Certain diseases are likely to affect women more than men due to the difference in morphologies. Men cannot contract polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) because they do not have ovaries. Another reason why women get affected by certain diseases more than men is the presence of estrogen. The hormone powerfully affects the immune system, making them prone to autoimmune diseases.
Which diseases are these that affect women most? Any Womens Care doctor will cite depression, Crohn’s disease, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), heart disease, and cervical cancer as examples. Here are details on each below.
Depression
Women are prone to this condition, thanks to the changes in their hormonal levels. They occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Furthermore, their hormones fluctuate with each menstrual cycle, contributing to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Women with the latter condition tend to experience extreme depression and mood swings.
As if the body changes are not enough, social stressors like divorce and work can trigger the condition. That means they have to find a way of coping with such changes.
Crohn’s Disease
People with this disease gradually lose some blood, which could cause them to be anemic. Women are at a higher risk than men due to menstruation, which also causes blood loss. Another reason they are at risk is the menopause phase which results in the gradual reduction of estrogen levels leading to bone loss. The loss can be worse if they have already lost nutrients.
There are various medications for the disease, such as corticosteroids, immune modifiers, and antibiotics.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Women who get PCOS may not have periods very often or have periods that last for days. That is because it causes the development of cysts along the outer edge of the ovary. If not managed on time, you may get complications such as sleep apnea, depression, infertility, premature birth, or prediabetes.
Doctors usually prescribe metformin and contraceptive pills to treat the symptoms. If they do not work, they may do a surgical procedure called laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD).
Heart Disease
Women have smaller arteries than men, which puts them at risk of developing coronary artery disease. That is because fats would quickly clog them in no time. Heart disease affects women differently than men. The former will experience vague symptoms like fatigue, while the latter will experience chest pains. That means women could assume they are tired, and their condition would worsen.
However, if you are constantly tired, you should see a doctor to avoid succumbing to it. Your doctor will prescribe medications or do a coronary bypass surgery, where necessary.
Cervical Cancer
In its late stages, it causes symptoms such as watery, bloody vaginal discharges, vaginal bleeding during intercourse, and pelvic pain. There are two types of cervical cancers, and that helps doctors apply the necessary treatment. They include squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.
Surgeons may remove cancer tissues surgically or administer pills that shrink or kill the cancer.
We have seen that certain factors already predispose women to these diseases. However, most of these diseases can be managed by making lifestyle changes. If you are a smoker, you may want to quit since you will likely get cervical cancer. Quitting by yourself can be difficult, which is why you should consult your doctor.
Lastly, you should exercise regularly. Some people claim they do not do so due to hectic work schedules. Before going to work, you can jog for 30 minutes and leave for work. That means you would have to get up earlier.
