Certain health conditions are more common in women than men, and understanding them can help you better protect your well-being. Here’s a closer look at five illnesses that present a higher risk for women and what you can do about them.
**Heart Disease**
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women. Surprisingly, it often goes undiagnosed or is caught too late because women tend to show symptoms differently from men. While chest pain or discomfort is a common symptom, women may also experience shortness of breath, fatigue, jaw pain, back pain, nausea, excessive sweating, and even trouble sleeping. These variations in symptoms can make it harder to recognize the problem early. Even though heart disease is commonly associated with men, it affects women and men almost equally, so staying mindful of the risks is crucial.
**Stroke**
Strokes claim more female lives than male lives each year. While risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, family history, and smoking affect everyone, certain factors put women at greater risk. These include pregnancy, the use of birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, and frequent migraines. Recognizing these unique risks can help reduce the chance of a stroke.
**Autoimmune Disorders**
Three out of four people with autoimmune diseases are women. These conditions occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, often due to a mix of hormonal, genetic, and environmental factors. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone, as well as pregnancy-related hormones, may make women more vulnerable. Testosterone, on the other hand, is thought to have protective effects in men. Common autoimmune diseases that disproportionately affect women include lupus, celiac disease, thyroid disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and multiple sclerosis.
**Osteoporosis**
Osteoporosis, which weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures, overwhelmingly impacts women—nearly 80% of the 10 million Americans with this condition are female. Women naturally have smaller bones and less bone tissue than men, and estrogen plays a protective role in maintaining bone density. However, once estrogen levels drop during menopause, bone loss can accelerate. Other risk factors include certain medications, cancer treatments, and genetic predisposition. Preventative measures like consuming calcium-rich foods, engaging in weight-bearing exercises, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol can help maintain strong bones.
**Alzheimer’s Disease**
Women are nearly twice as likely as men to develop Alzheimer’s disease. While women tend to live longer, other potential biological factors may play a role in how the disease develops and progresses. Research into this disparity is ongoing, but it highlights the importance of brain health for women as they age.
### Taking Charge of Your Health
While some health risks may be beyond your control, there are steps anyone can take to lead a healthier life:
– **Manage stress:** Incorporate stress-relief activities like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing, and ensure you’re getting enough sleep.
– **Strengthen your immunity:** Eat a balanced diet rich in nutrients, and use supplements if recommended by your healthcare provider.
– **Stay active:** Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly, along with strength training twice a week.
– **Prioritize regular checkups:** Schedule annual wellness visits to monitor your health and screen for potential issues early on.
Taking these steps can help anyone—regardless of gender—maintain good health and reduce the risk of serious illnesses.