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Many women these days find there is too much to do in one day. The responsibilities of being a wife,
mother, housekeeper and worker may affect a woman’s physical and mental health. It is important to
take advantage of routine health checks and to seek advice early if something does not feel right. It is important for everyone to know if their cholesterol is raised, whether they have an increased risk for
diabetes or osteoporosis later in life and what can be done to prevent these problems. Women need
to be aware of the need for routine screening mammography between the ages of 50 to 70 and the
benefits of regular Pap smears every two years, but there is a lot more that women can do to ensure
good health into old age.

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Lifestyle issues Maintaining a healthy, well balanced diet is essential for everyone, but some nutrients are particularly important throughout a woman’s life. It is especially important for women to have foods rich in calcium throughout life. Calcium supplements are often recommended, but are not absorbed into the body as well as calcium from a food source. Regular weight bearing exercise for at least half an hour on most days is important to prevent osteoporosis.  Low cholesterol foods and low glycaemic index foods are good for heart and blood vessel health and it is important to have a source of iron (such as red meat) three times a week at least. Phyto-oestogens, anti-oxidants and probiotics are now becoming more recognised as being important for health, but are still best sourced from the diet.   Healthy Weight Management One of the biggest problems women face is weight gain. There are many weight loss treatments on the market, but all ultimately come back to the individual having a great degree of determination. Unusual sounding diets and skipping meals should be avoided.  Remember, the best way to maintain a healthy weight is through regular exercise and a healthy diet.   Stress Stress and feeling ‘overwhelmed’ are common complaints from women and usually relate to the demands of work, family and financial commitments. There are many products on the market that claim to improve one’s energy levels or moods, but ultimately the best management comes down to eating regularly, fitting some enjoyable form of exercise into one’s life and cutting down where possible on commitments. Relaxation techniques may also be helpful. Often, identifying and discussing problems with friends, family or spouses is an excellent way of reducing stress. If these techniques are not sufficient, it is a good idea to speak to your doctor or psychologist.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Health Concerns that women face

Painful periods

Painful periods often occur in the first few years after periods begin, but this is also a common
problem peri-menopausally (before menopause), or for some women at particularly stressful times.
If the pain goes on for more than a couple of days around the time a period starts or is very severe (eg, involving time off work or school, or requiring regular medication to relieve it) the advice of a doctor
should be sought. Usually the discomfort responds to paracetamol or paracetamol and codeine combinations. Women who have never had asthma, oesophageal reflux or ulcers in the stomach may
find the problem goes quicker with ibruprofen, or a similar anti-inflammatory. Prolonged sitting or rest
in bed may worsen the pain so gentle exercise is advised. Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) is often
recommended and may prove beneficial for some women.

Irregular periods

Irregular cycles, or missing a period completely for no reason occasionally happens to all women,
but normally not very often. It may take a year or so for periods that have just started to become
regular, and even in older women a variation of several days each month is normal. During the
peri-menopause irregular periods are very common. If periods are regularly missed or if they are
spaced more than 6 weeks apart, a doctor should be consulted, as medical reasons may also be
behind irregular periods (especially if they are very heavy or painful for more than a couple of days).
Common reasons for shorter or longer cycles occurring include illness, jetlag, anxiety and hormonal triggers. Speak to your doctor for more advice.

Heavy periods

Medically, a period is heavy if the woman is forced to change her pad or tampon more than every 3
hours, or if she has to wear both a tampon and a pad, as she is scared of blood seeping through.
Blood clotting is also common. Heavy periods are common as an intermittent problem early in
puberty, but should still be discussed with a doctor as there are ways to manage them and long
term they can lead to anaemia.

Pre-menstrual syndrome

This is also known as ‘PMS’ and is a cluster of common symptoms including breast tenderness,
feeling teary, more aggressive or mildly depressed, having pimples and feeling bloated (typically
clothes feel tight). By definition, this only occurs in the 10 days before a period and many of these
symptoms are linked to the rise in the hormone progesterone. It is most common in the first few
years around puberty as well as in women over the age of 35. It is also more common when a woman
is very stressed or has had a recent pregnancy. It is wise to consult a doctor if the symptoms are
severe or interfering with quality of life.

Menopause

This is defined as the woman having had no periods for 12 months. Menopause usually occurs
between the ages of 47 and 53. Women may experience physical symptoms such as night sweats,
hot flushes and weight gain. Emotionally they may also experience intense mood swings, depression
and anxiety.  It is around this time that women’s requirements for calcium increase and should be met
with a quality supplement in order to help prevent osteoporosis.

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Diflucan One Women's Health Products

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© Australian Pharmaceutical Industries Limited 2006
Produced by API, 11 Grand Avenue, Camellia NSW 2142 ABN 57 000 004 320

Disclaimer
Whilst every effort has been made and all reasonable care taken to ensure the accuracy of the
information contained in this booklet, to the extent permitted by API, their agents and employees:
a.    will not be held liable or responsible in any way; and
b.    expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility for any loss (including, without limitation, any
       injury, claim, suit, damage, cost and expense) arising out of or incurred in connection with any
       reliance on the contents of this booklet by any person and irrespective of whether such loss
       arises out of API’s negligence or otherwise.

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