What Are The Most Common Health Concerns For Women In Their 40s
Medically Reviewed by Dr Chandana, MBBS, MS
Women in Their 40s: Navigating a Complex Decade
Women in their 40s are an interesting bunch. They are self-assured and seem to be doing anything and everything—from climbing the career ladder to handling kids and aging parents, they are always hustling and bustling. While some women are starting their reproductive life after 40, others are consulting their healthcare providers about symptoms of perimenopause.
What Happens to Women When They Turn 40?
As women age, their metabolism decreases, causing a significant reduction in energy production. This lowers the caloric needs of the body since extra calories consumed are rapidly turned into fat. Their bodies undergo drastic hormonal changes, exposing them to a range of health challenges. Well-informed knowledge about these bodily changes can help in early intervention and a healthy lifestyle.
Most Common Health Issues for Women in Their 40s
PERIMENOPAUSE
It is the period before menopause when the female body produces less estrogen, causing erratic periods and ultimately leading to menopause, where the ovaries stop releasing eggs. Perimenopause starts around eight to ten years before menopause, usually in the 40s. It is experienced through hot flashes, painful periods and intercourse, decreased libido, drastic mood swings, fatigue, and troubled sleep.
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES
Heart diseases are a concern among women in their 40s. Since their metabolism has slowed down, they are prone to high blood pressure, increased cholesterol, and obesity. Most hereditary cardiac diseases may start showing symptoms around this age.
CANCER
This is a major concern for all people of all ages, but the risk for women increases with age. Most women often find themselves with symptoms of cancer around this age. The most common types of cancer for women in their 40s are:
- Breast cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Bowel cancer
OSTEOPOROSIS
After 40, women suffer from low bone density due to decreasing levels of estrogen in their bodies. This condition, called osteoporosis, makes the bones weak and susceptible to fractures.
HYPER AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
Thyroid issues are more common in women in their 40s. They can experience symptoms like increased weight, hair loss, fatigue, and mood swings.
URINARY INCONTINENCE
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine and a major inconvenience for women in this age group. It is caused by weakened pelvic floor muscles (common after vaginal birth), hormonal imbalance, or underlying diseases.
DIABETES
Due to a sedentary lifestyle and the risk of aging and weight gain, developing diabetes is common in women, especially after menopause. Diabetes usually presents with sudden weight gain, excessive thirst, hunger, and a frequent urge to urinate.
EMOTIONAL DISTURBANCE
Emotional disorders like anxiety and depression are common in the 40s due to hormonal changes, menopause, and challenging life situations.
How Should Women Take Care of Themselves After 40?
- Keep a watch for perimenopausal symptoms and get help when needed.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Have a healthy, balanced diet that meets age-related nutritional requirements.
- Engage in regular physical activities to compensate for a slowed-down metabolism.
- Concentrate on bone health by ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D levels.
- Monitor habits that hinder overall health, like smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Schedule routine health check-ups for heart diseases and cancer.
- Address sudden bodily changes like loss of appetite, weight gain, and fatigue.
- Seek help for emotional well-being when necessary.
- Prioritize self-care.
Conclusion
Life keeps changing for women at every stage. It is important to commit to a healthy life regardless of age. However, after 40, more care needs to be taken towards health, as the body cannot heal on its own for a long time. With informed knowledge and timely intervention, women can live a hassle-free life in their 40s.