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Women's Health
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Women

Women's Health

Women face unique health challenges and experience common medical conditions differently than men, necessitating specialized care and screenings.

Unique Health Issues

Women have unique health issues, and some of the health issues that affect both men and women can affect women differently. Unique issues include pregnancy, menopause, and conditions of the female organs.

Women can have a healthy pregnancy by getting early and regular prenatal care. They should also get recommended breast cancer, cervical cancer, and bone density screenings.

Gender-Based Differences in Health

Women and men also have many of the same health problems, but these problems can affect women differently. For example:

  • Women are more likely to die following a heart attack than men
  • Women are more likely to show signs of depression and anxiety than men
  • The effects of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be more serious in women
  • Osteoarthritis affects more women than men
  • Women are more likely to have urinary tract problems

Frequently Asked Questions

Current guidelines suggest women begin annual or biennial mammograms at age 40. If you have a strong family history of breast cancer or a known genetic mutation (BRCA1/2), your doctor may recommend starting earlier and having imaging every year. After age 55, many guidelines allow switching to every two years if prior scans have been normal.
For most women, a Pap smear combined with HPV testing is done every five years starting at age 30, or a Pap alone every three years if HPV testing isn’t performed. After age 65, you can stop screening if you’ve had regular negative results and no history of high‑grade lesions. Women who have had a hysterectomy that removed the cervix and had no prior abnormal results may also discontinue screening.
Women are more likely than men to experience non‑classic symptoms such as sudden fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, light‑headedness, jaw or back pain, and a feeling of indigestion. Chest pressure can still occur but may be milder. If you notice any of these signs, especially if they appear suddenly and last more than a few minutes, call emergency services immediately.
im for at least 1,200 mg of calcium daily from dairy, fortified plant milks, leafy greens, or supplements, and 800–1,000 IU of vitamin D through sunlight exposure, diet, or a supplement. Engage in weight‑bearing and resistance exercises (e.g., walking, jogging, strength training) for 30 minutes most days. Limit caffeine and alcohol, avoid smoking, and discuss with your doctor whether a bone‑density scan (DEXA) is appropriate after age 65 or earlier if you have risk factors.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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