There are far more illnesses, both minor and also those of the more serious nature, that are entirely non-judgmental when it comes to gender, age, lifestyle, or, indeed, the area of the world the individual resides.
However, due to the fact that the female body is designed differently from that of the male, there are also many conditions that tend to favor or are exclusive only to women.
Here are three of the most common, including signs, symptoms and treatment options.
Heart Disease
Anyone who does not take care of their heart is naturally at a higher risk of developing heart disease, as opposed to someone who makes sure that their blood pressure is within the normal parameters and that their cholesterol is at a manageable level.
For women, however, the onset of heart disease is more likely, especially due to the simple fact that more women are obese in the US compared to men.
Heart disease, or cardiovascular disease if you will, is one of the leading causes of both disability and death in women in the United States and across many other countries and can lead to fatal heart attacks, amongst a host of other health issues.
Prevention is the best guard against heart disease, so make sure that you have regular blood pressure checks, that your weight is a healthy one, that you limit your alcoholic intake, and, of course, that you stop smoking if you are a smoker.
Ovarian Cancer
An issue for women and those with ovaries, ovarian cancer is an aggressive form of cancer that can often be extremely serious. It would also be pertinent to note that breast cancer, although non-gender-specific, is more likely to occur in women than men.
Paying attention to your body and, in particular, the following ovarian cancer signs:
- Abdominal bloating or swelling
- Pelvic pain – either mild or severe
- Back pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Menstrual cycle changes
However, there are also signs that are less common, including loss of appetite, extreme fatigue and frequent or urgent urination.
Unfortunately, women who do not elect to have their regular, annual, smear tests, should they develop ovarian cancer, are less likely to make a full and speedy recovery, as in the case of all cancers, the sooner it is detected, the sooner it can be treated and the higher the subsequent survival rate.
Arthritis & Osteoporosis
As you age, whether a man or a woman, your risk of developing both arthritis and osteoporosis steadily increases, and numerous studies have proven time and time again that both conditions tend to affect older women more than older men.
Often confused with each other, arthritis shows itself as painful and inflamed joints, whereas osteoporosis weakens the bones themselves, making you more susceptible to fractures and breaks.
Catching the early onset of both diseases is absolutely the best way of managing the conditions and ensuring that they have the smallest impact possible on your life, both in the short and the long term.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.