Common health problems in women: list and age-related health problems (2023)

When it comes to health issues, women and men have certain differences. This is due to different biological settings. Both women and men have similar or different conditions. However, certain health issues affect women differently and more severely. For example, women have a higher risk of dying from a heart attack than men. Also, they have unique health issues like breast cancer and cervical cancer. This piece highlights common health issues in women.

So, start reading!

Here is a list of some of the most common health problems in women.

1. Heart disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women. While men also suffer from heart-related illnesses, women tend to be underdiagnosed and have little time to treat once they discover the condition. Symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain, weakness in the arms and shortness of breath. Women often experience these symptoms but dismiss them as a result of intense exercise.

Heart disease/heart attack symptoms also include jaw pain, shoulder pain or even nausea and vomiting. While menopause does not increase heart disease, it can lead to certain health problems, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, which can affect women's heart health.

2.Diabetes

Diabetes is one of the common health problems in women all over the world. Although it is not a disease exclusive to women, it certainly can increase heart disease in women by up to 4 times. Diabetes-related complications such as kidney disease, blindness and even depression plague women.

Diabetes during pregnancy is a major concern for women. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy, when glucose levels spike and other complications occur. About 3 out of 100 women develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Women can manage complications through a healthy diet, blood glucose monitoring, insulin injections, medications, exercise, etc. Remember that diabetes can cause miscarriage or birth defects. Therefore, women who are primarily insulin dependent should monitor their blood glucose levels and consult their doctors accordingly.

3. Maternal health problems

Pregnancy brings with it numerous changes in a woman, which can greatly affect her health. During this period, women suffer from iron deficiency, anemia and high blood pressure. Risks increase when women have pre-existing conditions such as serious heart disorders, diabetes and neurological problems.

To avoid serious complications, women with high blood pressure or diabetes should check for these conditions before planning pregnancy. Also, if they have recently had weight loss surgery, they should avoid becoming pregnant immediately after the procedure. Pregnant women can resolve all the usual complications with nutrition, medication, exercise, and necessary preventive measures (as recommended by doctors).

4. Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most common health problems in women. Half a million women die from breast cancer each year.

Women who carry the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are at increased risk of developing breast cancer. In addition, advanced age, menopause after age 55, early onset of menses before age 12, obesity, early abnormal breast biopsy, previous chest radiation, childlessness, and alcohol dependence can cause breast cancer. Women can prevent the risks of developing breast cancer by adopting healthy lifestyles, diet and quitting smoking. Women should self-exam monthly for changes in their breasts and contact their doctor immediately if necessary.

5. Cerebrovascular accident

Stroke is another worrying health problem in women, not because of the risk of death, but also because of the long-term disability that this disease can cause. Also, women are more prone to stroke than men. Therefore, it is necessary for women to have a complete knowledge of the symptoms of a stroke.

These include sudden weakness or numbness in the face, leg or arm, and more importantly on a specific side of the body, sudden problems with vision, speech and walking, confusion or difficulty understanding speech, loss of balance, dizziness or lack of coordination . and sudden, severe headache. Doctors have found a link between pregnancy and stroke. Pre-eclampsia is a condition in which women develop high blood pressure during pregnancy. Hypercoagulation (excessive blood clotting) occurs during pregnancy when blood clots impede blood flow in the brain. Both conditions can result in a stroke.

6. Menstrual problems

Menstrual problems are common health problems in women. Women experience heavy, missed, irregular and scanty periods. Menstrual cramps are another common health problem among women.

Heavy menstrual bleeding occurs when a woman loses 80 ml of menstrual blood for more than 7 days.ReportsLet's say 9 to 14 out of 100 women have heavy menstrual bleeding. This condition can interfere with daily life and lead to iron deficiency anemia in many cases. Additionally, women suffer from another condition called premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which affects 47.8% of women of reproductive age globally. PMS symptoms include appetite changes, abdominal pain, back pain, weight gain, headache, nausea, constipation, anxiety, mood swings, breast swelling, etc.

