Women often have specialized health concerns. Childbirth and pregnancy may cause many health issues to arise. The hormonal changes encountered monthly by women also add to the medical conditions they commonly face.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer, as the name implies, begins in the ovaries, the organs that produce the female eggs for fertilization and reproduction. As with most cancer, this form can spread to other parts of the body, which is when ovarian cancer is often detected. The Mayo Clinic, however, states that early symptoms do occur that can lead to early treatment. These types of symptoms may include an ongoing urgent need to urinate, pain or discomfort in the pelvic area, and unusual sensations in the abdomen, including bloating, swelling and pressure. Other symptoms include menstrual changes, pain during sexual intercourse, and appetite loss.
Endometriosis
This disorder, the Mayo Clinic reports, is caused by the tissue of the uterine lining--called the endometrium--growing where it is not supposed to. For example, endometrial tissue may spread to the ovaries or fallopian tubes or pelvic tissues. This causes bleeding in these areas that can lead to organ adhesions, scarring and cysts. This condition can cause difficulties with fertility, pain during periods, excessive menstrual bleeding, and pain in the pelvic area.
Menopause
Menopause is the stage in a woman's life where she no longer has the monthly flow of blood associated with menstrual periods. Menopause is a normal part of women's lives that occurs usually between the adult ages of 40 and 50, the Cleveland Clinic reports. Menopause occurs when estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels change in the body, causing the symptoms of menopause. Symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, irregular menstrual flow and the cessation of menses.
Premenstrual Syndrome
Women often complain they do not feel well in the days before their menstrual periods. Mood swings, headaches, bloating, food cravings, weight gain, acne, and breast swelling and tenderness may occur because of hormonal changes that take place monthly in a woman. These symptoms typically go away after the period begins. If these symptoms begin to interfere with a woman's everyday life, she may have a more serious condition, called premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
