Women’s Health 101: Common Conditions and Ways to Promote Women’s Health

Women make up almost half of the population and have a range of specific medical conditions that affect them. Promoting women’s health is essential for maintaining healthy women and healthy society in general. Being aware of the common conditions that affect women, and the ways these can be prevented or managed ensure that women are empowered to be the healthiest versions of themselves.

Women’s Health in Australia

Women’s health refers to a range of medical conditions and concerns that impact women specifically, as well as general healthcare to support women’s physical and emotional wellbeing. Women and men are biologically different, and there are several factors that make women’s health additionally complex, including the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. It is important that women are aware of the best ways to manage their health and the conditions that can affect them at different stages of life.

Why Does Women’s Health Matter?

In Australia, the average life expectancy for women is 82 years. This is higher than other similar developed nations, such as the UK (81 years) and United States (78 years). However, there are still many conditions that disproportionately affect women.

Raising awareness about women’s health will improve health outcomes for Australian women, in both physical and mental health. As women make up approximately half of the total population, this is a major part of keeping the country healthy.

Traditionally, many healthcare approaches and prescription medications were designed predominantly for men. Fortunately, medicine is changing to recognise the unique challenges faced by women and to cater for the differences in male and female biology. Increasingly, women are being empowered to take charge of their own health by being informed about their bodies and conditions that may affect them.

10 Common Conditions That Affect Women’s Health

There are a number of common conditions that affects women specifically or in higher numbers than men. These typically relate to women’s hormonal and biological differences, such as menstruation, menopause, pregnancy and childbirth. There are also conditions that are more likely to impact women, such as breast cancer and osteoporosis.

1. Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Australian women, with up to 20,000 women being diagnosed each year. It is the second most common cancer to cause death in women. Breast cancer is an abnormal growth of cells in the breast lobules or ducts. Although this type of cancer is very common, it also has a high survival rate. Five years after diagnosis, 96 per cent of patients will still be alive if the cancer is limited to the breast. Some symptoms of breast cancer include lumps in the breast, changes in the size or shape of the breast and pain in the nipples.

2. Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix. There are about 1000 cases of cervical cancer in Australia each year. The risk of being diagnosed increases after 85. After diagnosis, the chance of surviving for at least five years is 74 per cent. There are normally no symptoms to indicate precancerous cells in the cervix. However, the National Cervical Screening Program detects many cases and has significantly decreased the number of women experiencing this cancer.

3. Ovarian cancer 

Ovarian cancer is a tumour that can occur in one or both ovaries. It is the eighth most common type of cancer affecting women in Australia, with 1400 new cases being diagnosed each year. Ovarian cancer is a particularly serious cancer, with a five-year survival rate of just 45 per cent. The risk for ovarian cancer increases in women over 50. Women with a family history of ovarian cancer are also at increased risk.

4. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Sexually transmitted infections affect both men and women in Australia. However, women must be aware of the risks of STIs and use prevention measures. Some common STIs include chlamydia, genital herpes, gonorrhoea, and hepatitis B. It is not uncommon for women to experience no symptoms when infected with an STI. It is important to practise safe sex and get tested regularly to protect your health and to avoid spreading infections to others.

5. Menopause

Menopause refers to the stage of life when a woman stops having her monthly periods. For most women, this is between 45 and 60 years of age. When women enter menopause, their ovaries no longer have eggs to release and they cannot become pregnant. Menopause is experienced differently in every woman. Some common symptoms include hot flushes, insomnia, joint pain, and changes to mood. Most women manage menopause symptoms without medication. However, sometimes therapies and treatments are needed.

6. Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a disorder that can affect the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic tissue. It is a condition in which the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows outside the uterus. This tissue thickens, breaks down and bleeds with the menstrual cycle, causing pain that can become severe. More than 11 per cent of Australian women suffer from endometriosis. The exact cause of the condition is unknown and it often takes over five years for women to receive a diagnosis.

7. Osteoporosis 

Osteoporosis can affect people at any age, but it is most common among older women. It is a disease that weakens bones gradually, resulting in bones that break easily. Osteoporosis typically affects the bones in the spine, hips and wrists. Bone density decreases from the age of 30 onwards, so older people are the most likely to experience osteoporosis. The female hormone oestrogen is important for bone health. Women are more at risk of developing osteoporosis than men because the hormone changes that happen during menopause directly affect levels of oestrogen.

8. Heart Disease 

Heart disease refers to a range of conditions that affect the heart. This can include coronary heart disease, congenital heart disease, atrial fibrillation, heart attack, and stroke. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in Australia, killing three times more women than breast cancer. Although women are not more likely to suffer from heart disease, research has shown that in the event of a heart attack, women are less likely than men to seek help quickly. This is often attributed to the symptoms of a heart attack being less well known in women.

9. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction 

Pelvic floor dysfunction is a condition affecting the pelvic floor, a group of muscles at the base of your pelvis. People suffering from pelvic floor problems are unable to relax and coordinate these muscles, which can lead to a range of issues including difficulty urinating, incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and pain during sex. One of the most common causes of pelvic floor dysfunction is pregnancy and childbirth. This is because pregnancy puts additional pressure on the pelvic floor muscles for an extended period. Vaginal births also cause these muscles to become weaker.

