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Women's Health

Written by \"\"Alana LunaMedically reviewed by \"\"Erin L. George

Published on · Updated on

Women’s health is a category of medicine that focuses exclusively on the well-being of women and girls. This includes physical health, mental health, and emotional health[1]. Some topics deal with the intricacies of day-to-day living, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Other discussions center on topics specific to women, such as reproductive health and menopause.

Even universal topics like mental health can and should be seen through a special lens when women are involved. In 2022, an estimated 26.4% of U.S. adult women and 19.7% of U.S. adult men had a mental illness[2].

Women may experience different symptoms than men, and gender bias studies show that women in pain are often taken less seriously than men reporting similar levels of discomfort[3].

Women’s health services focus on diagnosing and treating a wide variety of disorders and conditions, with a major focus on preventative care and screenings[1]. Some organizations and practitioners are taking a more holistic approach to female-centric health care, assembling a team of specialists who work together to address everything from gynecological health to mental health to weight management.

\"A

Key takeaways

  • Women’s health includes physical, mental, emotional, and reproductive well-being across life stages.
  • Some shared medical conditions have different risk factors or presentations in women.
  • Reproductive changes, menopause, and autoimmune conditions can create distinct needs for assessment and care.

Women’s Medical Disorders

Some of the most pressing medical concerns affecting women include: [4]

    \n
  • Heart disease
    • \n
  • Stroke
    • \n
  • Diabetes
    • \n
  • Maternal health issues
    • \n
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
    • \n
  • Sexual health
    • \n
  • Breast cancer
    • \n
  • Osteoporosis
    • \n
  • Alzheimer’s disease
    • \n

While many of these disorders and diseases occur in both men and women, the risk factors and symptoms may not look the same. Heart disease is a good example. While both men and women exhibit traditional risk factors such as obesity, smoking, high blood pressure, and diabetes, some risk factors are unique to women or affect women differently: [5]

    \n
  • Early menopause or pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia
    • \n
  • The presence of autoimmune disease
    • \n
  • Stress and depression
    • \n
  • High blood pressure, particularly later in life
    • \n

Women experiencing medical conditions should seek help from their primary care physician or another qualified medical professional. It’s crucial to learn the risk factors specific to women and for women to advocate for themselves when they suspect something isn’t right.

Subject matter expert

\"\"

Rick Hanson Ph.D.

Neuropsychology, mindfulness, and relationships

Women’s Reproductive Health

Women’s reproductive systems go through several cycles, including puberty, menstruation, child-bearing years, menopause, and post-menopause. Closely monitoring reproductive health can help prevent illness and injury and detect problems early to maximize treatment options.
Common reproductive health issues for women include the following[6].

Endometriosis

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, such as on the bladder or bowels. These growths can cause pain, menstrual problems, and infertility.

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous tumors that grow in and around the uterus. Some women with fibroids have no symptoms, while others have pain during intercourse, frequent urination, and heavy periods, among other symptoms.

Gynecologic Cancer

Gynecologic cancer originates in the female reproductive organs. The five main types are cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancer. Each has different symptoms and risk factors[7].

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

There are more than 20 sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) women can contract as a result of sexual contact. Some, like chlamydia, can be treated using prescription medication. Others, like HIV, can be more serious. All require medical attention to prevent complications.

Sexual Violence

CDC data show that more than 1 in 5 women and 1 in 31 men have experienced completed or attempted rape during their lifetimes[8]. Sexual violence affects people of all genders, with women experiencing a higher burden.

Women and Menopause

Menopause is reached after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, when no other cause explains the change[9]. This major life change is accompanied by significant hormonal changes, as the body generates less estrogen and progesterone.
Symptoms of menopause include: [10]

    \n
  • Hot flashes
    • \n
  • Vaginal dryness
    • \n
  • Decreased or increased libido
    • \n
  • Irregular or disappearing periods
    • \n
  • Difficulty sleeping
    • \n
  • Memory issues
    • \n
  • Urinary incontinence
    • \n
  • Mood changes
    • \n
  • Depression and anxiety
    • \n

While hormone changes are a natural part of menopause, exceedingly low estrogen levels can be problematic. When menopause symptoms begin to interfere with daily life, it’s important to reach out to a primary care physician (PCP).

A PCP will listen to their patient’s concerns and recommend treatments, such as hormone therapy, when appropriate.
Menopause can take a toll on mental health and emotional health as well[11]. The hormonal changes of perimenopause can increase vulnerability to depression, especially in women who have experienced depression before.

