Women's health

Female health has its own unique complexities which are related to the biological and physiological differences in form and anatomy and further informed by societal attitudes in relation to Gender roles.

The issues experienced relate to structures of the female body including changes during development, life stages and ageing and due to conditions caused by hormones specific to, or most notable in, females.

Women's health issues relate to menstruation, contraception, maternal health, child birth, menopause and breast and other specific cancers.

There can also include issues in relation to development through the cycles of life from birth to death and include diet specific issues such as Eating Disorders.

They can also include medical situations in which women face problems not directly related to their biology, for example gender-differentiated access to medical treatment.

Useful links

NHS website - Women's Health

NHS website - Live Well

Be clear on cancer campaign

Rape Crisis

NHS website - Health Screening Information

NHS website - Menopause

British Nutrition Foundation - Women's Health

Women's health and mental health

Mental health affects us all. How we think and feel about ourselves and our lives impacts on our behaviour and how we cope in tough times.

It affects our ability to make the most of the opportunities that come our way and play a full part amongst our family, workplace, community and friends. It’s also closely linked with our physical health.

Whether we call it well-being, emotional welfare or mental health, it’s key to living a fulfilling life.

Anxiety and depression are twice as common in women as in men – a fact which points directly to the social experience of women. They experience higher levels of social isolation, particularly as lone parents, and are at much greater risk than men of domestic violence, abuse and sexual violence, factors which contribute significantly to mental health problems.