The 10 Most Common Female Health Problems

Highlights

• Women are at risk for a variety of health problems, such as menstrual and reproductive health problems, mental health conditions, and chronic health conditions.  
• The best way to prevent long-term health conditions is to live a healthy lifestyle.
• The best way to treat common health problems is to catch them early through routine check-ups and seeking medical care as soon as concerning symptoms appear.
• You can get the lowest prices for your medications with BidRx.

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Women face unique health challenges. Fortunately, many of the common health problems women face are preventable. While not all health conditions can be cured, they can be managed with the right care plan.

1. Menstrual Problems

Your menstrual cycle involves a series of changes that affect your reproductive organs each month. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days, and the average menstrual period lasts five to seven days. However, what’s normal for you may look a little different than the average menstrual cycle.

Many women experience physical, mental, and emotional symptoms before or during their menstrual period. These symptoms can disrupt your daily life. Irregular, painful, or heavy periods can also be a sign of a more serious health problem.

Irregular Periods

Some women have periods that are slightly longer or shorter than average. Most women have regular periods, unless they are pregnant, are taking medication that prevents menstruation, or have a health condition that disrupts their cycle.

Your periods are considered irregular if:

• Your period comes more frequently than every 21 days
• You go more than 35 days between periods
• The length of time between your periods varies significantly each month

Irregular periods are normal for adolescent girls and for women transitioning to menopause. You may also experience irregular periods from excessive exercise or rapid weight loss. 

Your provider might recommend taking hormonal birth control to help you have regular periods. The best way to treat menstrual problems and to prevent them from happening in the future is to work with your provider to identify the root cause or underlying condition contributing to the issue. 

Heavy Periods

Heavy periods, or heavy menstrual bleeding, can also be called menorrhagia. An estimated one in five women have heavy periods. 

Your periods are considered heavy if your bleeding:

• Soaks through one or more tampons/pads every hour
• Contains clots the size of a quarter or larger
• Interferes with normal daily activities 

Heavy periods can be caused by:

• Bleeding disorders
• Certain medications
• Hormonal imbalances
• Pregnancy complications
• Problems with ovulation
• Problems with uterine lining
• Thyroid problems
• Uterine fibroids
• Uterine polyps

You don’t have to suffer through heavy periods in silence. The best way to know the root cause of your bleeding and to find relief is to speak with your provider. 

Painful Periods

Menstrual period pain is also called dysmenorrhea. More than half of women with periods report pain before or during their period. However, some women experience severe cramping and pain around their periods.

There are two types of dysmenorrhea:

• Primary dysmenorrhea. This pain is typically caused by uterine contractions. Many women experience relief as they get older. Risk factors for primary dysmenorrhea include starting menstruation before age 11, having long or heavy periods, having high levels of stress, and smoking.  
• Secondary dysmenorrhea. This pain is typically caused by a different health problem. Many women’s symptoms get worse as they get older. Risk factors for secondary dysmenorrhea include having endometriosis, ovarian cysts, or uterine fibroids. 

You can manage dysmenorrhea at home using heat therapy and over-the-counter pain medications. Your provider may also recommend using hormonal birth control or other prescription medications to help prevent and treat your pain. 

2. Reproductive Health Issues

A woman’s reproductive system is complex. Reproductive systems are vulnerable to chronic conditions, infection, and injury. Reproductive health issues can contribute to long-term health complications, such as infertility. 

Common reproductive issues include:

Infertility

Infertility means not being able to get pregnant after one year of actively trying. Some women can get pregnant, but cannot stay pregnant. Infertility affects an estimated 10 percent of American women of reproductive age. 

Risk factors for infertility include:

• Age
• Being underweight or overweight
• Chronic stress
• Excess alcohol or substance use
• Excessive athletic training
• Having pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• History of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Hormonal imbalance or hormonal problems, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Problems with ovulation 
• Smoking

Most cases of infertility can be traced back to problems with ovulation. Many types of infertility cannot be prevented. The best treatment for you will depend on the underlying cause of infertility and your own health status.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that causes hormonal imbalance and affects the ovaries. Many women with PCOS develop small cysts on their ovaries. PCOS can affect your periods, fertility, metabolism, and physical appearance. 

PCOS starts in adolescence, but many women don’t know they have it until well into adulthood. Many women find out they have PCOS after struggling to get pregnant. 

