As we celebrate Women’s Health Month this May, it’s the perfect time to have an open conversation about health concerns that uniquely impact women throughout their lives. Let’s break the silence around four critical health issues that deserve our attention: osteoporosis, thyroid health, heart health, and menopause. Understanding these conditions empowers you to take control of your well-being and advocate for the care you deserve.
Osteoporosis: Building Strong Foundations
What’s Really Happening
Picture your bones as a bank account where deposits and withdrawals of bone tissue happen continuously. When you’re young, your body makes more deposits than withdrawals, building peak bone mass by your early 30s. After that, the balance gradually shifts.
For women, this shift accelerates dramatically during menopause when estrogen levels drop. Worldwide, osteoporosis affects approximately one-tenth of women aged 60, one-fifth of women aged 70, two-fifths of women aged 80, and two-thirds of women aged 90. Many women don’t even realize they have osteoporosis until they experience a fracture—hence why it’s often called the “silent disease.”
Why It Matters to You
The statistics speak volumes about why we need to take bone health seriously. Approximately one in two women over age 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis, and a woman’s risk of breaking a hip equals her combined risk of breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer.
But here’s the empowering part—osteoporosis isn’t inevitable. It’s preventable and treatable when addressed early.
Taking Action Now
Here’s what you can do to protect your bones:
- Get moving: Weight-bearing exercises like walking, dancing, or strength training help build and maintain bone density
- Feed your bones: Ensure adequate calcium intake (1,000-1,200mg daily) through foods like dairy, leafy greens, and fortified products
- Vitamin D matters: Aim for 600-800 IU daily through sunlight exposure and supplements if needed
- Schedule a screening: The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends bone density tests for all post-menopausal women
- Talk to your doctor: Discuss your personal risk factors, family history, and whether medications might be right for you
Remember, it’s never too early or too late to prioritize bone health!
Thyroid Health: Your Body’s Hidden Conductor
Understanding the Butterfly Effect
That small butterfly-shaped gland in your neck plays an outsized role in nearly every bodily function. Your thyroid produces hormones that regulate metabolism, energy, temperature, mood, and more.
Thyroid disorders affect women disproportionately. Thyroid diseases predominantly affect women; their incidence is 5-20 times higher in women than men, with prevalence increasing with age. The most common issues include hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), and thyroid nodules.
The Menopause Connection
The relationship between thyroid function and menopause deserves special attention. Menopause and thyroid dysfunction may be accompanied by similar symptoms, including menstrual irregularities, mood disorders, decreased libido, increased sweating, sleep disturbances, and hair loss. This overlap often leads to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment.
Listen to Your Body
Watch for these potential thyroid symptoms:
- Unexplained fatigue or energy changes
- Weight fluctuations despite unchanged diet/exercise
- Feeling unusually cold or hot
- Changes in hair, skin, or nails
- Mood changes, anxiety, or depression
- Sleep disturbances
- Irregular menstrual cycles
Taking Charge of Your Thyroid Health
Consider these steps:
- Regular check-ups: Ask your doctor about including thyroid tests in your annual screenings
- Know your family history: Thyroid conditions often run in families
- Monitor medications: Some medications can affect thyroid function
- Be especially vigilant during life transitions: Pregnancy and perimenopause/menopause can trigger thyroid changes
- Maintain iodine balance: This mineral is essential for thyroid health (iodized salt, seafood, dairy)
When properly diagnosed and treated, most thyroid conditions can be well-managed, allowing you to feel your best.
Heart Health: Not Just a Man’s Concern
Changing the Narrative
For decades, heart disease was considered primarily a men’s health issue. The reality? The CDC reports that Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups, with one person dying every 33 seconds from cardiovascular disease.
Perhaps more concerning is that women’s awareness of this risk has actually declined in recent years. Awareness of heart disease as the leading cause of death among women decreased from 65% in 2009 to just 44% in 2019.
Unique Aspects for Women
Women’s heart health deserves specialized attention because:
- Women often experience different heart attack symptoms than men
- Hormonal changes during menopause increase cardiovascular risk
- Pregnancy complications like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes elevate future heart disease risk
- Certain risk factors impact women more severely than men
Recent Findings to Know
Research continues to reveal important insights about women’s heart health. New research indicates that certain cardiovascular risk factors could significantly impact females more than males, with women in poor cardiovascular health facing nearly five times the risk of heart disease compared to those with ideal health.
Heart-Healthy Habits for Women
Take these steps to protect your heart:
- Know your numbers: Blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and BMI
- Move regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly
- Eat heart-healthy foods: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats
- Limit stress: Practice stress management techniques like meditation or deep breathing
- Prioritize sleep: Aim for 7-8 quality hours nightly
- Quit smoking: If you smoke, quitting is the single best thing you can do for your heart
- Learn the symptoms: Know that women’s heart attack symptoms can include unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, back or jaw pain
Remember that small, consistent changes can make a big difference in heart health over time.
Menopause: A Natural Transition, Not a Disorder
Embracing a New Chapter
Menopause is a natural biological process, not a medical condition that needs “fixing.” Menopause is one point in a continuum of life stages for women and marks the end of their reproductive years, typically occurring between ages 45 and 55 as a natural part of biological aging, according to the World Health Organization.
While this transition represents a normal phase of life, the symptoms can significantly impact quality of life for many women. Research indicates that most menopause-related symptoms affect 50% of middle-aged women globally.
Beyond Hot Flashes
The conversation around menopause often focuses solely on hot flashes, but the experience encompasses much more. Common symptoms include:
- Vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats)
- Sleep disturbances
- Mood changes
- Cognitive effects (“brain fog”)
- Changes in sexual function and vaginal health
- Joint and muscle discomfort
- Changes in bone and cardiovascular health
Treatment Options and Controversies
Despite effective treatments being available, many women continue to suffer unnecessarily. Although research has shown benefits of hormone therapy for women in menopause, its use has plummeted from almost 27% of menopausal women in 1999 to less than 5% by 2020.
This decline largely stems from misunderstandings about risks following earlier studies. Current research indicates that for many women, the benefits of hormone therapy outweigh the risks when started within 10 years of menopause.
Finding Your Path Through Menopause
Consider these approaches:
- Start the conversation early: Begin discussing perimenopause with your healthcare provider in your 40s
- Track your symptoms: Use a journal or app to document changes
- Explore treatment options: These might include lifestyle modifications, hormone therapy, non-hormonal medications, or complementary approaches
- Prioritize self-care: Good nutrition, regular exercise, stress management, and sleep hygiene can help manage symptoms
- Connect with others: Sharing experiences with women going through similar changes can provide validation and support
- Advocate for yourself: If you feel dismissed, seek second opinions until you find a provider who takes your concerns seriously
Remember that each woman’s menopause experience is unique—what works for one may not work for another.
Your Health, Your Journey
These four health concerns—osteoporosis, thyroid health, heart health, and menopause—are interconnected parts of women’s health that deserve attention, understanding, and proactive care.
The good news is that knowledge truly is power. By understanding your body’s changes throughout life, recognizing symptoms that warrant attention, and advocating for appropriate screenings and treatments, you can navigate these health challenges with confidence.
This Women’s Health Month, I encourage you to:
- Schedule your preventive care appointments
- Have open conversations with your healthcare providers
- Listen to your body’s signals
- Connect with other women to share experiences and support
- Prioritize self-care as an essential part of your health journey
Remember, taking care of your health isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. When you prioritize your wellbeing, you’re better equipped to care for others and live your fullest life.
What steps will you take this month to invest in your health?
