International Women's Health Day - Ways To Take Care Of Yourself!

As a woman, your body undergoes constant changes during the reproductive years and thereafter. Some of these changes can result in gynaecological problems if you don’t pay attention to your health. These illnesses are mostly caused by hormonal imbalance in the body. Some other causes are poor diet, inadequate sleep, lack of physical activity, ageing and stress.

Pre-menopausal gynaecological problems -

Here are some of the most common gynaecological health issues you might face in your childbearing years –

• Uterine fibroids – These are non-cancerous growths in the uterus, which can induce pain and discomfort during menstruation.

• Endometriosis – This refers to a painful condition, where the endometrial tissue lining inside the uterus grows outside.

Post-menopausal gynaecological problems between age 40 and 45 - 

• Irregular bleeding – The vaginal discharge and bleeding are a part of your normal menstrual cycle. However, abnormal or irregular bleeding from the vagina after menopause may be an indication of a serious condition like tumours, cancer of the reproductive organs or polyps.
• Menopause marks the end of your menstrual cycle. However, it is not the only change, which you go through.
• After menopause, the level of oestrogen hormones gradually decreases, which in turn, leads to a host of health disorders, and related symptoms from emotional well-being to bone health.
• Bone health is a major issue in postmenopausal women. Oestrogen is responsible for maintaining bone health. With the loss of hormone, the bones become weak and fragile. This puts them at greater risk of developing bone fractures and osteoporosis.

Ways to prevent gynaecological health issues in order to keep your oestrogen levels in check and maintain good health, you can adopt a few preventive measures –

• Eat a Balanced Diet – Include whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. Limit sugar, oil and saturated fat. You may also take vitamin supplements to stabilize hormone level in the body.

• Exercise Regularly – Exercising regularly lowers the risk of several ailments including diabetes, heart disease and PCOS.

• Quit Smoking – Smoking increases your likelihood of stroke, cancer and heart disease. Besides, it may also trigger hot flashes and early menopause. Apart from following these, you should also opt for regular health checkups and tests once every 6 months.

"On this International Women’s Health Day, take a big step towards good health practices and hygiene to keep diseases at bay."