Almost all women face health issues in their life. However, the majority of Indian women are in the habit of ignoring these health issues. And therefore they face complications in different stages of their life starting from adolescence to pregnancy and menopause.
Some of the common health issues faced by women include:
- Irregular Periods or Heavy Bleeding
- Fertility Issues & Pregnancy Complications
- Perimenopause & Post-menopause Problems
A woman’s life stages are based on the reproductive cycle, beginning with menstruation and ending with menopause. This cycle is divided into adolescence, reproductive years, midlife and postmenopausal. These stages are marked by specific signs and symptoms including menstrual cramps, weight gain, mood swings etc. At each of the stages, women need special health care that relates to where they are in life.
Irregular periods during adolescence
Teenage girls or adolescents face problems like irregular periods and heavy bleeding. Besides regular exercising and maintaining a healthy weight, it is important to focus on the right nutrition. This is the time bones are gaining their greatest strength, so opt for a diet rich in calcium. Taking a daily dose of vitamin D and B vitamins along with omega-3 fatty acids can also help regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce PMS.
Some great herbs help with PMS symptoms and are often used as a natural alternative to support a healthy menstrual cycle. Chaste berry is one such herb that can provide relief of PMS including breast tenderness, mood swings and menstrual irregularity.
Fertility issues & pregnancy complications during reproductive age
Women go through pregnancy and all its complications like contraception and its failure, abnormal uterine bleeding, and sexually transmitted diseases during the reproductive years. A stressful lifestyle along with inadequate nutrition can further add to the complications.
Hormonal changes associated with child-bearing mean that women have a higher risk of anaemia weakened bones and osteoporosis. Therefore it is important to have a higher intake of nutrients like iron, calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, and vitamin B9 (folate).
Perimenopause & post-menopause problems
Menopause is linked to changes in metabolism, reduced bone density and increased risk of heart problems. Maintaining cardiovascular health and maintaining flexibility and posture are important at this stage.
The symptoms of night sweats, hot flashes, irritability and mood swings will be reduced by hormone replacement therapy. A diet high in protein and dairy products may reduce these symptoms. Phytoestrogens and healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids may also help.
All these challenges at different stages of a woman’s life can be dealt with by a healthy lifestyle and it is important to consult the experts at the slighted abnormal symptoms.