Women's Health

Women's Health

Women's health refers to health issues specific to human female anatomy, reproductive issues and sexual health of women. The area of women's health, while covering many common and serious problems like high blood pressure and heart disease that affect both men and women, usually centers on problems specific to women. Women's health encompasses a broad range of biological and psychosocial issues of women.

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers that affect the reproductive organs in a woman's body. One of the most common causes of cervical cancer is a sexually transmitted infection of HPV, or the human papilloma virus. It usually affects women between the ages of 35 and 55. This cancer usually starts in the cells of the cervix or in the opening to the uterus. In the early stages, this disease shows very few symptoms, so it is very difficult to detect cervical cancer.

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is a cancerous growth arising from the ovary. It is called a silent killer because it shows many non-specific symptoms in the early stages. Ovarian cancer affects the ovary wall, fallopian tube or very rarely the egg cell. A woman suffering from any other type of cancer has a higher risk of contacting ovarian cancer. If the cancer is not detected and treated early, it may spread to other parts of the body.

Yeast Infection

Yeast infections are characterized by overgrowth of the Candida fungus in the vagina. The specific fungus that is most commonly responsible for vaginal yeast infections is known as Candida albicans. Yeast infection is marked by discharge, itching and burning. Medicines are available for treatment of this infection.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is the time between conception and childbirth. Proper diet and exercise are essential for good health of the fetus and the mother. Pregnancy is of course one area of women's health that deserves much attention. Thanks to medical advances, changes in the way pregnant women are treated and changes even in the way births are handled have made being pregnant much safer than it was many years ago.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a cancer that starts in the walls of the breast, cells of the lobules or in the ducts. It then slowly spreads to other parts of the breast. It is the second most common cancer after lung cancer. It is one of the most highly treatable and curable cancers. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hormonal therapy are available for treatment of breast cancer.

Menopause

Menopause is the cessation of periods that usually occurs between 40 and 50 years of age. Early menopause will also arise if a woman has some gynecological problems leading to a total hysterectomy. Although ovulation may have stopped in some women, the menstrual cycle will continue till they approach menopause. During menopause, women usually have these symptoms: irritability, an increase in body weight, headaches and insomnia. Now hormone replacement therapy can ease many of the symptoms that plague women during this time.

PMS

Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, usually affects women a few days before their period. They are categorized by mood swings, severe pain, nervousness, depression, anxiety, acne break outs and stomach pain. PMS symptoms develop when there are changes in the hormone levels. Diet, life style, age, family history and caffeine determine the severity in symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.