\n

Women who experienced depression and anxiety in the past are at higher risk of recurrence. It can be helpful to approach friends and family to find support. Every woman goes through menopause, and sharing experiences can make the process seem less daunting and isolating.

Women’s Autoimmune Diseases

Many autoimmune diseases are more common in women than in men[12]. Patients with autoimmune diseases have immune systems that have lost the ability to distinguish between good cells and foreign cells.

As a result, the body starts attacking itself. Scientists believe that autoimmune disorders arise as a result of a combination of factors, such as genetics, viral infections, environmental conditions, and diet.
Here are some of the most common autoimmune diseases in women and their associated symptoms: [12]

    \n
  • Type 1 diabetes. This condition occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, leading to high blood sugar and symptoms like unusual thirst, blurred vision, and extreme fatigue[15].
    • \n
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). With RA, the immune system attacks healthy tissue and cells, leading to joint inflammation, pain and stiffness, mobility issues, and sometimes even organ damage[13].
    • \n
  • Psoriasis. This chronic skin condition causes raised, scaly patches, often on the knees, elbows, lower back, and scalp. Some people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling[14].
    • \n
  • Lupus. Lupus can affect the skin, joints, organs, and blood vessels. Symptoms are wide ranging and include a telltale rash, hair loss, swollen joints and chest pain[16].
    • \n

There is no cure for autoimmune disease. However, most can be treated using a combination of medication and other holistic approaches that take into account the specific condition, lifestyle, genetics, and environment.

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Women's health. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. MedlinePlus. Accessed October 10 2026.
  2. National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Mental Illness. National Institutes of Health. National Institute of Mental Health. Accessed October 10 2026.
  3. Lanlan Zhang; Elizabeth A. Reynolds Losin; Yoni K. Ashar; Leonie Koban; Tor D. Wager. (2021, September). Gender Biases in Estimation of Others' Pain. The Journal of Pain 22(9):1048–1059. PubMed. Accessed October 10 2026.
  4. National Library of Medicine. (2024, June 5). Women's Health. MedlinePlus. MedlinePlus. Accessed October 10 2026.
  5. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2024, December 27). Coronary Heart Disease — Women and Heart Disease. National Institutes of Health. National Institutes of Health. Accessed October 10 2026.
  6. Office on Women’s Health. (n.d.). A-Z Health Topics. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Office on Women’s Health. Accessed October 10 2026.
  7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, September 12). Gynecologic Cancers Basics. CDC. CDC. Accessed October 10 2026.
  8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, December 17). About Sexual Violence. CDC. CDC. Accessed October 10 2026.
  9. Office on Women’s Health. (n.d.). Menopause basics. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Office on Women’s Health. Accessed October 10 2026.
  10. Office on Women’s Health. (n.d.). Menopause symptoms and relief. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Office on Women’s Health. Accessed October 10 2026.
  11. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Can Menopause Cause Depression? Johns Hopkins Medicine. Accessed October 10 2026.
  12. Office on Women’s Health. (n.d.). Autoimmune diseases. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Office on Women’s Health. Accessed October 10 2026.
  13. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (n.d.). Rheumatoid Arthritis. National Institutes of Health. National Institutes of Health. Accessed October 10 2026.
  14. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (n.d.). Psoriasis. National Institutes of Health. National Institutes of Health. Accessed October 10 2026.
  15. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (n.d.). Type 1 Diabetes. National Institutes of Health. National Institutes of Health. Accessed October 10 2026.
  16. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (n.d.). Lupus. National Institutes of Health. National Institutes of Health. Accessed October 10 2026.

Medical Content

The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy.

About MentalHealth.com

MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life.

\"\"

Author

Alana Luna

Writer

Alana Luna is a writer and conversion copywriter with over a decade of experience, specializing in a wide range of topics, including spirituality and mental health.

Published
Updated
\"\"

Medical Reviewer

Erin L. George

MFT

Erin L. George, MFT, holds a master's degree in family therapy with a focus on group dynamics in high-risk families. As a court-appointed special advocate for children, she is dedicated to helping families rebuild relationships and improve their mental and behavioral health.

\"\"

Related community

Emotional Health

Explore feelings, self-awareness, and the emotional experiences that shape everyday life.

