With rapid economic development and comprehensive social progress, people's lifestyles have undergone tremendous changes, and the health issues facing women have become increasingly complex and diverse. The accelerated pace of work and increased competitive pressures have placed women under prolonged stress, making them susceptible to various physical and mental illnesses. Furthermore, environmental pollution and food safety issues pose potential threats to women's health. Against this backdrop, the importance of women's health management has become increasingly prominent, becoming a key component in safeguarding women's health and improving their quality of life.
Common Female Physiological Health Issues
- Gynecological Diseases
Gynecological diseases are common health issues plaguing women, with vaginitis being a particularly common one. Vaginitis encompasses various types, each with varying symptoms. Bacterial vaginitis often causes thin, grayish-white vaginal discharge with a fishy odor; candidal vaginitis causes discharge resembling tofu dregs and accompanied by severe vulvar itching; and trichomoniasis causes yellow-green, frothy vaginal discharge, which may be accompanied by vulvar burning and painful intercourse. Vaginitis has a variety of causes, primarily including poor personal hygiene, such as not changing underwear frequently and excessive vaginal cleansing, which disrupt the balance of vaginal flora; unhygienic sex, multiple sexual partners, or lack of proper hygiene before and after sex, which increases the risk of infection with bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens; and long-term antibiotic use, which disrupts the normal vaginal microbial environment, leading to a decrease in beneficial bacteria and an increase in the growth of harmful bacteria. If vaginitis is not treated promptly and effectively, the inflammation can spread to more serious gynecological conditions such as cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease, affecting the normal function of the reproductive system and even leading to infertility. Furthermore, vaginitis can cause physical discomfort and psychological distress, reducing patients' quality of life.
Cervicitis is also a common gynecological inflammatory disease. Its main symptoms are increased, thick, and sometimes blood-tinged vaginal discharge. Patients may experience lumbar pain, which can be exacerbated during sex or menstruation. The main causes of cervicitis include premature sexual intercourse and multiple sexual partners, which make the cervix more susceptible to pathogens; repeated uterine procedures such as induced abortions and curettage, which damage the cervix and create conditions for bacterial infection; and cervical tears during childbirth, which, if the wounds do not heal properly, can easily lead to inflammation. If cervicitis persists, the repeated irritation of the cervical tissue increases the risk of cervical cancer. According to statistics, women with a history of cervicitis have a several times higher risk of cervical cancer than women without cervicitis. Therefore, early diagnosis and proactive treatment are crucial for cervicitis.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is also not to be underestimated. It refers to inflammation of organs within the female pelvis, such as the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. The symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) vary widely. Patients may experience lower abdominal pain, the intensity of which can range from dull to intense, often accompanied by a feeling of heaviness. Fever is also common, reaching 38°C or higher. Leucorrhea may increase in volume, become yellowish, thick, and have an odor. Menstrual irregularities may occur, including heavy, prolonged, or irregular periods. PID is associated with a variety of factors. Poor menstrual hygiene, such as using unclean sanitary napkins and engaging in sexual intercourse during menstruation, can lead to bacterial growth and inflammation. Inflammation of adjacent organs, such as appendicitis and peritonitis, can spread directly to the pelvic cavity. Furthermore, postpartum or miscarriage weakens the body's immune system, making it more susceptible to infection and PID if proper care is not taken. If PID is not treated thoroughly, it can easily become chronic and recur, severely impacting a woman's physical and mental health. It can also cause adhesions and blockage in the fallopian tubes, leading to infertility.
- Breast Diseases
Fibrocystic breast disease is a common breast disease in women, particularly those of childbearing age. According to relevant statistics, the incidence of fibrocystic breast disease in women of childbearing age is as high as 40%. Its primary symptom is breast tenderness, which is often cyclical, worsening before menstruation and easing afterward. Some patients may also experience a palpable breast lump, which is generally soft, has unclear boundaries, and can change in size with the menstrual cycle. The cause of fibrocystic breast disease is closely related to endocrine disorders. Imbalances in estrogen and progesterone levels in women lead to excessive growth of breast tissue, which in turn triggers the disease. Long-term stress and mood swings can also affect the endocrine system, increasing the risk of fibrocystic breast disease. Furthermore, an unhealthy diet, such as excessive intake of high-fat and high-calorie foods, and long-term use of health supplements containing estrogen, can negatively impact breast health. Although breast hyperplasia is mostly benign, if left untreated and allowed to develop over time, a small number of patients may develop cancer.
