Women are multi-taskers. However, often the most important aspect of their lives is neglected in the mayhem of multi-tasking – Good Health. The common health issues that affect women in their 20s, 30s and 40s and the right approach to seeking treatment has been discussed here.
Women in their 20s
- Eating disorders: Obsession with junk food aside, young women in their twenties are at a heightened risk of eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating. Timely follow-up with a healthcare professional and regular counselling can help women overcome eating disorders.
- Menstrual Issues: Irregular menstrual periods is a common cause of worry amongst some young girls. It is important to contact a gynecologist who could provide you with proper medication, diet and exercise plan to help bring down the irregularity and excessive menstrual cramps says Dr. Usha Agarwal, Gynecologist at Narayana Multispeciality Hospital, Jaipur
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): It is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women of childbearing age & in turns affects their fertility. Symptoms include irregular periods, infertility, excessive body hair, acne and weight gain. On noticing any of these symptoms, women should get themselves checked and seek appropriate treatment says Dr. Mukul Gupta, Endocrinologist at Narayana Multispeciality Hospital, Jaipur.
- Pregnancy-related issues: Iron deficiency anemia, gestational diabetes, postpartum anxiety are some common problems that may develop during pregnancy & shortly after giving birth. Seeking timely treatment from a qualified healthcare professional can help control these issues.
Women in their 30s
- Fertility: Fertility tends to decline once you hit your thirties, more so in the late thirties. Moreover, the chances of pregnancy-related health problems tend to increase. Consultation with a qualified fertility expert could help in such cases.
- Weight Gain and Diabetes: Metabolism takes a down stride once you hit your thirties. This coupled with hormonal changes can result in gaining those extra kilos. Obesity is one of the major risks associated with diabetes. Maintaining a healthy weight & regular physical activity reduces the risk of diabetes. It is also important to rule out endocrine disorders as a cause for weight gain.
- Breast Cancer Risk: Approximately 20 percent of all breast cancer cases in India occur among women below the age of 40. It is important to do a regular self-examination of breasts & consult a specialist if any abnormality is observed. Women should also get regular mammography done once they hit their 40s says Dr. Sarika Lamba, Women’s Cancer specialist at Narayana Multispeciality Hospital, Jaipur.
Women in their 40s
- Heart disease: The risk goes up as you age, especially if one happens to have a family history of heart diseases. While it isn’t mandatory that you would contract the same disease at the same age, but a set of preventive measures like regular cardiac check-ups, basic screening tests, cholesterol tests, etc can help reduce the risk effectively says Dr. Devendra Shrimal Sr. Consultant – Cardiology at Narayana Multispeciality Hospital, Jaipur.
- Osteoporosis: Women in their forties are at an alarming risk of developing Osteoporosis, a bone-thinning disease caused by calcium depletion. Healthcare professionals can suggest vitamin & mineral supplements to tackle the same says Dr. Vijay Sharma, Consultant – Orthopedics at Narayana Multispeciality Hospital, Jaipur.
- Depression & Anxiety: Juggling family, work and aging parents can get taxing for anyone, plus pre-menopausal hormonal changes may make things difficult to cope with resulting in depression and anxiety issues. Seeking professional help is very helpful.
Many of the ailments affecting women are due to their lifestyle or there is often a genetic reason. Women should choose a healthcare professional whom they can trust and be open with regarding their health concerns & one who understands their background as well. Having one anchor doctor, say a gynecologist, family physician or an endocrinologist who has access to multi-dimensional super-specialties helps enhance the accuracy of the diagnosis & also tackle any health condition in the nascent stage itself says Dr. Mala Airun, Zonal Clinical Director at Narayana Multispeciality Hospital, Jaipur.