10. Pregnancy

Majority of Australian women will have a pregnancy during their lifetime, with many having more than one. Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it also comes with a range of potential complications and health problems that can arise from the experience of carrying a baby to term. Some common maternal health conditions include anaemia (low red blood cell count), urinary tract infections, high blood pressure, and gestational diabetes. Additionally, pregnancy can affect a woman’s mental health, with around 10 per cent of women experiencing depression during or after pregnancy.

10 Key Actions to Improve Women’s Health

To maintain optimal health, it is important than women are diligent about screening for common conditions, practicing safe sex, avoiding stress, and eating a balanced diet.

1. Mammogram

After the age of 50, women in Australia are recommended to get a mammogram every two years. A mammogram is a breast screen that checks for cancer at the earliest stages, often before any symptoms. They have saved the lives of many women. BreastScreen Australia is the national breast cancer screening program, offering free breast screens to all women over forty.

2. Cervical Cancer Check

The National Cervical Screening Program offers subsidised tests to all women aged between 25 and 74. The test checks for the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is the infection that causes most cervical cancers. Women can get a test done at their GP or a health clinic. Normally, your healthcare provider will collect a sample from the cervix using a speculum. There is now also the option to collect your own sample using a swab at home.

3. Contraception

Using reliable and safe contraception can dramatically decrease the likelihood of unplanned pregnancies. If you are a sexually active woman who is not wanting to get pregnant, it is important that you speak with your healthcare provider about your contraceptive options. It is also worth remembering that some of these options, such as a contraceptive pill, can cause side effects that your doctor should explain to you prior to prescribing.

4. Sexual Health

All sexually active people should maintain their sexual health by being informed about common STIs, using protection and practicing safe sex, and getting tested regularly. Most STIs are easily treatable, however there can be stigma attached to having an infection. If you are experiencing any symptoms, always visit your healthcare provider.

5. Bone Health

There are many ways to boost your bone health and maintain stronger bones as you age. Make sure that your diet includes enough calcium, protein, and lots of green vegetables. Vitamin D and Vitamin K are also essential for bone health, which you can find through certain foods and sun exposure. Exercises that promote healthy bones include strength training and weight-bearing exercises, which can increase bone mineral density and bone size.

6. Heart Health

To prevent heart disease and maintain general health, it is important to make good lifestyle choices such as eating healthy good, getting active, maintaining a healthy body weight, and managing stress. It is also recommended to quit smoking, drink alcohol in moderation, and control cholesterol. Women should be aware of the symptoms of heart attack, which differ from the chest pain usually experienced by men. These are shortness of breath, pain in the back or jaw, and nausea or vomiting.

7. Pelvic Floor Health

All women can benefit from being aware of their pelvic floor and doing exercises to avoid pelvic floor dysfunction. A physiotherapist, particularly one who specialises in women’s health, can assist you to locate your pelvic floor muscles and learn how to contract and relax them. Doing these exercises daily will help to maintain good pelvic floor health and prevent the issues related to pelvic floor dysfunction.

8. Diet 

One of the best ways to maintain good overall health and wellbeing is through eating a healthy and balanced diet. Everyone should aim to consume a range of food types including vegetables, fruit, lean meat, dairy, nuts, legumes, and fish. Additionally, drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol can improve women’s health. Speaking with an expert in nutrition can help if you are unsure what you should be eating.

9. Exercise 

Women should aim to exercise at least three times per week. The amount of exercise that an individual does will depend on their unique circumstances, including their age, any injuries or illnesses they may have, and their physical abilities. However, as a general rule, most healthy adults require a mix of aerobic activity and strength training. A qualified physio therapist or a similar professional can assist you to develop an exercise plan.   

10. Information and Support

Being informed and empowered about your health is crucial to maintaining wellbeing in the long term. Being educated and accessing information and community support helps you to be aware of women’s health issues, know the signs and symptoms to look out for, and get help when needed.

How Can Homage Support You?

Women’s health issues can affect women of all ages and stages of life. Homage offer a range of services that can support women who are looking to improve their health, women who are recovering from a health condition, and women who are maintaining their current level of health and wellbeing.

If you or a loved one require some additional assistance to maintain a high quality of life, Homage’s professional carers can provide:

• Home Personal Care – including showering, meal preparation and more
• Home Nursing Care – including simple and complex procedures
• Medical Escort Services – to make getting to and from medical appointments simple and stress-free
• Other services – including social support, light housekeeping, and community access.

Helpful Resources

If you have further questions about women’s health and you’re looking for assistance, here are some helpful resources to access:

• Women’s Health Hub
• Victorian Government’s Health Services for Women
• Western Australian Government Public Health Services
• South Australia Government’s Women’s Health Services

If you’re looking to improve your health and maintain your physical and mental wellbeing, there are many actions you can take to look after your body and mind. Being aware of the common conditions affecting Australian women, and how to avoid or manage them, ensures that you can enjoy a good quality of life at all ages.