Diseases That Affect Women

By now you know that men and women suffer from many of the same medical conditions and diseases, but research has shown that women are at a higher risk for certain diseases, just like men are. Below you will find some of the ways some major and often life-threatening diseases can affect women in different ways.

Thyroid Disease

The first disease is of course something everyone can deal with, though it is a considerably higher risk for women. The American Thyroid Association has mentioned that up to 13 percent of women will have a thyroid disorder at some point in their lives, and are more likely to get one than men are. There are different types of thyroid diseases to be aware of, including hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. If you have symptoms like weight loss or weight gain, fatigue, depression, or other odd symptoms, it is a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor.

Heart Disease

Heart disease and heart attacks have been in the news a lot lately, and it is vital that you understand women have just as big of a risk as men. For some reason, this is often considered a higher risk for men, but it is a leading cause of death for both men and women. In women, the symptoms tend to be a little different and oftentimes, more difficult to notice, especially in terms of a heart attack. Not everyone who has a heart attack will clutch their chest or feel shooting pains up their left arm. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, nausea, and pain in the shoulder.

Cancer

Cancer is the second leading cause of death for women and can affect women of all ages. There are some forms of cancer that are a higher risk for women, such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer, but you also need to worry about other forms, from lung to colon cancer. The best thing you can do to prevent cancer and its detrimental effects is to live a healthy lifestyle and get regular check-ups with your doctor. Osteoporosis does affect men and women, but nearly 70 percent of the cases are in women, so this is a considerable risk you need to be aware of. It is more common as you age, which can cause frailty and back pain, including a hunched back when it gets into its severe stages. Keeping your bones strong as a younger woman will help you to reduce your risk of getting osteoporosis, with the right diet, proper nutrition, and regular exercise.