Common Health Problems Among Women and How to Reduce the Risk

Women are vulnerable to a lot of health issues and if not handled well they can lead to serious conditions. Know more about these issues below.

Breast Cancer

When the cells found in the breast tissue develop abnormally, then you risk having breast cancer. The cancerous cells are responsible for the development of a tumor which may be felt as a lump. The chances of survival depend on the early detection of breast cancer.

The common risk factors for breast cancer as it shall be explained to you at female doctors in women’s health Gold Coast include the following;

  • Excessive consumption of alcohol
  • Family history of cancer
  • Advanced age
  • Obesity

You can, however, reduce the risk of getting breast cancer by making some lifestyle changes. First, eat healthily and exercise regularly to maintain the recommended body weight. You should also reduce your intake of alcoholic drinks and switch to healthy drinks instead.

Experts recommend that you examine your breasts regularly to be familiar with what’s normal and any abnormality. If you notice a lump in your breast then you shouldn’t be scared because it doesn’t necessarily show that you have cancer. It is however important that you seek medical consultation immediately. The National Breast Cancer Foundation recommends that women be self-aware as it is an effective method for detecting breast cancer. You should check your breast monthly.

Women between ages 50 to 74 are advised to have a mammogram screening every 2 years since they are at a high risk of developing breast cancer.

Coronary Heart Disease

A study by an Australian medical institute reveals that the main cause of death among women and men in 2017 was coronary heart disease. When the body builds fatty substances that block the coronary arteries, the heart condition can be diagnosed as coronary heart disease or ischemic heart disease.

Several factors increase the likelihood of developing coronary heart disease, they include smoking, diabetes and obesity

You can reduce the risk of getting coronary heart disease by making healthy food choices, regular exercise, and controlling your stress levels. You should seek medical help immediately if you suspect that there is something wrong with your health. Signs to watch out for include chest pains, heart attacks, cold sweats, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath- contact 000 if you develop any of these symptoms

Osteoporosis

This is a condition that affects the bones making them weaker and highly likely to fracture or even break. Having such a condition means that you can break your bones by simply falling. The cause of this condition is due to decreased bone density when it loses minerals at a faster rate than it can rebuild.

Osteoporosis is likely to affect older women who have entered the stage of menopause. This is because when estrogen levels fall, then the density of the bones might also reduce.

You can reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis by regularly performing particular types of exercise and also having enough vitamin D and calcium. The recommended types of exercises are known as weight-bearing exercises such as dancing, jogging, tennis, and gymnastics.