Women have a unique set of health challenges that are influenced in large part by the hormone changes that occur throughout their lives. The reproductive cycle can take a toll on a woman’s body, even if she never has children.

In addition to the cases we handle of mesothelioma in women, it is important to understand more common health issues and events women experience in their lives. Women have longer lifespans, stronger immune systems, and better trauma survival rates than men. They are also more likely to visit their doctors and participate in preventive health screenings. Yet they spend 15% of their lives in poor health, compared with just 12% for men, and they are more likely to be diagnosed with many chronic health conditions.

While women’s proactive approach to healthcare is wise, it does not always work in their favor. Pharmaceutical companies have a history of pushing products for women that are not safe or effective and failing to provide the proper warnings about potential risks. Additionally, clinical drug trials are often performed with only male participants, resulting in overmedicating and adverse reactions in women. Environmental toxins are linked to pregnancy complications and birth defects, in addition to multiple types of cancer and neurological disorders.

Women and Cancer

Cancer was the second-leading cause of death among adults in the United States in 2020, leading to 284,619 female deaths. The American Cancer Society estimates that 934,870 females were diagnosed with cancer in 2022.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among American women, accounting for 30% of new cancer diagnoses in women. Approximately 1 in 8 women develops invasive breast cancer over the course of a lifetime. If the current trend continues, 287,850 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 43,250 deaths were expected in 2022.

Breast cancer risk factors:

Being a woman
Race/ethnicity
Age
Family history and genetics
Lack of pregnancy or first pregnancy after age 30
Lack of breastfeeding history
Onset of menstruation before age 12 or completion of menopause after age 55
History of hormone replacement therapy, especially combination (progesterone and estrogen) therapy

History of use of products containing dibutyl phthalate, an endocrine disruptor used in many medications and cosmetics
Radiation exposure
Dense breasts
Lack of exercise
Smoking
Alcohol consumption
Poor diet
Obesity

Breast cancer tends to spread to the lymph nodes and then to other parts of the body. This makes early detection an important factor in the prognosis. During the early stages of cancer, tumors are small, and cancer is confined to the breast tissue and nearby lymph nodes.

During the later stages, tumors get larger and spread to an increasing number of lymph nodes and ultimately to other organs.

The earlier the stage of cancer at the time of diagnosis, the higher the survival rate. Stage 0 cancer (precancer) and stage 1 cancer have 100 percent five-year survival rates. The survival rate for stage two cancer is 93 percent, but it drops to 72 percent for stage 3 and just 22 percent for stage four.

Tamoxifen

Most breast cancer cells have hormone receptors for estrogen or progesterone. These hormone-positive cancers begin in the milk ducts or lobules. Tamoxifen is a drug used to prevent or treat estrogen-positive breast cancer by blocking estrogen production. It can be prescribed to postmenopausal women and premenopausal women over age 35.

Side effects include the following:

Tamoxifen is not without risks:

Other widely used breast cancer drugs include:

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest reproductive cancer in women. It impacts one in 78 women. The National Cancer Society estimates that 19,880 women were diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2022, and 12,810 died.

When ovarian cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, the five-year survival rate is 94%. Unfortunately, only 20% of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed early. Women rarely experience symptoms during the early stages, and there are no reliable early screening tests.

Talcum Powder Linked to Ovarian Cancer

Many cases of ovarian cancer can be attributed to asbestos exposure through contaminated talcum powder. Talcum powder was the main ingredient in Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower. Johnson & Johnson advertised these products as feminine hygiene products.
Talcum powder is made from talc, a mineral often found in close proximity to asbestos. This means the risk of contamination is common. When Johnson & Johnson discovered their products were contaminated, they concealed the information and continued promoting them.

Studies have found a direct link between talc products and ovarian cancer, even when they were not used for feminine hygiene. Johnson & Johnson has paid billions of dollars in thousands of lawsuits and no longer offers talc-based products in the United States.