Common risk factors for PCOS include:

• Family history of PCOS
• High androgen levels
• Insulin-resistance
• Obesity

There isn’t a guaranteed way to prevent PCOS, and there is no cure. However, women can manage PCOS by making health lifestyle changes and taking medication to reduce symptoms.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a gynecological condition that causes tissue to grow outside of the uterus. Tissue similar to the lining of the uterus can grow on the ovaries, the bladder, the bowels, or behind the uterus. This can cause severe pain, heavy periods, bleeding between periods, and infertility. 

Endometriosis can happen to any person who has menstrual periods. It’s most common in women in their 30s and 40s. Some women don’t realize they have endometriosis until they have trouble getting pregnant. 

Risks for endometriosis include:

• Family history of endometriosis
• Having a condition that blocks menstrual blood from leaving your body during periods
• Having high estrogen levels
• Having short menstrual cycles (less than 27 days)
• Never having children
• Starting your period at an early age

There’s no proven way to prevent endometriosis. However, you can work with a provider to lower your estrogen levels, which may help lower your risk for developing endometriosis. 

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection that affects one or more reproductive organs. It’s most commonly caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but it can also be caused by other types of bacteria. PID can cause infertility, pregnancy problems, and chronic pelvic pain. 

PID can cause severe pain, but some women don’t realize they have it until they have trouble getting pregnant. PID is most common in girls and women between 15 and 24 years of age.

Risks for PID include:

• Having an STI or a history of STIs
• Having a history of PID
• Having multiple sex partners
• Having unprotected sex with non-monogamous partners
• Douching
• Recent intrauterine device (IUD) insertion

You can reduce your risk for PID by:

• Not douching 
• Practicing safer sex
• Routinely testing for STIs

3. Pregnancy and Childbirth Complications

Pregnancy and childbirth complications are health problems that occur during pregnancy or delivery. These complications can affect the health of both baby and mother. 

Sometimes, pregnancy and childbirth complications stem from health conditions a mother experienced before becoming pregnant. Other complications arise during pregnancy. Pre-pregnancy planning can help women to reduce their risk of pregnancy and childbirth complications. 

Miscarriage

The spontaneous loss of pregnancy before 20 weeks’ gestation is also known as miscarriage. Miscarriages commonly happen before a woman realizes she is pregnant. 

Miscarriage can be both emotionally and physically painful. Common signs of miscarriage include:

• Cramping or abdominal pain
• Fluid or tissue passing from the vagina
• Vaginal spotting or bleeding

Most of the time, miscarriage can’t be prevented. Women’s risk for miscarriage increases after 30 years of age.

Preterm Labor

Any labor that begins before 37 weeks of pregnancy is considered preterm labor. A combination of rest and medication can keep labor from progressing. Sometimes labor can’t be slowed and a woman has to deliver early.

Giving birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy is considered preterm birth. Preterm birth carries additional risks for both the mother and the baby. 

Mothers younger than 17 or older than 35 are at an increased risk for preterm labor and preterm birth. Other risk factors include:

• History of preterm labor 
• Having a short cervix
• Injury during a past delivery
• Past gynecologic surgeries
• Other pregnancy complications
• Low weight
• Smoking during pregnancy

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. This happens when a woman’s body can’t make enough insulin during pregnancy, which causes her blood sugar to get too high. Between two and 10 percent of pregnant women develop gestational diabetes each year in the United States.

Any woman can develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy. However, women with insulin resistance are at a greater risk for developing the condition. Some women may benefit from reaching a healthy weight or changing their diet and exercise routine prior to pregnancy. 

You can manage gestational diabetes by controlling your blood sugar levels. This sometimes requires medication. 

Preeclampsia

Some women develop preeclampsia, also called toxemia, after 20 weeks of pregnancy. This condition causes high blood pressure and problems with the kidneys and other organs. Preeclampsia occurs in approximately three to seven percent of pregnancies. 

The exact cause of preeclampsia remains unknown. Clinicians believe the condition begins in the placenta. 

Factors that may contribute to preeclampsia include:

• Autoimmune conditions
• Blood vessel problems
• Diet
• Genetics

Risk factors include:

• Being 35 years or older
• Certain chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease
• Family history of preeclampsia
• First pregnancy
• Multiple pregnancy (two or more babies)
• Personal history of preeclampsia
• Personal history of thyroid problems

4. Gynecological Cancers

There are several types of cancer that start in a woman’s reproductive organs. These cancers are considered gynecological cancer. They can begin anywhere within the pelvic area, and will be named based on where they start, regardless of where they might spread.

