Women’s Healthcare

Commonly Overlooked Diseases in Women’s Healthcare

While most women realize the importance of PAP smears for detecting cervical cancer and mammograms for detecting breast cancer, there are other conditions that are commonly missed or ignored.

As women navigate their health journeys, certain routine screenings often take center stage. Regular Pap smears and mammograms are undoubtedly crucial for early detection of cervical and breast cancers, respectively. However, focusing solely on these vital tests can inadvertently lead to overlooking other significant health conditions that can affect women. In the Dearborn, MI area, just like elsewhere, a proactive and comprehensive approach to women’s healthcare is essential. Many diseases can present with subtle or seemingly unrelated symptoms, causing delays in diagnosis and treatment.

In this article, top Dearborn area OBGYN Chadi Haddad, MD, sheds light on six often overlooked diseases in women’s healthcare, emphasizing the importance of recognizing early signs and seeking timely medical attention. Dr. Haddad believes that empowering women with knowledge about these conditions is the first step towards better health outcomes in the Dearborn community.

Women’s Healthcare: Autoimmune Diseases

(Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis are some of the most common autoimmune diseases, all of which do not receive treatment as soon as they should. The smallest symptom may seem normal to the average person. If you are having unexplained symptoms bring these up to Dr. Haddad to screen if autoimmune disease is present.)

Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues and organs. While the exact causes are often complex and not fully understood, these conditions can have a significant impact on a woman’s overall health and well-being. Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis are just a few examples of the many autoimmune diseases that disproportionately affect women.

Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs. Symptoms can vary widely from person to person and may include fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, fever, and kidney problems. Rheumatoid arthritis is another chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the joints, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and potentially leading to joint damage over time. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information between the brain and the body. Symptoms of MS can also vary greatly but may include fatigue, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, vision problems, and difficulties with balance and coordination.

One of the challenges in diagnosing autoimmune diseases is that their initial symptoms can be vague and easily dismissed as normal aches, pains, or fatigue. Women in the Dearborn area might attribute joint pain to overexertion or fatigue to a busy lifestyle, delaying the possibility of considering an underlying autoimmune condition.

Dr. Chadi Haddad, a leading OBGYN in Dearborn, MI, emphasizes the importance of paying attention to persistent or unusual symptoms. If you are experiencing unexplained fatigue, joint pain, skin changes, or any other concerning symptoms, it’s crucial to bring these to the attention of Dr. Haddad. Early diagnosis and appropriate management can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals living with autoimmune diseases and help prevent long-term complications. Screening for autoimmune diseases may involve blood tests, physical examinations, and a thorough review of your medical history.

Women’s Healthcare: Colon Cancer

While often associated with older individuals, colon cancer can affect women of all ages. It is a type of cancer that begins in the large intestine (colon). Early stages of colon cancer may not present with any noticeable symptoms, making regular screening crucial for early detection and improved treatment outcomes. Symptoms that may develop as colon cancer progresses can include changes in bowel habits (such as diarrhea or constipation), rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, persistent abdominal discomfort (cramps, gas, pain), unexplained weight loss, and fatigue.

For women in the Dearborn area, understanding the risk factors and the importance of screening is vital. Risk factors for colon cancer can include a family history of colon cancer or polyps, inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), a diet low in fiber and high in red and processed meats, physical inactivity, obesity, smoking, and heavy alcohol use. While the recommended age for routine colon cancer screening typically starts at 45, individuals with a higher risk may need to begin screening earlier or undergo more frequent testing. Screening methods include colonoscopy, stool-based tests (such as fecal occult blood test or stool DNA test), and flexible sigmoidoscopy. Dr. Chadi Haddad, as a dedicated advocate for women’s healthcare in Dearborn, encourages women to discuss their individual risk factors and appropriate screening options with their primary care physician or a gastroenterologist. Early detection through screening significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.

Women’s Healthcare: Heart Disease

Heart disease is often mistakenly perceived as primarily a men’s health issue. However, it is a leading cause of death for women in the United States, including those in the Dearborn, MI area. The symptoms of heart disease can sometimes be different in women compared to men, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. While chest pain is a common symptom in both sexes, women may also experience other symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, pain in the jaw, neck, back, or abdomen, and lightheadedness or dizziness. These less typical symptoms can be easily overlooked or attributed to other conditions.

Risk factors for heart disease in women include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, a family history of heart disease, physical inactivity, and stress. Certain conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and gestational diabetes, can also increase a woman’s risk. Dr. Chadi Haddad emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to women’s healthcare, which includes assessing cardiovascular risk factors. Regular check-ups with your primary care physician are essential for monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar. Lifestyle modifications, such as adopting a heart-healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking, can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. Recognizing the varied symptoms and understanding individual risk factors are crucial steps in preventing and managing heart disease in women in the Dearborn community.

