‘International Women’s Day’ on the 8th, from precocious puberty to osteoporosis
March 8th is International Women’s Day. Although women’s status has gradually increased and social activities have become more active, it is easy to neglect their health as they often do childcare and housework at the same time. In order for women to lead a healthy life, let’s find out regarding women’s diseases to be aware of by generation with the help of the gynecology department of Incheon Himchan General Hospital and the help of Manager Jeong Daun.
Children and adolescents and precocious puberty should be treated early
According to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the number of children and adolescents treated for precocious puberty increased from 28,251 in 2010 to 136,334 in 2020, a fivefold increase in 11 years.
In general, precocious puberty is diagnosed when secondary sexual characteristics appear in girls younger than 8 years old and boys younger than 9 years old when puberty begins. The cause of precocious puberty is idiopathic in 80 to 90% of cases, but it is estimated that the family history and environmental hormones are related. In girls with precocious puberty, menarche may occur earlier, which may result in premature closure of the growth plate, which may lead to growth disorders. If a breast lump or pubic hair develops before the age of 8, it is suspected of precocious puberty and should be examined at a hospital.
If diagnosed with precocious puberty, sexual development can be suppressed through injection therapy that limits the secretion of sex hormones. Along with treatment, regular exercise and healthy eating habits should be followed to maintain an appropriate weight, and to minimize exposure to environmental hormones by refraining from using disposable containers.
● 2030 Cervical cancer surge… Both men and women should be vaccinated
Cervical cancer is a female genital cancer that occurs in the cervix, the entrance to the uterus, and the incidence rate is increasing among young people. Fortunately, cervical cancer can be detected early with regular screening. Since there are no noticeable early symptoms, regular check-ups are important. For women aged 20 to 70, cell testing is recommended every year, and free national health checkups are available every two years.
The main cause of cervical cancer is human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. More than 200 types of HPV have been identified so far. Of these, regarding 40 species are caused by sexual contact, and types 16, 18, 32, and 33 belong to the high-risk group. Cervical cancer is almost the only cancer that can be prevented with a vaccine because the cause is clear. The recommended target for vaccination in Korea is 9 to 45 years old for women and 9 to 26 years old for men. Before starting a sexual life, the younger you are, the higher the antibody production, the more effective it is to be vaccinated early.
HPV is transmitted through sexual contact, so it is recommended that men get the vaccine as well. In men, HPV can cause genital warts, oral cancer, and anal cancer, so the Korean Society of Infectious Diseases recommends HPV vaccination for men.
Osteoporosis following middle age should be managed for life
As we age, the ovaries age, the female hormones decrease, and ovulation gradually stops, leading to menopause. In general, the menopause transition starts at the average age of 46 and takes regarding 4-5 years.
Menopause symptoms mainly appear during the transition to menopause and following menopause. During this time, bone density decreases rapidly. Osteoporosis refers to a condition in which bone strength is weakened and fractures are highly likely. In severe cases, even a small impact such as coughing or falling can cause fractures. When a hip fracture occurs, there is a 15-20% chance of death within 1 year and a cumulative mortality rate of 60% within 8 years, which is why it is called the silent killer.
In order to lead a healthy life following middle age, continuous management is required from the stage of osteopenia, just before osteoporosis. For women, it is recommended to get a bone density test before menopause, when the decrease in bone density is accelerated, and to prevent osteoporosis through treatment such as hormone therapy from the osteopenia stage. In addition, lifelong management such as vitamin D and calcium intake, which helps bone formation, maintenance of an appropriate weight, and strength training to help prevent fractures, should be done.
Sports Dong-a reporter Kim Jae-beom [email protected] More articles by the reporter