Women's Health | HII - Ingalls Shipbuilding

WOMEN’S HEALTH

Shining a spotlight on body and mind at every age and stage of life.

When it comes to women’s health there is a lot to discuss:

Heart disease, breast cancer, PMS, birth control, fertility, mental health, menopause … the list keeps going, and so do our busy days. Are you taking the time to focus on you first?

Click the images below to learn more about three areas of women’s health

“Women in particular need to keep an eye on their physical and mental health, because if we are scurrying to and from appointments and errands, we don’t have a lot of time to take care of ourselves. We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher on our own ‘to-do’ list.”

- Michelle Obama, Former First Lady

LEARN MORE

We’re here to support you with resources to make informed decisions, advocate for yourself, and prioritize your health and wellness. We have trusted experts who know the unique needs of women and people born with female anatomy at all stages of life. Explore topics below and if you haven’t scheduled your annual exam yet, reach out to your provider right away.

PHYSICAL HEALTH

Are you taking the steps you need to be healthy? Check in with your:

MENTAL HEALTH

Are you putting yourself on the back burner? Check in with how you prioritize your:

SEXUAL HEALTH

Are you asking the right questions? Check in with your provider about your:

Take this survey for a quick check on your health!

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AGES & STAGES

A checklist for all of life’s milestones

Women, at any age, need to have an annual exam to check blood pressure, general health, review preventative health topics and screenings and discuss lifestyle habits with their provider. It’s a good reminder to schedule vision and dental checkups yearly or biannually as well. Here are a few other tests and topics to keep on your radar based on your age group.

IN YOUR TEENS & 20s

IN YOUR 30s

IN YOUR 40s

IN YOUR 50s & BEYOND

"When women take care of their health, they become their own best friend."

- Maya Angelou, Author

PHYSICAL Health

Exercise and daily activity are vital for body and mind. Being active helps improve your overall health and fitness, maintain a healthy weight, promote good mental health, and can reduce or prevent your risk for many chronic diseases.

Women of all ages and abilities can benefit from physical activity. Being active for at least 30 minutes a day can help you:

Lower your blood pressure and cholesterol

Lower your risk of dying early
Lose weight or keep your weight where it is as you get older
Improve depression
Decrease pain from arthritis

Decrease anxiety
Improve sleep
Lower your risk of diseases such as breast cancer, colon cancer, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, dementia, and stroke
Keep bones strong

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“Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.”

- Eleanor Brownn, Author

Mental Health

Mental disorders can affect women and men differently. Some disorders are more common in women such as depression and anxiety. There are also certain types of disorders that are unique to women. For example, some women may experience mental health symptoms at times of hormone change, such as perinatal depression (postpartum blues or depression), premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and perimenopause-related depression.

Warning Signs

Persistent sadness or feelings of hopelessness
Misuse of alcohol and/or drugs
Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits
Appetite and/or weight changes
Decreased energy or fatigue
Excessive fear or worry

Seeing or hearing things that are not there
Extremely high and low moods
Aches, headaches, or digestive problems without a clear cause
Irritability
Social withdrawal
Suicidal thoughts

Mental disorders can be treated: If you are unsure where to go for help, reach out to your doctor or primary care provider to get started. Open communication between you and your doctor can improve your care plan and can lead to better health.

MENTAL HEALTH AT EVERY AGE

Each stage of your life can create different challenges to good mental health. The events that worry you as a 20–year-old probably won’t be the same as what causes you stress when you’re 50. Eating right, staying physically active, getting enough sleep, and having healthy relationships will help support good physical and mental health throughout life.

Teens & 20s

What You Need to Know

Most mental health conditions start by age 25
In your 20s, you may be dealing with stressful life situations (finding a job, finishing college, moving)

What You Can Do

Know the signs of common mental conditions
Get help if you feel hopeless or not in control
Talk to a medical provider about medicine and/or a counselor
Start building healthy habits

30s & 40s

What You Need to Know

Women in their 30s and 40s may be juggling a lot of responsibilities (career, family, etc.) that can lead to stress or exhaustion
Menstrual cycles, or pregnancy, can impact mood and mental health
Perimenopause begins in your late 40s and can cause sudden ups and downs

What You Can Do

Schedule your “well-woman” visit annually
If you’ve been diagnosed with a mental health condition, follow your provider’s advice
Build habits like eating right, exercising, getting enough sleep, and staying connected socially

50s & 60s

What You Need to Know

Menopause often begins in your early 50s and has an impact on your emotions
Relationships, roles, and sexual health often change at this age
By your 60s, retirement and chronic illness may impact daily life and mood

What You Can Do

If you’re a caregiver, don’t forget to prioritize your own health too
Stay active (find new hobbies, volunteer, spend time socially) to cope with the emotional effects of aging

70s+

What You Need to Know

Retirement can be a fun time, however your 70s and beyond are when you may experience serious health problems, loss, or financial concerns
Older adults, especially with physical conditions, are more likely to develop depression or trouble sleeping

What You Can Do

Maintain strong relationships to limit isolation
Volunteer and stay connected
Eat well and stay active for your bone health, heart, and mood
Stay aware of community resources

Take this survey for a quick self-check on your mental health!

Answer a few questions about your current mental health goals to help you prepare for your next provider visit – it’s completely confidential.

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“Remember this, whoever you are, however you are, you are equally valid, equally justified, and equally beautiful.”

- Juno Dawson, Author

SEXUAL HEALTH

Women’s sexual health, like men’s, is important to emotional and physical wellbeing. It’s a broad spectrum – from reproductive health to relationships, STDs, fertility, and menopause – and it can sometimes be difficult to talk about.

What are common sexual problems women can experience?

“Female sexual dysfunction” can be a lack of interest in sex or a lack of response to sexual activity. Sexual problems fall into four groups, which often overlap:

Desire and arousal problems
Orgasmic problems
Sexual pain
Sexual problems caused by medication or substances

Symptoms & Warning Signs

Vaginal dryness
Low desire (sex drive)
Prior sexual or relationship trauma that triggers anxiety or a shutdown in intimacy
Pain during sex (can be caused by vaginal dryness, endometriosis, or use of certain medications and contraception)
Troubles with arousal and orgasms (can be related to hormonal changes, such as menopause, anxiety, certain medications, and inadequate foreplay)

Your gynecologist or health care provider, may ask about:

Your sexual history
Your gender identity
When your pain or other symptoms started
Any self-help methods you have tried
Any experience with sexual abuse or violence

Each type of female sexual dysfunction is treated differently. Recommendations may depend on your symptoms.

Sexual dysfunction can be frustrating, but it’s nothing to feel ashamed or embarrassed about. Sex may look different at age 25 than it does at 55 or even 85, but sexual intimacy is a basic human drive and essential to wellbeing and relationship satisfaction. Talk openly with your partner and don’t hesitate to reach out to your health care provider for help.

SPOTLIGHT ON YOU

Whatever your age or stage in life, there are likely questions or concerns you have about your physical, mental, or sexual health. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help.