4 more common diseases among women

There are many diseases that affect both men and women. However, some particularly affect females at a higher rate than males.

One of the main differences between men and women is that of chromosomal formation, where men (with X and Y chromosomes) are more likely to have genetic disorders than women (with XX chromosomes). ).

In addition, hormonal differences are also an important point, because women make more estrogen, which makes them store more fat. In addition, the changes that women experience during menstrual cycles greatly affect, even affecting areas such as the brain, which become more sensitive to exposure to certain chemicals.

According to several studies, environmental pollution does not affect all races equally. In fact, gender or age are factors that need to be considered. In this light, the author and endocrinologist Carmi Fals-Yaubert explains in her book "Health and the Environment" that women, because of their body condition, are more vulnerable to this contamination.

Here we present four more common diseases in women:

Osteoporosis
The disease is characterized by the gradual loss of bone mass, which reduces its quality and increases the risk of fractures. The disease is more common in women for two main reasons, since women have lower bone density than men, making them more vulnerable to osteoporosis. On the other hand, after menopause, the rate of bone mineral loss accelerates. According to the latest report by the Spanish Medical Association, osteoporosis is one of the most common metabolic bone diseases in Western countries. In fact, it has been listed as the "silent epidemic of the twenty-first century".

Besides, the prevalence of the disease gradually increases with age. For example, about 35% of women over 50 in Spain suffer from the disease, while men of the same age are barely 8%. Despite high rates, fewer than 30% of osteoporosis patients have been diagnosed, while less than 10% receive treatment.

Good practices should be followed to prevent the symptoms of osteoarthritis, such as the inclusion of calcium and vitamin D in the diet and exercise frequently, as well as avoid tobacco and alcohol consumption.

2. Urinary tract infections
Urinary tract infections are the most common diseases affecting women. They can occur in different areas of the urinary tract, from the bladder down to the kidneys, ureters and urethra. It is estimated that up to 50% of women may develop this type of infection throughout their lifetime. Perhaps the most common are those caused by bacteria entering the bladder. If not treated, it is possible to reach the kidneys.

The writer stated that urinary tract infection is likely due to lack of personal hygiene, the presence of diseases (such as diabetes or cancer), and even the use of tampons and compresses. Since traditional hygiene products are in contact with the vagina, they can in turn be exposed to bacterial growth.

3. High blood pressure
This disease is one of the most common diseases in women, especially after the age of forty, as the blood vessels are under constant pressure until they end up being damaged. A study by Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center revealed that women are 40 percent more likely to develop vascular problems. This is due to various factors such as menopause, where the rate of blood pressure increases due to the change of hormonal balance.

High blood pressure makes arteries narrow and hard, leading to headaches, breathing difficulties, dizziness, chest pain, kidney complications, vision problems, palpitations and even stroke.

4. Fibromyalgia or fibromyalgia
Although fibromyalgia is an unknown chronic disease, it affects between 2% and 6% of Spaniards, which is more common in women, the author said. It is a disease of the muscular and fibrous tissues (ligaments and tendons), causing a change in the perception of pain, so that they appear as painful stimuli, although they are not so for the average person.

The cause of the disease is still unknown, but is believed to be caused by severe stress. The disease is characterized by the presence of pain at the level of muscles and bones.

In all cases, this is accompanied by symptoms of fatigue, sleep disorders and even anxiety and depression. Moreover, an additional problem is the lack of objective tests at the moment that will support the diagnosis of the disease. Therefore, analyzes and radiographs are the only ways to exclude the hypothesis that the patient suffers from another type of disease.