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer was once the most common cancer death in women, but thanks to the widespread availability of early screening, it is almost always caught during the pre-cancer stage. The American Cancer Society anticipated 14,100 new cases and 4,280 deaths from cervical cancer in the United States in 2022.

The most significant risk factors include:

HPV

Human papillomaviruses are a group of viruses, most of which cause warts or non-cancerous tumors (papillomas). These affect the mucous membranes, especially around the vagina, anus, cervix, vulva, inner nose, mouth, throat, trachea, and inner eyelids.

It spreads by physical contact with the affected area, especially sexual contact. High-risk types of HPV can cause cervical cancer. Although less common, cancers of the throat, vulva, vagina, mouth, and throat may be attributable to HPV.
The Gardasil 9 vaccine can prevent HPV when administered early in life, either as a series of two injections in children ages nine to 12 or as a series of three injections in young adults ages 13 to 25. The vaccine is most effective when administered at a young age. It is not recommended for adults over the age of 26. There is pending litigation against Merck, the maker of Gardasil. HPV vaccine side effects lawsuits claim that the warnings were inadequate.

Early Detection

Regular health screenings can detect cervical cancer and HPV. Women over the age of 21 should schedule PAP smears and HPV tests periodically as recommended by their physicians. These tests are usually necessary only once every three to five years.

Other Types of Cancers

Cancers Caused by Zantac

Ranitidine, sold under the brand Zantac, was a widely used antacid that was contaminated with N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a known carcinogen. Consequently, it has been linked to gastrointestinal cancers, including cancers of the following:

Lung Cancer

Previously thought of as a man’s disease, the incidence of lung cancer in women is rising at an alarming rate, with an 84% increase among women over the last 42 years. Smoking is the most significant factor, but 20% of women diagnosed with lung cancer have no smoking history. There are no behavioral explanations for the increase in lung cancer in women.

Exposure to the following substances has been linked to a higher risk of lung cancer:

Tobacco smoke
Secondhand smoke
Radon (leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers)
Asbestos Exposure
Exposure to workplace hazards, such as industrial chemicals and diesel exhaust
Air pollution
Angiotensin-converting enzyme drugs (ACEIs), a class of drugs commonly used to manage high blood pressure

Family history is also a significant risk factor for lung cancer.

Reproductive Health

Women face many decisions regarding their reproductive health, from contraception to hormone management. Too often, women are deprived of the information they need to make informed choices. Thus, they ultimately sacrifice their health to prevent unwanted pregnancies and treat reproductive issues.

Birth Control

Although condoms offer a safe, effective method of contraception while also protecting against sexually transmitted infections, many women prefer alternative methods. Most of these require women to assume associated health risks. Unfortunately, pharmaceutical companies have not always been transparent about these risks.

Oral contraceptives

Yaz and Yasmin

What is it?

Ortho-Evra

What is it?

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

What is it?

NuvaRing

What is it?

Depo Provera

What is it?

Endometriosis

Endometriosis occurs when tissue that is similar to the lining of the uterus, the endometrium, grows outside the uterus.

This tissue may grow on the ovaries or fallopian tubes, and, less commonly, in the vagina, bowel, bladder, or rectum. Rarely, growths may also appear in other parts of the body, including the lungs, brain, and skin.

Although the growth is non-cancerous, it can cause severe symptoms, including pain, inappropriate menstrual bleeding, digestive issues, and infertility.

No one knows what causes endometriosis, but links with the following events have been established:

There is no cure for endometriosis, but it can be controlled in some cases with hormonal contraceptives, including oral contraceptives and IUDs.

Pregnancy

Women’s bodies change significantly during pregnancy to accommodate the needs of both the mother and the growing fetus. Hormone levels fluctuate in the mother while the fetus receives nourishment from the mother’s blood supply via the placenta. During this time, common medications can cause miscarriages and birth defects, in addition to the risk of asbestos exposure during pregnancy resulting in negative long-term health effects for mother and child.

