Some illnesses and diseases are female exclusive while others are more common in women or affect them in a different way from men. The health consequences of smoking and alcohol addiction can also be specific to women.

The following list is not exhaustive and the symptoms for each condition vary. If you are suffering health problems then in the first instance you should visit your GP for a professional diagnosis.

Common women's health issues include:

• Anaemia – iron deficiency leading to low red blood cell count
• Cancers – breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women but cervical, ovarian, vulval and womb cancer are all female specific problems
• Endometriosis – tissue from the womb lining forming in other areas of the body
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) – a common cause of infertility
• Heart disease – the biggest cause of female death in the UK
• Osteoporosis – brittle bone disorder common during the menopause
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – a hormonal disorder which causes hair loss, weight gain, menstrual disturbance, infertility and depression
• Menopause – the end of ovulation which can trigger physical and hormonal changes
• Pregnancy
• Pre-menstrual tension (PMT) – physical and psychological problems triggered before menstruation
• Smoking addiction
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Alcohol addiction
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Drug addiction
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) – e.g. chlamydia, gonorrhoea, genital herpes
• Thrush – yeast infection caused by the Candida fungus
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) – infections of the urinary tract, bladder or kidneys such as
• Mental health problems – e.g. anxiety, depression, stress, OCD
• Eating disorders – e.g. bulimia, anorexia nervosa