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Three common health conditions that impact women

Three common health conditions that impact women

Women's health encompasses a variety of conditions that uniquely affect them throughout different stages of life. Among these, heart disease, osteoporosis, and thyroid disorders stand out and are known to significantly impact women's quality of life. Understanding the causes, recognising the symptoms, and implementing effective management strategies are crucial steps toward maintaining optimal health. Additionally, at-home health testing can play a pivotal role in early detection and personalised health management, empowering women to take control of their wellbeing.

Heart disease in women

Heart disease remains the leading cause of morbidity among women, surpassing even breast cancer in some regions. Unlike men, women often experience different symptoms, which can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Recognising these unique signs is essential for timely intervention and effective management.

Causes and risk factors

Several factors contribute to the heightened risk of heart disease in women, including hormonal changes, genetics, and lifestyle choices. Post-menopausal women face an increased risk due to the decline in protective oestrogen levels. Other significant risk factors include:

  • High blood pressure: Elevated blood pressure can damage arteries over time, increasing the risk of heart disease.
  • High cholesterol: Excess cholesterol leads to plaque buildup in arteries, restricting blood flow.
  • Diabetes: Women with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing heart disease.
  • Smoking: Tobacco use significantly elevates the risk of cardiovascular problems.
  • Obesity: Excess weight strains the heart and contributes to other risk factors like hypertension and diabetes.
  • Family history: A family history of heart disease can increase an individual's risk.
  • Physical inactivity: Lack of regular exercise contributes to poor heart health.

Symptoms

Unlike the classic chest pain often associated with heart attacks in men, women may experience subtler symptoms, such as:

  • Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing can occur with or without chest discomfort.
  • Fatigue: Unexplained tiredness or exhaustion, even without physical exertion.
  • Nausea and Indigestion: Gastrointestinal discomfort may be mistaken for other ailments.
  • Pain in the neck, jaw, or back: Discomfort in these areas can signal heart problems.
  • Lightheadedness or dizziness: Feeling faint or unsteady can be a warning sign.
  • Palpitations: Irregular or rapid heartbeats may indicate underlying heart issues.

Early recognition of these symptoms can lead to prompt medical attention, reducing the risk of severe complications.

Management and prevention

Managing heart disease involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medical treatments, and regular monitoring. Key strategies include:

  • Healthy diet: Incorporating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while reducing saturated fats and sodium.
  • Regular exercise: Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.
  • Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight to alleviate strain on the heart.
  • Smoking cessation: Eliminating tobacco use to improve cardiovascular health.
  • Medication: Adhering to prescribed medications for managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and other related conditions.
  • Stress reduction: Practices like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help lower stress levels.
  • Regular check-ups: Routine medical examinations can help monitor heart health and adjust treatments as necessary.
  • Nutritional supplementation, such as omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, may also support heart health.

Osteoporosis in women

Osteoporosis is a condition characterised by weakened bones, increasing the risk of fractures. Women are disproportionately affected, particularly after menopause, due to hormonal changes that affect bone density.

Causes and risk factors

The primary cause of osteoporosis in women is a decrease in oestrogen levels during menopause, which accelerates bone loss. Other contributing factors include:

  • Age: Bone density naturally decreases with age.
  • Genetics: A family history of osteoporosis can increase risk.
  • Dietary deficiencies: Inadequate intake of calcium and vitamin D.
  • Physical inactivity: Lack of weight-bearing exercise weakens bones.
  • Smoking and excessive alcohol: These habits can negatively impact bone health.
  • Low body weight: Women with a lower body weight have a higher risk of bone loss.
  • Certain medications: Long-term use of corticosteroids and other medications can affect bone density.

Symptoms and detection

Osteoporosis is often called a "silent disease" because bone loss occurs without symptoms until a fracture occurs. Common signs include:

  • Back pain: Caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra.
  • Loss of height: Gradual reduction in stature due to vertebral compression.
  • Stooped posture: Noticeable curvature of the spine.
  • Fractures: Increased susceptibility to fractures, particularly in the hip, wrist, and spine.
  • Bone bruising: Bones may bruise more easily, indicating fragility.

Regular bone density tests can detect osteoporosis early, allowing for timely intervention.

Management and prevention

Managing osteoporosis involves a multifaceted approach focusing on bone health and overall wellbeing:

  • Calcium and Vitamin D: Ensuring adequate intake through diet or supplements supports bone density.
  • Weight-bearing exercises: Activities like walking, jogging, and strength training strengthen bones.
  • Medications: Bisphosphonates and other medications may be prescribed to prevent further bone loss.
  • Lifestyle modifications: Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption contribute to bone health.
  • Nutritional support: Incorporating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, such as dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods.
  • Fall prevention: Implementing safety measures at home can reduce the risk of fractures.
  • Bone health monitoring: Regular check-ups to monitor bone density and adjust treatment plans as needed.

