Key Health Topics Every Woman Should Know

Women often juggle the demands of work, family, and personal commitments, and their health can sometimes take a backseat. However, prioritising preventive care and regular check-ups can improve quality of life, support healthy ageing, and reduce the risk of chronic conditions.

Here are three areas of health that women should pay attention to, especially as they age:

1. Reproductive & Hormonal Health

Hormonal changes affect mood, energy, menstrual cycles, and menopause. Common concerns like menstrual irregularities, hormonal imbalances, and menopause symptoms are manageable with timely care.

Globally, menstrual disorders rank among the top five gynaecological concerns (1). In Singapore, uterine, ovarian, and cervical cancers are among the most common (2).

Preventive measures:

• Schedule regular check-ups tailored to age and life stage
• Stay up to date with recommended screenings such as Pap smears and HPV vaccination (3)
• Speak to your doctor about any persistent or unusual symptoms

2. Bone Health & Osteoporosis

Often called the “silent disease,” osteoporosis weakens bones and raises the risk of fractures, especially after menopause.

In Singapore, one in three women over 50 has osteoporosis. Among those over 60, half are at intermediate risk, and a quarter are at high risk (4).

Prevention tips:

• Eat calcium-rich foods (e.g., dairy, leafy greens)
• Engage in weight-bearing exercises like walking or light resistance training
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
• If you’re over 50, have a family history of fractures, or have experienced a minor fall injury, consider getting a bone density scan

3. Preventive Screenings for Chronic Conditions

Preventive screenings are essential to detect health issues before they become serious. They’re especially critical for conditions that may show no early symptoms.

• Cervical cancer: Pap test every 3 years and HPV testing are recommended for women aged 25–69 who have been sexually active (5)
• Breast cancer: Mammograms are recommended for women over 40
• Other conditions: Keep an eye on your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol through regular health screenings

Final Thoughts

Being proactive about health isn’t just about avoiding illness, it’s about living life fully. Let’s take charge of our health and prioritise regular screenings and seek medical guidance for any changes, no matter how minor they may seem.

References:

1. Sani, K., Lachyan, A.S. and Simon, N.H., 2021. Systematic Review On Prevalence Of Menstrual Disorders Among Women. Int. J. Recent Sci. Res, 12, pp.1525-41527.
2. Simon, A.E., Wardle, J., Grimmett, C., Power, E., Corker, E., Menon, U., Matheson, L. and Waller, J. (2012). Ovarian and cervical cancer awareness: development of two validated measurement tools. The Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care, [online] 38(3), pp.167–174. doi:https://doi.org/10.1136/jfprhc-2011-100118.
3. Lim, T., Ismail-Pratt, I. and Goh, L. (2022). Cervical cancer screening and vaccination: understanding the latest guidelines. Singapore Medical Journal, 63(3), pp.125–129. doi:https://doi.org/10.11622/smedj.2022045.
4. Tan, H.C., Seng, J.J.B. and Low, L.L. (2021). Osteoporosis awareness among patients in Singapore (OASIS)—a community hospital perspective. Archives of Osteoporosis, 16(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11657-021-01012-6.
5. www.nccs.com.sg. (n.d.). Cancer Screening. [online] Available at: https://www.nccs.com.sg/patient-care/cancer-types/pages/cancer-screening.aspx.