health and safety: FIGHT THE WOMANLY WOES

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

FIGHT THE WOMANLY WOES

Dr Rishma Pai talks about the four major illnesses that ail women

We all know that women often neglect their own health whilst taking care of the ones around them. The fast paced urban lifestyle, coupled with a poor diet, lack of exercise and rest, is a recipe for disaster. Here are diseases that women over 35 years of age need to watch out for.
FIBROIDS
An increasing number of women today are facing the problem of fibroids. Affecting women over the age of 35, fibroids are the most common form of non-cancerous tumours found in a woman's reproductive system. They are essentially benign but could prove to be dangerous if unheeded. However early diagnosis followed by treatment may reduce the chances of further risk.
Symptoms
Some women with fibroids may have no symptoms at all while others may experience:
    Increase in menstrual bleeding, irregular vaginal bleeding.
    Bleeding with blood clots.
    Pressure on the bladder causing more frequent urination.
    Abdominal pain and discomfort.
    Infertility.
Treatment
A sonographic test has to be conducted in order to ascertain the growth of fibroids.
Surgical procedures include:
+ Myomectomy: removal of the fibroids that are causing symptoms. + Hysterectomy: involves a complete removal of the uterus.This can be done laparoscopically, by making several small incisions in the abdomen.
Nonsurgical procedures include:
+ MRI focus: which helps in dissolving the lump or tumour.
MENSTRUAL DISORDERS
Menstrual disorders may intensify after women cross the age of 35 due to hormonal changes, intake of emergency contraceptive pills, stress, thyroid, pregnancy or abortion.
Symptoms
Painful cramps during menstruation. Excessive bleeding. Period irregularity. Scanty bleeding. Postmenopausal bleeding could be a sign of cancer.
CANCER
Cervical cancer is the most common form of cancer affecting women. India has the highest number of women suffering from this disease, in which the cells on the surface of the cervix grow uncontrollably, leading to cancer. The human papilloma virus (HPV), which is the main cause of cervical cancer, is transmitted during unprotected intercourse.
Treatment
A major breakthrough has been the HPV vaccine. It is usually given at after the age of 12.
Breast cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer among women and affects approximately one million women worldwide. Being a genetic disease, the chances of acquiring it are higher if there is a family history of breast cancer. The risk factor is highest among women who have their first child after the age of 35 and these women have an even higher risk than women who have no children.
Symptoms
    A lump in the breast or an irregularity in the breast tissue.
    Breast cancer is now commonly diagnosed by breast screening in women who have no symptoms.
Treatment
+ Hormonal Therapy. + Chemotherapy.
Treatment
A hormone test or sonography may help to rule out the possibility of cancer.
DIABETES
Diabetes among women has been on the rise. The chances of getting type-2 diabetes increases after the age of 45. It may be due to genetic reasons or lifestyle related problems. Asia and specifically India has the largest population of diabetic patients. A sedentary lifestyle, obesity, an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise and a family history of diabetes may increase the likelihood of diabetes.
Symptoms
The typical symptoms of diabetes include:
    Polyuria or severe urination.
    Persistent fatigue.
    Many infections associated with diabetes might be dangerous as they impair the body's ability to fend off diseases.
Treatment
+ Oral or insulin test + Exercise: Regular exercise, in any form, can help reduce the risk of developing diabetes. + Diet: A nutritious diet can go a long way in controlling blood sugar levels and preventing complications.