I would like to take a moment to discuss women's health.Why am I interested in this topic? Because I am a female who likes to be informed and take care of my own health, and as a female healthcare professional, I would like to help other women. Women's health is determined by several factors, including biological influences, and like all humans, their health is affected by stress, nutrition, and work load.
The main medical science dealing with women’s health problems is called Gynecology, which means ‘woman knowledge’ from ‘gyno’ or ‘woman’ and ‘logos’ or ‘knowledge’.2 A vast amount of information is now available to women for a wide range of problems from general issues such as proper nutrition, exercise and hygiene to management of serious conditions like stress, eating disorders, depression and heart health.2 In cases where a condition is being treated with medication, women should be informed that they metabolize a number of drugs differently and at a different rate than men.2
Following are some common issues seen in women:3
- Breast Cancer
- HPV and abnormal Pap Smears
- Vaginal yeast infection
- Fibroids
- Herpes
- Urinary Tract Infection
- Endometriosis
- Primary and secondary dysmenorrheal
How pharmacists can help
Pharmacists play a large role in informing patients about their medication use.4 Pharmacists are closely involved with women’s health, including support with menstruation and menopause issues.5 They play a big role in counseling on emergency contraceptives and the proper use of them4; they can also provide useful and practical information about sexually transmitted diseases and prevention methods.
Consultation with pharmacists about women’s health can help women identify options to improve their health through optimizing therapy and lifestyle modifications.6 Pharmacists can be a great help in menopause management by providing symptom assessments and education about current therapies, nutritional information, and recommendations for lifestyle changes. 6
Consultation with pharmacists about women’s health can help women identify options to improve their health through optimizing therapy and lifestyle modifications.6 Pharmacists can be a great help in menopause management by providing symptom assessments and education about current therapies, nutritional information, and recommendations for lifestyle changes. 6
I really love to help all patients, but especially as a female pharmacist assisting women with their health issues.
My interest in women’s health led me to choose ‘primary dysmenorrheal’ as the e-newsletter topic to explore and further my knowledge. Stay tuned!
References
1. Kerala Women. (2012) The Importance of Women's Health. Retrieved from http://www.keralawomen.gov.in/index.php/health/190-the-importance-of-women-s-health
2. MedicineNet, Inc. (2014) Women's Health. Retrieved from http://www.medicinenet.com/womens_health/article.htm
3. Women’s Health Specialists. (2015) The Feminist Women’s Health Centers of California. Retrieved from http://www.womenshealthspecialists.org/health-information/common-problems
4. Drug Topics. (2010) Pharmacists expand focus on women's health. Retrieved from http://drugtopics.modernmedicine.com/drug-topics/news/modernmedicine/modern-medicine-feature-articles/pharmacists-expand-focus-womens-hea?page=full
5. Sam’s Club, Healthy Living Made Simple. (?) Women’s Health: How your pharmacist can help. http://healthylivingmadesimple.com/womens-health-how-your-pharmacist-can-help/
6. The Medicine Shoppe pharmacy. (2012) Women’s Health Consultations. Retrieved from http://www.medicineshoppecrowfoot.ca/womens-health-consultations/
