Generally speaking, adult women face more barriers in healthcare than their male counterparts or children age 17 and younger. This extends to mental health, too. Over the past year in the United States, more than 20% of women suffered from a mental health condition like depression or anxiety.
When women turn to the team at Advanced Women’s Health Center in Bakersfield, CA for care, they are met with open hearts and open minds as we strive to serve their mental and physical health needs. Part of ensuring confidence in women’s healthcare is offering resources to our clients and the community about women’s health.
While there is a wide range of health concerns affecting adult women, these are the eight issues that we experience women expressing the most concerns about. Accompanying each health concern are tips for how women can take control of their health and live the best life possible.
Body Image – Advanced Women’s Health Center
Having a negative body image extends beyond a woman’s appearance and can affect mental health and feelings of self-worth. Women who have a more positive body image are more likely to have better overall health.
Practicing positive thinking is a great way to banish negative thoughts, although it takes effort and consistency. Women can seek out health resources to help with weight loss and other body image issues, too. The first steps may include:
- Mental health counseling
- Weight loss programs or surgery
- Cosmetic Surgery
Sexual Health
Women who are in healthy sexual relationships have higher releases of oxytocin and other hormones proven to boost moods. But sexual performance is a concern for many women who struggle to orgasm, which leads to feelings of insufficiency. Health benefits of sex for women include:
- A healthier heart
- Higher self-esteem
- Improved immune health
- Improved sleep
- Less stress
- Less risk for depression and anxiety
- Lower average blood pressure
- Natural pain relief
Women who struggle with sexual health have nonsurgical options that are minimally invasive to address their concerns and improve their sexual health and function.
Nutrition
One of the best ways to improve health is through nutrition. Calories and nutrient needs vary based on age, weight, height, activity level, and overall health of each person. Women need between 1,600 and 2,400 calories per day made up of balanced nutrition that prioritizes fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, protein, grains, and dairy.
Many women don’t meet their nutritional needs each day. For example, women need calcium in dairy products to maintain strong bones. While the recommended serving is three cups per day, most women get around half of that. This leaves them at risk for diseases like osteoporosis, which is the weakening of the bones.
Women can seek help from registered dieticians to understand their individual nutrition needs. After developing a personalized plan, they can regain their health and improve how they feel.
Heart Disease
Often mistaken for a disease that primarily affects men, heart disease is the number one killer of women. One in five women dies as a result of heart disease. Women are more likely to experience symptoms of heart disease if they are:
- Diabetic
- Overweight or obese
- Lacking nutrition
- Inactive
- Heavy drinkers
They lower the risk of negative health impacts from heart disease by:
- Managing blood pressure, whether through diet or medication
- Preventing or managing diabetes
- Quitting smoking
- Managing cholesterol levels
- Making healthy diet choices to maintain a healthy weight
- Limiting alcohol
- Managing stress levels
Cancer
Cancer affects men and women equally, although women are more likely to suffer from breast, lung, or colorectal cancer. These three cancers encompass half of all cancer diagnoses in women. While there is no certain way to prevent cancer completely, women can take steps to maintain their overall health.
They can attend regular doctor’s visits as a preventative measure in maintaining health. If there is a history of cancer in the family, women can also request genetic screenings to predict the likelihood of certain cancers.
Weight Management
Studies indicate that 90% of women who lose weight on a diet regain the weight within five years. Instead of taking a “diet” approach, women should focus on sustainable lifestyle changes that lead to better overall health.
While weight loss or weight gain is primarily eating the right nutrition and maintaining an activity level, there are many other factors that can impact a woman’s ability to lose weight and keep it off.
Instead of focusing on reaching a particular weight or clothing size, assess weight using the Body Mass Index (BMI) chart, which is based on weight and height. A healthy BMI falls between 18.5 and 24.9.
Seeking out education on how weight loss and weight gain work may help empower women to make smarter choices. After all, knowledge is power. Women who gain too much weight may need the assistance of weight loss surgery to kick-start their weight loss journey.
Thyroid Diseases
Women are more likely to have thyroid diseases than men. Because the thyroid manages so many body functions, an overactive or underactive thyroid can impact a wide range of women’s health.
Addressing thyroid diseases through treatment, surgery, or medication is a great way to eliminate symptoms that may create a cascade of other health concerns.
Infertility
Approximately 6% of married women struggle with infertility. An inability to conceive and start a family can leave women feeling sad, confused, and powerless.
But women don’t have to battle silently with this health issue. Doctors can complete tests to determine the reason for infertility and suggest treatments like intrauterine insemination or use assisted reproductive technology like in vitro fertilization.
If you have questions about any female health concerns, give our team at Advanced Women’s Health Center in Bakersfield a call. Dr. Jason Paul Helliwell can talk potential clients through our service options, answering questions, and outlining anticipated results.
Advanced Women’s Health Center
8501 Brimhall Road #300
Bakersfield CA, 93312