Women's Health

Women’s health encompasses a broad range of medical concerns unique to women throughout different stages of life, from adolescence and reproductive years to menopause and beyond. It covers not only gynaecological health but also hormonal balance, mental wellness, heart health and more. As such, a proactive approach to women’s health empowers women to live well and age confidently.

Why is Women’s Health important?

Biological and hormonal differences mean that women face distinct health challenges compared to men. These include conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis and cervical or breast cancers, which require dedicated screening and care. Heart disease and osteoporosis also often present differently in women and may go unnoticed without routine checks. 

In fact, women’s health differs significantly from men's, as per the table below:

ASPECT	WOMEN’S HEALTH	MEN’S HEALTH
Hormonal Differences	Influenced by:Oestrogen and progesteroneHormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cyclePregnancyMenopause	Dominated by testosterone, but relatively stable hormone levels until gradual decline with age (andropause).
Reproductive System	Includes menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth and menopause. As such, it requires regular gynaecological care.	Involves prostate and testicular health. Additionally, reproductive issues are less complex but still significant.
Chronic Disease Risk	Higher risk of osteoporosis, autoimmune diseases and thyroid disorders.	Higher risk of heart disease at a younger age, liver disease and certain cancers, especially prostate cancer.
Cardiovascular Health	Symptoms of heart disease may be subtly present, such as fatigue and nausea. However, the risk increases after menopause.	More likely to be present with classic symptoms, such as chest pain, with higher overall cardiovascular risk earlier in life.
Mental Health	More prone to depression, anxiety and eating disorders. Additionally, hormonal changes can influence mood.	Higher rates of substance abuse and suicide and less likely to seek mental health support.
Cancer Screening	Requires regular screening for cervical (Pap smear), breast (mammogram) and ovarian cancers.	Requires prostate checks (PSA test, DRE) and testicular self-examination.
Urinary Health	Higher incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to a shorter urethra, with pelvic floor disorders more common.	Lower UTI risk, but more prone to urinary symptoms related to prostate enlargement with age.
Bone Health	Greater risk of osteoporosis, especially after menopause, due to oestrogen decline.	Slower bone density loss. Osteoporosis is less common but still possible with age.
Menopause vs. Andropause	Menopause causes abrupt hormonal shifts affecting multiple systems.	Andropause is more gradual and less clearly defined. Additionally, symptoms can be vague or underreported.

What are some of the common Women’s Health conditions?

Some of the most common concerns addressed in women’s health include:

• Cervical and breast cancer – regular screening is vital for early detection and effective treatment.
• Endometriosis – a chronic condition where tissue like the womb lining grows outside the uterus, causing pain and potential fertility issues.
• Menopause and perimenopause – hormonal changes that can lead to hot flushes, mood swings and sleep disturbances.
• Menstrual disorders – irregular, painful or heavy periods that can affect daily life.
• PCOS – a hormonal condition causing irregular cycles, acne, weight gain or fertility issues.
• UTIs – more common in women due to anatomy, causing pain, urgency or discomfort.
• Vaginal Candidiasis – a common yeast infection causing itching, discharge and irritation, often triggered by antibiotics or hormonal changes.

What are the key milestones in Women’s Health?

A woman’s health needs are dynamic and evolve significantly at different stages of life. Each phase brings its own physical, hormonal and emotional changes, which may require specific screening, treatment or lifestyle adjustments. Understanding these milestones allows for early intervention, better prevention and more personalised care. Subsequently, helping women stay healthy and well-informed throughout their lives.

Women’s health needs evolve through life:

• Teen years – education on menstrual health, HPV vaccination and understanding the physical and emotional changes of puberty.

• 20s to 30s years old – contraception guidance, sexual health checks, fertility planning and cervical cancer screening become priorities.

• Pregnancy and postnatal care – include prenatal check-ups, maternal nutrition, birth planning, postnatal recovery and breastfeeding support.

• 40s to 50s years old – a focus on recognising and managing perimenopausal symptoms, while maintaining heart health, bone density and emotional well-being.

• 60 years old and beyond – regular monitoring for chronic conditions such as osteoporosis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer with a continued focus on mobility, cognitive health and independence.

How can women take charge of their health?

Good health does not happen by chance. It is built through regular habits and support. In fact, some of the key steps include:

• Routine screenings – pap smears, mammograms and bone density tests, depending on your age and risk profile.
• Vaccinations – including HPV and influenza for long-term protection.
• Contraceptive advice – options to suit your lifestyle and future plans.
• Healthy lifestyle – balanced diet, physical activity, stress management and adequate sleep.
• Mental wellness – recognising the mental load women often carry and seeking support when needed.
• Sexual health – discussing changes in libido, discomfort during intimacy or vaginal health without embarrassment.

What to expect from a Women's Health consultation

During a women’s health consultation, healthcare professionals take the time to understand your unique concerns, priorities and health goals. You can typically expect:

• A safe and respectful environment – where you can speak openly about symptoms, goals or questions.

• Holistic history-taking – covering your menstrual history, sexual and reproductive health, family history, lifestyle and any chronic symptoms.

• Physical examinations – as appropriate, including pelvic exams, breast checks or screening procedures.

• Tailored investigations – such as ultrasound scans, blood tests or hormonal profiles.

• Collaborative care planning – whether it is for managing symptoms, starting a family or navigating menopause.

Where can women access Women’s Health services in Singapore?

Women’s health services in Singapore are widely accessible through both public and private healthcare providers. Whether you are seeking routine screening, support for a specific concern or ongoing management of a long-term condition, there are multiple avenues available to support your needs at every stage of life.

Some of the key places to access women’s health services include:

AVENUE	PURPOSE
Polyclinics and General Practitioners (GPs)	Polyclinics and GP clinics serve as a first point of contact for general health concerns, preventive screening (such as Pap smears) and basic reproductive or hormonal issues. GPs can also provide referrals to specialists if further care is required.
Gynaecology Specialists	Gynaecologists offer expert care for more complex or ongoing women’s health issues, such as abnormal menstrual bleeding, fibroids, endometriosis, infertility or menopausal symptoms. They can also conduct detailed investigations like ultrasounds and biopsies and perform surgical interventions if needed.
Women’s Clinics and Wellness Centres	These dedicated clinics focus on women-specific needs, including fertility assessments, hormone regulation, menopause management, sexual health and preventive screening. Many also offer integrated services such as nutritional counselling, physiotherapy and mental wellness support tailored for women.
Public Hospitals	Public hospitals provide access to subsidised specialist care through referrals from polyclinics or GPs. They offer a full spectrum of diagnostic, medical and surgical services for women’s health, including high-risk pregnancy care, oncology and gynaecological surgery.

Phoenix Medical Group’s Commitment to Women’s Health

Taking charge of your health is a powerful act of self-care. Whether you are navigating hormonal changes, planning a family or simply prioritising preventive care, you deserve support that respects your experiences and empowers your decisions.

At Phoenix Medical Group, we understand that women’s health is deeply personal and often complex. Our team is committed to providing compassionate, patient-centred care in a safe and respectful environment. We:

• Offer confidential and empathetic care, creating space for open conversations without judgement
• Provide evidence-based screening, diagnostics and treatment plans, tailored to your unique needs and goals
• Focus on long-term wellness and preventive care, not just managing symptoms
• Have female doctors available upon request, to ensure your comfort during sensitive discussions or examinations

Whether it is a routine health check, menstrual irregularities, family planning or menopause support, we are here to guide you with care, clarity and confidence at every stage of life.

So, book a Women’s Health consultation with us today and kickstart your journey to a healthier, more confident future.

Frequently Asked Questions