","text":"Home Library Self-Care Women’s Health Women's Health Written by Alana LunaMedically reviewed by Erin L. George Published on May 31, 2024 · Updated on August 25, 2025 Women’s health is a category of medicine that focuses exclusively on the well-being of women and girls. This includes physical health, mental health, and emotional health[1]. Some topics deal with the intricacies of day-to-day living, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Other discussions center on topics specific to women, such as reproductive health and menopause. Even universal topics like mental health can and should be seen through a special lens when women are involved. In 2022, an estimated 26.4% of U.S. adult women and 19.7% of U.S. adult men had a mental illness[2]. Women may experience different symptoms than men, and gender bias studies show that women in pain are often taken less seriously than men reporting similar levels of discomfort[3]. Women’s health services focus on diagnosing and treating a wide variety of disorders and conditions, with a major focus on preventative care and screenings[1]. Some organizations and practitioners are taking a more holistic approach to female-centric health care, assembling a team of specialists who work together to address everything from gynecological health to mental health to weight management. Key takeaways Women’s health includes physical, mental, emotional, and reproductive well-being across life stages. Some shared medical conditions have different risk factors or presentations in women. Reproductive changes, menopause, and autoimmune conditions can create distinct needs for assessment and care. Women’s Medical Disorders Some of the most pressing medical concerns affecting women include: [4] Heart disease Stroke Diabetes Maternal health issues Urinary tract infections (UTIs) Sexual health Breast cancer Osteoporosis Alzheimer’s disease While many of these disorders and diseases occur in both men and women, the risk factors and symptoms may not look the same. Heart disease is a good example. While both men and women exhibit traditional risk factors such as obesity, smoking, high blood pressure, and diabetes, some risk factors are unique to women or affect women differently: [5] Early menopause or pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia The presence of autoimmune disease Stress and depression High blood pressure, particularly later in life Women experiencing medical conditions should seek help from their primary care physician or another qualified medical professional. It’s crucial to learn the risk factors specific to women and for women to advocate for themselves when they suspect something isn’t right. Subject matter expert Rick Hanson Ph.D. Neuropsychology, mindfulness, and relationships Women’s Reproductive Health Women’s reproductive systems go through several cycles, including puberty, menstruation, child-bearing years, menopause, and post-menopause. Closely monitoring reproductive health can help prevent illness and injury and detect problems early to maximize treatment options. Common reproductive health issues for women include the following[6]. Endometriosis Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, such as on the bladder or bowels. These growths can cause pain, menstrual problems, and infertility. Uterine Fibroids Uterine fibroids are noncancerous tumors that grow in and around the uterus. Some women with fibroids have no symptoms, while others have pain during intercourse, frequent urination, and heavy periods, among other symptoms. Gynecologic Cancer Gynecologic cancer originates in the female reproductive organs. The five main types are cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancer. Each has different symptoms and risk factors[7]. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) There are more than 20 sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) women can contract as a result of sexual contact. Some, like chlamydia, can be treated using prescription medication. Others, like HIV, can be more serious. All require medical attention to prevent complications. Sexual Violence CDC data show that more than 1 in 5 women and 1 in 31 men have experienced completed or attempted rape during their lifetimes[8]. Sexual violence affects people of all genders, with women experiencing a higher burden. Women and Menopause Menopause is reached after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, when no other cause explains the change[9]. This major life change is accompanied by significant hormonal changes, as the body generates less estrogen and progesterone. Symptoms of menopause include: [10] Hot flashes Vaginal dryness Decreased or increased libido Irregular or disappearing periods Difficulty sleeping Memory issues Urinary incontinence Mood changes Depression and anxiety While hormone changes are a natural part of menopause, exceedingly low estrogen levels can be problematic. When menopause symptoms begin to interfere with daily life, it’s important to reach out to a primary care physician (PCP). A PCP will listen to their patient’s concerns and recommend treatments, such as hormone therapy, when appropriate. Menopause can take a toll on mental health and emotional health as well[11]. The hormonal changes of perimenopause can increase vulnerability to depression, especially in women who have experienced depression before. Women who experienced depression and anxiety in the past are at higher risk of recurrence. It can be helpful to approach friends and family to find support. Every woman goes through menopause, and sharing experiences can make the process seem less daunting and isolating. Women’s Autoimmune Diseases Many autoimmune diseases are more common in women than in men[12]. Patients with autoimmune diseases have immune systems that have lost the ability to distinguish between good cells and foreign cells. As a result, the body starts attacking itself. Scientists believe that autoimmune disorders arise as a result of a combination of factors, such as genetics, viral infections, environmental conditions, and diet. Here are some of the most common autoimmune diseases in women and their associated symptoms: [12] Type 1 diabetes. This condition occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, leading to high blood sugar and symptoms like unusual thirst, blurred vision, and extreme fatigue[15]. