Healthcare For Her: Let’s Prevent Common Women's Health Issues

Updated: Mar 14

Women are the backbone of families and communities. As we celebrate Women's Month, it's the perfect time to highlight the significance of women's health. While some may underestimate the importance of regular checkups or harbor misconceptions about certain health conditions, including endometriosis and hormonal acne, we are here to empower women to take charge of their health with Bayer For Her Conversations of Care.

In an enlightening interview with Dr. Everly Miclat, a general practitioner at Doctor Anywhere, we gained valuable insights into these aspects.

Preventing Common Women's Health Issues

Prevention is often the best medicine, and for women, it begins with understanding their unique health needs. From reproductive health to skin health, women face a spectrum of concerns, and taking charge involves adopting a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Everly advocates for lifestyle changes as a preventive measure against conditions.

Let’s explore some habits that lay the foundation for overall well-being and can significantly reduce the risk of various health issues:

Ensuring a well-balanced diet that provides vital nutrients to sustain bodily functions is essential. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains not only energizes the body but also plays a key role in fostering a resilient immune system and maintaining hormonal balance.[1]

Physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight, boosts cardiovascular health, strengthens bones, and promotes mental well-being. For women, incorporating exercises that focus on pelvic floor strength and flexibility can be particularly beneficial.[1]

Women often juggle various responsibilities, and chronic stress can have detrimental effects on both physical and mental health. Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and adequate sleep play crucial roles in mitigating stress and promoting overall well-being.[1]

Scheduling regular health checkups is a proactive measure that should not be overlooked. These checkups serve as a preemptive strike against potential health issues by allowing for early detection and intervention.[1]

Screenings for Women's Health: What to Prioritize

Dr. Everly notes, "Individual responses to lifestyle changes vary, and these suggestions should complement, not replace professional medical advice." Regular health checkups offer healthcare professionals the chance to evaluate overall health and catch any potential issues early. Women must prioritize specific screenings:

Sexual and Reproductive Health: Clinical management strategies are currently in place to emphasize the significance of early diagnosis in managing endometriosis, a chronic estrogen-dependent condition characterized by the ectopic implantation of functional tissue lining the uterus.[1] The laparoscopic examination may be conducted to definitively diagnose this condition, given its potential impact on sexual and reproductive health, quality of life, and overall well-being.[2] Dr. Everly emphasizes, "Pap smears and pelvic exams are also crucial, detecting cervical cancer and recommended from the age of 21, with a three-year screening interval.” Starting Pap smears at the age of 21 and following the recommended screening schedule is vital for early detection.[1] [5]

Skin Health: Hormonal acne is prevalent among women aged 20 to 50. It manifests as painful and persistent acne on the face, shoulders, chest, and back, and can be attributed to hormonal fluctuations stemming from menstruation, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and even menopause.[4] The screening process for PCOS may include blood tests to evaluate hormone levels and ultrasound examinations to detect ovarian cysts.[1]

Breast Health: Early detection of breast cancer is significantly aided by mammograms, especially for women aged 40 and above. Dr. Everly notes, “Mammograms, especially for those with a family history of breast cancer, should commence at 45 or earlier if symptoms are present.” It is recommended that women in this age bracket engage in discussions with their healthcare providers to determine the optimal frequency of mammograms based on their risk factors. To complement screenings, incorporating monthly breast self-exams into one's routine is advisable. This proactive approach empowers women to notice any changes in their breast health promptly.[1]

Cardiovascular Health: Heart disease is a leading cause of death among women. [6][7] Regular checks of blood pressure and cholesterol levels can help manage cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart-related issues.[1]

Bone Health: Osteoporosis, often affecting postmenopausal women, can lead to fractures.[8] Bone density tests can identify issues early, allowing for intervention to prevent fractures and maintain bone health.[1][8]

Mental Health Assessments: Mental health is as crucial as physical health.[1] Periodic assessments can help identify stressors, anxiety, or depression early on, allowing for timely intervention and support.[9]

Women's Month serves as a reminder to celebrate and prioritize the well-being of women every day. A healthy woman is an empowered woman, and at Doctor Anywhere, we believe in creating an environment where women feel comfortable discussing their health concerns, family history, and any changes in their bodies.

For expert medical guidance and treatment, download the free Doctor Anywhere app now. You can video consult with a women’s health general practitioner 24/7 or book an appointment with our wide range of specialists, including OB-GYNs and dermatologists, all from the comfort of your home. Simply open and use the DA app to start video consultations. Happy Women’s Month! 💙

*Bayer supports only educational and scientific contents in all posts.

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