Women in their 40s leave big shoes for 20-year-olds to fill with their strong confidence and lush beauty. However, the 40s are a transitional period for women from adulthood to middle-age that often brings the first signs of certain health problems. Fortunately, this is a period when numerous health issues can be caught early on and prevented before they become serious problems.
Therefore, it’s essential that you inform yourself about possible health problems you might experience in your 40s in order to treat and prevent them.
Osteoporosis
Women in their 40s have an increased risk of developing osteoporosis, a serious condition that causes bone loss and leads to fractures and other bone issues, because your bone density and strength starts declining in your 40s. It has been shown that women are actually four times more likely to develop this condition than men.
If osteoporosis is common in your family history, you should consult your doctor and take a bone density test. As for additional, everyday measures, you should have a healthy and balanced diet and include weight-bearing exercises into your routine.
Breast cancer
Women of all ages should regularly exam their breasts on their own, but women in their 40s should get mammograms on a yearly basis. These regular check-ups are of the utmost importance for the early prevention of breast cancer, which then enables a more conservative treatment.
If you have an increased risk of developing breast cancer, you should make certain lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk, including switching to a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
Heart disease
Blood pressure, cholesterol, resting heart rate and triglycerides and homocysteine levels are all significant indicators of heart health that can lead to heart disease if not in order. Once you turn 40, you need to keep an eye on these factors and monitor their levels to reduce the risk of heart attack. Healthy lifestyle habits can keep them within the healthy levels, as well as medication if necessary.
Diabetes
The risk of diabetes increases as you get older, so it’s essential that you monitor your blood glucose levels and have regular check-ups, especially if you’re overweight. It has actually been shown that a lot of people have diabetes without even knowing. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of this disease, so make sure to schedule blood sugar tests regularly.
Eye problems
Starting at the age of 40, you should get regular baseline eye screenings, especially if you have the risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes and eye problems in your family history. After your first screening, you ophthalmologist will prescribe follow-up exams and any additional measures, such as glasses, bifocal lenses, etc.
Depression and anxiety
Your mental health is as important as your physical health and, since the body and the mind are strangely and intricately connected, you need to nurture both to ensure your well-being. Depression and anxiety aren’t uncommon among women in their 40s considering the fact that this is a transitional period.
Of course, occasional feelings of sadness and uneasiness are normal, but if they affect your normal functioning, it’s of the utmost importance that you consult your doctor. Depression and anxiety can lead to a series of psychosomatic health problems, so don’t neglect your mental health.
Dental issues
Oral health problems and bone loss can be detected early on if you schedule regular dental check-ups. It’s vital that you consult your dentist the moment you notice the first signs of a possible dental problem. For example, if your gums bleed while brushing your teeth, you may have gingivitis, also known as gum disease.
It’s of the utmost importance that you get a gingivitis treatment as early as possible because the progress of this disease can cause other periodontal diseases and tooth loss. This treatment typically involves a thorough cleaning to remove tartar or plaque build-ups from your teeth.
By keeping an eye on early signs of these diseases, you’ll be able to treat them and prevent any serious problems. In addition, make sure to switch to healthy lifestyle habits to ensure your health and well-being.
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