Health problems that Women suffer from

Recent medical advances in health and medicine are changing the face and future of health, especially for women. Just keep yourself well educated about medical breakthroughs and you may just end up saving your life. There are some diseases which are very common in women and hence you can just help yourself.

MENOPAUSE

Menopause is a natural process that ends your child bearing years. It is a part of aging when your menstruation stops. This cannot be treated with medications. But hormone replacement therapy (HRT) helps relieve the symptoms of menopause such a hot flashes and vaginal dryness. HRT can protect you against osteoporosis, but studies suggest that it may increase your risk of breast cancer, heart disease and stroke. Remember if you opt for HRT, take the lowest dose and that too only for a short span. Get evaluated every six months. Estrogen like compounds such as pytoestrogens, which are present in soy-based foods, soya beans, tofu, soy nuts are good for menopausal symptoms.

CERVICAL CANCER

HPV viruses or the human papilloma viruses cause cervical cancer and it spreads through sexual contact. Women are generally immune to HPV infection, but sometimes the viral infection leads to cancer. The risk becomes higher if you smoke, have many children, use birth control pills for long or have an HIV infection.

The cells can be detected by doing a Pap test. The cells are viewed under a microscope. Regular pap test and pelvic exams help detect changing cells before they turn into cancer. A new vaccine has come up called the Gardasil that is considered to be effective in destroying the virus. Regular use of condoms during intercourse also protects against HPV.

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE (CVD)

Cardiovascular diseases have become common amongst women as well. In fact in recent times more women than men die of heart diseases each year. If you are suffering from heart diseases regular medical checkup should be done. For blocked arteries, angiography, angioplasty and stenting are the procedures used. A little healthy change in lifestyle is also important. Take low fat and low sodium food. Do thirty minutes of exercise religiously.

BREAST CANCER

There are several reasons for breast cancer one is it is to some extent hereditary i.e. if someone from your maternal side had it. The other reasons are beginning of periods before the age of twelve, or going through menopause after the age of 55, using HRT, being overweight, taking birth control pills for long, having no children or having your first child after the age of thirty-five.

Breast cancer can be treated if diagnosed early. Be regular with your self- examination and mammograms. New gamma ray cameras are better than mammography for detecting breast cancer.