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Women’s health at every age

Women face unique health challenges throughout their lives, starting from puberty to pregnancy and through menopause. It’s essential for women to prioritize their well-being and maintain a proactive approach towards their health in order to lead fulfilling lives.

Women's health at every age

Women’s health starting in your 30s

Good health starts with primary care, and it’s important to choose a primary care doctor you trust and feel comfortable with. Your doctor is someone you need to be open and honest with in order to stay healthy and live a long life.

Just as important? Having a dedicated OB/GYN care provider. Regular check-ups and screenings are essential for detecting and addressing any potential issues early on.

Family planning is another essential aspect of women's health. Whether you’re planning to get pregnant or want to prevent pregnancy, your family doctor can give advice on contraception methods and assist you in making informed decisions about your reproductive health. Additionally, regular screenings for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are important to ensure early detection and treatment.

Women's health at every age

Taking care of your mental health in your 40s

If you’re in your 40s, you may be a caregiver — either to your children or possibly a parent. The strain caregivers feel isn’t just physical or emotional. It’s also mental, struggling with the pain of not being able to meet everyone’s needs. And it’s stressful.

High levels of stress have been associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and diabetes. Engaging in mindful meditation, relaxation techniques or other stress management strategies can help reduce the negative impact of stress on your health.

Women's health at every age

Preparing for peri- and postmenopause in your 50s

Every woman experiences the menopausal transition in a unique way, with effects ranging from changes in energy usage and fat cell distribution, leading to increased weight gain. Short-term hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and cognitive-behavioral therapy are methods to manage menopausal symptoms you may want to discuss with your doctor.

Women in their 50s may also notice:

  • Changes in bone and heart health, physical function, body shape and composition.
  • Hormonal fluctuations resulting in skin issues.
  • Sleep disturbances.
  • A higher risk of conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, anxiety and depression.

It's also crucial in your 50s to continue regular preventive check-ups with your gynecologist to detect cancer early, with screenings like pelvic exams, Pap smears and mammograms.

To promote healthy aging, lifestyle changes such as getting enough sleep, limiting alcohol intake, incorporating strength training exercises and consuming bone-healthy foods can help.

Women's health at every age

Get the most out of your annual well-woman visits after you turn 60

Chronic conditions are ailments that last for a long duration, requiring ongoing management and care. It’s noteworthy that various common chronic conditions are interconnected, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol, heart disease, obesity and Type 2 diabetes. And that one chronic condition's presence may raise the risk of developing others, resulting in a chain reaction if these conditions are not managed correctly.

Ultimately, a proactive approach, close collaboration with your primary care provider, making lifestyle modifications and effectively managing medications are vital strategies to tackle multiple chronic conditions often faced by older adults.

Main Line Health is here to support you with a range of women's health services, no matter your age. With care including primary care, urology, mental health services and more, we’re your partners at every stage in life.

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