Focus on a balanced diet, avoid junk food, do physical activity: Expert
In conversation with Dr Balraj Singh Chaudhary, MD (Gynaecology and Obstetrics) laparoscopic surgeon and fertility specialist, shared insights on common health problems observed among women across different age groups.
- What are the most common health problems you observe among women today across different age groups?Advertisement
In the young and adolescent age group, the common health issues include menstrual disorders, PCOS, obesity, mental health problems and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In the reproductive age group, commonly seen problems are PCOS, fertility issues, endometriosis, urinary tract infections and mental health concerns.
AdvertisementIn elderly women, common issues include menopausal symptoms, diabetes, increased risk of heart disease, osteoporosis and a higher risk of cancers.
- Is there any particular women’s health issue that has become significantly more common in recent years and is a cause for concern?
In recent years, fertility issues, PCOS, uterine fibroids and endometriosis have become increasingly common and are a significant cause for concern.
Advertisement3. What are the biggest challenges you face as a gynaecologist in diagnosing and treating women’s health issues?
The major challenges include delayed diagnosis of conditions such as endometriosis and cancers, misinformation among patients, gender bias leading to women’s symptoms being downplayed or dismissed, poor access to healthcare in the rural areas, high cost of treatment, management of high-risk pregnancies and associated psychological issues.
4. Do women sometimes hesitate to share complete or accurate information about their symptoms or lifestyle? If yes, how does this impact their treatment?
Yes, some young girls and elderly women, particularly from the rural areas and low socio-economic backgrounds, hesitate to share complete information. This often leads to delayed diagnosis, more aggressive disease progression in conditions like endometriosis and carcinoma and ultimately affects treatment outcomes.
- What are the most common gynaecological or hormonal issues you see among young girls and adolescents today?
The most common issues include menstrual irregularities such as amenorrhea and dysmenorrhoea, hormonal imbalances like PCOS, acne, weight gain, hirsutism, ovarian cysts, STDs and mood swings.
- What advice would you give to young girls and their parents to support healthy hormonal development and potentially avoid early onset of menstruation?
Young girls should focus on a balanced diet, avoid junk food, engage in regular physical activity, maintain good sleep habits and ensure adequate hydration. Parents should be supportive and avoid comparing their children with others.
- How important is awareness and education about menstrual health, reproductive health and lifestyle habits in preventing long-term gynaecological problems?
Awareness and education are extremely important for building a healthy society. Proper knowledge enables women to make informed decisions about their bodies and relationships, leading to a 15 per cent reduction in unintended pregnancies and a 40 per cent reduction in repeat pregnancies. Education also helps in the prevention of STDs through safe sex practices and contraception, improves maternal and child health, supports population control and promotes gender equity.
