With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s a good time to look at other important women’s health issues. Women have many unique health care considerations, and the physicians of Privia Medical Group North Texas (PMGNTX) are here to address all aspects of women’s health care, regardless of age.
“As women, we often fulfill the role of caretaker in our families, whether that’s caring for children, aging parents or our spouses – all the while, balancing the demands of our careers,” says Dr. Michelle Torres, a Fort Worth family practice physician. “Women take on a lot of responsibility, for our jobs, our families and our communities – we have to remember to take care of ourselves at the same time, prioritizing our own health care needs.”
Here’s a look at three of the major health concerns women may face and steps they can take to protect their health. Please also see our companion article this month that focuses on breast cancer. (link)
Women’s Heart Health
Heart disease is the leading cause of death of women in the United States. One out of five female deaths in this country in 2023 was attributable to heart disease, and 44% of all American women are living with some form of heart disease today.
A leading contributor to heart disease among women is high blood pressure (hypertension). About 46% of American women have high blood pressure and fewer than one in four have their blood pressure under control. Black women have a significantly higher risk for high blood pressure compared to white women.
“Regular blood pressure screenings as part of an annual well-woman exam are very important,” explains Dr. Torres. “If your blood pressure is consistently elevated, there are steps we can take to get it under control, including medication, dietary changes, increased physical activity and weight loss.”
High blood pressure can impact women of any age. Expecting mothers must pay special attention to their blood pressure, as one out of eight women experience high blood pressure during pregnancy. Hypertension during pregnancy increases the risk of developing heart disease later in life.
Healthy Living for a Healthy Heart
Making good lifestyle choices and health decisions reduces risk of high blood pressure and overall risk of heart disease. Some of the most important include:
Healthy diet: A balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables and fiber is good for your heart. Choosing lean proteins, such as fish and chicken, is better than diets high in red meat. Limiting sugar intake also helps.
Physical activity: Adults should get 150 minutes a week of moderate physical activity, such as going for a brisk walk or light jog. Make time five days a week to get in 30 minutes of exercise and you’ll give your heart a healthy, beneficial workout.
Limit alcohol: For those who drink alcohol, health guidelines say women should have no more than one alcoholic beverage per day. Excess alcohol consumption leads to many negative health effects, including high blood pressure, weight gain and heart disease. It can also increase risk for several types of cancer.
Don’t smoke: Smoking is a leading cause of heart disease and cancer. If you smoke, see your physician about making a plan to quit.
Sleep: Getting enough sleep is one of the best things we can do for our hearts and our overall health. Sleep allows the body to repair itself – our heart rate slows down when we are sleeping, giving it some well-deserved rest. Adults need between 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
HPV & Cervical Cancer
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that may be present in both men and women and is transmitted through sex. Usually, HPV will prove to be harmless. However, the disease can lead to several types of cancer in both men and women and is by far the most common cause of cervical cancer.
The HPV vaccine is an effective way to greatly reduce the risk of getting HPV, thereby reducing the risk of cervical and other types of cancer. It is recommended that children get the HPV vaccine at age 11-12. However, the HPV vaccine can be administered up to age 45 if you didn’t receive it as a child.
Screening for Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is detected through a Pap test. The Pap test, sometimes called a Pap smear, identifies cellular changes that could indicate cancer or a risk of developing cancer in the cervix. By spotting changes early enough, cancer can be successfully treated – or even prevented altogether.
The current screening guidelines, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), are:
- Women ages 21-29 should have a Pap test every three years
- Women ages 30-65 should have a Pap test and HPV test every five years
- After age 65, many women no longer need to screen for cervical cancer, but your provider will give you specific guidance based on your medical history
These are general guidelines and your physician may provide screening guidance specific to you based on your medical history and other factors.
The Pap test involves taking a sample of cells from the cervix, following a visual examination of the pelvic area by the physician. The entire exam only takes a few minutes. If an HPV test is necessary, it can be conducted at the same time, utilizing the same sample of cells collected for the Pap test.
All women should still see their ob-gyn once a year for a well-woman exam and annual checkup. In addition to periodic cervical cancer screenings, your doctor will give you a comprehensive exam to check for any other health concerns.
Osteoporosis
A disease caused by excessive bone loss, osteoporosis affects more than 54 million older Americans. It is more common in women than men.
