Women’s Health & Gynaecology
Gynaecology is the branch of medicine which deals with the physiologic functions and pathologies specific. Especially to women’s health, related to the reproductive system. As such, women’s health and gynaecology go hand in hand.
Women’s health & Gynecology has been a matter of concern for all medical professionals. This is because of their unique physiology.
Hence, it is important to understand how Women’s Health & Gynaecology are linked together
The physiological mechanisms of men & women are different in almost every category.
The first and foremost difference lies in the physiology of hormones
The hormonal influence in males and females is completely different. So, the Testosterone (Male Hormone) is a short but fast-acting hormone. Whereas, Estrogen (Female Hormone), is a slow but progressive and long-acting hormone.
Then follows the physiology of circulation
Females tend to have a lesser heart rate & blood pressure. Even the respiratory function is different. Males tend to have an Abdomino-Thoracic Pattern of breathing. Meanwhile, females tend to have a Thoraco-Abdominal Pattern.
The physiology of reproduction is the thing which separates the two genders apart
Women start their reproductive cycle as Menses (Menstrual Cycle) at puberty. (This is known as Menarche), which ends at Menopause (End of reproductive period).
The menstrual cycle is the regular cycle that occurs in the uterus and ovaries. The cycle is required for the production of oocytes, and for the preparation of the uterus for pregnancy.
Following intercourse, a female conceives. However, this leads to the development of the fetus in the whole period of gestation (9 Months / 40 Weeks).
Following parturition, women start lactating (breastfeeding) the newborn baby. This happens for at least 6 months.
The whole summary of all physiological mechanisms of females only helps us in concluding one thing.
THIS IS VERY DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND
A Gynaecologist is a medical professional who deals with cases related to women’s health. Especially, when it comes to reproductive health.
However, He/She aims at working with a patient in a manner which makes the patient feel comfortable. So as to extract as much of history as possible from the patient.
History taking is an important part in the field of Gynaecology and hence is given a chief significance.
In the course of her lifetime, a woman most often goes through the following conditions:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Menses0
- Irregular Menses
- Cramps & Aches
- Irritation
- Back Pain
- Complications in pregnancy
- Complications in lactation
- Menopause
A new variant of complication, clinically known as PCOD/PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Disease/ Syndrome). Meanwhile, it has been a routine case.
A clinical sign of women with PCOS/PCOD is elevated levels of androgens
Signs & symptoms of PCOD are:
- Irregular or no menstrual periods (Amenorrhea)
- Heavy periods
- Hirsutism ( Excessive growth of Facial Hair)
- Complications infertility
One of the major pre-dispositions for PCOS/PCOD is obesity.
As of now, PCOS/PCOD has no symptomatic cure. So, management goals include correcting obesity and including physical exercise in the activities of daily living.
Thanks for the excellent guide