Women's health changes throughout life

Women’s health does not begin or end with the reproductive years. Menstruation, contraception, pregnancy, the postnatal period, perimenopause and menopause relate to different stages of life, but no single stage defines a person’s whole experience.

Throughout life, the body, priorities, context and risk factors change. The questions that are worth consulting are also changing.

Think of continuity, not isolated episodes

The World Health Organization proposes a life-course look. The situation with which a woman reaches perimenopause is influenced by her previous history, lifestyle and environmental factors, as well as her reproductive and health history.

This continuity helps not to reduce attention to a list of reviews. Sexual health, sleep, emotional state, bone health, metabolism and cardiovascular risk can be of different relevance depending on the stage and the person.

Menopause is a transition, not a disease

Menopause is part of biological aging. Some women have few symptoms and others experience changes that significantly affect their quality of life.

Symptoms and their management options should be assessed taking into account medical history, preferences and individual needs. There is no unique experience or solution valid for all.

Changes to mention

Changes in your cycle, unexpected bleeding, pain, symptoms affecting daily life or changes in sexual health deserve discussion with a clinician if they concern you or persist.

It may help to bring information about medication, family history and previous results. A general article cannot determine which tests an individual needs or how often.

Avoiding two extremes

Dismissing all discomfort as “women's problems” can delay important conversations. Treating every natural change as a disease can also create unnecessary worry and medicalisation.

Between these extremes is informed care: listening, considering context, assessing and making shared decisions.