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Top 7 Health Concerns for Women
By Holly L. Thacker, MD – Director, Cleveland Clinic Center for Specialized Women’s Health and Executive Director, Speaking of Women’s Health
Here are the major health concerns for women, along with tips for prevention:
1. Osteoporosis
To preserve bone mass, avoid cigarettes, limit your alcohol intake, get adequate calcium and vitamin D3 daily, and do weight-bearing exercises such as walking. Risks of bone fragility are greatest after menopause, so supplement your diet to equal a total of 1200 mg of calcium plus 1000 IU of vitamin D3 (to up to 2,000 IU) starting at age 50. Begin bone-mineral density screenings at age 65, or earlier if you have one or more risk factors (at age 50 if you've suffered a bone fracture or if you are low in estrogen, a cigarette smoker and/or on any prednisone type medication). Screening every two or three years will detect any bone-thinning, and you can take bone-building medications on a weekly, monthly or annual (intravenous) basis if needed.
2. Menopause treatment options
If lack of sleep, continuous hot flashes and/or severe mood swings are disrupting your life, consider individualized hormone therapy. Take the lowest dose of hormones you need to relieve symptoms consistent with therapeutic goals of: treating hot flashes, preserving bone mineral density and/or treating genital atrophy. Seek evaluation and care from a North American Menopause Society credentialed expert.
3. Cancer
Breast cancer. Lower your risks by not smoking, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol use and controlling your weight. Pregnancy and breastfeeding reduce breast cancer risk. If you have a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer discuss this with your health provider. Note that hormonal contraceptives do NOT increase breast cancer risk.
In your 20s and 30s, have clinical breast exams every three years, and at age 40, start discuss with your provider about starting screening mammograms. You may need earlier, more frequent screening if you have breast cancer in the family or other risk factors. Report any lumps, bumps or nipple discharge to your health provider right away.
Cervical cancer. Get your Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer; Pap smears reduce both cervical cancer incidence and mortality. Once you are 30, you should have an HPV test done along with your pap smear and if both are normal then pap/HPV tests can be done every 3 years; HOWEVER, you should still visit your women’s health provider YEARLY.
Colon cancer. Start screening at age 50 colonoscopy every 10 years or SOONER if family history, personal symptoms.
4. Cardiovascular disease/high blood pressure/high cholesterol
If cardiovascular disease runs in your family, or if your blood pressure or cholesterol levels are high, ask your doctor about taking medications to control blood pressure and cholesterol. Your doctor can also advise you on whether you'll benefit from taking a daily aspirin. Know what your BMD-body mass index is (goal 18-25), know your cholesterol ratios and have your blood sugar checked every 3 years after age 45 or sooner if symptoms.
5. Weight management as you get older
Eat smaller portions and healthier foods, and exercise more as your metabolism slows down with age. This will help prevent type 2 diabetes, arthritis and other weight-related problems.
6. Diabetes
Nearly 60 million Americans have pre-diabetes (elevated blood sugar), the precursor to type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and loss of limb. Studies now prove that a healthier diet and increased activity can restore normal blood sugar levels and prevent diabetes. It's critical to control weight, cholesterol and blood pressure, and to quit smoking as well.
7. Stroke
Take one baby aspirin daily starting at age 65; it may help to prevent stroke. Meanwhile, call 9-1-1 if you see anyone develop weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg(s); confusion; speech or comprehension problems; vision loss; dizziness; or difficulty with walking, balance or coordination. These are early warning signs of stroke, and immediate treatment can be lifesaving.
About Holly L. Thacker, MD
Dr. Thacker is both the Director of the Center for Specialized Women’s Health at Cleveland Clinic and the Executive Director of Speaking of Women’s Health. Dr. Thacker is a national thought leader in women’s health. She has published and lectured extensively and appears regularly as a women’s health expert on national television. Dr. Thacker also is the author of The Cleveland Clinic Guide to Menopause (Kaplan 2009.) For information or to make an apptontment, call 216.444.4HER.
About Speaking of Women’s Health (SWH)
SWH is a national women’s health education program from the Cleveland Clinic Center for Specialized Women’s Health consisting of large-scale women’s health conferences, a monthly email newsletter and a robust, interactive website
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