Understanding Women’s Health

Women’s health encompasses much more than just reproductive or pregnancy-related health. It covers every stage of a woman’s life, from her first period in puberty to the transition through menopause and healthy ageing beyond. It encompasses physical health, emotional balance, hormonal fluctuations, and social factors that collectively impact overall well-being. This blog covers the key aspects of women’s health, from common conditions and their symptoms to possible complications, diagnosis and treatment options, and practical steps for prevention and self-care, enabling women to better understand and take charge of their health.

FAQ - What does women’s health include?

It spans from puberty to menopause and beyond, covering physical, emotional, and hormonal well-being.

Women’s health issues are widespread and incredibly diverse, affecting women across all ages and regions. Conditions like PCOS, PCOD, endometriosis, anaemia, and irregular periods are among the most common challenges faced by Indian women today. Infertility too is rising, with hormonal imbalances and reproductive conditions playing a key role. Beyond these, millions of women in India struggle with menopause-related discomfort, breast and cervical cancers, osteoporosis, and mental health issues such as anxiety and postpartum depression.

FAQ - How common are women’s health issues?

Women’s health issues are very common, with conditions like PCOS, anaemia, and endometriosis affecting tens of millions.

Dysmenorrhea, or painful periods, is remarkably common as it affects up to 90% of women of reproductive age, with about 15% experiencing severe disruptions to daily activity. Irregular or heavy menstrual bleeding may indicate underlying issues such as fibroids, PCOS, or endometriosis, making menstrual health an important diagnostic gateway.

PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) is one of the most common hormonal disorders, affecting 8–13% of women of reproductive age worldwide, with 10–20% prevalence reported in India. Alarmingly, up to 70% remain undiagnosed. Unlike PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease), which primarily refers to ovarian cysts with milder symptoms, PCOS is a systemic condition marked by irregular cycles, insulin resistance, and fertility challenges, alongside a 2–3x higher risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Endometriosis affects about 10% of women during their reproductive years, most commonly diagnosed between ages 25 and 40. It occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, leading to severe cramps, chronic pelvic pain, and sometimes infertility.   Because symptoms are often mistaken for “normal period pain,” many women face an average 7–10 year delay in diagnosis, during which the condition can worsen and significantly affect quality of life. To note, endometrial tissue growth can also occur outside the uterine cavity, with tissue similar to the endometrium (uterine lining) found affecting organs like the bladder or bowel.

Globally, infertility affects around 1 in 6 people of reproductive age, with female-factor infertility contributing to about 40–50% of cases. Causes are often linked to endometriosis, PCOS, and uterine abnormalities. In India, infertility rates are estimated at 10–14% of couples, with higher prevalence in urban areas.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, accounting for 1 in 8 female cancer cases globally, with 2.3 million diagnoses in 2020 alone. Cervical cancer ranks as the fourth most common cancer in women, with 90% of new cases occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Regular screening can prevent up to 90% of cervical cancer cases. Preventive measures, including breast self-exams, mammograms, HPV vaccination, and Pap smears, play a pivotal role in early detection and improving outcomes.

Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45–55. Perimenopause, the transition phase, often brings hot flashes, mood instability, and sleep challenges. While dramatic portrayals dominate social media, evidence-based care, hormonal or otherwise, can ease the transition effectively.

Women are more vulnerable to anxiety, depression, and stress-related conditions, often linked to hormonal changes and the many roles they balance in daily life. In India, nearly 1 in 5 women experience postpartum depression after childbirth, yet it often goes unrecognised and untreated. Mental health challenges also peak during phases like menopause or caregiving years, when emotional and physical demands are high. Studies show that women are almost twice as likely as men to develop depression, highlighting the urgent need to treat mental health as a core part of women’s overall well-being rather than a secondary concern.

Iron-deficiency anaemia affects nearly one in two women in the country, and almost half of all pregnant women, often leading to fatigue, weakness, and pregnancy-related complications. A nutrient-rich diet with iron and folate, paired with routine screening, helps prevent complications.

Surging interest in pelvic floor therapy reflects growing awareness of conditions like stress incontinence, pelvic pain, and postnatal pelvic dysfunction. Similarly, STIs, contraception, and sexual health are areas of persistent search interest, which underscores the need for open, confidential, and accurate care.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women worldwide yet, often receives insufficient attention. Women with PCOS face a 2–3x higher risk of hypertension and metabolic syndrome, while anaemia increases risks of heart failure and chronic fatigue.

