Women’s health
Life stages

Women’s life stages are based on the reproductive cycle, beginning with menstruation and ending with menopause.

Different health issues may be more relevant to women’s lives depending on their life stage. Physical and social circumstances at each stage influence both physical and mental health, and the ability to maintain health.

Young women

During puberty, the series of changes young women undergo are often accompanied by emotional turmoil.

Mental health issues are a concern at this life stage, with young women experiencing high psychological distress at almost twice the rate of young men.

Self-awareness regarding body image can lead some young women into risky health behaviours, for example eating disorders. It is important for young women to visit their doctor regularly and practice good health habits, as the choices they make in their early years will impact on their future health.

Reproductive years

For women in their reproductive years, family planning, pregnancy, and child birth are prominent health issues. At this stage in life women should educate themselves on risks associated with sexual activity, and protect themselves against sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies.

Balancing work and family commitments can have a significant impact on women’s physical and mental health, particularly since women still take on a higher proportion of caring responsibilities.

During the reproductive year’s women should make record of their family health history and continue to develop good health habits.

Mid-life

In middle-aged women, symptoms of menopause and other life stage factors can affect mental and physical health.

Prevalent health issues at this life stage, include anxiety and depression, musculoskeletal diseases and breast cancer.

Mid-life is a time when increasing pressure of juggling work, family and aging parents can take a toll on health. It is vital that middle-aged women learn to take time to themselves, and develop coping skills for dealing with life’s ups and downs.

Older women

Women in older years still lead vital, active lives, but now they need to monitor their health even closer.

Older women are more likely than older men to be widowed, live alone or in residential care, suffer from more chronic illness and have higher rates of disability.

Women in this stage must visit their doctor regularly and have all recommended health screenings. When diagnosed early many illnesses are treatable.

It is now that the adherence to a healthy lifestyle in earlier life stages will pay dividends. Remember healthy lifestyle choices will help a woman feel her best at every stage in life.