Women’s health, especially in old age, can be quite a maze as this gender is more affected by certain medical conditions than men. The usual reason given is the impact of hormones in the female’s body. And with 15.6% of females aged eighteen and above with their health ranging from fair to poor, it is necessary to learn more concerning the topic. Here are some details to know about.
- Cancer is the second leading cause of death in women
A 2021 report by cancer.org stated that 1 in 39 women is likely to die from breast cancer. Additionally, ovarian cancer deaths marginally increased in 2021, with 21,410 female adults projected to receive a diagnosis before the end of the year. These statistics indicate that cancer among women is rife and explain why it is the second leading cause of death among females in the US.
Thankfully, with advancements in medical technology, timely interventions have positively impacted females who otherwise may have lost their lives from cancer. For instance, timely breast cancer surgery can improve a woman’s quality of life, subsequently reducing mortality rates. The truth about cancers is that the earlier they are detected, the higher the chances of living longer. Therefore, it helps when you stick to periodic health checks to catch any malignant cell growth in its early stages.
- Bone density tests can begin at age 65
Statistics indicate that out of 10 million osteoporosis cases in America, and most are older women aged fifty years and above. Indeed, 80% of these women cases is more than enough proof that this health condition may have something to do with the drop in hormones in menopausal years. According to medical research, the drastic drop in estrogen and other female-dominated hormones can impact bone health in many cases.
Therefore, as the older woman’s body begins to experience challenges in calcium absorption, osteoporosis sets in. Unfortunately, many diagnoses are made when the disease is fully-blown, or an older woman has a fracture. This is why women need to focus on consuming healthy amounts of Vitamins D and K.
Although women aged sixty-five and above are encouraged to have osteoporosis tests done twice a year, another school of thought wants it pushed earlier to fifty years. That way, signs can be picked up pretty quickly for treatment to commence. Admittedly, osteoporosis is a degenerative condition, but the best that can happen with early treatment is forestall its progress.
- Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women
It is not pleasant news to discover that one out of every three women dies from heart-related conditions. In other words, heart disease claims more female lives than any other disease. So, why is heart disease so prevalent among women in their menopausal years? Once again, the answer is believed to be associated with the estrogen drop that happens during menopause. However, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are other risk factors.
- Screening for cervical cancer starts at age twenty-one
Ideally, a pap smear test is done every three years. And, according to Obstetricians and Gynecologists, it is ideal for females to have their first pap smear at age twenty-one. This is because it is assumed that by that age, most females have already become sexually active. In some cases, a first pap smear test can be done before age 21, and that is if the female in question is sexually active.
According to cancer.net, 44% of the time, precancerous cells can be detected early before they mutate to cause problems. The medical hope now is to move this percentage to over 60%. That way, more women can be safely treated in the very early stages of the disease.
- Increase intake of essential vitamins to forestall certain medical conditions
Niacin, Folic Acid, Vitamins B1, B2, and K1 are examples of some essential vitamins women above age 40 are advised to take daily. Unfortunately, most of these minerals are not adequate in regular diets, which explains the need for supplements. The good news is that all these vitamins, including magnesium and CoQ10, aim towards improving heart health and eliminating fluid retention in the body. You may need to speak with a healthcare professional to determine which ones will be best for you.
Physicians usually advise that women after age forty keep an eye on their weight and BMI. Usually, when weight and BMI values are out of control, they become conduits for many health conditions women face in their older years.