It is a brief introduction about the various diseases of women during their life time along with the role of environment in aggravating the problem.

1. Women’s health &
issues
BY: SAFIA TAHIR

2. WOMEN’S HEALTH
 Women's health refers to the health of women, which differs from that of men in many
unique ways.
 Women's health is an example of population health, where health is defined by the
World Health Organization as "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-
being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity".
 The total population of Pakistan is 208 million of which 49 percent are women; an
estimated 29 per cent of total population in the age group 15-29 years.

3. Women life stages & health
Teenage:
The teen years or adolescence age (8 – 19 years) includes
 hair specific problems,
 irregular periods,
 polycystic ovary,
 sexual health issues,
 nutritional health problems

4. Women life stages & health
Reproductive Age:
During the reproductive years (20 – 30 years), a woman has
to go through
 Pregnancy and all its complications.
 Programs of contraception’s and its failure,
 Abnormal uterine bleeding and
 Sexually transmitted diseases

5. Women life stages & health
Menopause & middle age:
In midlife (40 or 50 years) as mature adults,
 maintaining cardiovascular heath with aerobic
activity,
 maintaining flexibility and posture are important
exercise related goals for health at this stage

6. Health issues specific to women’s health
1. Heart disease
 In the United States, heart disease causes one in every four deaths among women.
 Although the public considers heart disease a common issue among men, the
condition affects males and females nearly equally.
 In the United States, 49 percent of all consumers suffer from high blood pressure,
high cholesterol, or smoke; factors that contribute to heart disease.

7. Health issues specific to women’s health
2. Pregnancy Issues
 Pre-existing conditions can worsen during pregnancy, threatening the health
of a mother and her child.
 Asthma, diabetes, and depression can harm the mother and child during
pregnancy if not managed properly.
 Pregnancy can cause a healthy mother’s red blood cell count to drop, a
condition called anemia, or induce depression

8. Health issues specific to women’s health
3. Breast cancer
 Breast cancer, which typically originates in the lining of the milk ducts, can spread
to other organs.
 It is the most aggressive cancer affecting the global female population.
 Initially, women afflicted with breast cancer may develop breast lumps.

9. Health issues specific to women’s health
4. Ovarian & cervical cancer
 Cervical cancer originates in the lower uterus, while ovarian cancer starts in the
fallopian tubes.
 While both conditions cause similar pain, cervical cancer also causes discharge and
pain during intercourse.
 While ovarian cancer presents extremely vague symptoms, the condition is very
complex.

10. Health issues specific to women’s health
5. Gynecological Health
 Bleeding and discharge are a normal part of the menstrual cycle.
 However, added symptoms during menstruation may indicate health issues, and
unusual symptoms, such as bleeding between menstruations and frequent urinating,
can mimic other health conditions.
 Vaginal issues could also indicate serious problems such as sexually transmitted
diseases (STDs) or reproductive tract cancer.

11. Health issues specific to women’s health
6. Depression and Anxiety
 Natural hormonal fluctuations can lead to depression or anxiety.
 Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) occurs commonly among women, while
premenstrual dysmorphic disorder (PMDD) presents similar, but greatly
intensified, symptoms.
 Shortly after birth, many mothers acquire a form of depression called the
“baby blues,” but perinatal depression causes similar – but much stronger –
concerns, emotional shifts, sadness, and tiredness.
 Perimenopause, the shift into menopause, can also cause depression.

12. Disease more common in women
 Gall stones
 Migraine headaches
 Urinary tract infection
 Hypertension
 Autoimmune diseases
 Osteoporosis
 Irritable bowel syndrome

13. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AFFECTING WOMEN HEALTH
Air pollution is a growing threat to female fertility. Persistent organic pollutants which
include pesticides & dioxins are harmful for women. Exposure to POP can lead to breast cancer
& ovarian diseases and can affect liver
Exposure at Home: Women can expose to variety of toxic substances used in cleaning
& laundry products, pesticides, foods & solvents.
Exposure at Work: Women are more likely to develop occupational disease. Women are
exposed to different occupational hazards (e.g., when working in hair or nail salon)
Cosmetics: Women are more likely to use cosmetic products such as hair dye, makeup,
perfumes & skin products, many of which contain potentially harmful chemicals.
Physiological Differences: women have a higher percentage of body fat as compared
to men, they store more fat-soluble toxins.
Socio Economic Differences: A Women living in poverty is more likely to live in
houses that expose her to environmental toxins, such as asbestos, lead based paint & mould.
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14. Ways for improving women health
 Stop smoking
 Stay on top of your annual wellness checks
 Don’t skimp on sleep
 Avoid the sun during the 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
 See your doctor every year
 Make physical activity an important part of your life
 Make good nutrition a priority
 Protect your bones
 Get the low done
 Zap your stress

15. Thank you!