Women's Health Matters: Understanding Stroke in Women

A stroke, sometimes called a brain attack, occurs when blood flow to part of the brain stops or when a blood vessel bursts. Blood is responsible for supplying oxygen to the body, but when there is a lack of blood in the brain cells, the cells start getting destroyed. It can also affect the way you think and feel.

Women tend to have strokes later than men, and about half of strokes in women occur after age 80.

(Read more:Can Sleeping Too Much Cause a Stroke?)

There are two main types of stroke.

Ischemic stroke is caused by a blocked blood vessel in the brain. This is commonly called blood clotting and about 85% of strokes are ischemic.

Hemorrhagic Stroke When bleeding occurs in or around the brain, it is called hemorrhagic stroke. About 15% of strokes are hemorrhagic.

Cavernous sinus thrombosis is a rare type of stroke that occurs more commonly in pregnant women, or women who use contraceptives with estrogen. When blood clots form inside the skull, blocking blood flow to the brain, it is called cavernous sinus thrombosis.

The main symptoms of stroke are often headache, in addition there may also be symptoms such as confusion, seizures and weakness. Although the symptoms appear gradually, the best way is to get treatment as soon as the symptoms appear.

(Read more: Heat Stroke: symptoms, causes, treatment, medicine)

It is not possible to tell the exact cause of stroke, but in many women, high blood pressure or diabetes increases the risk of stroke. Having prior knowledge of potential risks can reduce the risk of a second stroke over time.

For the treatment of sugar, taking Madhurodh Sugar Capsules of My Upchar will be beneficial.

Most of the symptoms of stroke are similar in men and women, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes (sugar) and atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat). Smoking can increase the risk of stroke; for women, some other reasons can also increase the risk of stroke. Women can take Prajanas Woman Health Capsule to improve their health, balance hormones and strengthen the reproductive system.

• Contraceptive pill

Using birth control pills may increase the risk of stroke and blood clots in women.

If women still want to use birth control pills, then women should get tested for risks associated with the pill, such as blood clots or stroke, high blood pressure, smoking addiction, or being overweight. If there is any other safe option then keep information about it also. The amount of estrogen in the pill may cause blood clots or stroke. If a woman has a stroke while taking the pill, she will probably be advised to stop using it.

• Pregnancy and Stroke

Pregnant women have a very low risk of stroke, but pregnancy and childbirth increase the risk of stroke. During pregnancy, regular blood pressure checks can detect signs of pre-eclampsia, a condition that can increase the risk of stroke.

• Migraine

Migraines affect women more than men, and although it is not a direct cause of stroke, if you also experience hallucinations during a migraine, you may be at risk for stroke.

(Read more: Home remedies for migraines)

• Lupus and SLE

Lupus is an autoimmune condition that affects the skin and joints, causing pain, fatigue, and sometimes kidney damage. The severe form is called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE mainly affects women under the age of 50, and is more common in women of African, Caribbean, or South Asian descent. If a woman has lupus, she should be monitored and given treatment to manage the condition.

• Menopause and Stroke

In the years leading up to menopause, women are at increased risk for stroke, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and weight gain. Estrogen is believed to protect the heart and blood vessels, helping to reduce the risk of stroke during menstruation. The risk of stroke increases after menopause. The risk of stroke also increases if you have had premature menopause, medical treatment, or surgery that stops estrogen production. For other female health related problems, you can take Ashokarishta, Chandraprabhavati, Kachnar Guggulu, Patrangsava from Mai Upchar.

(Read more:Menopause: Age, causes, symptoms, management )

• Staying healthy during Menopause

If a woman has previously had a stroke and is going through menopause, the woman may need advice about some things she can do to stay healthy and reduce the risk of another stroke. Staying active and eating healthy foods can help prevent conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and weight gain. Staying active can help keep bones healthy, as well as improve fatigue and bad mood.

• Bladder and Bowel Problems

There may be problems controlling your bladder and bowels after a stroke, but they gradually improve over a few weeks after the stroke. Problems like leakage of urine or stool or constipation can also occur for a long time. Solutions to this problem may include eating fiber-rich foods, drinking more fluids, and doing pelvic floor exercises.

• Emotional Effects of Stroke

It is often seen that the emotional impact of a stroke can be huge, affecting family and friends as well. Many women feel sad at the changes in their lives. It is normal to feel angry, shocked, and depressed after a stroke. Women may feel more anxious or sad, or they may have trouble sleeping.

Talking about your feelings can help your friends and family understand what you are going through. If you feel very sad or anxious, contact your doctor.

• Relationships and Sex

Stroke can change women's lives in many ways; many women may feel a loss of their independence, close relationships may be affected. It is also very common to feel that your relationship with your partner and sex life have changed after a stroke.

Some of the physical effects of a stroke can change your sex life, such as bladder and bowel problems, fatigue, and muscle weakness. Although sex is very unlikely to cause a stroke again, talk to your doctor if you're concerned. Can take advice. Sometimes stroke can affect confidence and self-esteem, making it difficult to even talk to people. However, many people still have happy, healthy relationships after a stroke. If you still have sex-related problems, it may be a good idea to seek help from a doctor or psychologist.

• be as active as possible

Moving more and being as active as possible on a day-to-day basis will make a big difference to your health and well-being. Walking, dancing, doing housework, gardening and swimming all make your body active and help strengthen your heart and lungs. Start slowly and gradually increase the activities. Being physically active helps lower blood pressure, reduce high cholesterol and control blood sugar.

• eat healthy diet

Including more green vegetables and fruits in the diet can help you manage blood sugar levels and high blood pressure. Eat more fresh and home-made food, and reduce salt intake.

• maintain normal weight

Eating a good diet and staying active can help you keep your weight under control, which reduces your risk of stroke. To control and reduce weight, you can take fat burner capsules from My Remedy.

• quit smoking

Quitting smoking may be best for your health.

• reduce alcohol intake

Drinking too much alcohol regularly increases the risk of stroke. Avoid alcohol as much as possible.

• take your medicine

If you take medication to treat heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes, follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Never stop taking your medicine without talking to your doctor.