WOMENS HEALTH GUIDE

Medical care

As we read women body /anatomy is different from men hence women have specific health care needs during their life cycle. Understanding and education about women’s health is an important series of topics that includes a number of subjects such as Female Anatomy, The Female Reproductive System, Hormones, Diseases which are More Common in Women, Cancer, and Cosmetic Concerns. During a woman’s life they may also have health care concerns related to Pregnancy, Motherhood, Menopause, and Post Menopause issues. Menstruation, Sexuality, Fertility, Birth Control and Infertility, Education in regards to these health care concerns is important and can help lead to a healthy and happy life.

Female Anatomy

Women have a wider hip-to-knee ratio than men, and hamstrings that are not as strong as those found in males. Women’s legs are usually longer, while their torsos are shorter than men of similar size. Women have less bone density, less muscle mass and a lower center of gravity. These differences are important to note because women need to sustain their health differently than men A woman’s heart is physically different in ways from that of a man’s, in ways that are not clearly understood. Of women between the ages of forty-five and sixty-four, one in ten has Heart Disease. Of women over the age of sixty-four; one in three women has Heart Disease. Development of a healthy heart program is something every woman should pursue.

Female Hormones

Hormones are chemical substances that are secreted by tissues which travel through body fluids to another tissue in the person’s body. In women, the hormones produced by the ovaries are involved not only in the processes of growing, maintaining and repairing reproductive tissues. Hormones also have influence over other tissues in a woman’s body, as well as her bone mass. Women with low body fat many times do not produce enough of the hormones from their ovaries, and can experience health issues because of it. These issues can include fractures, Osteoporosis, a cessation of menstruation, and other conditions. Once a woman has reached menopause, additional hormones called, ‘Estrogen,’ and, ‘Progesterone,’ may be decreasingly produced. Many times, a doctor will prescribe hormone therapy to treat the loss of hormones, but only for a short period of time due to an increased risk for heart attack, and a slight increase in the risk for Breast Cancer. Hormonal health issues such as Hyperthyroidism, Thyroid Disease, and Hypothyroidism are much more common in women than in men.

The Female Reproductive System

A woman’s ability to reproduce can be an important part of her life. There are a number of health concerns associated with a woman’s reproductive system, including yeast infections, fibroids, or cysts. The female reproductive system is complex and includes her uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix, and external genitalia. The most common surgery performed in America on women who are not pregnant is a, ‘Hysterectomy,’ which is a surgical removal of a woman’s uterus. The surgery ends menstruation, as well as a woman’s ability to become pregnant. Education about the Female Reproductive System is highly important to ensure that women receive proper health care.

Menstruation

Women menstruate for approximately forty years of their lives, every twenty-six to thirty-five days. They may experience pelvic pain, Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), and cramps. Symptoms of PMS include nervousness, irritability, cramps, headaches and bloating. There are a number of disorders related to either menstruation periods that are too long, heavy, irregular, or painful. These disorders might include, ‘Polycystic Ovary Syndrome,’ and, ‘Endometriosis.’ There is a disease known as, ‘Hemochromatosis,’ where too much iron is found in the woman’s blood, requiring her to receive treatment to remove the excess iron

Fertility, Birth Control and Infertility

The forms of birth control being used include Oral Contraceptives, Diaphragms, Spermicides, Contraceptive Implants, Cervical Caps, Rhythm Methods, and Intrauterine Devices (IUD’s). Women need to pursue education about which method of birth control is best for them, as well as education regarding sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV and AIDS. Infertility is growing at fast pace in the modern world and it becomes more of an issue in women who are over the age of thirty-five. Infertility programs, Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), or donor eggs or sperm are options that couples may pursue if they experience infertility. Adoption is another solution that may be considered.

Pregnancy

Information and education concerning pregnancy and conception can help women to prepare for a pregnancy, as well as a future as a mother. The period of time during which a woman is pregnant is a time when a woman’s health is critical to both the baby and herself. Learning about diseases that can complicate pregnancy such as Epilepsy, Depression, Asthma, Thyroid Disease, Diabetes, or Lupus, is important. Other factors can affect a pregnancy, and learning about them can help a woman and her baby to stay healthy. Proper vaccinations, Nutrition , Hygiene , emotional and physical care is very much required during pregnancy.

Motherhood

As a mother, a woman is not only responsible for her own health; she is also concerned for the health of her family. It is important to learn about good practices of motherhood right from feeding, hygiene, nutrition, education, safety and overall development of the child.

