Often, women tend to neglect their health, especially post-40s, as they are too busy taking care of their loved ones and their careers. However, this is a crucial time for women to take care of their health, as it will determine their health quality as they age.
Aging and its impact are different for individuals. However, in case of women, their health may undergo several challenges as they age. Hence, women must pay special attention to their health and have a healthy routine to stay away from common health issues that may crop up post-40s.
Here are seven common health issues that may affect women’s health in their 40s.
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Vitamin deficiencies: The most common health issue women may experience as they age is vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency majorly leads to loss of bone calcium and bone mass, thereby substantially increasing the risk of developing osteoporosis. Vitamin D deficiency is a common condition in women over 40. If not addressed timely, it may lead to osteoporosis and post-menopausal bone loss. Other common deficiencies in women over 40 include vitamin B and Iron deficiency. Therefore, it is vital for women to monitor their nutrient levels on a regular basis post-40s.
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Menopause: Menopause typically marks the end of the menstrual cycle; during this process, a woman’s health undergoes many changes. The average age of menopause in women is 45-55. Most women go through the perimenopause phase in their late 30s or early 40s. Perimenopause may be accompanied by health complications such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and heart disease. Therefore, women must monitor their health thoroughly and meet a gynecologist frequently.
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Heart diseases: Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in women and a cause of morbidity in this age group. It is vital for women to understand and identify the signs and symptoms of heart disease to minimize the risk of developing major health complications. Certain habits that may contribute to developing heart disease are poor eating habits, lack of exercise, high cholesterol, smoking, and drinking alcohol. The drop in estrogen levels during menopause may also increase the chances of heart disease.
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Diabetes: The risk of diabetes increases in women as they age. Several factors contribute to the onset of diabetes in women over 40, like genetic factors, unhealthy lifestyle, lack of exercise, and faulty diet. Eating a healthy diet, regular exercise, and timely health checkups may help manage pre-diabetes or keep diabetes in control.
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Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a medical condition in which bones become weak, and an individual may experience bone loss. Women in their 40s are prone to osteoporosis due to menopause and vitamin D deficiency. Women with a family history of osteoporosis must do a bone densitometry test during menopause to monitor their bone health. Taking good care of oneself during menopause, having adequate vitamin D, doing the right exercises, and following the correct diet can help a woman lower the risk of bone loss.
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Breast Cancer: Women between the ages of 30 and 40 are generally at higher risk of developing breast cancer. It may trigger due to diet, stress, environment, and overall health. Therefore, regular breast self-examination or one done by a doctor is essential. Annual mammography may be helpful, especially in individuals with family history; it can help in early detection and treatment.
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Mental health conditions: While stress is an inevitable part of our lives, it can become more prominent in women as they age. Excessive stress can cause several mental health issues like depression and anxiety. The challenges of growing age, family issues like aging parents, growing children, and dealing challenges at work can make a person psychologically vulnerable. Stress must be managed especially as women grows older.
Women must ensure they care for their health as they enter 40s, because good health can help them strive longer and healthier.
