Caring for the Whole Woman, by Nancy Joy Rist, M.D.
- Delaware County Medical Society
- Oct 30
- 3 min read
Caring for the Whole Woman
By Nancy Joy Rist, M.D.
Aston Primary Care – Main Line Healthcare
Women’s health is about much more than reproductive organs. Being female affects every system in the body — from the heart and bones to the brain and immune system. These differences influence how illnesses develop, how symptoms feel, and how well treatments work.
Women are also more likely to experience certain conditions, including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, autoimmune diseases, and osteoporosis. Even heart disease — the leading cause of death for women — often looks different, with subtler warning signs that can delay diagnosis.
On top of these biological factors, many women balance multiple roles as caregivers, professionals, partners, and mothers. Chronic stress, poor sleep, and emotional strain can add up to anxiety, fatigue, and even physical pain. True wellness means caring for both body and mind — and recognizing how life’s demands affect both.
Key Health Priorities for Every Woman
Modern women’s health focuses on the whole person. Here are important areas to keep in mind:
Heart & metabolism: Protect your heart and prevent diabetes with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and blood pressure and cholesterol checks.
Bone & joint health: Keep bones strong with weight-bearing exercise, calcium, and vitamin D.
Breast & reproductive health: Stay current with screenings and talk with your clinician about hormonal changes across the lifespan.
Pelvic, bladder & digestive health: Don’t ignore bladder leakage, pelvic pain, or bowel changes — early care helps prevent bigger problems.
Emotional well-being: Anxiety, depression, and fatigue are common and often overlap with physical health.
Building a Healthy Foundation
Every woman benefits from simple, consistent habits:
Eat mostly whole foods — fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit processed foods, added sugars, and salt.
Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, plus two or three strength sessions.
Sleep 7–9 hours nightly and cut back on caffeine or alcohol near bedtime.
Manage stress with mindfulness, counseling, or time for yourself.
Avoid smoking and keep blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar in a healthy range.
The Menopausal Transition
Menopause is a natural stage of life but can bring symptoms like hot flashes, sleep problems, mood changes, brain fog, vaginal dryness, and joint aches.
Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) remains the most effective treatment for bothersome hot flashes and vaginal symptoms when used appropriately. It’s generally safest when started within 10 years of menopause or before age 60, using the lowest effective dose for as long as needed. Local (vaginal) estrogen can be very helpful for dryness and urinary irritation. Your clinician can help decide whether hormones or non-hormonal treatments are right for you.
Postmenopausal Health Maintenance
Healthy aging after menopause supports long-term well-being. Regular checkups and preventive care are key.
Heart Health:
Heart disease risk rises after menopause. Have your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar checked regularly. Maintain a healthy weight, exercise often, eat a heart-friendly diet, and avoid smoking.
Bone Health:
Bone loss accelerates after menopause, increasing fracture risk. Women 65 and older — or younger women with risk factors — should have a bone density test (DEXA scan). Treatments are available to strengthen bones when needed.
Cancer Screening:
Breast: Mammogram every 1–2 years starting at age 40.
Colon: Screening (colonoscopy or stool tests) from age 45 to 75.
Cervix: Pap/HPV testing every 3–5 years until 65 if prior results are normal.
Lungs: Low-dose CT scan for certain current or former smokers (age 50–80).
Mental Health:
Mood changes, anxiety, and depression can occur during and after menopause. Don’t hesitate to mention emotional concerns — screening and treatment are available and effective.
The Bottom Line
Women’s health is whole-body health. Understanding how biology, hormones, and life stress interact allows you and your care team to build a plan that supports energy, strength, and resilience at every stage of life.
Stay proactive: schedule checkups, stay up to date on vaccines and screenings, and reach out to your healthcare team with any new concerns. Taking small, steady steps today can help you live a longer, healthier, and more vibrant life.
2002–2014: Internist, Internal Medicine Associates, Crozer
2014–2018: Founding and Managing Physician, Women’s Internal Medicine at Lancaster General/UPENN
2018–2022: Assistant Medical Director, Primary Care & Primary Care Internist, Crozer Health
2022–present: Primary Care Internist, Main Line Health – Aston
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