Women are at risk for certain health problems as they age, but women over 35 face an especially high risk. The risk of developing a range of health problems triples for women over the age of 35, compared to their younger counterparts.

These health issues can have a major impact on quality of life, making preventative care essential for overall health and wellness.

Cardiovascular Problems

One of the major health risks for women over 35 is cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death for women in the United States.

Women over the age of 35 are three times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than younger women, and this risk only increases with age. Lifestyle choices like smoking and a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to this risk, but even women who are otherwise healthy can develop cardiovascular issues as they age.

Screening for risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes is important for preventing or managing cardiovascular problems.

Cancer Risk

As women age, their risk of developing cancer increases. Breast cancer and ovarian cancer are two of the most common types of cancer for women over 35, and early detection is key to successful treatment.

Regular screenings like mammograms and pelvic exams can help detect cancer in its early stages, when it is most treatable. In addition to regular screenings, lifestyle factors like maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding tobacco can also help reduce the risk of cancer.

Bone and Joint Health

As women age, they may experience a decline in bone mass and an increased risk of fractures and osteoporosis. Women over 35 are at increased risk for bone loss, and this risk only continues to increase with age.

Maintaining bone and joint health is important for overall wellness, and lifestyle factors like getting enough calcium and vitamin D, engaging in weight-bearing exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can all help support bone and joint health.

Mental Health

Women over 35 may also be at increased risk for mental health disorders like depression and anxiety.

Hormonal changes and life stressors like caring for aging parents or dealing with the challenges of raising teenagers can all contribute to mental health issues, and seeking support and treatment can be an important step in maintaining good mental health. Women are also more likely than men to experience chronic stress, which can contribute to a range of physical and mental health problems.

Reproductive Health

As women age, they may experience changes in their menstrual cycle and reproductive health.

Women over 35 are at increased risk of infertility, and may also face an increased risk of complications during pregnancy like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Planning for pregnancy and staying up-to-date on reproductive health screenings can help women over 35 maintain good reproductive health.

Thyroid Disease

Thyroid disease is also more common among women over 35, with an estimated one in eight women experiencing thyroid dysfunction during their lifetimes.

Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, can cause a range of symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and depression, but can often be managed with medication. Early detection and treatment are key to managing thyroid disease and maintaining overall health.

Digestive Health

Women over 35 may be at increased risk for a range of digestive problems like irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux, and colon cancer.

Lifestyle factors like a poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to digestive problems, as can genetic factors and other underlying health conditions. Screening for digestive problems is important for maintaining good overall health.

Vision and Hearing Loss

As women age, they may also experience changes in their vision and hearing. Women over 35 are at increased risk of age-related eye problems like macular degeneration and cataracts, while hearing loss is also more common among women over 35.

Regular eye exams and hearing tests can help detect these problems early, when they are most treatable.

Conclusion

Women over 35 face triple the risk of developing a range of health problems, from cardiovascular disease and cancer to bone and joint issues and mental health disorders.

Regular screenings and lifestyle choices like eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco can help reduce these risks and maintain overall health and wellness.