A closer look at common women’s health issues requires more detail than just a general examination of overall adult health. Due to both anatomical and hormonal differences, plus other variables science can’t quite pin down, health issues affect men and women in differing ways. Let’s take a closer look at how common diseases or health conditions affect women in particular.

Women’s health is a bit more complex than a simple discussion of general symptoms. Here are a few important things for a woman to keep in mind as she cares for herself. #MainStreetMedicalClinic #womenshealth Click To Tweet

Women’s Health Concerns

Most diseases, like cancer, affect both genders with little discrimination. However, those same diseases or health conditions will often result in different symptoms or long-term consequences depending on the patient’s gender. Understanding the difference can lead to a faster diagnosis of the problem and less long-term damage to the patient’s health. A few health conditions where this principle especially holds true include:

1. Heart disease and/or heart attacks
2. Cancer
3. Mental illnesses or disorders
4. Autoimmune disease

1) Heart Disease and/or Heart Attacks

Both men and women experience heart diseases or heart attacks at similar rates. However, women are more likely to suffer long-term effects or damage from heart problems. There are multiple contributing factors to this result, but perhaps the most prominent one is the difference in symptoms between men and women. Women are more likely to experience symptoms that might feel “not so bad”, leading them to dismiss the situation. That’s why it’s so remarkably important to know the symptoms of heart disease in women and consult a doctor as quickly as possible.

2) Cancer

Certain types of cancer affect only women, and even varieties that affect both genders can have more severe effects on women due to hormonal differences. Of course, cancer is a debilitating diagnosis no matter the gender of the patient. If you’re experiencing several classic symptoms of women’s cancer, talk to your doctor immediately. Fast treatment means you might escape the worse consequences later on.

3) Mental Illnesses or Disorders

Mental illness is a problem no matter the gender of the patient. However, women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression, and certain female-exclusive hormones or pregnancy complications can exacerbate an existing mental condition, leading to more severe symptoms than in a man. The best approach to caring for your mental health is to keep track of your mood and consult your doctor if things start feeling wrong.

4) Autoimmune Disease

Autoimmune diseases, for reasons doctors can’t fully explain, seem to target women more frequently than men. These conditions occur when the body attacks its own cells or systems, leading to varying symptoms of sickness or fatigue. Treatments will vary based on the patient, but might include having to suppress the body’s natural immune system to reduce symptoms. There is no known cure for autoimmune diseases.

Pro Tip: While autoimmune diseases depend on several factors out of our control, you can still reduce your risk through leading a health-focused lifestyle and working with your doctor to stay healthy.

Promoting Women’s Health

With unique risk factors and symptoms accompanying several common health problems, women face a different experience than men while dealing with their conditions. While these diseases are usually manageable or treatable, both depend on proper identification and care at an early enough time. Women should take the time to educate themselves on which symptoms and risks to be aware of in order to monitor their own health.

Connect with us for more information on identifying and treating common women’s health conditions.