Breast cancer is a serious malignant tumor that threatens women's health and life, and its incidence has been increasing year by year in recent years. According to the latest 2020 global cancer burden data released by the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), breast cancer has surpassed lung cancer to become the world's leading cancer and the leading cancer incidence among women. Early symptoms of breast cancer are often subtle. Some patients may accidentally discover a breast lump. The lump is firm, has irregular borders, and is poorly movable. Most are painless, but a few may experience dull pain or tingling. As the disease progresses, symptoms include nipple discharge (e.g., milk, blood, or serous fluid) from the nipple during pregnancy; breast skin changes, such as the "dimple sign" or "orange peel" appearance; nipple and areola abnormalities, such as nipple retraction, elevation, or eczema-like changes; and enlarged axillary lymph nodes. The risk factors for breast cancer are complex, with genetics playing a significant role. Approximately 5%-10% of breast cancer patients have a family history of the disease. Women with mutations in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 have a significantly increased risk of breast cancer. Reproductive factors such as early menarche (before age 12), late menopause (over age 55), being unmarried, childless, not breastfeeding, and having children later in life can expose women's breast tissue to prolonged estrogen stimulation, increasing the risk of breast cancer. Negative emotions such as prolonged stress and excessive anxiety can lead to endocrine disruption, impairing the normal metabolism and repair of breast tissue, and thus predisposing to breast cancer. Furthermore, long-term exposure to chemical carcinogens and ionizing radiation, as well as unhealthy lifestyles such as obesity and chronic excessive alcohol consumption, are also closely linked to the development of breast cancer. Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment are key to improving the cure rate and survival rate of breast cancer. Regular breast examinations, such as breast ultrasound and mammography, are crucial for early screening of breast cancer.
- Menstrual and Reproductive Issues
Irregular menstruation is a common menstrual problem in women, with diverse symptoms. These include heavy or light menstrual flow (heavy menstrual flow typically refers to more than 80ml, while light menstrual flow refers to less than 20ml); irregular menstrual cycles (menstrual periods occurring more than seven days early or late, or even absent for several months); and prolonged menstruation (menstrual periods lasting longer than seven days). The causes of irregular menstruation are complex. Irregular lifestyles, prolonged sleeplessness, and insomnia can disrupt the normal functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, leading to endocrine disorders and, consequently, menstrual irregularities. Excessive dieting or chronic malnutrition can deprive the body of essential nutrients, impairing estrogen production, resulting in decreased menstrual flow or even amenorrhea. Chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and other negative emotions can affect the neuroendocrine system, leading to menstrual irregularities. Furthermore, gynecological conditions such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome can also cause irregular menstruation. Irregular menstruation not only causes inconvenience in women's daily lives but can also affect reproductive function and lead to infertility.
Infertility is a reproductive health issue that plagues many women. The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 10%-15% of couples worldwide experience fertility difficulties, with female factors accounting for approximately 40% of infertility. The causes of female infertility vary widely, with fallopian tube factors being a major factor. Fallopian tube blockage, adhesions, and fluid accumulation can hinder the union of the egg and sperm and the transport of the fertilized egg, leading to infertility. Ovulatory disorders are also common. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, premature ovarian failure, and hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction can impair normal ovulatory function, resulting in anovulation or abnormal ovulation. Uterine factors, such as uterine malformations, endometritis, and uterine fibroids, can impair the implantation and development of a fertilized egg, increasing the risk of infertility. Furthermore, immune factors, such as the production of anti-sperm and anti-endometrial antibodies in women, can affect sperm-egg fusion and implantation. Age also plays a role. With aging, women's ovarian function gradually declines, egg quality deteriorates, and the chance of pregnancy decreases. Infertility not only places significant strain on women's physical and mental health but can also impact family harmony and stability.
