Being a woman isn’t easy. There is so much that they have to contend with day in and day out that it can make life seem just that little trickier. Not only are they on a 28-day hormone cycle that ends with a menstrual cycle, but they are also the ones that can carry children and are more prone to certain illnesses than their counterparts.
While no one is immune to everything, this piece is going to take a look at the common medical issues women should keep an eye out for to make sure they can stay healthy and happy.
Read on to find out more.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
In very rare events, some people will experience a period but only know they are having one because they can physically see it. This is usually the best-case scenario for getting through this time. However, for most people, it also comes with a host of other premenstrual symptoms (PMS), such as cramping during menstruation. Many women will find they are able to manage these with over-the-counter pain medication and hot water bottles and see them mostly as an annoyance.
However, some women will find that they experience strong emotions and can find life unbearable. This is a sign of PMDD. If you experience suicidal thoughts or feelings of hopelessness or are experiencing changes that significantly affect your life, these are not normal symptoms, and it is best you see a medical practitioner as soon as possible.
UTIs
For some women, it can feel like UTIs are just a part of daily life. Some can be much more prone to them than others, but every woman (assigned at birth) are at risk of them thanks to their fundamental anatomy.
Common signs of a UTI include:
- A burning or stinging sensation when peeing
- Feeling like you need to pee when you don’t
- Peeing often but with not much volume
- Pelvic pain
- Colored or cloudy urine
You might also experience other symptoms, such as fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and back or side pain, depending on the type of infection.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to get checked out immediately. You should then be able to get a prescription for UTI, which should sort out the infection.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer globally. While it can also affect others (around 0.5–1% of breast cancers occur in men), in 2020, 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer. Keeping an eye on your breasts is not only essential but could save your life.
What to look out for:
- A breast lump or thickening, often without pain
- Change in size, shape, or appearance of the breast
- Dimpling, redness, pitting, or other changes in the skin
- Change in nipple appearance or the skin surrounding the nipple (areola)
- Inverted nipple
- Abnormal or bloody fluid from the nipple.
It is important to regularly check your breasts to ensure you can get seen as quickly as possible and seek treatment if needed.
