For many years, health experts have tried to understand the differences in the health needs of men and women, especially as they age.
Several studies have revealed that women are more predisposed to these five common health issues that could be a threat to the quality of life if not addressed right away:
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Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common cause of hospitalisation among Australians, especially women more vulnerable to contracting these infections than men. A UTI occurs when bacteria multiply in the urethra and eventually reach the bladder.
Since women have a shorter urethra, they are more prone to contracting UTIs since bacteria can easily travel to the bladder and cause the infection. It’s important to have UTI medicine Australia at home to prevent UTIs from getting worse.
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Heart disease
In Australia, one-third of all deaths in women are caused by cardiovascular disease. Although men are also at risk for heart disease, women are more predisposed to it, especially after menopause where risk factors such as increased cholesterol, high blood pressure, and low estrogen levels can lead to heart disease.
In addition, a lot of women dismiss cardiovascular symptoms like chest pain, vomiting, and weakness as just simple exhaustion or heartburn, and the heart attack usually leads to death.
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Breast cancer
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among Australian women. This year, an estimated 20,741 women or 57 people per day are said to be diagnosed with breast cancer. This is why women are encouraged to do monthly breast self-examinations to identify any changes that need prompt medical attention.
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Stroke
More women suffer from a stroke than men because of some gender-related risk factors. For instance, studies have shown the link between pre-eclampsia, a condition where a woman suffers from high blood pressure while pregnant, and stroke. Hormonal changes, especially after menopause, also puts women at a higher risk for developing stroke than men, on top of genetic and familial factors.
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Osteoporosis
As women age, they become more prone to developing osteoporosis, which is a disease that weakens the bones. Although men can also suffer from this condition, it’s more likely seen in post-menopausal women who are at a higher risk for developing fractures linked with osteoporosis. Other predisposing factors such as a low Body Mass Index (BMI), early menopause, and taking certain medications make women more vulnerable to developing osteoporosis.
Takeaway
As a woman, taking care of yourself should be your responsibility if you want to live a long and fruitful life. The good thing about these common health conditions is that they are preventable and treatable with early diagnosis and prompt medical intervention.
So, make it a habit to be more sensitive to what your body is telling you. Make sure to live a healthy lifestyle and invest in checkups that will allow you to know your health status and go through treatment to get the best possible outcome for your health condition.