Menopause

Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when menstruation ceases, and a woman no longer ovulates. Usually women in 40s or 50s are at the menopausal state. Symptoms of menopause can include forgetfulness, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, fluctuating sexual desires, urinary incontinence and difficulty sleeping. There are health care options for working with symptoms of menopause. Menopause can be measured through diminishing hormone levels as well.

Post Menopause

Increasing life spans among women find them living decades beyond menopause. Many women over the age of seventy-five live alone, facing health issues including Heart Disease, Cancer, Osteoporosis, and additional health problems. Exercise, proper diet, avoidance of alcohol and smoking, as well as social involvement can help women to live better lives past menopause.

Diseases Occurring More Often In Women

There are a number of diseases that affect both women and men, but occur in women more frequently. Urinary tract infections, bladder infections, kidney infections, gallstones, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and Osteoporosis. Autoimmune disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Sjogren ’s syndrome affect more women than men.

Women and Cancer

Some types of Cancers are specifically concerning to women. These types of cancers include Ovarian, Pancreatic, Colorectal Cervical, Uterine, Breast, and Lung cancers. Breast Cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer among women. Ovarian Cancer is hard to detect in its early stages, and may occur in women of any age.

Cosmetic Surgeries and Procedures

Do you know about six-hundred thousand cosmetic surgeries are performed each year on women seeking to improve their appearance, with the number of procedures increasing. These procedures involve the use of things such as Botox and Collagen injections; ‘Dermabrasion,’ and, ‘Chemical Peels.’ Liposuction, Lasers that remove unwanted hair, and Plastic Surgery techniques are among other procedures which are performed most.. Breast reduction, augmentation and reconstruction surgeries have been performed on millions of women. Education about the risks and benefits of these surgeries and procedures is important

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer begins in breast tissue, which is made up of glands for milk production, called lobules, and the ducts that connect lobules to the nipple. The remainder of the breast is made up of fatty, connective, and lymphatic tissue. The exact cause of breast cancer is unknown and there are no fixed causes for breast cancer. Some of the causes that have been collectively associated with breast cancer are:

Radioactivity: Exposure to radioactive rays is carcinogenic and increases the chances of breast cancer. 

Ovarian Cancer

Early ovarian cancer may not cause obvious symptoms. But, as the cancer grows, symptoms may include: Pressure or pain in the abdomen, pelvis, back, or legs, swollen or bloated abdomen, Nausea, indigestion, gas, constipation, diarrhoea or Feeling very tired all the timeless common symptoms include: Shortness of breath, Feeling the need to urinate often, unusual vaginal bleeding (heavy periods, or bleeding after menopause

Rett syndrome

It is a rare, severe form of autism found in girls only. It's usually discovered in the first two years of life, and a child's diagnosis with Rett syndrome can feel overwhelming. Although there's no cure, early identification and treatment may help girls and families who have been diagnosed with Rett syndrome.

Symptoms A slowing of head growth is one of the first events in Rett syndrome. Loss of muscle tone is also an initial symptom. Soon, the child loses any purposeful use of her hands. Instead, she habitually wrings or rubs her hands together. Around 1 to 4 years of age, social and language skills deteriorate in a girl with Rett syndrome. She stops talking and develops extreme social anxiety and withdrawal or disinterest in other people. Rett syndrome also causes problems with muscles and coordination. Walking becomes awkward as girls develop a jerky, stiff-legged gait. A girl with Rett syndrome may also have uncoordinated breathing and seizures.

Causes: Although Rett syndrome seems to be genetic, the faulty gene is almost never inherited from the parents. Rather, it's a chance mutation that happens in the girl's own DNA. No Rett syndrome risk factors have been identified, other than being female. There is no known method for preventing Rett syndrome.

Vaginal discharge

It is a term given to biological fluids contained within or expelled from the vagina. It can be of various colors, (whitish, yellowish or greenish).While most discharge is normal and can reflect the various stages of the menstrual cycle, some discharge can be a result of an infection, such as a sexually transmitted disease

Pelvic Pain

The term "pelvic pain" is often used to refer to pain in the region of the internal reproductive organs in women. However, pelvic pain can also arise due to the pelvis bone and other non-reproductive internal organs. Any type of pelvic pain needs prompt professional investigation by a qualified medical professional

Genital Pain

Vaginal pain is, of course, specific to women. There are a lot of different reasons why the vagina can hurt. Most of these are common and not an indication of a serious problem. Anyone with concerns, though, should certainly see her doctor, just to be sure.

