A Woman’s Health Journey: Awareness, Prevention, and Timely Care

A Woman’s Health Journey: Awareness, Prevention, and Timely Care

A woman’s health journey begins at puberty and continues through adolescence, reproductive years, pregnancy, and menopause. At every stage of life, the body undergoes natural physical and hormonal changes. While many of these changes are normal, some require medical attention. Awareness, timely precautions, and consulting a gynaecologist at the right time play a key role in maintaining a woman’s health and confidence throughout her life.

Dr. Nallaparaju Divya
Consultant Obstetrician, Gynaecologist & Infertility Specialist
MBBS, MS (OBGYN), FMAS, DMAS
Malla Reddy Narayana Multispeciality Hospital

During puberty and adolescence, girls experience the onset of menstruation, breast development, acne, weight changes, and mood swings. Irregular periods and mild menstrual pain are common in the first few years. Good menstrual hygiene, regular sanitary pad changes, a balanced diet rich in iron and calcium, regular exercise, and adequate sleep are essential during this phase. Open conversations at home and school help girls understand these changes and reduce fear or stigma associated with menstruation.

In the reproductive years, women often juggle work, family, and personal responsibilities, which can lead to stress and neglect of health. Regular menstrual cycles, mild premenstrual symptoms, and small weight changes are common. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress effectively, exercising regularly, and undergoing periodic health check-ups are all important. Pregnancy planning and spacing should always be done under medical guidance to ensure the safety of both the mother and the child.

During perimenopause and menopause, hormonal changes may cause irregular periods, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood changes, and joint pains. Although this is a natural phase of life, special care is required. Attention to bone health, heart health, and mental well-being through proper nutrition, physical activity, and regular health screening helps women remain active and healthy.

Self-breast examination is a simple yet important habit that every woman should follow. It should be done once a month, a few days after periods or on a fixed date after menopause. Any lump, change in breast size or shape, skin changes, nipple discharge, or persistent pain should be evaluated by a doctor. Early detection saves lives.

Regular cancer screening is vital for prevention. Pap smear tests for cervical cancer and breast cancer screening, as advised by a gynaecologist, help detect problems early, often before symptoms appear. Women should not wait for discomfort to seek screening.

Contraception enables planned and safe parenthood. Options include oral pills, IUCDs, injections, barrier methods, and permanent methods. A gynaecologist can help choose the most suitable method based on age, health, and future pregnancy plans.

Pregnancy care requires early registration, regular antenatal check-ups, scans, and blood tests. Monitoring blood pressure, sugar levels, and weight gain is especially important in high-risk pregnancies. A nutritious diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, iron, calcium, and adequate water intake supports the health of both mother and baby.

Women should consult a gynaecologist for delayed or irregular periods, heavy bleeding, persistent vaginal discharge, difficulty conceiving, pelvic pain, or bleeding after menopause.

We at Malla Reddy Narayana Multispeciality Hospitalprovide comprehensive women’s healthcare under one roof. From menstrual disorders and infertility to pregnancy care, cancer screening, and advanced gynaecological treatments, experienced specialists offer compassionate, patient-centred care at every stage of a woman’s life.