Women usually suffer from this condition before the onset of their periods. In addition, there is another condition called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) that worries doctors. Women with this condition have irregular periods or an excess of male hormones, i.e. androgens. In addition, they are at risk of developing obesity, heart disease, infertility, type II diabetes mellitus, acne, etc.

7. Fertility problems

Recentreportsshow that the fertility rate in India has dropped by 50%, that is, from 4.97% to 2.3%. The rate is expected to drop further to 2.1% in 2025-30. Currently, the infertility rate is (10-14%), being higher in urban areas and in every 6 couples, at least 1 couple faces this problem.

Women may face infertility problems due to polycystic ovary syndrome, miscarriage infections, sexually transmitted diseases, contraceptive complications, postpartum infections, pelvic inflammatory diseases. In addition, smoking, alcohol consumption, increased dependence on processed foods, physical and emotional stress can cause fertility problems. A healthy lifestyle and timely detection can help women to solve this problem to a great extent.

8. Thyroid

The thyroid is a common health problem in women, especially those between the ages of 18 and 35. Women often suffer from hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce the required amount of thyroid hormone.

A low level of thyroid hormone slows down metabolism. In addition, women may experience symptoms such as changes in the menstrual cycle, constipation, depression, high cholesterol, susceptibility to cold. The list also includes dry hair and hair loss, dry skin, fatigue, hoarse voice, joint pain, stiffness and swelling, difficulty remembering, muscle aches and stiffness, muscle weakness, puffy face.

Women may experience slow heartbeat, swelling of the thyroid gland (goiter), unusual weight gain or difficulty losing weight, carpal tunnel syndrome bones. When thyroid hormones exceed the required level, this can result in early onset of menopause (before age 40 or early 40s). Thyroid hormones can increase during pregnancy and about 5% to 10% of women develop postpartum thyroiditis, which usually occurs within the first year after giving birth.

9. Autoimmune disease

Autoimmune disease refers to a condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body i.e. the healthy cells in the body. The immune system protects the body from germs like bacteria and viruses, but this basic function is disrupted when people have autoimmune diseases.

Researchers have found that the autoimmune disease primarily affects women. There are different types of autoimmune diseases. However, they all share similar types of symptoms. These include exhaustion, low-grade fever, pain, skin irritation, dizziness. These are minor issues; therefore, many women barely pay attention to these symptoms. That's why it's important to be aware of this common health problem in women, so that they can be more careful and seek medical attention when necessary.

10. STDs and Urinary Infections

Women are easily affected by sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and urinary tract infections. Thereafter, it is necessary to be aware of sexual and bladder issues.

Studies show that the effects of sexually transmitted disease are more severe in women than in men. However, women rarely opt for treatment due to less noticeable symptoms. Also, doctors can confuse STD symptoms with other illnesses, which can cause serious problems like infertility among women. On the other hand, urinary tract infections can cause serious problems if left untreated. Urinary tract infection is an infection that can occur in any part of the urinary system i.e. kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. To avoid this, women should take care of their personal hygiene.

11. Depression and anxiety

Hormonal fluctuations can lead to depression and anxiety, which are common health problems for women. As stated above, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is common among women. Symptoms are intensified with premenstrual dysmorphic disorder (PMDD).

This condition can cause extreme mood swings, interfere with work, and strain relationships. Typical symptoms include extreme sadness, irritability or anger, hopelessness, along with common PMS symptoms like breast tenderness and swelling. Mothers often suffer from a form of depression called “baby blues”, which is aggravated by perinatal depression (symptoms include emotional changes, sadness, tiredness). Perimenopause (change to menopause) can lead to depression. Regardless of the conditions, women can manage these symptoms (to some extent) by taking the right medication or counseling sessions or treatments.