The following medications have been shown to cause miscarriages:

Ibuprofen
Isotretinoin (an acne medication)
Ergotamine and methysergide (migraine medications)
Natalizumab (an MS medication)
Antithyroid medication
Certain vitamins and herbal preparations
Methotrexate (a rheumatoid arthritis drug)

The following medications are known to cause birth defects:

Thalidomide
DES (Diethylstilbestrol)
Accutane (isotretinoin)
Aspirin
Ibuprofen
Naproxen
ACE inhibitors used to treat hypertension

Statins
Many antibiotics
Benzodiazepines
Warfarin
Certain antiseizure medications
Certain antidepressants
Psychiatric medications

More recently, research has revealed that using acetaminophen during pregnancy presents an increased risk of the child developing autism spectrum disorder or ADHD.
Women who are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant should check with their doctors prior to starting any new medication, vitamin, or herbal therapies.

Breastfeeding

While breastfeeding is widely regarded as the healthiest feeding system for infants, it is contraindicated in some circumstances:

The mother is using illicit street drugs
The mother is infected with brucellosis, an infectious disease caused by bacteria, usually as a result of contact with infected animals or animal products
The mother has an active herpes virus infection with lesions on the breast
Any drugs or medications that shouldn’t be taken during breastfeeding
The mother is undergoing radiologic exams or treatments

Breastfeeding mothers can take most medications without adverse effects. Medications can end up in breastmilk, some in larger concentrations than others. In many cases, the impacts of medications are still unknown.

The following medications could reach the breastmilk in higher concentrations or otherwise cause harm to the infant:

Many psychoactive drugs, including drugs that treat depression, anxiety, and psychosis
Drugs for smoking cessation
Illegal drugs
Codeine
Narcotic drugs, especially oxycodone
Certain herbal preparations, especially St. John’s wort and fenugreek

Mental Health

Women are nearly twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with anxiety and depressive disorders.

Depression

Symptoms:

Chronic sadness, guilt, or hopelessness
Weight changes
Sleep-pattern changes
Difficulty concentrating
Physical pain
Suicidal thoughts
Loss of interest in life activities
Fatigue
Overwhelm, lack of motivation

Common medications:

Contributing Factors

Puberty

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Pregnancy

Postpartum depression

Menopause

Life circumstances and culture

Anxiety

Types

Medications for anxiety

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

The pelvic floor muscles support the internal organs. These muscles can weaken due to childbirth, age, menopause, chronic coughing, nerve injuries to the lower back, and obesity.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the bladder or uterus drops into the vagina due to the weakening of the pelvic floor muscles. Some cases of POP can also involve the rectum. It affects 3% of women in the United States.

Treatment options include the following:

Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)

Stress Urinary Incontinence occurs when urine leaks during activities that place sudden stress on the bladder and urethra. This causes the muscles to open slightly, allowing the leakage.
In mild cases, activities like sneezing, jumping, exercising, and coughing can trigger a leak. In severe cases, merely standing up can trigger leaks.

SUI is caused by a weakening or stretching of the pelvic floor muscles. Treatment options include:

The use of absorbent pads
Kegel exercises (pelvic floor exercises)
Increasing fiber to improve bowel function, as constipation can worsen incontinence
Maintaining a healthy weight
Bladder training
Quitting smoking

Complications from Transvaginal Mesh

Surgical mesh is a net-like material that has been used in the treatment of abdominal hernias since the 1950s. It can also be used in heart stents. During the 1970s, gynecologists began using it to treat pelvic floor disorders, including POP and SUI, by implanting it through abdominal surgery.

In the 1990s, practitioners developed a less invasive approach of insertion through a small incision in the vagina. Mesh implanted in this manner is known as transvaginal mesh, a method that received FDA approval in 2002.

