Navigating Womanhood | Reach Your Peak With Female Health Tips For All Women

WE COMBINE THE WISDOM OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE, MODERN TECHNOLOGY, AND PATIENT-CENTERED CARE FOR YOU TO THRIVE IN TODAY’S FAST-PACED WORLD. Share Women in Singapore often neglect their health as they have to juggle work, family and a myriad of other commitments. It is thus not surprising that their health often takes a back seat. Apart from health issues related to the female reproductive system such as menstrual and fertility issues, various chronic conditions such as osteoporosis, arthritis and cancers like breast and ovarian cancers are typically more prevalent in females. Awareness is the first step towards preventing and treating health concerns. For a start, understanding the various health complications that affect women at different stages of their lives would help you take control of your health. In this article, read about the common conditions women face from their 20s to 50s and Physician Leow’s recommendations on how to #BeTheBestYouCanBe. For women in their 20s… Women in their 20s typically experience the fewest health problems. As recorded in the Yellow Emperor’s Canon of Internal Medicine (黄帝内经): “四七，筋骨坚，发长极，身体盛壮”, which details women at the age of 28 (4 x 7) develop tough and strong tendons and bones, and their body is at its optimal condition. However, it is still important to be proactive in taking care of one’s health. Conditions affecting women in their 20s 1. Menstruation concerns The flow should typically become more consistent in the 20s compared to irregularities in the teenage years. However, there might be unpleasant symptoms accompanying each cycle, such as menstrual cramps, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), breast tenderness etc. 2. Mental health Conditions such as anxiety and depression are also more prevalent among women in their 20s. This comes with stressors such as stress from studies or learning to transit to the working world. In the Singapore Mental Health Study, it was reported that the lifetime prevalence of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is more common in females (7.2%) than in males (4.3%), and that women with MDD were mostly in the 18 – 34 years old range. [1] Health tips for women in their 20s 1. Make exercise a habit Regular exercise can help in the management of various menstrual discomforts. Exercising helps release endorphins which can act as a natural painkiller, providing relief during menstrual cramps. [2] You can opt to do light exercise such as walking or low-intensity cardio during your period to help reduce the occurrence of cramps. Apart from pain relief, regular exercise is also beneficial for relieving symptoms of PMS and improving one’s mood. As aerobic exercise leads to the release of endorphins, it can help elevate one’s mood, reducing feelings of sadness, irritability, or anger during periods. Studies have shown that regular aerobic exercise can help reduce symptoms of PMS.[3] Other exercises such as yoga can also help as it elevates levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is associated with better mood and decreased anxiety. [4] 2. Eat a balanced diet with calcium and iron rich foods A well-balanced diet is also important for women’s health. Consuming more calcium or low-fat dairy in your diet helps in bone health by preventing osteoporosis and also helps improve one’s mood. One study has shown that consuming calcium supplements boosts serotonin levels, which acts as a mood stabiliser, helping to regulate anxiety and reduce depression.[5] It is also recommended to consume more iron-rich foods such as lean meats to replenish the iron lost during periods. If you are vegan, you may speak to your doctor about iron supplements. In general, eating a healthy and well-balanced diet is beneficial. 3. Routine screening In addition, it is advisable to go for routine cervical cancer screenings starting from the age of 25. Based on recommendations from the Health Promotion Board, women between the ages of 25 and 29 and have ever had sex should go for a Pap smear test once every three years, while women above the age of 30 should go for a Herpes Simplex Virus (HPV) test once every five years. For women in their 30s… Many health concerns that women experience in their 20s can also be seen in their 30s. The Yellow Emperor’s Canon of Internal Medicine (黄帝内经) also details: “五七，阳明脉衰，面始焦，发始堕”, which explains women at the age of 35 (5 x 7) will experience depletion of their Yang Ming Channel, after which the initial signs of aging such as sallowness in the face and hair fall will start to show. Conditions affecting women in their 30s 1. Fertility concerns Fertility issues are also one of the main health concerns for women in their 30s. Based on the United States of America (USA) Office of Women’s Health, a woman’s chances of conceiving a baby rapidly decreases every year after the age of 30. [6] There are a few reasons why aging can decrease a woman’s chances of having a baby: Lesser number of eggs left Ovaries ability to release eggs reduces Quality of eggs decreases Additional health conditions that might affect fertility Higher chances of miscarriage Furthermore, women are also giving birth at a much later age than before. In the 1980s, the fertility rates were highest among females aged 25 – 29 years, while in 2020, the fertility rates were highest among females aged 30 – 34 years. [7] However, pregnancy at a higher age can put the mother at risk of: Gestational diabetes High blood pressure Difficult labour Miscarriage 2. Mental health Postpartum psychiatric disorders are another health concern for all pregnant women and they can be divided into three categories: Postpartum blues Postpartum blues refer to a transient condition characterised by irritability, anxiety, decreased concentration, insomnia, tearfulness, as well as mild and rapid mood swings from elation to sadness. Postpartum depression Postpartum depression refers to depression that often develops in the first few months after giving birth, typically within the first five weeks. However, it can start any time within the first year postpartum. Several key risk factors include: History of postpartum depression History depression prior to conception Family