While many illnesses and diseases are common to both men and women, there are certain conditions that women need to be especially aware of due to the organs involved or the symptoms that are displayed. Here are four common health issues for women to experience.
1. Gynecologic Issues
Women may experience problems with their reproductive cycle and organs throughout their lifetime, experiencing such issues as:
- Irregular bleeding, which refers to very heavy bleeding, cramping, or clotting while on your menstrual cycle. The average menstrual cycle lasts around five days and most women lose about four to eight tablespoons of blood. Anything outside of these normal ranges may be corrected with medication.
- Endometriosis, which occurs when the tissues that usually line the uterus grow outside of the uterus. Hormone therapy and surgery are typical treatments for this condition.
- Yeast infections, which three out of four women experience at some point in their lifetime. Risk factors for yeast infections include pregnancy, diabetes, the use of antibiotics, and wearing tight clothing or underwear.
If you think you are experiencing any of these conditions, check into a women’s clinic Knoxville to be thoroughly evaluated and prescribed the proper treatment to alleviate your gynecologic issue.
2. Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers found in women. Some of the signs of breast cancer include a lump in the breast that feels different than the surrounding areas, an inverted nipple, and new dimples forming on the skin of the breast. It is wise for women to regularly check for these signs, as early detection of breast cancer raises the chances of making a full recovery. Breast cancer is thought to be caused by a combination of genetics and environmental factors. Some things that you can do to help lower your risk of breast cancer are things that are common to lowering the risk of other cancers, such as maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, avoiding or reducing the intake of alcohol, and getting routine checkups.
3. Heart Disease
While heart disease is something that affects both men and women, women need to be especially aware of their risk because the symptoms of heart disease and heart attacks are different in women than they are in men. Both men and women may experience pain and tightening in their chest, but women are more likely to experience more subtle symptoms that can be brushed off as something more minor. These symptoms include unexplained fatigue, indigestion, nausea and vomiting, and pain in the neck, back, or jaw.
4. Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries but often remains undetected until it has spread to other parts of the body. Risk factors for ovarian cancer are pretty similar to those for breast cancer, including age, being overweight or obese, and having a family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer. Some of the treatments for ovarian cancer include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.
Be aware of these four health issues to increase your likelihood of a good outcome.