Implanting transvaginal mesh requires specialized surgical skill, but the product was marketed heavily to gynecologists who may have lacked these skills. While mesh inserted surgically through the abdomen has not resulted in widespread complications, transvaginal mesh has caused the following:

Infections
Return of prolapse
Worsening incontinence
Vaginal scarring
Perforation of pelvic organs
Erosion and dropping away of the mesh from the site, resulting in protrusion from the vagina

Surgery is urgently needed for these complications. It requires even more specialized skill because often the vaginal tissue has grown into the mesh, and the separation process is delicate and complex.

The FDA recalled transvaginal mesh in 2019. The FDA estimates over 300,000 women were implanted with vaginal mesh. Lawsuits against transvaginal mesh manufacturers have resulted in multi-billion dollar settlements.

Surgical mesh implanted through the abdomen and mid-urethral slings are considered safe and are not part of the recall or the litigation.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Urinary tract infections are infections of any of the urinary system organs, which include the bladder, urethra, and kidneys. Most infections involve the bladder and urethra. UTIs are more common in women than in men.

UTI Symptoms

Constant urge to urinate
Burning sensation during urination
Strong-smelling urine
Pain in the center of the pubic bone
Red, pink, or brown urine, indicating the presence of blood
Cloudy urine

Symptoms of kidney infections are more serious and include:

Causes and Risk Factors

UTIs are most commonly caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract. Women experience a higher risk due to the close proximity of the bladder and urethra to the anus and vagina. Bacteria from sexual contact, the gastrointestinal tract, or sexually transmitted infections can enter the urethra and cause infections.

Hormonal changes during menopause and birth control methods involving diaphragms and spermicides also increase women’s risk of developing UTIs. Other risk factors include catheter use, diabetes, and urinary tract abnormalities.

Urinary tract infections may not cause the same symptoms in elderly adults and can be difficult to identify. For example, mental confusion that mimics dementia is a common UTI symptom in elderly adults.

Treatment

Urinary tract infections are typically treated with antibiotics. Resistant infections may require intravenous antibiotic therapy in the hospital.

Untreated UTIs can lead to more serious conditions:

Elmiron

Elmiron is a drug used to treat cystitis, a condition characterized by bladder pain and inflammation. This product can cause the following conditions:

Pigmentary Maculopathy

The active ingredient in Elmiron, pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS) is the only known cause of pigmentary maculopathy, the symptoms of which include dark spots in the vision field, difficulty reading or adjusting to dim lighting, loss of color perception, eye strain, blurred vision and blindness.
The condition is often misdiagnosed as age-related macular degeneration or pattern dystrophy.

More than 600 Elmiron lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson’s subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals are pending amid allegations that Johnson & Johnson knew soon after releasing the product in 1996 that it could be linked to eye damage.

Johnson & Johnson ignored the evidence. In 2018, the link was established through clinical studies, but Johnson & Johnson did not provide warnings until 2020.

Menopause

Changes in their period
Hot flashes
Night sweats
Urinary incontinence
Trouble sleeping
Mood changes
Vaginal dryness

When estrogen—which has a protective effect on women’s health declines, women more vulnerable to age-related illnesses and events such as heart disease, heart attacks, stroke, and osteoporosis.

Menopause is a normal part of aging that women experience during their mid-forties into their fifties. It marks the end of the female reproductive cycle. During this time, estrogen declines and periods cease.

The transitional period leading up to menopause is perimenopause. Women often experience the following uncomfortable symptoms during perimenopause and menopause:

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is characterized by bone loss. It is more common in women. Approximately 10% of women over the age of 60 are afflicted. Osteoporosis increases the risk of bone fractures, including hip fractures, reduced mobility, quality of life, and lifespan. Additional symptoms include the following:

Osteoporosis is often treated with calcium and Vitamin D supplementation. A class of drugs known as bisphosphonates, such as Fosamax, is also an effective treatment for this condition.

