What do you know in each decade of your life
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication, or lifestyle.
While women face much of the same Health issues as menThe truth is, your gender can play an important role in health and aging. Women may be more likely to develop certain conditions. Some common health issues may also affect women differently than men.
Knowing the most common women’s health issues—and how those concerns change over the years—can empower you to make the best diet and lifestyle choices for your future. Here are some of the biggest health concerns for women, broken down by decade.
The biggest health concerns for women in their 20s
skin cancer
Melanoma is a serious skin cancer that can occur at any stage of life, and the risk increases as we age. However, it is among the most common types of cancer among young adults. Especially women. Sun damage in your 20s can increase your risk of skin cancer later in life.
You can start protecting yourself early by avoiding excessive sun exposure or applying sunscreen. Experts also recommend Examine your skin for any unusual spots and visit your dermatologist regularly for checkups.
Psychological health
Suicide is a serious problem for young people in their twenties. In Canada, it represents suicide 25 per cent Of all deaths between the ages of 15 and 24. While young people are more likely to die from suicide, so are women Two to three times More likely to try.
Young people in their twenties are at particular risk of mental health problems. more than 13 percent of Canadians in their 20s reported that their mental health was fair to poor.
Smoking and drinking
While smoking rates have decreased for young adults, they still do not The leading cause of premature death in Canada. Between 2009 and 2016, deaths due to alcohol use It increased by 10.5 percent annually among people between the ages of 25 and 34.
The smoking and drinking habits you formed in your 20s can affect you later in life. Quitting smoking before the age of 30 can reduce the risk of dying from lung cancer more than 90 percent. Heavy alcohol use in your 20s can also lead to developing problems such as: cancer And Liver disease.
The biggest health concern for women in their 30s
Pregnancy related issues
In your 30s, your fertility may decline, making it harder to get pregnant. Women over the age of 35 are also in Increased risk of pregnancy-related health problems and abortion. a few more Common pregnancy problems Includes:
overweight
As we age, our metabolism naturally slows down. Women in their 30s may be overweight or struggling to lose weight. Although it is not necessarily a sign of a health problem, excessive weight gain can contribute to problems such as: Heart disease, diabetes and infertility problems.
sexually transmitted diseases (STIs)
Between 1998 and 2015, cases of sexually transmitted diseases rose in Canada From 39,372 to 116,499 annual cases. Experts say that women in Higher risk of STDs Such as chlamydia, syphilis and gonorrhea.
If left untreated, STDs can It leads to pelvic inflammatory diseaseWhich may cause infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Women Less likely than men to develop symptomsso it’s important to be tested regularly for STDs, especially if you have unprotected sex.
The biggest health concerns for women in their 40s
Osteoporosis
Women in their 40s may be more likely to develop osteoporosis, a disease that weakens bones. About 80 percent of people Those living with osteoporosis are women.
menopause
Menopause is something that almost all women go through, usually after the age of 40. While menopause isn’t necessarily a health condition, the way it changes your body is associated with other health problems.
After menopause, the ovaries produce less estrogen. Low levels of estrogen can increase the risk of other health conditions. For example, a lack of estrogen may lead to a buildup of cholesterol, which leads to an increased risk of heart disease. It can also affect your risk of osteoporosis, lead poisoning, and enuresis.
Breast and ovarian cancers
Women in their 40s are more likely to develop some types of cancer, including breast and ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer screening procedures Includes transvaginal ultrasound of the pelvis, blood tests and CT scans. For breast cancer, national Canadian guidelines recommend mammograms Starting at the age of 50although women can choose to start earlier As a precaution. Radiation risks from a low mammogramBut some women can She suffers from psychological distress of false positive results.
The biggest health concerns for women in their fifties
colorectal cancer
With 88% of cases of colorectal cancer In people 50 and older, it’s important to start getting colon cancer screening in your 50s. This will help you detect it early and increase your chances of effective treatment.
incontinence
almost Half of the women are over the age of 50 You suffer from enuresis, also known as urinary incontinence. However, women under the age of 65 are less likely to speak with a doctor Incontinence treatment options. This condition causes urine to leak while laughing, coughing, sneezing, or exercising.
Anxiety and depression
Mental health problems can affect all ages. For some individuals, anxiety and depression can appear later in life. In one study from 2020, 9 percent of Canadians People in their 50s said their mental health was fair or bad. This was an increase of nearly 3 percent from 2015.
The biggest health concerns for women in their 60s
high blood pressure
As we age, blood vessels become less elastic, which puts pressure on the arteries that carry blood to all parts of the body. This is why many people develop high blood pressure as they get older. Almost 70 percent of women People in their 60s and 70s have this condition.
My heart disease
As women age, plaque buildup in the arteries can lead to heart disease. Usually women He was diagnosed with heart disease later in life from a man. They’re also less likely to have a heart attack, but it’s still a major health concern, especially for women in their 60s.
Women with heart failure have them, too 25% higher risk Atrial fibrillation, a condition characterized by a rapid and irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots in the heart.
Apoplexy
Strokes can happen at any age, but data shows that the risk of having a stroke decreases It doubles every 10 years after the age of 55.
Women are disproportionately affected by strokes. Decreased estrogen levels It may play a role in the buildup of cholesterol that can lead to stroke. in Canada, 45 percent more than women Men die of a stroke.
The biggest health concern for women over 70
hearing loss
Hearing loss affects nearly everyone over the age of 70. in Canada , 94 percent of people People in their 70s reported hearing loss, with another 31 percent experiencing tinnitus. Hearing loss often occurs as a gradual and natural part of the aging process, but it can also happen due to long-term medical conditions Such as high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.
eye lens darkening
A gradual loss of visual acuity can be a normal part of aging, but it is not the only vision problem that may appear in your 70s. Cataracts, or clouding of the lens of the eye, affect the eye Almost half of the people In his seventies. In the next decade, that number will rise to 68 percent. Cataracts can develop if left untreated interfere with vision It even leads to vision loss.
memory problems
Many conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, can cause memory loss in older women. Memory loss and dementia You may start graduallybut over time it can completely happen Poor memory and thinking skills. While there are some factors such as age and genetics that you cannot control, experts suggest this A healthy and balanced lifestyle I can help.
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