As March marks Women’s History Month, it’s also a time to highlight an issue that continues to shape the lives of millions: women’s health.
From routine screenings to recognizing changes in the body, doctors say awareness and preventive care are critical to catching health issues early and maintaining overall wellbeing.
In an interview with Radio Catskill, Dr. Kim Estler, an OB-GYN at Crystal Run Healthcare, said women’s health spans many areas and evolves throughout a person’s lifetime.
“Women’s health includes reproductive care but also general health that applies to everyone,” Estler said, noting that OB-GYN care often becomes part of a long-term relationship focused on prevention and regular checkups.
Health priorities can shift depending on a woman’s stage of life. Younger patients often seek care for contraception or menstrual concerns, while others may be focused on fertility or pregnancy. Later in life, attention often turns to menopause, bone health and cancer screenings.
Estler spoke about the importance of routine screenings, including cervical cancer screenings starting around age 21 and continuing through midlife. Mammograms also play a major role in detecting breast cancer, with screening often beginning around age 40, though recommendations can vary depending on a patient’s personal and family health history.
While some cancers can be detected early through screening, others remain difficult to identify.
“Ovarian cancer is one that we worry about because symptoms often don’t appear until later stages,” Estler said, adding that signs may include abdominal bloating, digestive discomfort or feeling generally unwell.
Despite the challenges, Estler says more women today are actively engaged in conversations about their health.
Social media and community discussions have helped reduce stigma around topics like menstruation, fertility and menopause, she said. But she also encourages patients to focus on the basics—regular screenings, healthy eating, exercise and good sleep habits.
Estler also noted that telemedicine is helping expand access to care for patients in rural communities like those in Sullivan County by reducing travel time and making follow-up appointments easier.
As Women’s History Month continues, Estler says she’s also encouraged by another trend: the growing number of women entering medicine and leadership roles in healthcare.
“We’re filling medical school classes with women,” she said, adding that increasing representation in leadership will help shape research and healthcare policies that better reflect women’s needs.
Photo Credit: by FatCamera from Getty Images Signature