Other risk factors for osteoporosis include:

Smaller body frame
Family history
Overactive thyroid, parathyroid, or adrenal glands
Eating disorders
Low calcium intake throughout life
Gastrointestinal surgery

Long-term use of medications that treat seizures, gastric reflux, and cancer
Celiac disease
Cancer
Rheumatoid arthritis
Sedentary lifestyle
Alcohol or tobacco use

Fosamax Side Effects

The body is constantly in a state of breaking down old bone and replacing it with new bones. Fosamax is a bisphosphonate, which works by slowing down the body’s natural process of breaking down bone.

The most common side effect is heartburn or similar gastrointestinal issues. Replacing one bisphosphonate with another often remedies this issue.

Approximately one in 50,000 patients taking Fosamax develops osteonecrosis of the jawbone, a condition characterized by a deteriorating jawbone.

Patients with a history of cancer have the highest risk of developing this side effect. Femur fractures are another rare side effect.

Many physicians recommend a two-year break after taking Fosamax for the first three years to reduce these risks.

Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s is a deadly degenerative disease that impacts memory and cognitive function. It is most common in adults older than 65 and women. As many as two-thirds of Alzheimer’s cases are in women.

While no one knows the reasons for this, researchers point to the following characteristics of women as potential factors:

The most common early symptom of Alzheimer’s is difficulty remembering newly learned information. It is a progressive condition characterized by increasing symptoms of dementia until patients can no longer carry conversations, recognize loved ones or care for themselves. It is one of many types of dementias that affect older adults.

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s. Treatment is normally focused on slowing its progression. One promising new drug, Aducanumab, is showing promise.

The underlying issue behind Alzheimer’s disease is the buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain. Removing these plaques can reduce the cognitive and functional decline in Alzheimer’s patients.

This drug received accelerated approval by the FDA and is the first approved drug that addresses amyloid plaques.

Cardiovascular Disease

The decline in estrogen puts postmenopausal women most at risk for cardiovascular diseases. Women are also more likely to die from heart attacks because they often experience atypical symptoms when a heart attack strikes.

Heart Disease

One out of four women will die of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States.
Because women’s symptoms are not always obvious, they are not as often diagnosed early.

Symptoms of heart disease in women include:

Neck, jaw, shoulder, back, or abdominal discomfort
Shortness of breath
Arm pain
Nausea or vomiting
Sweating
Lightheadedness/dizziness
Unusual fatigue
Heartburn/indigestion

Risk factors for women range from family history of heart disease to menopause. Interestingly, the risk for developing heart disease is greater for women who smoke than for men who smoke.

Other risk factors for women include:

High cholesterol
Obesity
Diabetes
Emotional stress/depression
Smoking
Inactivity/sedentary lifestyle
Menopause
High blood pressure or diabetes during pregnancy
Family history of heart disease
High blood pressure or diabetes during pregnancy

Women are more likely than men to have a heart attack without a severe blockage (nonobstructive coronary artery disease)

Stroke

A stroke occurs when blood flow to an area of the brain is blocked, blood vessel in the brain bursts.

3rd

leading cause of death among women

Kills twice as many women as breast cancer

Types of Stroke

Ischemic

clot obstructs blood flow

Hemorrhagic stroke

blood vessel ruptures and prevents blood flow to the brain

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or “mini-stroke”

caused by a temporary clot

Risk factors – High blood pressure

Long-term effects

Paralysis on one side of the body

Vision issues

Memory loss

Speech and language difficulties

Treatment

Treatment varies based on the type and location of the stroke
Removal of obstruction/clot in ischemic strokes
Microcatheter-based surgery from the groin to the site of the stroke followed by medication directly to the area or other endovascular treatments
Surgical relief of the intracranial pressure
Removal of aneurysms followed by close monitoring and measures to reduce swelling or other complications
A long period of rehab may be required

Health Tips for Women

Women have more opportunities today than ever before to support and protect their health and longevity. The following practices will promote a long, healthy, and happy life.

Be your own health advocate.