9 Health Questions Every Woman Should Know

Manage your Risk

These are the top health issues affecting women and how you can manage them.

1. Heart disease.

The number one killer of women is heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women. A heart attack can cause chest pain, weakness in the arms and shortness of breath. Shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting are common in women. Women may dismiss these symptoms as heart attacks and instead blame their hard work or heartburn. Although menopause is not a cause of heart disease, there are certain risk factors that increase after menopause. These include higher blood pressure, cholesterol, and lower estrogen.

2. Stroke.

55,000 more women are affected by stroke each year than the 55,000 men. There are two types: hemorhagic stroke, which is bleeding from the brain; and ischemic stroke, which is the blocking of blood vessels that results in impaired blood flow. The most common symptoms of stroke are difficulty speaking and numbness in the extremities.

There is also a connection between stroke and pregnancy. High blood pressure in pregnancy can lead to preeclampsia. This is a condition that increases your chance of suffering from stroke. Hypercoagulation (or excessive blood clotting) is a common cause of blood clot disorders in the brain. This can also happen during pregnancy. Blood clots can also restrict blood flow to the brain.

3. Diabetes.

Diabetes is not a condition that affects only women. However, it can increase your risk of developing heart disease four times more in women. Diabetes-related complications such as depression, blindness, kidney disease, and kidney disease are more common in women. Gestational diabetes can be a condition where your glucose levels rise and other complications occur. It affects at least 3 out 100 women. Treatment may include careful diet, exercise and insulin injections.

Miscarriage and birth defects can be caused by diabetes. Diabetes-dependent pregnant women may require special monitoring and testing. You can lower your chance of developing type 2 diabetes by maintaining a healthy weight and quitting smoking.

4. Maternal health concerns

High blood pressure and iron-deficiency Anemia are just a few of the many changes that a pregnant woman can experience during pregnancy.

Dr Faika Khan says, "Preconception care really is important." Dr Faika Khan says that women with diabetes and high blood pressure need to have their conditions under control before they attempt to conceive. Women should not have a baby immediately after undergoing weight loss surgery.

Dr Faika Khan suggests that pregnant women eat well and get the necessary immunizations. While you can continue exercising as usual, consult your doctor if you have questions. Dr Faika Khan says, "There is a misconception that pregnant women shouldn't take medication." "Many conditions require proper medical treatment." This is a conversation that you need to have with your doctor.

5. Urinary tract infections.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), are germs that get into the urethra to multiply. These infections are more common in women than in men because they have a shorter urinary tract. This reduces the distance bacteria must travel to reach the bladder. UTI symptoms include frequent urination and cloudy urine. A UTI may resolve on its own but a doctor can prescribe antibiotics if needed. UTIs can become a frequent problem if they are not treated promptly.

6. Sexual health.

There are over 30 sexually transmitted diseases (STIs). The HPV vaccine can prevent one of the most prevalent, the human papillomavirus.

Around 80 percent of men and women who are sexually active will contract HPV at one time or another. HPV is extremely common. There are over 100 types of HPV, and at least 14 of them can cause cancer. Dr Faika Khan says. Types 16 and 18, which are both associated with precancer in the cervix, are the most at-risk.

One of the leading causes of death for women was cervical cancer. The Pap smear has allowed providers to detect precancerous cells, and provide treatment to eradicate them. This dramatically reduces the incidence of cervical cancer. Dr Faika Khan says, "The whole point of the Pap smear is to detect abnormalities before they become cancerous." A loop electrosurgical excision procedure, (LEEP), can be used to remove precancerous cells.

7. Breast cancer.

Breast cancer is second only to skin cancer in the United States. American women are at 12 percent risk of developing breast cancer during their lifetime.

You can identify any changes in breasts by doing a monthly self-examination. This will help you share your findings with your primary care provider. This should be done in addition to your annual scheduled mammogram which should begin at age 40. Your doctor might recommend 3D mammography for those with the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. This produces detailed images and increases your risk of breast cancer. Healthy lifestyle choices such as exercise and quitting smoking can help to reduce the risk.

8. Osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis causes bones to become weaker, making them more susceptible to fractures. Osteoporosis is more common in women who are postmenopausal. Some medications, early menopause and a low body weight (BMI), as well as genetics and treatment for cancer, are all risk factors. These risks can be offset by increasing calcium intake and staying active through appropriate weight-bearing activities.

9. Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease, a type of brain degeneration, is caused by abnormal brain particles called neurofibrillary plaques and tangles. These plaques and tangles can cause brain damage and lead to the death of healthy brain cells. More than two thirds of the five million Americans with Alzheimer's disease are women. Although this was traditionally believed to be due to women living longer, scientists are now studying whether genetic variations could be involved. A healthy lifestyle, such as staying active and eating a healthy meal, can promote brain health.

 UrgentWay providers offer care for every phase of a woman’s life, from teens to childbearing years to menopause and beyond. We address women’s healthcare needs including heart health, mental health, and bone health for greater longevity and quality of life. 

We strive to always provide quality medical care with the utmost respect and understanding for the needs of our patients. We provide best doctor for women health