Vital Steps To Support Women’s Health

Prioritizing health and well-being is essential for women. It not only impacts their own lives but also extends to their families, friends, and communities. Understanding their personal risk factors for the diseases and conditions that are women’s greatest health threats, along with regularly seeing healthcare providers who can support their health throughout their lifetimes, are essential for women who want to take charge of their health and well-being.

Knowing Women’s Leading Health Risks

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women, causing one in three deaths each year. That is why Katherine Shreyder, MD, of St. Clair Medical Group Cardiology, Is on a mission to better educate women about the life events unique to women that may increase their chances of a cardiovascular event.

Menstrual Cycles

“Hormonal fluctuations certainly affect the cardiovascular system in women. We know, for example, that menstruating females are at higher risk of experiencing palpitations, or irregular or pounding heartbeats, in the second phase of the menstrual cycle,” says Dr. Shreyder.

Pregnancy 

Less than half of American women entering pregnancy have optimal cardiovascular health, and pregnancy adds extra strain on a woman’s heart and blood vessels that may have lasting effects on her long-term health. Plus, complications such as miscarriages, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and low birth weight of a baby can increase a women’s risk for developing cardiovascular disease later in life.

Menopause

While going through menopause does not cause cardiovascular disease, menopause marks a point in a woman’s life when risk factors can accelerate. Dr. Shreyder notes, “Besides the change in sex hormones, menopause causes unfavorable change in body fat distribution, lipids, and lipoproteins. There is also increased sensitivity to sodium, leading to fluid retention and elevated blood pressure.”

Cardiovascular disease can affect a woman at any age, which is why Dr. Shreyder stresses, “A visit to a cardiologist shouldn’t happen only when a problem exists. If you have strong risk factors and/or a family history of cardiovascular disease, it is reasonable to see a cardiologist for preventative purposes.”

Managing Daily and Lifetime Health

Just as important is effectively managing conditions such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), fertility, menopause, and more that can impact your daily health.

While your health concerns are likely to change as you get older, Tera Conway, MD, of St. Clair Medical Group OB/GYN, and her colleagues are proud to be able to take care of anything women face throughout their lifetimes.

“I love being able to see women through all aspects of their life,” shares Dr. Conway. “Starting often times in their teenage years, going through to pregnancy, then routine annual exams, menopause, and any problems that may occur.”

Women in need of preventive care. Women with abnormal pap smears, issues with pelvic pain, or urinary complaints. Women with routine or complicated pregnancies. Women experiencing menopause. Dr. Conway works to educate and empower all patients to take an active role in their health.

She explains, “I start by just listening to the patient and really taking the time to hear what they’re saying, what their concerns are, what barriers they may have before we can start developing a plan going forward. Once we know those things, then I talk through my thought process with patients to ensure we’re aligned.”