Can I get breast cancer if I have dense breasts?
Dr. Lori Uyeno, a breast surgeon affiliated with Sharp Memorial Hospital, explains that having dense breasts can increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
Many women wear several hats on any given day. They may be a mother, partner, wife, daughter, sister, pet parent, friend, volunteer, employee — the list goes on and on. While many of these women may report they are busy, happy and fulfilled, they are equally likely to say they're exhausted much of the time.
“As parents, spouses, caregivers and professionals, women are commonly prone to fatigue,” says Dr. Catherine Sundsmo, a board-certified family medicine doctor with Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group. “We typically have commutes, 40-hour-plus work weeks, children, aging parents and the responsibilities of managing a household. Fatigue is a very, very common symptom that I see in my female patients.”
According to Dr. Sundsmo, the demands women place on their bodies are often greater than the care they give them, leading to fatigue. And when fatigue is chronic, it can feel like a never-ending cycle.
Why women feel fatigued
“Fatigue can be triggered by a stressful event, a temporary illness, insomnia, lifestyle changes, our job or our families,” Dr. Sundsmo says. “It might cause you to feel overwhelmed, mentally and physically exhausted, joint and body pain, unable to concentrate, irritable or depressed, and can even lead to sugar cravings.”
However, once women — along with their doctors — rule out a serious medical condition, which often can be done by collecting a basic medical history, a physical and blood work, Dr. Sundsmo says the problem becomes relatively simple.
Here, she tackles the five most common reasons women feel fatigued and shares how to combat them.
Dr. Sundsmo suggests speaking with your doctor about fatigue. As long as no single medical condition is determined to be causing the fatigue, they will often recommend you exercise more; reduce stress; eat a well-balanced, healthy diet; and get regular sleep. And while that list may seem daunting, it really is basic self-care that everyone should be practicing.
“As always, having a trusting, continuous relationship with a primary care physician and giving your body the support it needs is your best resource and treatment plan,” she says.
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