Until now, we have focused on the common health problem in women. There are other diseases that develop especially in old age. Keep reading to know them in detail!

1. Diseases in Girls and Adolescents

• Meningitis: is inflammation of the meninges, which are the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Bacteria and viruses can often cause this condition. It spreads easily among girls and teenagers as they tend to live in confined spaces in schools and shelters. Its symptoms include fever, vomiting, rash, stiff neck, fatigue, seizures, etc.
• Obesity:Such a condition leads to unhealthy weight management that causes major health problems. Currently, obesity has become an epidemic for teenage girls. As of now, nearly 32% of teenage girls are considered obese based on their Body Mass Index (BMI). Reasons like unhealthy sleep routine, high fat diets and low levels of physical activity can cause this condition. As girls are often vulnerable at this age, they may not have the necessary diet or weight awareness.
• Pertussis (whooping cough): A contagious respiratory disease, whooping cough is caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. Its symptoms mainly include violent and uncontrollable coughing. It starts with symptoms similar to those of a cold. Girls and teenagers can easily pick up this disease in their circle. Their immune system has not yet been strengthened, making it difficult for them to avoid such conditions.

2. Diseases in middle-aged women

• Cardiovascular diseases: Several diseases and lifestyle factors can contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease. People with a family history of heart disease are at greater risk of ending up with a weak heart. Furthermore, menopausal conditions and high blood pressure can also trigger these problems. The heart begins to weaken in women due to drugs for various diseases.
• Diabetes:Middle-aged women are more prone to diabetes. The life expectancy of women with type 1 diabetes is around 66 years. Eating disorders and coronary heart disease can trigger diabetic conditions in women.
• Hypertension:After reaching middle age, women are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, anxiety and similar mental health issues. Approximately 1 in 5 deaths in American women is due to high blood pressure. It can also cause conditions like left ventricular hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction, and heart failure.

3. Diseases of the elderly woman

• Osteoporosis:Osteoporosis refers to a medical condition in which the bones become weak, making them prone to fractures. Postmenopausal women are at greater risk of developing osteoporosis. The hormone estrogen helps in bone development. When women reach the menopausal stage, estrogen levels drop, which in turn triggers bone loss. Certain medications, cancer treatment, early menopause, low BMI and family history can all lead to osteoporosis. Leading a healthy lifestyle (including exercise, less alcohol dependence) and a calcium-rich diet can help older women eliminate the chances of developing osteoporosis.
• Obesity: About 41% of women between 65 and 75 years old are considered obese. Obesity occurs when people consume more calories and burn fewer calories from normal daily activities and exercise. While this condition can occur at any age, older women experience hormonal changes and a less active lifestyle. In addition, with advancing age, the amount of muscle in the body decreases. Less muscle mass can lead to reduced metabolism. All of these changes can have a big impact on caloric demands and therefore body weight. Therefore, older women need to eat consciously and stay active to avoid gaining extra pounds.
• Alzheimer's disease:Women over 65 are prone to developing Alzheimer's disease. There are biological and social reasons for the development of Alzheimer's disease. It is a progressive disease that starts with mild memory loss and leads to an inability to convert and respond to the environment. This disease controls parts of the brain that control thinking, memory and language. A common perception of developing this disease is that women live longer. On the other hand, scientific studies relate this disease to genetic variations. Staying active and eating healthy foods can help maintain a healthy brain.

The discussion mentioned above focuses on common health problems in women. Now, let's find out how to deal with these common health problems in women.

Here is a list of ways to deal with common health problems in women.

• Women should talk to someone and share their medical issues.
• They must learn to deal with health problems. Here, they can choose to seek counseling while learning to deal with health issues.
• Women should be careful about their eating habits.
• They must maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.
• They should consult doctors and take medication (according to medical prescription).

With such a detailed discussion, we come to the end of this article on common health problems in women. Know these diseases and take preventive measures to eliminate the chances of developing them.