October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but as a GP, I see it as a good reason for women to check in on something bigger: your health. All of it.
Not because there is something terrible lurking around the corner. And definitely not because you need another list of things women are apparently supposed to be doing perfectly.
It is simply a good prompt to ask: How am I actually going?
Women tend to live longer than men in Australia, but that doesn’t mean we necessarily spend all those extra years in good health. Our hormones, body composition and physiology mean some health problems affect women differently or more commonly.
The encouraging bit is that there is plenty we can do about it.
So, in the spirit of prevention rather than panic, here are five things worth putting on your radar.
1. Your bones are doing more than holding you up
Women are much more likely to develop osteoporosis. Oestrogen plays an important role in maintaining bone, so when oestrogen falls around menopause, bone loss can accelerate.
The sneaky thing about osteoporosis is that you can’t feel your bones getting thinner. Sometimes the first sign is a fracture.
What can you do? Lift things.
Resistance and weight-bearing exercise help maintain muscle and bone strength. Add adequate calcium, vitamin D where needed, don’t smoke, and talk to your GP about whether you have risk factors that mean your bone health should be assessed.
And no, you haven’t left it too late. Bones and muscles respond to exercise at every age.
2. The “standard serve” may not be your serve
Women generally have lower energy requirements than men, yet supermarket meals, takeaway food and restaurant portions don’t come labelled large bloke and smaller human.
They just come as a “serve”.
This isn’t about dieting, guilt or counting every pea on your plate. It is about recognising that you don’t have to finish everything simply because somebody else decided what a portion should look like.
Eat slowly, notice when you’re satisfied and aim for plenty of vegetables, whole foods, fibre and protein.
3. That evening wine may be doing more than helping you unwind
Women’s bodies process alcohol differently from men’s. Alcohol can also become less friendly in midlife, particularly when sleep, mood and menopause symptoms are already changing.
If your previously innocent glass of wine has started introducing you to the ceiling at 3 am, it may be worth experimenting.
Try drinking less or having a break and see what happens to your sleep, mood and energy.
No judgement. No lecture. Just useful information about your own body.
4. Cancer prevention isn’t only about finding cancer
Yes, keep up with breast, cervical and bowel screening when you are eligible.
But cancer prevention also happens between screening appointments.
Physical activity, not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol and protecting your skin from UV exposure can all reduce your risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.
And there’s an important distinction I often make with my patients:
Screening is for people without symptoms.
A new breast lump, nipple change, unexpected bleeding, persistent bloating, change in bowel habits or anything else that simply doesn’t feel right deserves a medical assessment.
Don’t wait for your next screening reminder.
5. And yes, women really do get more gut trouble
Bloating, constipation, abdominal discomfort and IBS-type symptoms are more common in women.
Hormones can influence how quickly food moves through our digestive system and how sensitive the gut feels. That means symptoms can change around periods, pregnancy and menopause.
Regular meals, enough water, appropriate fibre, exercise, sleep and managing stress can all help.
But don’t automatically blame persistent symptoms on hormones, stress or last night’s curry.
New, persistent or changing gut symptoms deserve a conversation with your GP.
October’s little nudge
You don’t need to reinvent yourself this month.
Check your breasts. Check whether your screening is up to date. Lift some weights. Move your body. Think about winding down a bit on the alcohol. Eat well most of the time. And if something has been niggling at you, make that appointment.
Preventative health isn’t about looking for trouble.
It’s about giving yourself the best chance of staying well enough, for long enough to keep doing the things you love.
That’s what we’re passionate about at LifeVest: practical, evidence-based prevention that fits into real life.
Find out more: https://lifevest.com.au/
Disclaimer
The information shared by LifeVest Pty Ltd is for general education and information only and is not medical advice. Please speak with your GP, specialist, or healthcare professional for advice about your own health and circumstances. We aim to keep our content accurate and up to date, however medical information and guidelines can change over time. External links are provided for convenience only and do not imply endorsement. LifeVest Pty Ltd is not responsible for any loss or harm resulting from reliance on information shared through our website, social media, or other communications.
