Digesting Women's Health: Concerns You Should Know

As women, we can often get dismissed by medical professionals. We explain our pain and symptoms but are interrupted by our physicians, downplaying what we are feeling. Because of this, it can be extremely frustrating, and harmful. Experiences like these can make women feel anxious to go to their primary care provider and prevent them from telling the truth about their symptoms or overall health. With fear easily associated with going to a doctor it is important that as women, we become aware of our health. We need to become experts in our own health so we can advocate for ourselves in the doctor’s office. Here is a list of women’s health concerns for you to digest.

Hair Loss

Hair loss in women? Yes, it’s possible and it doesn’t only happen to men. Women can experience hair loss during many periods of life, both during pre and post-menopause. Whether it’s hair thinning, total hair loss, or alopecia, all can affect women. Hair loss in women has lasting effects. Not only will your appearance change, but losing your hair as a woman can also feel like an emotional loss. Hair loss can knock down your confidence and can easily become an insecurity. The causes of hair loss are various and include age, hairstyle, vitamin deficiencies, and restrictive diets. 

The most common type of hair loss is female pattern hair loss (FPHL), where your hair thins at the top of the head and on the sides. FPHL can be caused by the hormonal changes you experience as you get older and go through menopause, as well as, genetics. An easy way to treat FPHL for premenopausal women is by taking a daily hair loss pill. Taking a hair loss pill can help slow down the production of hormones that directly impact hair loss. For post-menopausal ladies, you may experience more hair falling out and thinning due to the ever-changing levels of hormones your body is going through. Talk to your doctor to discuss treatment options for FPHL such as topical solutions. 

An additional type of hair loss is telogen effluvium. What causes this kind of hair loss? Physical stress on the body, such as rapid weight loss, changes in hormones from pregnancy or birth control pills, and an abnormal thyroid. Luckily, this form of hair loss is typically temporary, so It’s important to remember that hair loss is normal and treatable. Since this kind of hair loss has a direct relationship to stress on the body it is important to keep your stress levels in check. 

There are also various types of conditions that impact hair loss. A well-known one is alopecia areata, an auto-immune disease that causes patches of hair to fall out. In this case, your hair follicles are being attacked by your immune system. Treatments for alopecia areata can be more extensive and intense than for other types of hair loss. Watch this video to hear some inspiring stories on women dealing with alopecia every day.

Although hair loss can be embarrassing, frustrating, and upsetting, it’s okay and there are many solutions out there for you to take advantage of. 

Breast Cancer 

Breast cancer is very prevalent in women and is not something to be dismissed or taken lightly. There is an increased risk of breast cancer if you have certain gene mutations, have a family history of breast cancer, are female, and if you are obese. Breast cancer is caused by breast cells growing abnormally creating lumps or masses in the breast. If you notice a lump in your breast you may have discovered a sign of breast cancer. The lumps feel different compared to normal breast tissue. Other signs of breast cancer are a sudden change of shape in the breasts, and redness, peeling or flaking skin around the breast area. 

It is important to get regular breast screenings and know how to conduct self-breast exams. You should make it a priority to talk with your doctor about breast cancer screenings. If breast cancer runs in your family, your doctor might be pushier to start your screening process sooner. Not only is a screening process important but so is knowing how to do a breast exam. Doing breast exams won’t prevent cancer but it will help you recognize if something feels different. Learn how to complete a breast exam now! 

PCOS & Endometriosis

Although PCOS and endometriosis are both conditions that affect women’s reproductive organs and fertility, they have different signs and symptoms as well. 

Let’s start with PCOS. First off, PCOS is short for polycystic ovarian syndrome. PCOS is a hormonal disorder affecting the ability to reproduce. Because PCOS prevents eggs from being released, women may experience irregular periods and may have a lower chance of getting pregnant. Some additional symptoms include a heightened amount of male hormone levels, like androgens, which can result in having more body hair and acne. Women with PCOS may also experience insulin resistance, which in return can increase their risk of type 2 diabetes. If you have PCOS or are experiencing symptoms that may lead to thinking you have PCOS, get in contact with your doctor to create a care plan. Not only will working with your gynecologist be beneficial but so will working with a dietician, and endocrinologist. Remember that because PCOS is a condition caused by hormonal dysfunction, it can impact other systems in the body. 

Endometriosis is not caused by a hormonal issue. Instead, endometriosis occurs when a similar tissue that is in the uterus grows outside the uterus and surrounds the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and pelvis. Every month this tissue breaks down and starts to bleed. When this happens a woman is essentially bleeding internally because the tissue has nowhere to exit. This results in extremely uncomfortable pelvic pain and scarring. Some of the symptoms of endometriosis are heavy, painful periods, bleeding in between your menstrual cycle, and pain during sex. Be sure to talk to your doctor about a treatment plan for your endometriosis and see what the best option for you is. 

Both PCOS and endometriosis can impact women heavily and can cause depression, anxiety, pain and so much more. It is helpful to find support if you are experiencing either of these. Try finding a support group near you for PCOS or endometriosis. 

Take this knowledge with you and store it in your back pocket in the event you experience one of these health concerns and need to see your doctor. Go into your appointment feeling prepared and ready to advocate for yourself. Not all doctors will be dismissive, but in the event that one is, you will be more than ready to explain what is going on. Commit to your health and learn more about women’s health overall. The more you know, the better.