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer starts in the cervix. The cervix connects the vagina to the upper part of the uterus (womb). Cervical cancer is most common in people over 30.

Anyone with a cervix can develop cervical cancer. The most common cause of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is common, but not all strains of the virus cause cervical cancer.

You can reduce your risk of cervical cancer by:

• Getting vaccinated for HPV (best for people under 26)
• Not smoking
• Using barrier methods, like condoms or dental dams, during sex

The best way to prevent cervical cancer is to get vaccinated and to get routine screenings. Follow up with your provider if you receive an abnormal screening result. Cervical cancer is highly treatable when found early.

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer usually starts in the ovaries. Some types of ovarian cancer can start in the fallopian tubes or peritoneum. Anyone with ovaries can develop ovarian cancer.

Researchers haven’t identified a way to prevent ovarian cancer. However, they have identified potential protective factors, or factors that might help lower your risk of developing ovarian cancer.

The following factors are associated with lower risk of ovarian cancer:

• Breastfeeding for one year or more
• Having given birth
• Having a hysterectomy
• Having a tubal ligation
• Having both ovaries removed
• Using birth control pills for five or more years

Uterine Cancer

Uterine cancer starts in the uterus (womb). The most common type of uterine is endometrial cancer, which forms on the lining of the uterus. Anyone with a uterus can develop uterine cancer.

Risk factors for uterine cancer include:

• Age older than 50
• Family history of uterine cancer
• Having obesity
• History of fertility problems or irregular periods before starting menopause
• Taking estrogen without progesterone for hormone replacement
• Using tamoxifen, a breast cancer drug

There is no guaranteed method to prevent uterine cancer. However, you might be able to lower your risk of developing uterine cancer by:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Taking progesterone if you’re taking estrogen for hormone replacement
• Using birth control pills (if appropriate for your personal health and risk factors)

Talk to your provider about routine screening if you have an increased risk for uterine cancer.

5. Urinary Tract Issues

Urinary tract issues can affect both the upper and the lower urinary tract. The upper urinary tract consists of the kidneys and ureters. The lower urinary tract consists of the bladder and the urethra.

Older women are at an increased risk of developing urinary issues. However, all women can develop urinary issues.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are infections that affect one or more parts of the urinary system. The most common UTIs involve the lower urinary tract (bladder and urethra). An untreated UTI can become serious if it spreads to the kidneys.

Risks for UTIs include:

• Being post-menopausal 
• Being pregnant
• Being sexually active
• Having a catheter in place
• Having diabetes
• Having kidney stones
• Using a diaphragm or spermicides 

A few things may help lower your risk of getting a UTI:

• Always wipe from front to back after using the bathroom
• Change out of wet or sweaty clothing after exercising or swimming
• Clean your genitals every day
• Don’t “hold in” urine for hours at a time
• Don’t use feminine hygiene sprays or douche products
• Don’t use spermicides if you have frequent UTIs
• Limit baths to 30 minutes
• Stay hydrated
• Urinate before and after sex
• Wear cotton or breathable underwear 

Some people are more prone to UTIs than others. Talk to your provider about additional testing if you get frequent UTIs.

Incontinence

Urinary incontinence describes the loss of bladder control. Women are twice as likely as men to be affected by incontinence.

The two most common types of urinary incontinence in women are:

• Stress incontinence. This type of incontinence describes urine leakage during activities that put pressure on the bladder. Common stresses on the bladder include coughing, sneezing, laughing, and exercising.
• Urge incontinence. This type of incontinence is also known as overactive bladder. Women with this condition aren’t able to hold their urine long enough to make it to a restroom. 

Urinary incontinence can happen at any age. However, incontinence is most common in older women. 

You may be able to lower your risk for urinary incontinence by:

• Eating plenty of fiber and preventing constipation
• Limiting caffeine, alcohol, and other things that irritate your bladder
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Not smoking 
• Practicing pelvic floor exercises

Urinary incontinence may be more common with age, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it. There are many methods of managing urinary continence and preventing it from becoming more severe. The best treatment for you will depend on your age, health status, and the cause of your urinary problems.

6. Mental Health Problems

Mental health conditions affect at least one in five women. Women are also more likely to experience common mental health conditions, like anxiety and depression, than men. These conditions can be temporary or lifelong. 

Women sometimes experience mental health conditions differently than men. This may be attributed to a number of biological, behavioral, hormonal, and cultural differences.

