Empowering Women During Women’s Health Week

Every year, Women’s Health Week serves as a vital reminder for women to take charge of their health and well-being. This year’s theme, “Your voice. Your choice,” emphasises the importance of women advocating for themselves, making informed decisions about their health, and breaking down barriers that prevent open and honest conversations. From understanding your body to discussing topics considered “shameful,” Women’s Health Week is a time to prioritise your voice in all aspects of your health journey.

Understanding Your Body

A key component of “Your voice. Your choice” is understanding your body and the unique health challenges women face. Women’s bodies go through various changes throughout life—puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, and beyond. Each phase comes with its own set of health considerations that require attention and care.

Regular health screenings are crucial in detecting potential issues early. Below is an idea on how regularly you should be getting certain health checks:

• STI Screening: Speak to Dr Hankins about how regularly you need an STI screening as it can differ depending on age and how sexually active you are.
• Pre-pregnancy Care: Once you know or suspect you are pregnant.
• Breast Self-Check: Women of all ages need to perform a breast self-check once a month. Schedule a consultation with Dr Hankins if you notice any abnormalities.
• Breast Cancer Screening: Women between the ages of 50 and 74 need regular breast cancer screenings every two years. Certain risk factors may dictate otherwise and should be discussed with your doctor.
• Cervical Screening Test (CST): Performed every five years for women between the ages of 25 and 70-74. If you became sexually active after the age of 25, your regular CSTs will start two years after you were first sexually active.

Understanding your body means knowing what is normal for you and recognising when something feels off. Educating yourself about the changes that occur each life stage and the signs of common gynaecological conditions can empower you to make informed decisions.

Speaking up About Your Concerns

Too often, women’s health concerns are minimised or misdiagnosed, leading to many women hesitating to speak up about their health concerns. However, your voice is your most powerful tool in advocating for your health. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s essential to bring it up with your healthcare provider, even if you’re unsure whether it’s significant.

If you feel your concerns aren’t being taken seriously, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion or switch providers. Your health is too important to ignore, and you have the right to be heard and respected in any healthcare setting.

Discussing “Shameful” Topics

Women’s health is often clouded by societal taboos and stigma, especially regarding topics like menstruation, sexual health, and mental health. These “shameful” topics are a normal part of life and should be discussed openly and without embarrassment.

Menstruation, for instance, is a natural process that affects half the population, yet it’s still surrounded by unnecessary shame and silence. This can prevent women from seeking help for conditions like heavy periods, endometriosis, urinary incontinence, or menstrual-related migraines. Sexual health is another topic that is often overlooked, with many women feeling uncomfortable discussing issues like sexual dysfunction, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or contraceptive choices with their doctors.

However, these issues are common and effective treatments are available. By breaking the silence around these topics, we can create a culture where women feel empowered to discuss their health without fear of judgement or shame.

How Health Conditions Affect Women Differently

Many health conditions affect women differently than men, both in terms of prevalence and how symptoms present. For example, heart disease is the leading cause of death among women, yet many are unaware that their symptoms often differ from men’s. Women are more likely to experience symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, or jaw pain rather than the classic chest pain associated with heart attacks.

Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and multiple sclerosis, are also more common in women, though the reasons for this are not entirely understood. Hormonal differences, particularly during pregnancy or menopause, can exacerbate these conditions, making it crucial for women to receive gender-specific care.

Understanding how health conditions uniquely affect women allows for better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies tailored to women’s needs.

Creating a Health Relationship with Food

Creating a healthy relationship with food can help manage weight, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and improve reproductive health. For instance, women with PCOS can benefit from a balanced diet that regulates insulin levels.

However, the pressure to conform to societal standards of beauty can lead to unhealthy eating habits and disorders like anorexia or bulimia, which are more common in women. Healthy eating isn’t about restriction or deprivation; it’s about finding balance and enjoying a variety of foods that fuel your body. Listening to your body’s hunger and fullness cues, eating mindfully, and allowing yourself to enjoy food without guilt are essential steps in building a positive relationship with food.

If you struggle with maintaining a healthy diet or have concerns about your eating habits, don’t hesitate to discuss this with your gynaecologist. They can provide guidance on nutrition that supports your specific health needs, whether you are managing a condition like PCOS, planning for pregnancy, or simply aiming to maintain overall wellness. Remember, your worth is not determined by your appearance, and taking care of your body should be a form of self-respect and self-love.

Women’s Health Week is a powerful reminder that your health is your choice, and your voice matters. Use this week to prioritise yourself, make informed decisions, and advocate for the care you deserve. Your voice, your choice—let it guide you to a healthier, happier life.

If you need support for gynaecological concerns, don’t hesitate to use your voice and speak up. Dr Kelly Hankins, gynaecologist and obstetrician in North Gosford, is there to support you every step of the way.