Thyroid health in women

Thyroid disorders are common in women and can significantly impact overall health. The thyroid gland regulates metabolism, energy levels, and hormonal balance, making its proper functioning crucial for wellbeing.

Causes and risk factors

Several factors contribute to thyroid disorders in women, including:

  • Autoimmune diseases: Conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease can cause thyroid dysfunction.
  • Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, menopause, and menstrual cycles can influence thyroid health.
  • Genetics: A family history of thyroid problems increases the risk.
  • Iodine deficiency: Insufficient iodine intake can lead to thyroid issues.
  • Stress: Chronic stress may disrupt thyroid function.
  • Certain medications: Some medications can affect thyroid hormone levels.

Symptoms and detection

Thyroid disorders can present a wide range of symptoms, often making them challenging to diagnose without proper testing. Common signs include:

  • Fatigue: Persistent tiredness despite adequate rest.
  • Weight changes: Unexplained weight gain or loss.
  • Mood swings: Increased anxiety, depression, or irritability.
  • Hair loss: Thinning hair or unexpected hair loss.
  • Cold or heat intolerance: Sensitivity to cold or excessive sweating.
  • Muscle weakness: Unexplained muscle aches or weakness.
  • Irregular menstrual cycles: Changes in menstrual patterns or flow.

Early detection through regular testing can help manage thyroid health effectively.

Management and prevention

Managing thyroid disorders involves a combination of medical treatment and lifestyle adjustments:

  • Medication: Thyroid hormone replacement therapy for hypothyroidism or antithyroid medications for hyperthyroidism.
  • Dietary adjustments: Ensuring adequate iodine intake and maintaining a balanced diet to support thyroid function.
  • Regular monitoring: Routine blood tests to monitor thyroid hormone levels and adjust treatments as necessary.
  • Stress management: Incorporating relaxation techniques to help maintain hormonal balance.
  • Avoiding certain foods: Limiting consumption of foods that can interfere with thyroid function including cabbage, cauliflower and kale.

The role of at-home health testing

At-home health testing offers a convenient and personalised approach to monitoring and managing your health. By utilising these tests, women can gain valuable insights into their health status, enabling proactive steps toward preventing and managing common conditions like heart disease, osteoporosis, and thyroid disorders.

One way you can test your cholesterol levels is using MyHealthChecked’s Cholesterol Profile Blood Test. This test provides a comprehensive status report of your HDL, LDL, total cholesterol, HDL ratio, non-HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Alongside your results, you gain access to doctor-reviewed results, including a letter of recommendation on the next steps to optimise your heart health.

For a broader assessment of your nutritional health, MyHealthChecked’s Vitamins & Minerals Blood Test identifies any deficiencies or imbalances in essential vitamins and minerals that can impact overall wellbeing. This test measures key nutrients such as vitamin D, B12, iron and folate, providing a detailed overview of your nutritional status and personalised recommendations to address any deficiencies.

To evaluate your thyroid function, MyHealthChecked’s Thyroid Profile Blood Test provides a comprehensive analysis of your thyroid hormone levels, including TSH and Free T4. This test assesses whether your thyroid gland is producing the right amount of hormones, which are essential for regulating metabolism, energy levels, and overall health. Understanding your thyroid health is crucial, as thyroid imbalances can affect bone density, cardiovascular health, and your overall wellbeing. With doctor-reviewed results and personalised recommendations, you can take informed steps to manage any detected thyroid issues effectively.

In summary

Heart disease, osteoporosis, and thyroid disorders are three common health conditions that significantly impact women's lives. Understanding their causes, recognising unique symptoms, and adopting effective management strategies are essential for maintaining optimal health. At-home health testing offered by MyHealthChecked plays a crucial role in early detection and personalised health management. By integrating regular testing with a healthy lifestyle, women can take proactive steps toward preventing and managing these prevalent health issues, ensuring a healthier and more vibrant life.

Reviewed by Dr Dave Nichols

References

1. Tayal U, Pompei G, Wilkinson I, et al. Advancing the access to cardiovascular diagnosis and treatment among women with cardiovascular disease: a joint British Cardiovascular Societies’ consensus document. Heart 2024;110:e3-e15. Available from: https://heart.bmj.com/content/110/22/e3

2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Osteoporosis: assessing the risk of fragility fracture. CG146. London: NICE; 2012 Aug. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg146/evidence

3. Taylor, Peter N, et al. Hypothyroidism. The Lancet 2024; 404: 10460, 1347 - 1364. Available from: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)01614-3/abstract

4. Ludgate M, Hayes J. Diets and Supplements for Thyroid Disorders. Br Thyroid Found. 2024 Dec. Available from: https://www.btf-thyroid.org/diets-and-supplements-for-thyroid-disorders