Depression

Many people can relate to feeling down or sad for a short period of time. Depression is a serious mental health condition that goes beyond feeling down for a few days. Depression is characterized by feeling sad, empty, or hopeless for at least two weeks. 

Depression can make it hard for you to maintain relationships, go to work, learn, take care of your body, or engage in hobbies you once loved. Some people experience physical symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, and pain when they are depressed. You might also notice changes to your eating and sleeping habits with depression.

You may be at an increased risk for depression if you:

• Are currently living with another mental health condition
• Experience chronic stress
• Have a family history of depression
• Have a stressful job or work extended hours
• Have experienced trauma or abuse
• Live below the poverty line
• Use drugs or alcohol

There are many different types of depression. Some types of depression are unique to women, such as:

• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
• Perinatal (immediately before and after pregnancy) depression
• Perimenopausal depression

Depression is serious and can become life-threatening. Fortunately, depression can be managed and sometimes cured. The right treatment for you will depend on the type of depression you have and your individual health and lifestyle factors.

Anxiety

It’s normal to feel anxious from time to time. You might be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder if you experience anxiety symptoms that affect your daily life or become disabling. This includes symptoms that become severe enough to affect your ability to learn, go to work, engage in hobbies, or maintain relationships.

Anxiety disorders are considered serious mental health conditions. There are many different types of anxiety disorders, but the most common types include:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Panic disorder (PD)
• Social phobia
• Specific phobia

The exact cause of anxiety disorder is unknown. Most experts agree that anxiety disorders are likely the result of a variety of factors, such as:

• Chronic stress
• Drug or alcohol use
• Genetics
• Hormonal balance or hormonal changes
• Past trauma 

Sometimes anxiety symptoms are caused by side effects of medication or by an underlying illness. Anxiety disorders are typically managed with counseling, medication, and lifestyle changes. Your provider can help you to determine the root cause(s) of your anxiety and connect you with support.   

7. Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. Heart disease is an umbrella term for several different heart conditions.

The most common form of heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD affects blood flow to your heart, which can cause a heart attack. 

Other heart diseases that commonly affect women include:

• Atherosclerosis
• Atrial fibrillation
• Heart failure
• Heart valve disease
• Irregular heartbeat (heart arrhythmia)

The symptoms and risk factors for heart disease are different in women than they are in men. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to improve your heart health and prevent heart disease. 

Risk Factors

Anyone can develop heart disease. However, your risk for heart disease and heart attack increases with age. Some women are at a higher risk for heart disease than others. 

There are several risk factors you can’t control. These include:

• Age
• Genetics or family history of heart disease
• Pregnancy history
• Menopause

Other risk factors include:

• Being physically inactive
• Drinking heavily
• Eating an unhealthy diet
• Having diabetes
• Smoking

African American, American Native, and Alaskan Native women are at an increased risk for experiencing complications from heart disease. Research shows that this risk is driven by structural racism and social inequity.

Heart Disease Prevention

Sometimes, women have heart disease and don’t realize it until they’ve experienced symptoms of a heart attack. Talk to your provider about medication management and lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of heart disease.

Lifestyle changes that can reduce your risk include: 

• Being physically active
• Eating a balanced diet
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Managing diabetes
• Managing stress
• Managing your cholesterol levels
• Managing your blood pressure
• Not smoking 

8. Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a bone condition that causes your bones to become weak and to break easily. Women are more likely than men to develop osteoporosis. 

Bone tissue naturally breaks down and replaces itself. As you age, your bones don’t produce enough new bone tissue to keep up with bone loss. This process speeds up after menopause. 

Osteoporosis can lead to severe breaks, which is disabling for many older women. By taking steps to build bone mass and prevent bone loss, you can prevent serious complications from osteoporosis. 

Risk Factors

Women over 50 are at the greatest risk for osteoporosis. However, younger women can still develop the condition. Women who are of white, non-Hispanic or of Asian descent are at an increased risk for osteoporosis. 

Other factors include:

• Being underweight
• Drinking heavily
• Genetics or family history of osteoporosis
• Having smaller, thinner bones
• Having low estrogen levels 
• Having of bariatric surgery
• History of disordered eating
• Smoking
• Taking oral corticosteroids or other high-risk medications on a regular basis

Some health conditions may increase your risk for osteoporosis:

• Certain thyroid conditions
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Kidney failure
• Liver disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis 

Osteoporosis Prevention

The best way to prevent osteoporosis is to start prevention measures as early as possible. Women reach peak bone mass around 30 years of age. Working to build stronger, healthier bones can reduce your risk of osteoporosis later in life.

