Women have different healthcare needs at different stages. Here’s what you need to know

A woman’s life is filled with different milestones and challenges, but also healthcare needs. Here’s a look at the issues that may crop up in different stages of her life, and how to tackle them.
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These healthcare needs of women must be taken into account seriously. Image courtesy: Sutterstock
Dr Yashica Gudesar Published: 12 Mar 2022, 14:00 pm IST
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A woman’s health is determined by her genetics as well as her socioeconomic and physical circumstances. These elements have an impact on the overall quality of their lives. Women face a number of healthcare concerns at various periods of their lives. Today, it is critical that they prioritize their health. While much has been said about this, their health has not received the attention it deserves. It is critical that they take care of their health at all stages of life, from minor health issues to major health issues. Here are some common health issues that women face at different stages of their lives:

Adolescent and teenager age group (Before 15 years)

Even at an early age, females might suffer from multiple health problems that interfere with their daily lives. Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOD) is an epidemic these days. The causes of hormonal imbalance are inconsistent nutrition, poor lifestyle, sleep disorders, less exercise, and stress. It is imperative to ignore abnormal monthly cycles and to see a doctor immediately. It is essential to boost hemoglobin levels, while also addressing increased hair growth, acne, weight gain, and acanthosis nigricans (skin pigmentation), which is caused by hormonal imbalance.

healthcare
Play can keep your kid’s health in check. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Reproductive age group (15-40 years)

In this age group, it is important to treat anemia. It should be treated well, because the patient is about to plan their pregnancy. Women should go for pre-conceptional counseling; vaccinations should be complete and annual checkups are very important, especially in the first three to five months because malformations in the fetus should be ruled out in time.

Infertility is a rising trend at this age, because of PCOD, which needs to be checked and corrected. Women consult a doctor, when they start planning pregnancy, but they should visit one, three to six months before that to address cycle regularization, weight loss, and gestational diabetes. Antenatal classes and yoga should be practiced, and we should be aware of something called premature menopause, which is increasing lately. Someone who is not planning a pregnancy in the near future or before 45 years of age can preserve eggs and their embryo.

Peri and post-menopausal age group (40-65 years)

Women’s cancer risk rises around this age. Post-menopause is a critical age for cancer screening. Pap smears, mammography, ultrasound, and blood checks are all recommended on an annual basis. Your doctor may recommend a repeat pap smear as well as a mammogram based on your results. Obesity, diabetes, and mellitus are a lethal mix for cancers such as endometrial, ovarian, breast, and abdominal cancers. It is essential to be aware and continue screening, and if you have a significant family history, screening should be more rigorous and early. Skin disorders such as pigmentation, hair loss, and hair greying should be addressed as soon as possible, depending on the deficiencies or disease-related factors.

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You can hit menopause early or late! Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Geriatric age group (above 65 years)

Bone health and mental health are the most significant health concerns in the geriatric age group. Elderly women are more vulnerable than men to various ailments, and many diseases that affect both sexes affect them differently. Older women die from the same causes as males, such as heart disease, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Women, on the other hand, are more likely to have various chronic diseases that influence their everyday life, such as diabetes, hypertension, or arthritis.

All of these issues can be addressed with a healthy lifestyle at various stages of a woman’s life, and it is crucial to seek medical advice if any unusual symptoms arise.

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About the Author

Dr Yashica Gudesar, HOD & Consultant - Obstetrics & Gynaecology, HCMCT Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, New Delhi ...Read More

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