Understanding Unique Aspects of Women's Health

As we continue to observe Women’s Health Week, it’s essential to reflect on the unique aspects of women’s health and how these differences shape our experiences, perceptions, and needs. Women and men are biologically distinct, and these differences extend beyond the obvious physical traits to deeply influence how we experience health and well-being.

Mental Health: The Impact of Hormonal Fluctuations

Women are three times more likely than men to experience mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. This heightened vulnerability is largely due to hormonal fluctuations that occur throughout a woman’s life—during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. These hormonal changes significantly affect mood and mental health, and the way women’s brains process stress makes them more susceptible to these conditions.

Migraines: More Than Just a Headache

Migraines are another area where gender differences are stark. Women are three times more likely to suffer from migraines than men, and these migraines tend to be more severe and disabling. Hormonal changes, particularly those related to the menstrual cycle and menopause, are common triggers. This difference in prevalence and severity underscores the need for gender-specific approaches to treatment and management.

Cardiovascular Disease: A Hidden Threat

Cardiovascular disease is often perceived as a male-dominated issue, but the reality is more complex. While cardiovascular disease is one-third less common in women compared to men, women are 50% more likely to be misdiagnosed following a heart attack. This is because women often experience different, less recognisable symptoms, such as nausea, shortness of breath, or back pain, rather than the classic chest pain typical in men. These differences in symptoms can lead to delayed or incorrect diagnoses, putting women at increased risk.

Sexually Transmitted Infections: A Silent Risk

Women are also more susceptible to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia and gonorrhoea, which can lead to serious complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility if left untreated. The female anatomy increases this risk, and the fact that STIs can often be asymptomatic in women means they frequently go undiagnosed, leading to more severe health outcomes.

Autoimmune Disorders: A Gendered Burden

Autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, disproportionately affect women, accounting for 80% of all autoimmune diagnoses. These disorders occur when the immune system, which normally protects the body, turns against it. Oestrogen, a hormone more prevalent in women, is believed to influence this heightened immune response, making women more susceptible to these chronic, often disabling conditions.

Embracing the Differences

These biological and physiological differences significantly shape how women experience health. Women dealing with chronic conditions like migraines or autoimmune diseases often face higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, the increased likelihood of misdiagnosis, particularly in cases of heart disease, can lead to frustration and mistrust within the healthcare system.

However, these differences are not just challenges; they also highlight the incredible resilience and strength that women exhibit every day. By understanding these unique aspects of women’s health, we can better advocate for healthcare tailored to meet women’s specific needs.

As we celebrate Women’s Health Week, let’s acknowledge these points of difference not just as challenges but as opportunities to empower women to take control of their health. By understanding how our bodies and minds function, we can seek out the care that we need and deserve.

Celebrate Women’s Health Week by starting your journey to better health. Book an appointment with an Evoca GP near you today.