As you cross your 40s, your risk of developing cardiovascular issues, breast cancer, hypertension, and diabetes starts to increase. At this age, you must be busy balancing your professional and personal life while handling your kids. However, it’s important, more now than ever, to watch out for unusual symptoms and visit the women’s health clinic in Navi Mumbai for a thorough evaluation.
Here’s what you might experience in your 40s.
Common Issues in Women in their 40s
a) Menopause
Menopause brings a drastic shift in a woman’s hormonal balance. And this shift doesn’t just affect your reproductive health, but other aspects of your physical well-being too. For example, a sudden drop in estrogen levels can weaken your bones and increase your risk of developing osteoporosis.
Other symptoms of menopause include frequent UTIs, hot flashes, insomnia, depression, anxiety, low libido, hypertension, irregular periods, and heavy bleeding.
b) Fibroids
Fibroids are a non-cancerous growth in your uterus. They occur during a woman’s childbearing age but tend to grow quickly as you approach menopause. Smaller fibroids can go unnoticed as they don’t cause symptoms, but larger ones can lead to heavy bleeding, abdominal pain, bleeding between periods, and back pain. It’s a good idea to see a gynecologist and Obstetrician in Navi Mumbai if you notice painful periods with other mentioned symptoms.
c) Breast and Ovarian Cancer
With age, your risk of developing breasts and ovarian cancer increases. Environmental and genetic factors, plus your lifestyle, also play a part, but age is the biggest contributor to increased risk of cancer. Self-examination can help with early detection of breast cancer. Check your breasts for lumps, changed size and structure, and unusual discharge from the nipple.
Unlike breast cancer, there are no screening tests or obvious signs of ovarian cancer. It’s often detected at an advanced stage. To rule out the possibility of ovarian cancer, see a gynecologist if you notice abdominal swelling, loss of appetite, nausea, and unexplained weight loss.
d) Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
With aging, the vaginal pH level changes, and there’s significant thinning of the vaginal wall. This increases your risk of getting UTIs frequently. Antibiotics are the best treatment for UTIs. You can also take preventive measures, like increasing your fluid intake, urinating before and after sex, and making some diet adjustments to keep your vagina clean and healthy.
Gynecological Screenings and Tests
When you reach your 40s, it’s important to schedule a regular visit to a gynecologist for regular checkups and screening. Pap smear can detect cervical cancer. It can be performed alongside HPV for a more accurate diagnosis. A mammogram can detect breast cancer, including early-stage cancer that remains undetected in self-exam.
Preventative Health Measures
Your lifestyle plays a crucial role in maintaining your physical and mental health, especially after 40. Here’s what you can do to lower your risk of health issues.
- Eat a balanced diet full of whole grains, green leafy vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins. Avoid processed food and trans fat.
- Exercise regularly
- Keep your weight in check
- Follow stress management practices.
Though environmental and genetic factors are not in your control, these lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of developing certain illnesses.
