Women’s health encompasses a broad spectrum of issues, many of which remain under-discussed and underdiagnosed. Recognising and addressing these overlooked women’s health concerns is crucial for effective disease prevention and overall well-being. Embracing the philosophy ‘Knowing Is The New Bold’ empowers women to take proactive steps in understanding their health, with tools like CircleDNA testing offering personalised insights. This article delves into five commonly overlooked health issues and highlights how awareness and genetic screening can lead to early intervention and improved health outcomes.
Read More: 6 Inspirational Stories from This International Women’s Month
1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Overview:
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects approximately 8-13% of women of reproductive age, yet it remains underdiagnosed and often misunderstood. PCOS is characterised by hormonal imbalances that can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, excessive hair growth, acne, and weight gain. Beyond physical symptoms, PCOS is associated with mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety.
Why It’s Overlooked:
The symptoms of PCOS can vary widely, leading to misdiagnosis or dismissal of concerns. Additionally, societal stigma surrounding menstrual irregularities and body image can discourage open discussions, delaying diagnosis and treatment.
The Bold Approach:
Understanding one’s genetic predisposition to PCOS through CircleDNA testing can facilitate early detection and personalised management strategies. By identifying specific risk factors, women can work with healthcare providers to tailor interventions, improving both physical and mental health outcomes.
Read More: A Healthy Eating Guide For Women
2. Cardiovascular Disease in Women
Overview:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is often perceived as a male-dominated issue; however, it is the leading cause of death among women globally. Women may experience different symptoms than men, such as shortness of breath, nausea, and back or jaw pain, leading to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment.
Why It’s Overlooked:
Gender biases in medical research and diagnosis have historically led to underrepresentation of women in CVD studies. This disparity contributes to a lack of awareness about female-specific symptoms and risk factors.
The Bold Approach:
Engaging in health advocacy and utilising genetic screening can uncover individual risk profiles for CVD. CircleDNA testing provides comprehensive reports on genetic predispositions to heart conditions, enabling women to adopt preventive measures and engage in informed discussions with their healthcare providers.
Read More: Women Breaking Barriers: Celebrating 9 Women in STEM
3. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Overview:
Bacterial Vaginosis is a common vaginal infection resulting from an imbalance of natural bacteria. While some women may be asymptomatic, others experience symptoms like unusual discharge, odor, and discomfort. If left untreated, BV can increase susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections and complicate pregnancies.
Why It’s Overlooked:
BV often lacks noticeable symptoms, leading to underdiagnosis. Additionally, misconceptions and stigma surrounding vaginal health can prevent women from seeking timely medical advice.
The Bold Approach:
Promoting health awareness and regular medical check-ups are vital. While BV is not directly linked to genetics, understanding one’s overall health through tools like CircleDNA testing can encourage proactive healthcare practices, leading to early detection and treatment of conditions like BV.
Read More: Women’s Health Across Their Lifespan
4. Period Poverty and Menstrual Health
Overview:
Period poverty refers to the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products, education, and facilities, affecting millions of women worldwide. This issue can lead to physical health problems, such as infections, and has significant social and psychological impacts, including absenteeism from work or school and diminished self-esteem.
Why It’s Overlooked:
Menstrual health is often shrouded in cultural taboos and stigma, leading to inadequate public discourse and policy attention. This silence perpetuates misinformation and neglect of essential women’s health needs.
The Bold Approach:
Advocating for comprehensive menstrual health education and equitable access to hygiene products is crucial. While CircleDNA testing focuses on genetic insights, the platform’s commitment to health advocacy supports broader initiatives addressing systemic issues like period poverty, empowering women to take control of their health.
Read More: Impact of Family Planning on Women’s Health
5. Gender Bias in Medical Diagnosis
Overview:
Gender bias in medical diagnosis refers to the disparities women face in healthcare settings, including misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of conditions like autoimmune diseases, chronic pain disorders, and heart disease. This bias can result from stereotypes, lack of research on women’s health, and dismissal of women’s symptoms.
Why It’s Overlooked:
Systemic biases and historical underrepresentation of women in clinical trials contribute to a gap in medical knowledge and awareness, leading to inadequate care.
The Bold Approach:
Empowering women with knowledge about their health can mitigate the effects of medical bias. CircleDNA testing offers personalised health reports, equipping women with data to advocate for themselves in clinical settings and collaborate effectively with healthcare providers for accurate diagnoses and treatments.
Read More: Tips for Improving Women’s Mental Health
Embracing ‘Knowing Is The New Bold’ with CircleDNA
The mantra ‘Knowing Is The New Bold’ encapsulates the empowerment that comes from understanding one’s health on a deeper level. CircleDNA’s Premium DNA Test provides comprehensive insights into genetic predispositions, carrier status for hereditary conditions, and personalised health reports. By leveraging this information, women can:
- Proactive Disease Prevention: Identify and mitigate risk factors before they manifest into health issues.
- Personalised Health Strategies: Tailor lifestyle choices, nutrition, and fitness plans to align with genetic profiles.
- Informed Health Advocacy: Engage confidently with healthcare providers, armed with personalised data to support clinical decisions.
By embracing genetic screening and health awareness, women can transform potential vulnerabilities into proactive wellness strategies, embodying the essence of boldness in health management.
Read More: Celebrates Female Leaders In The Health Industry
Conclusion
Addressing overlooked women’s health issues requires a multifaceted approach that includes education, advocacy, and personalised healthcare. By recognising these often-neglected conditions and embracing the power of knowledge through tools like CircleDNA testing, women can take charge of their health journeys. Remember, ‘Knowing Is The New Bold’, and with awareness and early intervention, women can navigate their wellness with confidence and resilience.
References
Alzubaidi, H., Hussein, A., & Mc Namara, K. (2019). Diabetes and Ramadan: Practical guidelines. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 153, 306-314. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diabres.2019.04.002
American Diabetes Association. (2023). Management of diabetes during fasting. Retrieved from https://www.diabetes.org
Diabetes UK. (2023). Ramadan and diabetes: Managing your diabetes during fasting. Retrieved from https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/enjoy-food/eating-with-diabetes/fasting-and-diabetes/ramadan
Farooq, A., Herrera, C. P., Almudahka, F., & Mansoor, H. (2021). A prospective study of the physiological effects of Ramadan fasting in healthy individuals. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 75(1), 63–72. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-020-0674-4
Hassanein, M., Al-Arouj, M., Hamdy, O., Bebakar, W. M., Jabbar, A., Al-Madani, A., … & Buyukbese, M. A. (2017). Diabetes and Ramadan: Practical guidelines. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 126, 303-316. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diabres.2017.03.003
Hussain, S., & Hydrie, M. (2020). Ramadan fasting and metabolic markers: A review of recent findings. Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism, 22(2), 201–208. https://doi.org/10.1002/dom.13983
International Diabetes Federation. (2023). Diabetes and Ramadan. Retrieved from https://idf.org/our-activities/education/diabetes-and-ramadan.html
Jackson, G. (2019). Pain and Prejudice: How the Medical System Ignores Women and What We Can Do About It.
Longo, V. D., & Mattson, M. P. (2014). Fasting: Molecular mechanisms and clinical applications. Cell Metabolism, 19(2), 181–192. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2013.12.008
Malik, R. A., & Hanif, W. (2020). Managing diabetes during Ramadan. BMJ, 369, m2125. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.m2125
World Health Organization (WHO). (2023). Diabetes fact sheet. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes
