5 common gynecological issues to look out for

It’s the month when we celebrate womanhood and all women must take pride in their identity, prioritize their health, go for regular screenings, be prepared for the common pitfalls and health scare and consult the right physician ranging from the gynecologist, nutritionist to endocrinologist, right up to the urologist and oncologist. Seeking medical help at the right time and undergoing regular screenings can help every woman avert major health scares. Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a disease in which tissue like the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It can cause severe pain in the pelvis and make it harder to get pregnant. Endometriosis can start at a person’s first menstrual period and last until menopause. Its cause is unknown, and it can be managed with a healthier lifestyle. Otherwise, surgery is recommended.

Symptoms

• Pain in the lower pelvic region while urination or during menstruation and sexual intercourse

• Bloating, nausea

• Heavy bleeding during menstruation

• Depression, anxiety

• fatigue

Prevention

Studies have shown that intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, rich in antioxidants, lycopene and also consumption of foods rich in omega three fatty acids can help mitigate the condition. In addition, cutting back on alcohol and caffeine and increasing physical activity can help increase estrogen level in the body and cut back the risk by 40 per cent.

Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that affects women of reproductive age. It usually starts during adolescence, but symptoms may fluctuate over time. PCOS can cause hormonal imbalances, irregular periods, excess androgen levels and cysts in the ovaries

Symptoms.

• Irregular periods, usually with a lack of ovulation,

• Difficulty in conception and experiencing infertility.

• Excessive weight-gain due to insulin resistance

• Appearance of facial hair (hirsutism) in some cases.

Screening and management

PCOS is a chronic condition and cannot be cured. However, some symptoms can be improved through lifestyle changes, medications, and fertility treatments. The cause of

PCOS is unknown but women with a family history or type 2 diabetes are at higher risk.

Patient suffering from PCOS will require an ultrasound scan - which can show whether you have a high number of follicles in your ovaries (polycystic ovaries). The follicles are fluid-filled sacs in which eggs develop. You may also need a blood test to measure your hormone levels and screen for diabetes or high cholesterol.

Pre genetic disposition cannot be averted, it is possible to manage the condition with Lifestyle Changes

• Reduce Sugars and Carbohydrates. Many women with PCOS also have insulin resistance, in which the

body doesn’t use the hormone insulin effectively . ...

• Manage Weight. Many, but not all, women with PCOS are overweight. Exercise Regularly.

Perimenopause

This is a natural process and a step before menopause when a woman’s ovaries stop working and there is a fall in estrogen levels.

Symptoms

Women usually experience a delay in their menstrual cycle, hot flashes and might experience clinical depression. Perimenopause is the way a woman transitions to menopause and therefore it is important to consult your gynecologist and know the risk of depleting estrogen levels.

Management

Women need to protect themselves from the falling hormonal levels that impact bone density, leading to osteoporosis, disturbance in mental equanimity and result in physical and emotional upheaval. Although there is no specific treatment required, but women can mitigate symptoms by physical workouts, deep breathing, having fresh fruits and vegetables, opting for hormone replacement, taking antidepressants, and consulting one gynecologist.

Menopause

This is a natural biological process that every woman undergoes, usually between the age of 45-52 when she has her last menstruation. Once a woman does not menstruate for over 12 months, she is said to have undergone menopause.

Symptoms

Owing to the hormonal changes in the body, a woman can feel anxious, depressed, experience mood swings, experience skin dryness, pain during sex and a psychological feeling of a loss of womanhood.

Management

All women are advised to undergo regular mammogram and other preventive cancer screening as well as bone density tests. Women are advised to consult their gynecologist, psychologist, and nutritionist to get the right guidance for their physical, mental, emotional and nutritional guidance to transition smoothly.

Stress Urinary incontinence SUI

This is a condition that is seen in many women post childbirth, usually in women over 50, when the pelvic floor becomes weak. The muscles of the urethra weaken, and the patient has weak bladder control.

Symptoms

Urine can involuntarily spill over when the woman coughs or laughs. It is deeply embarrassing for the woman.

Management

In initial stages pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegels can help tighten the pelvic muscles.

Healthy eating habits that encourage weight loss, active lifestyle for weight loss and cutting back on alcohol and caffeine are recommended,

When lifestyle changes cant help, consult a gynecologist who can prescribe medication.

When all else fails, the gynecologist will advise a surgery to inject a water-based gel in the walls of the vagina to bulk up the muscles and encourage bladder control.