• Menopause and Perimenopause
• Vaginal Infections
• Pelvic Floor Disorders

A healthy lifestyle is vital for the overall health of the female body, choosing a nutritious and active lifestyle may mitigate the risk of inevitable occurrences like menopause. Exercise and diet modification may also lessen symptoms of some of the above-mentioned conditions. Women can do any kind of exercises; they can even rotate the type and intensity based on the phase of the cycle they’re in. The benefits of weight/ strength training for women include improving heart health, strengthening of bones and boosts mood. Lighter activities like simple walks helps keep the body active and healthy while offering the rest the body may need while also boosting mental health.

Promoting female health involves regular check-ups, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and seeking medical advice when experiencing unusual symptoms. Open communication with healthcare providers is crucial for timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and overall well-being.

References:

1. https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2023/08/22/breast-cancer-young-women-increase/
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperthyroidism/symptoms-causes/syc-20373659
3. https://seeherthrive.com/news/introducing-adenomyosis-the-evil-sister-of-endometriosis/#:~:text=Beyond%20this%2C%20the%20condition%20can,to%20name%20but%20a%20few.
4. https://archive.nytimes.com/well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/22/many-heart-attacks-dont-cause-chest-pain/
5. https://www.insider.com/are-period-cramps-more-painful-than-heart-attack-2018-3
6. https://www.uchealth.com/en/media-room/articles/the-top-5-womens-health-concerns-for-womens-health-day
7. https://archive.nytimes.com/well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/22/many-heart-attacks-dont-cause-chest-pain/