Top 5 Most Commonly Missed Women’s Health Issues

There is nothing more frustrating that to be feeling unwell and not having answers. Many women who eventually end up coming to see me in my clinic (I’m talking about women in their 40s and 50s, because that’s when most of the health problems start appearing) tell me that they have gone to other doctors or specialists because they have a ‘feeling’ that there is something wrong with them, but often come back with a band-aid to their symptoms or without getting any solutions at all. Let’s take a look at the 5 most commonly missed health issues:

• PCOS: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS affects 4 to 12% of the female population, and is a leading cause of infertility. It is basically the presence of small fluid collections, or follicles within each ovary, which become significantly enlarged. It manifests in many ways: irregular menstrual cycle, acne, increase in the production of male hormones, resulting in excessive body hair, appearance of facial hair, deepening of voice and weight gain in the abdominal region. The condition can give rise to long-term serious issues like diabetes and heart disease.

• Hashimoto’s: This is an autoimmune disease; your body’s immune system attacks your thyroid, often causing hypothyroidism – in other words, your thyroid becomes underactive, not producing enough thyroid hormone. This is a crucial hormone which helps regulate several body functions, so if it’s not functioning properly, you need fast diagnosis, and treatment – which is simple hormone replacement.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: This disease affects about 3% of the population, and is also an autoimmune disorder. Your body’s immune system attacks the membrane in your joints, leading to warm, swollen and painful knees, hips, wrists, shoulders and so on. It is a very painful condition, and you may feel stiff, with movement being very difficult. Not a pleasant thought – again, quick and proper diagnosis is crucial, and can help you manage the disease.

• Heart Disease: Surprised? Unfortunately, it’s true. Heart disease kills more women in the United States than cancer does. There are many tell-tale signs of heart disease which are often ignored by women or their doctors as just ‘nothing to worry about’. One of the most glaring examples is the recent death of Star Wars’ Princess Leiah – actress Carrie Fisher, who died of heart disease at the age of 60 – hardly old by today’s standards. There are many types of heart disease; to rule it out, make sure you do a comprehensive wellness check every 6 months and check for a whole range of markers.

• Depression: This one might seem obvious, but sadly, it is not so. Many cases of depression go undiagnosed, and it ends up killing many women who suffer from this condition. Often, when women get into their 40s or 50s, their serotonin levels (the ‘happy hormone’, if you will) tend to drop; this can cause depression. Depression can cause you to have very low self-esteem and to lose interest in your appearance, surroundings and so on. If not caught early on, it can cause irreparable damage to mental health, and can hamper the woman from having a normal life.

To rule out these health issues, or detect them in the early stages you need to visit a qualified and experienced medical health practitioner – one who will take your concerns seriously. Take advantage of our complimentary consultation: talk to our patient care concierge who will direct you towards the doctor at our clinic who can help you.