Female wellness is an all-encompassing concept, covering everything from emotional support to physical well-being. Women can take steps to enhance their wellness by scheduling regular medical checkups, engaging in proactive mental health practices and adopting healthy eating practices.
Wellness brands that cater specifically to women can reach them by showing that they truly understand their needs, such as Somedays with its period cramp simulation videos to reduce stigma around menstrual pain.
Menstrual health
Menstrual health is a reality for 1.9 billion girls, women, transgender men and non-binary people of reproductive age worldwide. Menstruation itself should not be seen as diseased nor taboo; however it can cause discomfort if left unmanaged.
Accessing period supplies, safe hygienic practices, and education about menstruation is central to managing one’s health during periods. This includes not suffering from dysmenorrhea (pain during menstrual cycle) and other gynecological concerns like endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome.
Our partner organizations, such as Soutien Aux Meres et aux Enfants en Detresse de Cote d’Ivoire and Actuelles, strive to ensure all girls and women–including those in correctional facilities–have access to rights, resources and support they require to live a dignified existence during menstruation cycles. Furthermore, these organizations encourage regular wellness checks which include pelvic exams in order to detect early warning signs of cancer or other gynecological diseases.
Physical health
Women’s physical health encompasses their overall wellbeing in terms of bodily functions and absence of disease. It also encompasses reproductive health – which must be preserved throughout a woman’s lifespan through preventive gynecological care and attending regular wellness exams.
An annual wellness exam typically involves physical examination, including height and weight measurements, blood pressure analysis, breast exam and Pap test. Women can use this opportunity to share family medical histories with their physician.
Women’s wellness is an holistic concept that encompasses emotional, mental, and physical well-being. Women tend to take care of others so it is crucial for them to take the time for self-care themselves. By following a balanced diet and regular physical activity – including getting enough restful sleep – and adhering to an adequate sleeping schedule they can improve their quality of life while decreasing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, osteoporosis and depression by creating positive self-image and nurturing healthy relationships.
Mental health
Mental wellbeing is an integral component of overall female wellness, but can often be compromised by society and personal experiences – trauma, body image issues, hormone fluctuations and menstruation can all have detrimental impacts on one’s mental state.
Women are twice as likely as men to experience depression and anxiety, while certain conditions like posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and eating disorders are more prevalent among them. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstruation or menopause can also wreak havoc with mood stability.
Women may avoid seeking mental health help due to the stigma attached to it and feeling their symptoms don’t warrant enough consideration by their healthcare providers.
Many women do not have access to affordable and culturally competent mental health care, yet many can still prioritize their mental wellbeing by attending wellness retreats designed specifically for women. Such retreats provide safe spaces where women can recharge from daily life demands while focusing on self-care and healing.
Nutrition
Women have unique dietary needs that vary based on hormonal fluctuations, reproductive health concerns and lifestyle factors. Women commonly take supplements targeted towards them for bone health such as folic acid and calcium to prevent bone loss; Siberian ginseng and ginger for supporting menstrual care; prebiotics/probiotics to aid with digestive health issues; etc.
Diets that include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins can support female wellness. It’s also essential that women obtain enough iron, which plays an essential role in producing hemoglobin; you can find this nutrient in foods like red meat, beans, spinach and fortified cereals.
Investment in women’s health and wellbeing can bring many rewards for individuals, families, communities and economies as a whole. Furthermore, it’s crucial for reaching the Sustainable Development Goals — particularly SDG 2 Zero Hunger and SDG 5 Gender Equality — as progress is being made globally; yet more work needs to be done – particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where significant gaps remain.
