4 common health issues women should know about

Good health is essential for a good quality of life. Not only will you be able to fight diseases, but your mental health and mood will greatly improve. Moreover, you don’t have to visit the hospital for treatments regularly, enabling you to save more. Research indicates that many British females live in poor health despite these perks, although they live typically longer than their male counterparts. Common health issues, including the ones below, can compromise the quality of life of countless women.

1. Depression

According to the UK Mental Health Foundation, one in five women experience depression, self-harm, or anxiety. Also, people with some genetic makeup are more likely to develop depression than others. Likewise, other biological factors like perimenopause, menstrual cycles, menopause, and pregnancy can cause hormonal imbalances that trigger mental issues.

Moreover, anxiety and depression can develop or worsen due to grief, financial troubles, and other disturbing situations. Depression can adversely affect your relationships and cause social isolation, creating a vicious cycle. Moreover, it can limit your concentration and performance at work, leading to decreased productivity.

Fortunately, you can treat depression with the right steps. It helps to stay connected with your loved ones to avoid social isolation, for starters. Having a date with your old friends or spending weekends with your family will prove helpful, so keep this in mind.

You can also exercise regularly to trigger dopamine and serotonin to boost your mood and get adequate sleep to prepare you for the day ahead. If hormonal imbalances trigger your depression due to menopause, you may find these wellness therapies helpful.

2. Breast cancer is another common health issue women face

The Breast Cancer Now organization rates breast cancer as the most common type of cancer among women in the UK. One woman is diagnosed every 10 minutes, and approximately 55,000 women in the UK are diagnosed yearly. What’s more, 11,500 women and 85 men die yearly, making breast cancer the leading cause of death among women under 50.

People with breast cancer genes 1 and 2 are likely to develop the disease. Likewise, obesity, alcohol use, radiation exposure, and a family history of breast cancer can increase your chances of developing it. Breast cancer symptoms include breast thickening, change in size and appearance, pitting, and scaling.

To reduce your risk of developing breast cancer limit alcohol consumption. It’s also wise to go for regular medical checkups and mammograms to help you detect any changes in your breasts.

It’s also a good idea to eat a well-balanced meal and exercise regularly. If you already have breast cancer, speak with your healthcare providers about the treatment options available to you, such as chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and surgery.

3. Autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases occur when your immune system releases antibodies to attack healthy cells in your body. Research reveals that females have a higher risk of developing autoimmune diseases than males as they have two X chromosomes.

Some variations run in families and can easily be inherited. Likewise, hormonal changes from puberty and menopause can increase your risk of developing these diseases.

Other factors like smoking, infections, obesity, and medications can also trigger them. Common autoimmune diseases that affect women include psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, Celiac disease, Type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.

While there is no current cure for autoimmune diseases, you can manage the symptoms without affecting your quality of life. Medications like painkillers can relieve your symptoms, so keep this in mind.

You can also leverage Mediterranean-style meals to support a healthy gut and reduce your stress levels. Consulting with your doctor for other ways to reduce your symptoms will be helpful, so keep this in mind.

Hormone testing is also a valuable way to stay on top of your health. Find a valuable list of hormone tests for women here.

4. Cardiovascular diseases

The UK Heart Research Institute states that approximately 3.5 million women in the UK live with heart disease. Moreover, over 77 women die from heart conditions daily, while 28,000 women die yearly.

That makes heart disease another leading cause of women’s mortality, and it kills more women than breast cancer. Despite these stats, many women aren’t aware that they have a high risk of developing these diseases.

Various cardiovascular diseases that women develop include coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmia, heart valve disease, and microvascular disease. Common symptoms include heart palpitations, chest pressure, fatigue, shortness of breath, and the swelling of hands, feet, or abdomen.

Fortunately, you can reduce your chances of developing heart disease. For starters, identify and manage your risk factors for the best results. Also, keep a healthy weight by exercising regularly and eating healthy meals. As a tip, limit your sodium and saturated fat intake and consume more whole grains.

One more note on common women’s health issues

Please note that I am not ignoring men in this post! When Women Inspire focuses on women, which is why this post has that focus. I am in no way discounting men’s risks or health problems. Stay safe x