Why Womens Health Is Different
Have you ever thought about how different men and women’s bodies are, how we function and (as that famous book tells us) act as if we are from different planets?
Have you ever looked at your male friend, sibling, relative, or partner and wondered how, when you are so different, we are all treated the same by out health system?
Firstly, before we dive in to this topic I feel a little disclaimer is needed… While I have always stated that my health knowledge and the work I share is based and focused around women’s bodies and health needs, I know I do still have a few male readers here…
So while you may find it interesting to stick around and learn a little more about your female counterparts, if you are a tad squeamish you may also want to skip this email — I won’t be offended :)
So back to women’s bodies and health.
What’s so important about womens health you may ask? Can it be so very different?
When so much in this world is designed and tested around the male body and composition womens health and wellbeing is very much lagging behind. For centuries Women were ignored and thought of as a lesser species. And because of this most of the health procedures and medications, health practices etc. we know and use today were tested and developed based on a Mans body; their digestion, their metabolism, and even their energy and hormones.
How Women Differ From Men
While there are many obvious differences in the male and female form from the outside, there are also just as many going on internally that we cannot see.
For example; did you know that women have far more intestines connecting their stomach to the anus than men? It is also far more winding and compact than a mans.
Our gut microbiome and the bacteria that live in our digestive system have a different make up to mens, the muscle and fat ratio in our bodies are completely different which means our metabolisms work differently.
Not to mention hormone fluctuations and make up and the fact that women can create new life and sustain another human being inside of them!
Given the differences in the male and female anatomy, it’s not really any surprise that the health issues we face can be very different. For a start, some health concerns are unique to women — pregnancy, menstrual issues, birth, and menopause being the obvious ones. And there are a whole host of other common conditions that affect women and men differently. For example, women often experience coronary heart disease at a later age than men.
While the term ‘women’s health’ is usually only used (in mainstream media + society) to describe sexual and reproductive health (e.g. contraception, fertility and anything pregnancy-related) and female-only conditions such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome.
We all know women’s health is a far more, deep, broad and complex topic that that don’t we…
In my eyes (as in holistic, whole body health) women’s health is the health of women’s bodies; top to toe and inside out.
And even if you are seeing a regular doctor or having some kind of health treatment it is worth being aware of our differences so you can ask the important questions and know before hand whether their are additional risks or elements you need to be aware of as a woman.
Womens Health is a Cycle
Have you notice how men can wake up with the same amount of energy each day. They use that energy up through the day, and then sleep deeply each night?
Whereas women will feel different mentally, physically and energetically every single day?
This is why I love the seasonal and cyclical work I do in connection with nature — beacuse it all links!
While men function on a 24hr pattern Women’s bodies function in a cyclical 28 day cycle. One that fluctuates and shifts in connection with your menstrual cycle and the phases of the moon…
You may have already read or learnt about the season of the menstrual cycle, and it is these seasons and the changes in our hormone levels which they represent that.
Hormone changes that not only facilitate the growth, and release of an egg to be fertilised each month, but also the breakdown of the womb lining in preparation for a period if there is no fertilisation…
But also the shifts in energy levels, emotions, physical abilities, mental abilities, metabolism, hunger and so much more.
Ways to be More Aware of Your Own Health + Body
The easiest way to become more aware of your body’s individual ebbs and flows is to be present, pay attention, and track the symptoms and nuances you experience each month.
Not only does this allow you to get to know they inner workings of your body more intimately and understand what causes certain changes in your mood, abilities, etc. — And to notice any patterns that occur at the same time each month in your cycle —
But allows you to nurture your body, mind, emotions, and spirit even more deeply.
For this you only need a note book and pen, and a reminder to take 5minutes each evening to note any symptoms, emotions, activities, bodily functions or other such things each day. This includes everything from bowel movements, pain, cravings, headaches, emotions, activities. Basically as much detail as possible
There are also many tracking apps you can try if you are a more digitally inclined person.
This allows you to track, look back, and compare previous months to see any reoccurring symptoms or patterns, and from there hopefully work backwards to understanding what is causing those symptoms or issues and in turn, correcting or treating them.
WAYS TO ENSURE YOUR HEALTH CARE IS ADJUSTED SPECIFICALLY TOWARDS A WOMENS + YOUR PERSONAL WELLBEING
When it comes to womens health and wellbeing here are a few things to be aware of, and some small tweaks you can make to ensure you are taking the best holistic care of yourself possible…
Did you know that synthetic/chemical birth control stops your body from properly absorbing essential nutrients? If you are taking any form of synthetic/chemical birth control you need to also be taking additional multivitamins otherwise your body can become malnourished leave you fatigued and suffering with other health complaints.
Take extra care of your digestive system. Womens microbiomes and digestive tracts are somewhat more sensitive than mens, and can also be influenced by fluctuations in hormones as well as diet, environment and exercise.
Be aware of what stage of your monthly cycle you are in. It’s really important to be aware of where you are in your cycle on any given day so that you can ensure you are providing yourself with the best care possible in that season. The foods, exercises, and nurturing your body needs to be at it’s best fluctuates and changes with each phase of menstruation.
Each morning it’s a good idea to do a quick check-in with yourself; how are you feeling mentally? physically? how well did you sleep?
Some days it’s ok to push yourself to workout or do something out of your comfort zone. But there are also days where it is best to be kinder and more gentle with yourself and your approach to the day… especially those few days before your period is due for example.
Get more sleep. Research has shown that Women need more sleep than men by around 30 minutes to 2 hours a night. Women have a longer circadian rhythm than men which leads to needing more sleep — Men need 7-8 hours of sleep where women need 8-10 hours
The sleep cycles are similar, but cortisol goes down and melatonin goes up sooner in women than men. Our bodies need sleep to repair, for growth, and to mentally and emotionally process the day. Many of our hormonal changes happen during sleeping hours so it is extra important to make sure you are getting as much sleep as your body needs.
Check your RDA’s (recommended daily allowences) their are some vitamins and minerals — Iron in particular — that women need in higher quantities, or even lover quantities. As women loose a lot of blood each month we require a higher dose of Iron. Extra Iron — especially in the 7-10 days before your due date — is also a good idea. Such as Spinach, Peas, Red meat, and Broccoli.
Protect your Liver. As women we are more susceptible to the damaging effects of toxins and heavy metals such as Xenoestrogens which can be found in many cleaning and beauty products. These chemicals our body mistakes for estrogen and can cause all kinds of disruptions and issues with your menstrual cycle.
Take care of your emotional health first. As women we are far more sensitive and susceptible to the emotions of others around us, we are also often far more complex in our emotional needs AND our emotions will fluctuate within that 28-30day cycle of our hormones. Not to mention that if you have children or other dependant there are also many people that rely on you…
That means it is even more important for you to prioritise your emotional and mental health first. Make time for you to be on your own and do things that you enjoy regularly.
xo Emily