Women’s health concerns manifest in many ways, often dismissed as “normal.” Recognising symptoms early helps prevent complications.

• Persistent menstrual pain or heavy bleeding: Pain that disrupts daily activities or prolonged heavy bleeding may indicate endometriosis, fibroids, or hormonal imbalance.

• Fatigue, shortness of breath, or frequent infections: These are classic signs of iron-deficiency anaemia.

• Mood swings, anxiety, or depression: Hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles, postpartum, or menopause can trigger emotional distress.

• Chronic pelvic or abdominal pain: Beyond menstruation, persistent pain may point to cysts, fibroids, or gastrointestinal overlap conditions.

• Painful intercourse: This could be linked to pelvic inflammatory disease, vaginal dryness during menopause, or endometriosis.

• Unexplained weight changes and excessive hair growth: These are signs of PCOS and metabolic disorders.

• Hot flashes, night sweats, or sleep disruption: Common in perimenopause, but they can also be aggravated by thyroid dysfunction.

FAQ- What symptoms should women never ignore?

Severe period pain, chronic fatigue, mood swings, or unexplained weight changes.

Neglecting women’s health issues can create long-term damage, both physical and emotional:

• Chronic pain and disability: Endometriosis or untreated fibroids can severely impact quality of life.

• Fertility complications: PCOS, pelvic infections, or untreated reproductive issues can impair conception.

• Cancer progression: Delayed breast, cervical, or ovarian cancer screening reduces survival rates.

• Mental health crises: Postpartum depression, unmanaged anxiety, or chronic stress can spiral into long-term illness.

• Metabolic and cardiovascular disease: Untreated PCOS, obesity, or gestational diabetes can increase lifetime risks of diabetes and heart disease.

Timely recognition, preventive care, and medical consultation are critical for breaking this chain.

FAQ - What are the biggest risks of neglecting women’s health?

Fertility issues, chronic pain, heart disease, and late cancer detection.

Accurate diagnosis begins with a holistic evaluation that considers both medical tests and lifestyle factors. Doctors typically start with a detailed clinical assessment, which includes reviewing medical history, tracking menstrual patterns, and performing a physical examination. Imaging techniques such as ultrasounds or MRI scans are then used to identify conditions like fibroids, ovarian cysts, or endometriosis. Laboratory investigations often follow, measuring hormone levels, blood sugar, iron status, and, when necessary, tumour markers. In more complex cases, procedures like biopsies or laparoscopic surgery can provide a definitive diagnosis, especially for cancers or endometriosis.

Managing women’s health often requires a combination of conventional medical care and supportive holistic approaches. Doctors may recommend medications such as pain relievers, hormone therapy or birth control pills to regulate cycles, ease cramps, or manage conditions like PCOS and endometriosis. In more severe cases, surgical interventions ranging from minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures to hysterectomy may be necessary for fibroids, endometriosis, or cancer-related concerns.

Alongside these conventional strategies, lifestyle interventions remain an important foundation. Maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, practising restorative sleep, and managing stress through yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises can significantly improve overall well-being.

Nutritional and natural supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, vitamin B complex, and herbal remedies like turmeric, ginger, and ashwagandha, are often used to reduce inflammation, ease menstrual cramps, and support hormonal balance. In addition, cannabinoid-based medications are emerging as promising options for chronic pelvic pain, severe menstrual cramps, endometriosis-related discomfort, dyspareunia and mood imbalances. These plant-based compounds can serve as supportive therapies, complementing conventional treatment approaches.

Equally important is mental health support through counselling, peer groups, or mindfulness practices, which can help women manage the emotional toll of chronic symptoms or life-stage transitions.

FAQ - How can women manage their health better?

Through early diagnosis, preventive care, lifestyle changes, and holistic treatments.

Women’s health is not a single chapter; it is a lifelong story woven through every stage of life. Addressing women’s health requires more than treating individual symptoms. It calls for a holistic approach that combines preventive care, natural supplements, lifestyle changes, and emotional support. Equally important is creating a culture that removes stigma, encourages early diagnosis, and empowers women to make informed choices about their bodies and health.

Read More:

• Common Causes of Insomnia in Pregnancy

• What Causes Migraine in Women?

• The Role of the Endocannabinoid System in Dysmenorrhoea