Women’s Healthcare: Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is another potentially overlooked health concern in women’s healthcare. While the importance of sun protection is widely known, many may not realize that skin cancer can occur in areas not typically exposed to the sun. There are several types of skin cancer, with melanoma being the most dangerous. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are more common but less likely to be fatal if detected and treated early.

Changes in moles, freckles, or other skin markings are often the first signs of skin cancer. These changes can include an increase in size, irregular borders, changes in color, itching, bleeding, or the appearance of a new growth. Women in the Dearborn area should be vigilant about monitoring their skin for any unusual changes. Regular self-exams of the skin, ideally once a month, are crucial for early detection. It’s important to examine all areas of the body, including the scalp, ears, soles of the feet, and between the toes. Additionally, regular skin checks by a dermatologist are recommended, especially for individuals with a higher risk, such as those with a family history of skin cancer, fair skin, a large number of moles, or a history of frequent sunburns. Dr. Chadi Haddad, while specializing in OBGYN care in Dearborn, understands the interconnectedness of overall health and encourages women to prioritize skin health and seek professional evaluation for any suspicious skin changes. Early detection of skin cancer significantly improves the chances of successful treatment.

Women’s Healthcare: Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis – a condition less well known than endometriosis – occurs when the endometrial tissue, which normally lines the uterus, grows into the muscular wall of the uterus (the myometrium). This can cause the uterine walls to thicken, leading to a variety of symptoms that can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life. While often compared to endometriosis, a more widely recognized condition where endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus, adenomyosis has its own distinct characteristics and can be just as debilitating.

Symptoms of adenomyosis can include heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding, severe menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea), chronic pelvic pain, pain during intercourse (dyspareunia), and an enlarged uterus. Some women with adenomyosis may also experience bloating, pressure in the pelvis, and infertility. Because the symptoms can overlap with other gynecological conditions, such as fibroids or endometriosis, adenomyosis can sometimes be overlooked or misdiagnosed.

Women in the Dearborn area experiencing these types of persistent pelvic pain or abnormal bleeding should seek evaluation from a knowledgeable OBGYN like Dr. Chadi Haddad. Diagnosis of adenomyosis often involves a thorough pelvic exam, ultrasound, MRI, or in some cases, a biopsy. While there is no cure for adenomyosis, various treatment options are available to manage symptoms, including pain medication, hormonal therapies, and in severe cases, hysterectomy. Raising awareness about adenomyosis within women’s healthcare is crucial for ensuring timely diagnosis and appropriate management for affected individuals in the Dearborn community.

Women’s Healthcare: Hormone Imbalance

Hormones play a vital role in regulating numerous bodily functions in women, including the menstrual cycle, mood, metabolism, sleep, and reproductive health. Fluctuations in hormone levels are a natural part of life, particularly during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. However, significant or persistent hormone imbalances can lead to a wide range of symptoms that are often dismissed or attributed to other causes.

Common symptoms of hormone imbalance in women can include irregular menstrual periods, heavy or light bleeding, hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, mood swings, anxiety, depression, fatigue, weight gain or loss, changes in appetite, skin problems (such as acne), hair loss or excessive hair growth, vaginal dryness, and decreased libido. These symptoms can significantly impact a woman’s daily life and overall well-being. In the Dearborn area, women experiencing a cluster of these unexplained symptoms should consider the possibility of a hormone imbalance. Various factors can contribute to hormonal imbalances, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, stress, certain medications, and perimenopause or menopause. Dr. Chadi Haddad, a trusted OBGYN in Dearborn, MI, can help evaluate potential hormone imbalances through a thorough medical history, physical examination, and blood tests to check hormone levels. Treatment options for hormone imbalance depend on the underlying cause and may include lifestyle modifications, hormone therapy, or medication to manage specific symptoms. Recognizing the signs of hormone imbalance is an important aspect of proactive women’s healthcare.

Women’s Healthcare | Dearborn Area

Prioritizing women’s healthcare involves more than just routine Pap smears and mammograms. Being aware of the signs and symptoms of often overlooked conditions like autoimmune diseases, colon cancer, heart disease, skin cancer, adenomyosis, and hormone imbalances is crucial for early detection and timely intervention. Women in the Dearborn, MI area are encouraged to be proactive about their health and to communicate any persistent or concerning symptoms to their healthcare provider.

Top Dearborn area OBGYN Chadi Haddad, MD, is dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care, helping women navigate their health concerns and determine the appropriate screenings and management strategies. Schedule an appointment with top Dearborn area OBGYN Chadi Haddad, MD who will help you determine what your symptoms may be and which screenings are right for you – and ensure you are receiving the comprehensive women’s healthcare you deserve.

Dearborn Area Women’s Healthcare: 313.561.2200