Women are significant contributors to society. They run households, contribute to the economy, and are involved in their communities. However, despite their impact, they face various health risks that affect them disproportionately.

These risks can be attributed to genetic, biological, social, and economic factors. Understanding these risks is vital for proactive measures towards prevention.

Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women worldwide. While men are more prone to CVD earlier in life, women tend to develop it in their postmenopausal years.

This is because of the decline in estrogen levels, which is known to have a protective effect on the heart. Latest research highlights that disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and health outcomes affect women more than men. CVD risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes are increasing among women at alarming rates.

A healthy lifestyle, regular physical activity, and proper nutrition can reduce the risk of CVD in women.

Reproductive Health Complications

Women’s reproductive health is critical to their overall well-being. However, reproductive health complications remain widespread among women, and the prevalence is higher in low-income countries.

These complications include maternal mortality, unintended pregnancy, infertility, and cervical and breast cancer. Maternal mortality is a significant contributor to the mortality rate of women globally. The leading causes of maternal mortality include bleeding, infections, and unsafe abortions.

Lack of access to contraception, poor maternal healthcare, and poverty are some of the factors that contribute to these reproductive health complications.

Mental Health Disorders

Women are more likely to be affected by mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders in their lifetime than men.

The biological, social, and cultural factors that impact women can contribute to increased vulnerability to these disorders. Anxiety disorders are more common in women than in men, and women are more prone to experience anxiety symptoms due to hormonal fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause.

Women are also more likely to experience post-traumatic stress disorder due to gender-based violence and trauma exposure, particularly among marginalized populations.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that causes the weakening of bones, leading to an increased risk of fractures. Women are at a higher risk for osteoporosis than men because of their smaller bone structure and hormonal changes during menopause.

Osteoporosis can lead to significant disabilities, lost productivity, and death. Adequate nutrition and regular physical activity can help prevent osteoporosis, and early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications related to the disease.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Women are more prone to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) than men, partly because of the anatomical and physiological differences between the sexes.

For example, women are more likely to experience more severe symptoms and long-term complications due to STIs. STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and human papillomavirus (HPV) can lead to chronic pain, infertility, and cancer among women. Regular STI testing, safe sex practices, and proper use of contraception can help prevent the spread of STIs.

Cancer

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, and women are affected disproportionally. Breast and cervical cancer are the most common cancers among women globally.

These cancers have a substantial impact on the quality of life of women and are preventable with early detection and treatment. Regular screening tests such as mammograms, Pap tests, and HPV tests can detect cancer early, when treatment is most effective.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are common among young women and can lead to severe physical, psychological, and emotional complications. Anorexia and bulimia nervosa are the most common eating disorders among women.

These disorders are often co-morbid with depression and anxiety, and can lead to malnutrition, organ failure, and death. Eating disorders related to body dissatisfaction and societal pressures can be prevented through appropriate mental health interventions addressing body image and counseling that encourages healthy eating habits.

Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases affect women more frequently than men. These diseases occur when the immune system attacks the body’s tissues, leading to inflammation, pain, and organ damage.

Women are more prone to autoimmune diseases due to hormonal changes and genetic predisposition. Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis are common autoimmune diseases that affect women disproportionately.

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a prevalent condition that affects women more than men. Women are more susceptible to many chronic pain disorders, such as fibromyalgia, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), and migraine.

Besides biological factors, social and psychological factors can contribute to the development of chronic pain in women. Women often delay seeking care for their chronic pain due to various reasons, including underdiagnosis, underreporting, lack of access to pain management, and stigma.

Healthcare providers can play a significant role in identifying, diagnosing, and treating chronic pain in women.

Pregnancy and Childbirth Complications

Pregnancy and childbirth are significant physiological events in women’s lives. However, pregnancy-related complications are common and can lead to maternal morbidity or mortality, either during or after childbirth.

Preeclampsia, eclampsia, and postpartum depression are some of the pregnancy and childbirth complications that affect women disproportionately. Preeclampsia, a condition of elevated blood pressure and proteinuria, is a leading cause of maternal and infant morbidity and mortality.

Pregnant women need appropriate antenatal care and skilled birth attendants to prevent, identify, and manage pregnancy and childbirth complications effectively.