Top 11 Health Issues Indian Women Should Know About

Attention to health of women has increased in the past decade. With increasing number of diseases and illnesses attributed to lifestyle changes and environmental causes, the need to adopt an ‘early diagnose, early treat’ approach has gained prominence. women-health-issues

So from cancer to HIV, and from depression to maternal health, here are top 11 health issues that every woman in India should be aware of. 

1. Breast Cancer:

Otherwise known as the C word. The presence of cancer in Indian women has become increasingly prevalent. According to a recent report by the World Health Organisation, one in twelve women will develop cancer at some point in their life. This disease will especially be rampant in metro cities such as Mumbai and Delhi. breast-cancer-in-india
Two main types of cancers that are most commonly found are breast cancer and cervical cancer. So if you haven’t got your mother, sister or yourself checked recently, book an appointment today. Early detection is the best way to beat cancer.

2. Heart diseases:

Though breast cancer occupies the number one spot on this list, heart diseases too are major concerns for women globally. Although the probability of heart diseases is more in males, more number of women are increasingly being diagnosed with a weak heart. Counter the chances by following a healthy diet from an early age, a non-smoking lifestyle and daily checkups.

3. Maternal Health:

In a country like India, where maternal care is just achieving due notice, the risks of infection and complication pre and post pregnancy are high. Maternal care involves healthy living during the entire nine months of pregnancy. maternal-health-in-india-medifee

In smaller towns and villages, more women die of insufficient healthcare during pregnancy than any other diseases.  Luckily, with more medical centres opening in such disease-prone areas, and with growing awareness about maternal health, this number is less scary than it was a decade ago.

4. Depression and Mental Health:

Studies suggest that more women suffer from issues of mental health than men. Mental health includes depression, anxiety, insomnia, hypertension and hormonal problems.

Studies suggest that depression may hit women post pregnancy, due to some major life tragedy, and during menopause. Therapy and pushing yourself to live a positive, healthy lifestyle is the solution. mental-health-awareness-medifee

In India, depression is slowly being recognised as a real disease with symptoms and treatment, with more people coming out to talk about their problems. This is giving impetus to treatment of this disease.

5. Sexually Transmitted Diseases/HIV:

Diseases such as AIDS, syphilis, gonorrhoea are all transmitted during the act of sex. Unfortunately, women bear the brunt of these diseases more than men. These diseases; especially HIV, increase the chances of contracting tuberculosis, and reduce life expectancy. hiv-vp4

6. Diabetes:

This disease, again though more prevalent in men, sometimes goes undiagnosed in women. This is more cause for concern. Diabetes; especially type 2, is seen more in women who follow an unhealthy lifestyle. Type 2 is caused by obesity, weight issues, smoking, alcohol abuse, among other things.  diabetes1

7. Anaemia:

With reduced Red Blood Cells, low levels of haemoglobin and low oxygen in your blood, chances of you being anaemic are more. The most common myth about anaemia is that it makes you anorexic and thin. However, this myth needs to be busted. If you’re anaemic, you may look like a perfectly healthy woman, still feeling tired all the time. This is due to low oxygen in your blood.

8. Autoimmune Diseases:

In general, women have a stronger immune system than men. However, they are more susceptible to autoimmune diseases. These are a group of diseases that produce anti-bodies in your system and kill healthy tissues. The common symptoms of these diseases are fatigue, fever and dizziness.

9. Vaginal Infections:

If you have itchiness and swelling around your vagina, you may be falling prey to one of the most under-rated, yet major diseases affecting women. Vaginitis, which may be caused due to infections, uncomfortable clothing, sexual activity, or extreme illness, is a growing cause for concern.

10. Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS):

Yes guys. It’s a real thing. Real enough to even make it to this list. During every woman’s menstrual cycle; along with cramps, muscle illness, tiredness and body ache, the frequent mood swings may be more serious than you think. If the pain and the depression is hitting you hard, you may be suffering from Premenstrual Dysphoric disorder which is a stronger form of PMS.pms-620x349

11. Sexual Violence:

This is not a disease in itself; however, more women in India suffer due to having an abusive partner, bad relationship or a history of sexual abuse. This does not only lead to sexual diseases or infections, early pregnancy and improper childbirth, but the trauma can have long-lasting mental consequences. stop-women-violence

In case you feel you’re suffering from any of these diseases, or have a family history pertaining to these ailments, it is always a good idea to be sure. Early detection and swift treatment is the best way to beat these diseases.

1 thought on “Top 11 Health Issues Indian Women Should Know About”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *