May is Women’s Health Month, and there’s no better time to celebrate ourselves and the women in our lives. Regardless of our roles – mothers, daughters, sisters, caretakers and friends – most women tend to make sure their loved ones are well taken care of. But do we make sure we’re taking care of ourselves, too?*
Not according to recent statistics. Did you know that 70% of millennial women (those born between 1981-1996) say they struggle to put their health first, with nearly half routinely skipping preventative-care appointments? Or that 63% of all American women say they have trouble making their own health a priority?**
This probably doesn’t come as a big surprise, but it’s a big problem.
Why do so many women neglect their own healthcare needs?
We’re all different, so the reasons vary. But there are common threads that stand out among many studies. One is that women often take on the role of “chief worry officers” in their households, and they tend to put the family’s health above their own. Another is that many women juggle work, errands and family care and find that, due to time constraints, they put their own health on the back burner. Other reasons can include lack of health insurance, and the financial strain of taking time off from work.
This month, during women’s health month, let’s take care of ourselves the same way we take care of others. We can start with some common symptoms that lots of women ignore but are important to discuss with your doctor right away.***
10 common health issues we shouldn’t ignore
• Swelling or discoloration of your breast. It’s normal to have swelling before your period or during pregnancy. But rapid swelling, red or purple spots, dimpled skin on your nipples, or other unusual changes can signify something more serious such as breast cancer or infection. So, it’s important to get these changes checked out. Early care changes outcomes!
• Abdominal bloating that lasts more than a week. Abdominal bloating is something many women experience during menstruation or when they eat food they’re sensitive to. But it’s time to see the doctor if you feel bloated, feel full, or have difficulty eating for longer than just a few days. These can be symptoms of something way more serious.
• Irregular periods. It’s not unusual to experience irregular periods sometimes, and if it happens occasionally, it’s probably nothing to worry about. But remember, a normal menstrual cycle falls between 21 and 35 days, with bleeding lasting 2 to 7 days. If your cycle consistently falls outside of that range, you have fewer than 8 cycles per year, or you have sudden changes like very heavy bleeding, don’t ignore it. See your doctor because there are many underlying conditions that may need attention.
• Bloody or black stools. The color of your stool can be affected by different foods you eat, or medicines you take. And just a small amount of blood might be minor. But black, tarry stools that last for two or more days might mean upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and maroon or bloody stools can indicate lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Causes can range from ulcers to cancer, so this is important to discuss with your doctor as soon as symptoms occur.
• Shortness of breath. If you’re running to catch your train or climbing a big set of stairs and you get winded, it’s probably nothing to worry about. But if you’re short of breath during light exercise, don’t ignore it. And if you experience any chest pain or discomfort, or feel lightheaded, see your doctor right away.
• Unexplained weight loss. Many women (and men!) are happy when they see they’ve lost a few pounds. But if you’re not trying to lose weight, and you haven’t changed your exercise or eating routine and it’s happening on its own, it’s important to get that checked out. Sudden weight loss is an early symptom of many health conditions, and this is another case where early intervention is key.
• Unexplained weight gain. If you find yourself gaining weight but, like unexplained weight loss, you had no change in eating or exercise routine, get this checked out with your doctor. Unexpected weight gain can be caused by many reasons, including hormonal imbalances or hypothyroidism, a condition where your thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Interestingly, women are 5-8 times more likely than men to have thyroid disease, and 60% of those don’t even know they have it. So, if you’re gaining weight and can’t figure out why, call your doctor.****
• Pain during intercourse. This might surprise you, but nearly 3 out of 4 women will have pain during intercourse at some point in their lives. So why don’t more women seek help from their doctors? Times have changed, but unfortunately many women still feel embarrassed to talk about it. During women’s health month, we urge you to discuss this issue with your doctor if you’re experiencing pain. While some discomfort might be normal, persistent pain can be caused by a variety of issues, all of which may benefit from diagnosis and treatment. In addition to being physically uncomfortable, pain during sexual activity over time can often affect how a woman feels about herself and her relationships. It’s important to keep in mind there is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of if this is something that happens to you, many other women experience this kind of pain. But, while it’s an experience that can be common, it’s not something that needs to be endured. Bring it up with your doctor, who can help you.
• Fatigue. This is a big issue that women typically don’t pay enough attention to. Did you know that nearly twice as many women than men have been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome? And that oftentimes, it’s not just a matter of how busy you are. It’s important to see a doctor if you feel perpetually tired and fatigued so that your healthcare professional can rule out underlying conditions.
• Sudden pain in the shoulder, back, or arm. This comes as a surprise to many people, but women experience heart attacks and heart conditions differently than men. In addition to chest pain or pressure, women can experience pain in the shoulder, back, or arm; shortness of breath; unusual tiredness and weakness; and even anxiety.***** If you experience the sudden onset of any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Let’s take care of ourselves the same way we take care of others, especially during Women’s Health Month. To schedule an appointment with your Premier Medical Group healthcare provider, call us at 1-888-632-6099 or visit us at https://www.premiermedicalhv.com/
*[https://www.cdc.gov/womens-health/features/nwhw.html]
***[https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health-symptoms]
****[https://www.womenshealthassoc.com/insights/thyroid-disorders-women-statistics-diagnosis]
*****[https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/heart-attack/women]