4 health issues Aussie women over 35 should never ignore

Let’s face it, women over 35 usually lead very busy lives. You may have children to care for, careers to prioritise, ageing parents or other family members that could need support, and all sorts of other commitments. So when a health niggle rears its head, it can often seem easier to ignore it or tell yourself you’ll get it checked when you have time.

Sometimes those niggles are your body’s way of telling you something needs attention, and now is the time to do it before you risk it progressing to something more serious. 

Below are four health issues that women over 35 should never ignore.

1. Pain during sex

If you’re feeling pain before, during or after vaginal intercourse, there could be a range of causes. Psychological causes such as stress, anxiety or relationship problems can cause pain. But if the pain is physical, it can be described as either deep pain or superficial pain.

Causes of superficial pain can range from not enough lubrication or having a foreign body inside the vagina, to a skin irritation, thrush, a sexually transmitted infection or vaginismus, a condition that causes the vaginal muscles to spasm.

Deeper pain can be the result of some more serious conditions, such as:

·  endometriosis

·  prolapsed uterus

·  fibroids

·  ovarian cysts

·  irritable bowel syndrome

·  a bladder infection

·  a urinary tract infection

·  pelvic inflammatory disease

·  ectopic pregnancy.

2. Irregular periods

Your period may be irregular from time to time, and the cause could be something as simple as stress, travel or taking some medications. But any change to your regular menstrual cycle when you’re over 35 should be investigated so you can be armed with information about what is going on inside your body.

Other things that can cause a disruption to your menstrual cycle are:

·  pregnancy

·  perimenopause

·  polycystic ovarian syndrome

·  a thyroid disorder

·  other health conditions.

3. Breast changes

It’s important to be familiar with how your breasts look and feel, and conducting a breast check once a month can help you to do this. If you do notice anything different, you should see your doctor immediately for a breast cancer check.

These changes could include:

·  new lumps or lumpiness

·  changes to the shape of your breast

·  changes to the nipple

·  discharge from the nipple

·  puckering or dimpling of the skin

·  persistent breast pain

·  persistent itching or rash.

4. Fatigue

It can be hard to tell the difference between regular fatigue because you’re busy, and fatigue that is new or unusual. But if you feel exhausted all the time and it goes on for two weeks or more, it’s recommended you talk to a doctor to see what could be the cause.

Conditions that could cause you to feel worn out and unmotivated include:

·  anaemia

·  sleep apnoea

·  an underactive thyroid

·  chronic fatigue syndrome

·  coeliac disease

·  diabetes

·  glandular fever

·  restless leg syndrome

·  depression

·  cancer

·  heart disease

·  multiple sclerosis.

If you are experiencing symptoms, you should speak to a doctor to find out the right treatment for you. You can request a telehealth consultation with one of our Australian-registered doctors from anywhere in Australia, seven days a week.

This article was written by Carolyn Tate, a Brisbane-based writer with a particular interest in women’s health, mental health and living well. Carolyn holds a Bachelor of Professional Writing and a Bachelor of Political Science.

Sources:

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/painful-sex-for-women

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/irregular-periods

https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/breast-health/breast-checks

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/breast-diseases

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/fatigue