Understanding health needs
Womens health matters
By Dr Banshari Mridha
As we grow older, our body starts to fail us. Regardless of how much we try to avoid getting sick, we still do. Celebrating the upcoming International Womens day, here is a list of things women can do to keep themselves healthy and identify health concerns before it gets out of control.
AGE 20-30
Diseases that are common in this age group are, autoimmune diseases (such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis etc) rheumatoid fever, thyroid problems etc.
Consult your doctor in case of long-standing joint pain particularly in the morning, breathing difficulty, palpitation, unexplained fatigue, weight change, skin rash, or skin sensitive to sunlight.
Doing the following can be beneficial for general wellbeing
*Obtain Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine if you are between ages 18 to 26.
*Pap smear should be done every 3-5 years.
*Anaemia screening.
*Thyroid status screen
*Update vaccinations of Hepatitis B and A, Typhoid, Tetanus etc.
*STD screening for all women at higher risk.
*Early counselling for women with positive family history of breast, uterine, ovarian and colon cancer.
*Choose the right birth control method.
*Take sufficient calcium either by milk/ milk product or calcium tabs if you are deficient to prevent osteoporosis in future.
*Take iron tablets after consulting your gynaecologist in case of heavy menstrual bleeding.
*Blood pressure and blood glucose needs to be checked every 2-3 years.
*If you have diabetes (type 1), heart disease, kidney problems, or certain other conditions, you may need to have your blood pressure checked more often.
*Adopt a healthy lifestyle and proper obesity management.
*Getting aid through domestic abuse advocacy helpline if applicable.
AGE 30-40
Same as 20-30 years with the addition of
*Pregnancy after 35 is notably high risk so appropriate genetic counselling and fetal sampling should be recommended for this group.
*Mammogram- For people with family history of mother/sister with breast cancer, mammogram may be advised as early as 35 years.
AGE 40-50
This phase of life is known as Perimenopause, symptoms being
Menstrual irregularity
Hot flashes
Sleep problems and night sweats
Mood changes, such as irritability or depression
Vaginal and bladder problems
Decreasing fertility
Loss of bone structure with risk of fracture
Following measures should be taken
*Bladder or bowel disorders related to uterine prolapse can also be an issue in this age group. Various treatment options are available so notify your doctor.
*Regular screening mammogram should start at the age of 40 and should be repeated every 1 to 2 years.
*All women around the age of 50 with any fractures should have a bone density test (DEXA scan).
*Eye exam should be conducted every 2 to 4 years.
*Blood Pressure, Blood glucose should be monitored yearly.
*Lipid profile should be done 2-3 yearly.
AGE 50 AND UP
Certain diseases are common in this age group
Osteoporosis- Bones become very weak and can break easily (Most common in the wrist and spine area). The hormone estrogen helps to build new bone, the decline in estrogen after menopause leaves many older women at risk for developing osteoporosis. Hypertension or high blood pressure is a strong risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Diabetes or high blood sugar can lead to kidney failure, vision problems, heart and liver disease, stroke or other nervous system diseases.
Heart disease- Narrowing and hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), chest pain when not enough blood is getting to the heart (angina), heart attack, and stroke.
Urinary incontinence and leakage - When women have problems controlling their bladder, especially as they grow older.
Diminished eye sight and glaucoma - Aging makes reading harder, regular visits to ophthalmologist to check for glaucoma and vision is crucial.
Following measures should be taken
*A fecal occult blood test of stool should be done every year
*Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years or colonoscopy every 10 years should be done to rule out colon cancer or pre-malignant growth/polyps.
*Routine screening tests (CBC, Thyroid status, LFT, kidney function, lipid and blood sugar level etc.), pelvic and breast exams are essential as well.
*Pap test for cervical cancer can be stopped if results have been negative through out.
*Mammogram every 1 to 2 years, especially if menopausal hormone replacement therapy is ongoing.
*Dental check up periodically to look for cavities or gum problems.
*Flu shot- before every winter.
Consult your physician for possible drug interaction. If you go to different specialists for different issues, always bring medications you take to discuss about possible drug interaction. Vitamins, minerals, other dietary supplements, and over-the-counter medicines like aspirin, antacids, or antihistamines can disarrange other prescribed medication level.
Alarming symptoms that should not be ignored: In case of vaginal bleeding/spotting, abnormally distended abdomen, unexplained weight gain, persistent pressure or pain in lower belly, feeling full quickly even after a small meal, and urinary or bowel abnormality, consult your physician immediately to rule out ovarian or uterine cancer.
Vaccines directives
After age 19, you should have one tetanus-diphtheria and pertussis (TdAP) vaccine as one of your tetanus-diphtheria vaccines. You should have a tetanus-diphtheria booster every 10 years.
You should receive 2 doses of varicella vaccine if you were born after 1980 and never had chickenpox or the varicella vaccine.
Hepatitis B vaccine and Hepatitis A vaccine - if not received in the past.
Tetanus shot every ten years
Pneumonia Vaccine if you are immuno-compromised or 65 years.
The writer is a doctor of internal medicine
