Mother’s Day: 6 common health issues in women over 40s

Not everyone experiences health problems before a certain age. So, it is possible if you have reached your forties without having any significant medical condition, but that doesn’t mean that you should be careless. Once you hit your 40s, this might change or not, depending on your body. While every individual is different, there are certain things you need to be mindful of when you have reached your 40s.

As per Dr Nikhil Kulkarni, Consultant-Internal Medicine, SL Raheja Hospital, Mahim – A Fortis Associate, women become prone to several health complications in their 40s. This Mother’s Day, let’s look at some of the common health issues that may affect women over 40s and what they should do to reduce the risk.

The risk of developing diseases in your mid-40s increases due to a number of reasons, he explains. “The effects of improper lifestyle habits, ageing along with several other factors elevate the condition making it worse. In the mid-40s a woman undergoes menopause which leads to several problems due to changing hormones,” shares Dr Kulkarni.

6 common health conditions in women over 40s

Here are a few complications women need to watch out for, as per the expert:

1. Vitamin deficiencies

The most common health issue that hits women in their 40s is vitamin D deficiency. In some cases, vitamin D deficiency leads to a loss of bone calcium and bone mass, increasing the risk of developing osteoporosis. A study published in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care found that vitamin D deficiency is widely prevalent in women above the age of 40, which increases the risk of post-menopausal bone loss and osteoporosis. Other common deficiencies in women over 40s include vitamin B, Iron, and Riboflavin deficiency.

Also Read

Best orthopedic mattress: 6 options to support your back and spine Read Now

2. Diabetes

Several studies have found that the risk of diabetes increases as you age and the risk has been increasing exponentially across age groups in the past decade. Dr Kulkarni says that there are several factors that contribute to the onset of diabetes in women over 40s. “It can be contributed due to genetic factors or due to lack of exercise, unhealthy lifestyle, and faulty diet.”

Eating a healthy diet, regular exercise and timely testing can help reverse pre-diabetes or keep diabetes in control.

3. Menopause

Menopause is a time that marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average age of a woman hitting menopause is 45-55 years of age. Dr Kulkarni says, “Most women go through the perimenopause phase in their late 30s or early 40s, therefore they should monitor the symptoms and take necessary actions under expert guidance. Perimenopause can affect the body in many ways and leads to serious complications like heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis.”

Also Read: 7 signs that tell you it’s time for menopause

4. Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a medical condition in which your bones become weak and you experience bone loss. Women in their 40s become more prone to the disease due to menopause. Women with a family history of osteoporosis should do a bone densitometry test during their menopause to monitor their bone health. Taking good care of oneself during menopause, having adequate vitamin D, doing the right exercises, and following the correct diet will help you lower the risk, avers the expert.

5. Heart diseases

Did you know heart disease is the leading cause of death in women and also a cause of morbidity in this age group? It is important for women to understand the signs of symptoms of heart disease to prevent this from being a major health challenge. Poor eating habits, smoking, drinking alcohol, lack of exercise, and high cholesterol contribute to it. Also, the drop in estrogen levels during menopause increases the chances of heart disease.

Also Read: Protect your heart! 8 everyday tips to ward off heart disease risk

6. Breast Cancer

Dr Kulkarni says, “Women between the ages of 30 and 40 are at higher risk of developing breast cancer. It can be contributed to diet, environment, and overall health. Therefore, a regular breast self-examination or one done by a doctor is very important. Annual mammography will also help in early detection and treatment.”

7. Stress-induced mental health conditions

While stress is an inevitable part of life, it can become more prominent in your 30s and 40s. Excessive stress can lead to several mental health issues as well. Mental health disorders can occur at any age, however, there is an increased risk in middle-aged people due to the physiological changes that occur in a woman’s body during menopause. The challenges of growing age combined with family issues like ageing parents, growing children, and the pressures to overcome familial challenges can make a person more psychologically vulnerable. Underlying issues like depression and anxiety may crop up and needs to be identified and addressed timely to avoid complications, explains the doctor.

This Mother’s Day, make sure all mothers are taking good care of themselves by going for a health checkup and regular screenings to avoid any complications in the future.