Osteoporosis is sometimes called a “silent disease,” because it produces no noticeable symptoms. Many times, the first indication of osteoporosis is an unexpected bone fracture because of a bump, minor fall or similar event that would not ordinarily cause a bone to break. Because osteoporosis makes the bones weak, fractures can result much more easily. A hip fracture is one of the most serious injuries that can result from osteoporosis. The disease can also cause vertebrae to collapse, causing back pain and a stooping posture.
Osteoporosis Risk Factors
The biggest risk factors for osteoporosis are age and gender. As we get older and our bone density naturally decreases, our risk for the disease is higher. Decreased estrogen levels following menopause elevate the risk of the disease in women. Other risk factors that we cannot control include:
- Race: Caucasians and Asians are at greater risk.
- Family history: Osteoporosis can be hereditary.
- Body frame: People with smaller, thinner body frames are at increased risk for the disease.
Risk factors that can be controlled or mitigated include:
- Hormone levels: The loss of estrogen can contribute to the onset of osteoporosis. A physician may recommend hormone replacement therapy to reduce risk of osteoporosis, as well as to provide other health benefits.
- Thyroid issues: An overactive thyroid can contribute to osteoporosis. Diagnosis and treatment of this condition can help reduce risk.
- Diet: Protein and calcium are essential for bone strength. Getting adequate amounts of both helps reduce risk for osteoporosis. Most people get plenty of protein in their diets, although vegetarians and vegans need to be intentional about making sure they do. Many Americans, however, do not get enough calcium, especially as they get older.
- Lack of exercise: An inadequate amount of exercise increases risk of osteoporosis. Weight-bearing exercises, such as resistance training, lifting weights and walking help to build and maintain bone mass.
- Too much alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to bone loss.
- Smoking: Tobacco use contributes to bone loss, which is one more reason to stop smoking.
- Eating disorders: Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, can contribute to osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis Treatment
“For a patient with osteoporosis, we want to make sure she is getting plenty of calcium in her diet, as well as Vitamin D,” explains Dr. Camille Folkard, a Dallas internal medicine physician and endocrinologist. “Calcium helps make the bones stronger and Vitamin D helps the body better absorb calcium. As we get older, as our bodies have a harder time absorbing calcium.”
Calcium is found in dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt. It is also contained in dark leafy greens, such as broccoli and spinach. Salmon and sardines provide calcium, as do almonds and tofu. In addition, some foods contain added calcium, such as orange juice and certain breakfast cereals. Another option is a calcium supplement, but it is best to ask your physician before beginning any supplement regimen.
Vitamin D is produced through exposure to sunlight and is naturally present in some foods, such as fatty fish like tuna and salmon. Vitamin D is also added to milk and some types of orange juice and breakfast cereal. Your physician may check your Vitamin D level to help determine if a supplement is needed.
Medication is often part of a treatment plan for osteoporosis, helping to halt the progression of bone loss. For women, hormone therapy to replace estrogen following menopause is a common treatment.
Benefits of Exercise
Exercise provides numerous health benefits, including stronger bones. “We want patients with osteoporosis to get plenty of exercise, but we also want to be careful they don’t do anything that increases their risk of a bone fracture,” says Dr. Folkard. “That’s why it’s important that you talk with your physician about what types of exercise would be safest and most helpful.” Strength training with light weights and low-impact resistance training can help to gradually build strength and bone mass. In fact, any weight-bearing exercise – including walking – helps bone strength, especially in the back and hips.
Additionally, exercises such as yoga and tai-chi help to improve balance and flexibility, which in turn help reduce the risk of falling. Avoiding falls is very important for anyone with osteoporosis, given the heightened risk of a bone fracture. Your doctor can provide guidance on ways to make your home safer to reduce the risk of tripping and falling.
Make Your Health a Priority
Women have unique health needs – that’s why it’s so important that every woman have a relationship with a physician they trust to discuss their health and get the care they need. By keeping up with annual well-woman visits for regular screenings and preventative care, you can have your questions answered and have peace of mind knowing you and your doctor are doing everything possible to keep you healthy and get ahead of any concerns.
This article has been reviewed and approved by a panel of Privia Medical Group North Texas physicians.
This article contains information sourced from:
U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