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). With RA, the immune system attacks healthy tissue and cells, leading to joint inflammation, pain and stiffness, mobility issues, and sometimes even organ damage[13]. Psoriasis. This chronic skin condition causes raised, scaly patches, often on the knees, elbows, lower back, and scalp. Some people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling[14]. Lupus. Lupus can affect the skin, joints, organs, and blood vessels. Symptoms are wide ranging and include a telltale rash, hair loss, swollen joints and chest pain[16]. There is no cure for autoimmune disease. However, most can be treated using a combination of medication and other holistic approaches that take into account the specific condition, lifestyle, genetics, and environment. References National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Women's health. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. MedlinePlus. Accessed October 10 2026. National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Mental Illness. National Institutes of Health. National Institute of Mental Health. Accessed October 10 2026. Lanlan Zhang; Elizabeth A. Reynolds Losin; Yoni K. Ashar; Leonie Koban; Tor D. Wager. (2021, September). Gender Biases in Estimation of Others' Pain. The Journal of Pain 22(9):1048–1059. PubMed. Accessed October 10 2026. National Library of Medicine. (2024, June 5). Women's Health. MedlinePlus. MedlinePlus. Accessed October 10 2026. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2024, December 27). Coronary Heart Disease — Women and Heart Disease. National Institutes of Health. National Institutes of Health. Accessed October 10 2026. Office on Women’s Health. (n.d.). A-Z Health Topics. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Office on Women’s Health. Accessed October 10 2026. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, September 12). Gynecologic Cancers Basics. CDC. CDC. Accessed October 10 2026. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, December 17). About Sexual Violence. CDC. CDC. Accessed October 10 2026. Office on Women’s Health. (n.d.). Menopause basics. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Office on Women’s Health. Accessed October 10 2026. Office on Women’s Health. (n.d.). Menopause symptoms and relief. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Office on Women’s Health. Accessed October 10 2026. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Can Menopause Cause Depression? Johns Hopkins Medicine. Accessed October 10 2026. Office on Women’s Health. (n.d.). Autoimmune diseases. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Office on Women’s Health. Accessed October 10 2026. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (n.d.). Rheumatoid Arthritis. National Institutes of Health. National Institutes of Health. Accessed October 10 2026. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (n.d.). Psoriasis. National Institutes of Health. National Institutes of Health. Accessed October 10 2026. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (n.d.). Type 1 Diabetes. National Institutes of Health. National Institutes of Health. Accessed October 10 2026. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (n.d.). Lupus. National Institutes of Health. National Institutes of Health. Accessed October 10 2026. Medical Content The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy. About MentalHealth.com MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life. Author Alana Luna Writer Alana Luna is a writer and conversion copywriter with over a decade of experience, specializing in a wide range of topics, including spirituality and mental health. Published May 31, 2024 Updated August 25, 2025 Medical Reviewer Erin L. George MFT Erin L. George, MFT, holds a master's degree in family therapy with a focus on group dynamics in high-risk families. As a court-appointed special advocate for children, she is dedicated to helping families rebuild relationships and improve their mental and behavioral health. Related community Emotional Health Explore feelings, self-awareness, and the emotional experiences that shape everyday life. Table of contentsChoose a section Women’s Medical Disorders Women’s Reproductive Health Endometriosis Uterine Fibroids Gynecologic Cancer Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Sexual Violence Women and Menopause Women’s Autoimmune Diseases View more","wordCount":1642},"schema":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#organization","name":"MentalHealth.com","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/","publishingPrinciples":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/publishing/editorial-policy"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#website","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/","name":"MentalHealth.com","inLanguage":"en-US","publisher":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#organization"}},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/womens-health#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Library","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Self-Care","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/self-care"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Women’s Health","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/womens-health"}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/womens-health#primaryimage","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/b455fdc81e863deb60ce79e0.webp","contentUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/b455fdc81e863deb60ce79e0.webp","width":1200,"height":800,"encodingFormat":"image/webp","caption":"A person checks a small medical sensor on their upper arm using a phone."},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/alana-luna#person","name":"Alana Luna","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/alana-luna","jobTitle":"Writer","image":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/717393758f050c8967a0ee81.jpg","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanamusselman/"],"memberOf":[{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/publishing#department"}]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/erin-george#person","name":"Erin L. 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(2) Women may experience different symptoms than men, and gender bias studies show that women in pain are often taken less seriously than men reporting similar levels of discomfort. (3) Women’s health services focus on diagnosing and treating a wide variety of disorders and conditions, with a major focus on preventative care and screenings. 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