- Mental Health Issues
Women face numerous challenges in terms of mental health, with anxiety and depression being the most common. Anxiety disorders are more common in women; according to relevant research, the prevalence of anxiety disorders in women is approximately twice that of men. Anxiety sufferers often experience excessive tension, anxiety, and fear, worrying excessively about future events, often without a clear focus or context. Physically, anxiety sufferers experience symptoms such as palpitations, hand tremors, sweating, and frequent urination. These symptoms can also include motor restlessness, such as fidgeting and pacing. Sleep can also be severely impacted, leading to difficulty falling asleep, frequent dreams, and frequent awakenings. The causes of anxiety disorders are complex, with genetic factors playing a role. Women with a family history of anxiety disorders are at a higher risk. Neurochemical factors are also closely linked to the development of anxiety disorders. Imbalances in brain neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine can impair mood regulation and lead to anxiety. Psychosocial factors are also a significant contributor to anxiety disorders. In modern society, women face multiple pressures from work, family, and society. They often work in high-intensity environments, facing the dual pressures of career competition and work demands. At home, they shoulder responsibilities such as caring for family members and managing household chores. Disharmony in family relationships, such as marital conflict or strained relationships between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, can further increase the psychological burden. Furthermore, experiencing major life events, such as the death of a loved one, unemployment, and divorce, can also easily trigger anxiety disorders.
Depression is also more common among women. Epidemiological studies show that women are approximately 1.5 to 2 times more likely to suffer from depression than men. Depression is characterized by low mood, loss of interest in things that once piqued their interest, feelings of sadness, despair, and helplessness, along with frequent self-blame and a sense of worthlessness. Cognitively, symptoms include difficulty concentrating, memory loss, slowed thinking, and difficulty making decisions. Physically, patients with depression may experience appetite loss or gain, weight change, sleep disturbances such as insomnia or hypersomnia, fatigue, weakness, and body aches. The onset of depression is linked to multiple factors, with genetics playing a significant role, contributing approximately 40% to 50% to the incidence of depression. Neurobiological factors, such as neurotransmitter imbalances and neuroendocrine disorders, can impair normal mood regulation. Psychosocial factors also play a key role. Chronic psychological trauma, such as childhood abuse and neglect, as well as interpersonal difficulties and financial hardship in adulthood, can increase the risk of depression. Furthermore, hormonal fluctuations, such as those during pregnancy, postpartum care, and menopause, can also contribute to depression in women. Mental health issues such as anxiety and depression not only severely impact women's quality of life, reduce work efficiency, and disrupt interpersonal relationships, but can also lead to serious consequences such as suicide, posing a threat to women's safety.
- Other Physiological Issues
With aging, especially after menopause, women's estrogen levels drop dramatically, accelerating bone loss and reducing bone density, leading to osteoporosis. The prevalence of osteoporosis in women is significantly higher than in men. According to statistics, the prevalence of osteoporosis in women over 50 is approximately 32.1%, and in women over 70, it reaches as high as 59.6%. Osteoporosis patients often have no obvious symptoms. As the disease progresses, they may experience lower back pain that radiates along the spine. The pain is relieved when lying supine or sitting, but is exacerbated by standing upright, extending backward, or standing or sitting for extended periods. The pain is mild during the day but worsens at night and upon awakening in the early morning. It is also exacerbated by bending over, muscle exercise, coughing, and straining during bowel movements. Symptoms of spinal deformity, such as decreased height and hunchback, may also occur. In severe cases, fractures may occur. Even minor external forces, such as coughing, sneezing, or bending over to pick up something, can cause fractures. Common fracture sites include the vertebrae, hips, and wrists. Fractures not only cause physical pain but also severely impact quality of life, increasing disability and mortality.
The incidence of cardiovascular disease in women should not be underestimated. Although traditionally considered a male-specific disease, recent studies have shown an increasing incidence among women. The incidence of cardiovascular disease in women is linked to a variety of factors. Estrogen has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system. After menopause, estrogen levels decrease in women, weakening this protective effect and increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Unhealthy lifestyles, such as long-term smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, and a high-fat, high-salt diet, can lead to dyslipidemia, elevated blood pressure, and blood sugar, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, chronic conditions such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, as well as chronic stress and mood swings, are also significant risk factors for cardiovascular disease in women. The symptoms of cardiovascular disease are diverse, the most common ones include chest pain, chest tightness, palpitations, difficulty breathing, dizziness, fatigue, etc. Severe cases can lead to serious consequences such as myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke, etc., which are life-threatening.