Prevention measures for osteoporosis include:

• Engaging in weight-bearing physical activities to strengthen your bones
• Getting plenty of calcium and vitamin D
• Limiting how much alcohol you drink
• Not smoking

Over 30? Don’t panic. The steps you take to maintain a healthy body and strong bones still make a difference. There are also treatment options available to help slow bone loss and rebuild bones.

9. Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases are characterized by your body’s immune system attacking healthy tissues. This can cause debilitating symptoms that affect multiple organ systems or parts of the body. While you may not be able to prevent autoimmune disease, you can manage it with the right care.

Women account for an estimated 75 percent of all autoimmune disease diagnoses. Despite this, many women have a difficult time getting the right diagnosis for their condition. This may be due to the fact that many autoimmune disease symptoms overlap with other conditions.

Examples of Autoimmune Diseases

There are more than 80 types of autoimmune disease. Some of the most common types that affect women include:

• Celiac
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Lupus
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Psoriasis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Thyroid diseases
• Type 1 diabetes

Symptoms of Autoimmune Disease

Symptoms of autoimmune disease can range in severity and frequency. For example, you may experience relatively mild symptoms most days and then suddenly experience more severe and debilitating symptoms. The sudden and severe onset of symptoms is called a “flare” or “flare-up.”

There are many types of autoimmune diseases, each with their own set of symptoms and complications. Your symptoms will depend on your condition and other personal factors, like your genetics and health history. Despite this variety, there are several symptoms that are present across many conditions.

Common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain or digestive problems
• Difficulty concentrating
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Joint pain and swelling
• Muscle aches
• Persistent or recurring low-grade fever
• Skin problems
• Swollen glands

Risk Factors for Autoimmune Diseases

Researchers aren’t sure what exactly causes a person’s immune system to begin attacking the body. However, they have been able to determine risk factors that place people at greater risk for autoimmune diseases. 

Risk factors include:

• Age. Women of reproductive age are the most likely to be diagnosed with a new autoimmune disease.
• Genetics. People with a family history of autoimmune disease are more likely to develop an autoimmune disease. 
• Environmental exposures. Certain environmental exposures, such as chemical exposures, are linked to specific autoimmune conditions. 
• Medication use. Some medications can trigger drug-induced lupus.
• Race/ethnicity. Some autoimmune diseases are more common in people of specific racial and ethnic groups. This varies by condition.
• Smoking. Smoking may increase your risk for lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, hyperthyroidism, and multiple sclerosis.
• Weight. People who are overweight or obese are at a greater risk for developing psoriatic or rheumatoid arthritis.

10. Thyroid Problems

Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck. It helps to regulate important bodily functions, like your heart rate, moods, and how your body uses energy. There are several different types of thyroid problems, but the most common are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. 

Thyroid diseases cause your thyroid to make too little or too much thyroid hormone. This can have mild to severe effects on many of your body’s functions.

Hypothyroidism

Having hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, means your thyroid doesn’t make enough thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). This causes your metabolism to slow down. Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance.

Hypothyroidism can’t be cured, but it can be treated. Most people need hormone replacement therapy to help manage this condition. Severe cases of hypothyroidism can become life-threatening if untreated.

Hyperthyroidism

Having hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, means your thyroid makes too much TSH. This causes your metabolism to speed up. Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight loss, rapid or irregular heartbeat, tremors, and restlessness.

Many people live with hyperthyroidism long-term but manage it with medication. However, some people may have their thyroid removed or destroyed with medical treatment. 

Risk Factors for Thyroid Disease

Thyroid diseases can affect people of any age or any gender. However, these conditions are more common in women of childbearing age. Women are at the greatest risk for developing thyroid diseases right after pregnancy or menopause. 

Most women aren’t routinely screened for thyroid disease. Talk to your doctor about your risk if you:

• Have a family history of thyroid disease
• Have a personal history of thyroid problems
• Have certain conditions, such as anemia, type 1 diabetes, or a goiter

Steps for Better Health for Women

Women face a variety of unique health challenges. Fortunately, many of the most common health problems women face can be prevented. And, thanks to modern medicine, all health conditions can be managed. 

Prioritizing prevention and primary care make it easier to live a longer, healthier life. This means making healthy lifestyle changes and scheduling regular check-ups. Catch conditions early by seeking medical attention for any concerning symptoms, no matter how small they might seem.

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