Vaginal pain is usually dull, achy, and persistent. It can feel as though the vagina is sore, bruised, or tender. Sometimes the pain is sharper and more immediate, but that's not as common. The pain is also localized, not spreading into the anal area or the pelvis

Vaginal Bleeding

Many women experience abnormal vaginal bleeding or spotting between periods sometime in their lives. Vaginal bleeding is considered to be abnormal if it occurs:

Vaginal Itching

Common causes of vaginal itching include: Chemical irritants such as detergents, fabric softeners, feminine sprays, ointments, creams, douches, and contraceptive foams or jellies, Menopause. A drop in the hormone estrogen causes vaginal dryness while stress may increase vaginal itching and make you more susceptible to infections, vaginal yeast infection, Vaginitis. Vaginitis in girls before puberty is common. If a young girl has a sexually transmitted vaginal infection, however, sexual abuse must be considered and addressed. Other possible, but less common, causes of vaginal itching include: Precancerous skin conditions of the Vulva, a parasite infection called Pinworms mainly affecting children)

Infertility

Both men and women can be infertile. As the reproductive years progress, the number and quality of the eggs diminish. The chances of having a baby decrease by 3% to 5% per year after the age of 30. This reduction in fertility is noted to a much greater extent after age 40. Female infertility can be also be caused by a number of factors, including the following:

Vaginal Mass

Localised lump or swelling in the vaginal region is known as a vaginal mass. There could be many reasons behind vaginal mass like vaginal cancer, vaginal cysts a thorough check up can help in knowing the actual reason for vaginal mass.

Incontinence

Incontinence or involuntary urination isn't a disease, it's a symptom. It can be caused by everyday habits, underlying medical conditions or physical problems. A thorough evaluation by your doctor can help determine what's behind your incontinence. Certain foods, drinks and medications can cause temporary urinary incontinence. A simple change in habits can bring relief. Alcohol, Over-hydration, High Caffeine Intake, Bladder irritation, Medications, Urinary tract infection, Constipation, Pregnancy and childbirth Changes with aging, Hysterectomy, Painful bladder syndrome (interstitial cystitis). Bladder cancer or bladder stones, Neurological disorders and Obstruction can cause incontinence.

• Hormone Replacement Therapy: Using hormone replacement therapy might also cause it. 
• Exposure to harmful chemicals: Working in a chemical factory that uses harmful chemicals like Organochlorines. 
• Age: The chance of breast cancer depends on age, as the person gets older the chances of it are more. 
• Inheritance: Family history of close relative like mother, sister and daughter who has been diagnosed with breast cancer increases the risk factor. 
• Early menses or menopause: Early start onset of menses and early menopause are also associated with breast cancer. 
• Nullyparity or Late childbearing: Nullyparity or Late childbearing also appear to be a minor risk factor in the development of breast cancer. 
• Symptoms: In early stages, breast cancer usually has no symptoms. As the tumor progresses, one may note the following signs: 
• Pain or tenderness in the breast. 
• Swelling in the armpit. 
• A lump in the breast, is often the first apparent symptom of breast cancer, breast lumps are usually painless, although some may cause a prickly sensation. Lumps are usually visible on a mammogram long before they can be seen or felt. 
• A change in the nipple, such as an indrawn or dimpled look, itching or burning sensation, or ulceration, scaling of the nipple is symptomatic of Paget's disease, a localized cancer. 
• Unusual discharge from the nipple that may be clear, bloody or of another color, usually caused by benign conditions but possibly due to cancer. 
• A noticeable flattening or indentation on the breast which may indicate a tumor that cannot be seen or felt. 
• Any change in the contour, texture or temperature of the breast, reddish, pitted surface like the skin of an orange (called peu de orange) is symptomatic of advanced breast cancer. 
• Female Genital Disorders 
• When you are not expecting your menstrual period. 
• When your menstrual flow is lighter or heavier than what is normal for you. 
• At a time in life when it is not expected, such as before age 10, when you are pregnant, or after menopause 
• Hormonal causes. Some women have problems with ovulation. Synchronized hormonal changes leading to the release of an egg from the ovary and the thickening of the endometrium (lining of the uterus) in preparation for the fertilized egg do not occur. These problems may be detected using basal body temperature charts, ovulation predictor kits, and blood tests to detect hormone levels. 
• Cervical causes. A small group of women may have a cervical condition in which the sperm cannot pass through the cervical canal. Whether due to abnormal mucus production or a prior cervical surgical procedure, this problem may be treated with intrauterine inseminations. 
• Uterine causes. Abnormal anatomy of the uterus; the presence of polyps and fibroids Damage to fallopian tubes. 
• Damage to the fallopian tubes (which carry the eggs from the ovaries to the uterus) can prevent contact between the egg and sperm. Pelvic infections, endometriosis, and pelvic surgeries may lead to scar formation and fallopian tube damage.