5 Major Health Issues Every Woman Must Know

Almost all women face health issues at some point in their lives. However, the majority of women ignore their health problems. Women face complications at various ages, from adolescence to pregnancy to menopause and beyond. Let’s have a brief overview of 5 major health issues most women face at different stages of life.

You must be aware of menstruation, and feminine hygiene being a teen, or prepubescent. To cut a long story short! Dysmenorrhea is pain caused by menstruation. It is usually mild, but for some women, it can be so severe that they are unable to perform daily tasks. There are 2 types of dysmenorrhea: primary and secondary.

• Primary dysmenorrhea is proportional to prostaglandin, a chemical produced by the uterine lining. But don't be concerned! This discomfort subsides after the first few days of a period.
• Secondary dysmenorrhea is caused by a disorder in the reproductive organs and may worsen over time and often lasts longer than normal period cramps. The primary treatment for such pain is OTC drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen, vitamin B1 or magnesium supplements are also effective. These are easily available at the Apollo Pharmacy store. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended based on the cause of the pain.

Now that you are soon entering your 20s, you might become sexually active. But before that, you must know about STIs or STDs. Hepatitis, gonorrhea, HPV, and HIV are some of the infections you must have heard of. But do you know how it infects you? Sexually. Yes, these infections are spread through sexual contact through semen, vaginal fluid, blood, or other fluids secreted from the body. Some of the infections get transmitted non-sexually; during pregnancy, childbirth, due to shared or unsterilized needles, and via blood transfusions.

This is not a message about not having sex but you must take the following precautions:

• Always means always having protected sex. Carry a condom/s just like a sanitary pad.
• Making sure that needles are sterilized while blood transfusions. Avoid needle sharing.
• Avoid multiple partners.
• Use feminine wash after any sexual activity. Explore a wide range of feminine hygiene products available at Apollo Pharmacy.

Many women do the pregnancy planning during before or during her 30s. According to WHO, preeclampsia is one of the major causes of maternal and newborn complications and deaths. Preeclampsia occurs only during pregnancy due to high blood pressure and protein in the urine. It usually occurs after week 20 of pregnancy. First-timers, twin or multi-babies, gestational hypertension, obesity, or prior kidney issues women are at risk of preeclampsia. If it is not treated quickly and properly, it can lead to serious complications or following life-threatening conditions too.

• Eclampsia, a severe form of preeclampsia, mothers may suffer seizures. In such cases, your doctor may prescribe magnesium sulfate and antihypertensive medications too.
• HELLP Syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count)- May occur late in pregnancy.

This condition is harmful to your babies too as it prevents the placenta from getting enough blood. Less oxygen and food through the placenta can result in low birth weight.

Most women are aware of menopause when a woman’s period stops or menses end. But during the late 30s or 40s, women may start to experience irregular menstrual cycles. This is the stage you have entered in perimenopause. Perimenopause is nothing but the first stage of menopause. It is also known as a menopausal transition. This period is critical for every woman due to

• headaches can occur more frequently due to anxiety and stress. Many women also suffer from severe depression and may need a therapy.
• vaginal dryness occurs due to the lack of estrogen and may result in painful intercourse or temporary loss of libido.
• mood swings are very common in this phase. Women start becoming moody, irritable, fatigued, and restless.
• sleeping disorders such as night sweats, and insomnia. Women may experience hot flashes for a few minutes.

Most breast and ovarian cancers are diagnosed after age 50. So, you must be aware of the risk factors:

• The risk for feminine cancer increases with age.
• Personal history of non-cancerous breast or ovary diseases.
• If a woman has a family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
• Late-onset menopause.
• Any treatment with radiation exposure.

Any type of cancer can be defeated if detected early. There are many surgical options for breast and ovarian cancer treatment. If have a family history or any related issues for cancers then get yourself tested. Being physically active and having a good diet are important to remain risk-free.