The latest episode of the health podcast features an in-depth discussion with Dr Subhashini Venkatesh, General Physician at Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai, about the nitty-gritty of women’s health. Women experience different health-related challenges at every stage of their lives, and this episode helps in a deeper understanding of their bodies.
To book an appointment with Dr Subhashini, scan the QR code:
During the teenage years, girls face a lot of self-esteem issues, period-related issues, skin issues, polycystic ovaries, etc. The next stage is in your 20s, when women are usually dealing with stress-related issues, acne and hair-related issues. A very important issue is that of their sexual health, and whether they have taken the vaccination against cervical cancer.
Women in their 30s are very busy with their family and children while also focusing on their careers, and tend to overlook their health. Because of a lack of physical activity and a lack of sleep, they tend to gain weight, and that gives rise to health-related problems. For women in their 40s, menopause is a concern and also reduced sexual drive, in addition to weak muscle strength. In your 50s and 60s, your bone strength becomes a cause for concern.
Breast cancer screening is very important for all women above the age of 40. But if you have a family history of breast cancer, 35 would be the right age to go for testing.
Dr Subhashini talks about the importance of sleep and how vital it is for our body to function at its best. Sedentary work patterns, irregular sleep, processed food consumption, and chronic stress are major contributors to most lifestyle-related diseases like diabetes and hypertension. Additionally, habits such as drinking and smoking, which were once uncommon among women, have now become more frequent, adding to long-term health risks.
Women often balance multiple roles—career, household responsibilities, caregiving, and emotional labour. This dual burden has a silent yet significant impact on mental wellness. Dr Subhashini explains that early signs of emotional strain include persistent fatigue, irritability, sleep disturbances, loss of interest, and difficulty concentrating.
In the end, she reiterates the importance of mental health and how we should practice prioritising it. Being grateful for what you have, planning your day and your week and practising any form of meditation, whether it is listening to music or doing art, helps you de-stress and de-compress.
This episode serves as a powerful reminder that women’s health is holistic—physical, emotional, and lifestyle-driven. Women care for everyone. It’s time they start caring for themselves, too.