From puberty to menopause, through pregnancy and postpartum, exercise is an
important form of medicine for women at all stages of life and states of health.
‘Women’s Health’ is a broad term used to refer to all health conditions and life stages
that affect women. Some of these conditions include:
- Cancer – breast, cervical and ovarian
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Menstrual conditions
- Endometriosis and Adenomyosis
- Fertility, Pregnancy, Postpartum
- Gestational Diabetes
- Menopause
- Pelvic Floor disorders – pelvic organ prolapse, incontinence (urinary and
faecal)
- Chronic Pelvic Pain
- Sexual health and dysfunction disorders
- Mental health
The ‘Stats’
In 2020-21, 56% of Australian females aged 15 and over have 1 or more of the
following 10 chronic conditions. (Arthritis, asthma, back problems, cancer, COPD,
diabetes, heart, stroke and vascular disease, chronic kidney disease, osteoporosis,
mental health conditions).
The 2020-21 National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing found 45% of females
aged 16-85 and over reported having a mental disorder at some point in their
lifetime. The most common disorders experienced are anxiety (35%) and mood
(affective) (18%) disorders.
In 2022, females accounted for 48% of all new cancer cases, with breast cancer,
colorectal cancer, melanoma of the skin and lung cancer being the most commonly
diagnosed in females of all ages.
Close to 1 million Australian girls and women live with endometriosis. Due to the
varied symptoms of endometriosis, it often takes up to 6 years to gain an official
diagnosis.
Pelvic organ prolapse affects 1 in 4 women in their 40s, 1 in 3 in their 60s and half of
all women by the time they reach 80 years of age.
Women make up half of the world’s population and yet there is still so much research
and advocacy to be done in relation to these conditions and providing the best health
care support to those who experience them.
Exercise Guidelines for Women
The Australian Physical Activity Guidelines recommend:
- 150 to 300 minutes (2 1⁄2 to 5 hours) of moderate aerobic activity each week
- or 75 to 150 minutes (1 1⁄4 to 2 1⁄2 hours) of vigorous aerobic activity each
week
- This can include biking, walking, swimming, jogging, sports or dancing.
- TIP: choose something you enjoy!
- Strength training is also recommended twice each week
- Reduce long periods of sitting or standing still
Exercise Guidelines for Pregnancy
The recommendations for pregnancy are much the same as those for all women,
encouraging physical activity on most days of the week – doing any activity is better
than none! Exercise is important for supporting a healthy pregnancy, preparing the
mother for when the baby arrives and reducing pregnancy-related problems. Pelvic
floor exercises should be performed to reduce urinary incontinence during pregnancy
and improve postpartum recovery outcomes. Pelvic floor exercises can be
prescribed by a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist or an Accredited Exercise Physiologist.
A word on Menopause
Menopause generally occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 and marks the final
period or the end of a female’s reproductive years. The hormonal changes that occur
are associated with increases in risk for some chronic conditions including elevated
cholesterol and blood pressure, overweight and obesity, coronary heart disease,
diabetes, dementia, and cancer. Bone mineral density can be significantly affected
leading to osteopenia and osteoporosis, where exercise is highly recommended for
management of these conditions.
Exercise is recommended as a modality for management for most, if not all women’s
health conditions and is important across the lifespan for prevention of chronic health
conditions. To ensure you’re exercising safely and effectively for your current health
or specific women’s health condition, get in touch with an Accredited Exercise
Physiologist today.
Useful resources:
Health-eBook.pdf
References:
healthy#reproductive_health
exercise-guidelines-for-all-australians