…Since many young women begin their periods before becoming teenagers, the only women's health issues most need worry about are mood swings, outbreaks of acne, and cramping. But soon enough, young women will need to confront sexual health issues, learning about the changes their bodies will undergo and the dangers of unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases; as well as the emotional and mental issues that can result from beginning to date and to become sexually active.

Another important women's health issue for sexually active women is birth control. Modern women have a plethora of birth control options available: hormone-releasing pills, patches, and rings; barrier methods such as condoms and diaphragms; long-term methods like injections and IUDs; surgical methods like tubal ligation (known more commonly as "getting your tubes tied").

Cancer, including breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers, is the second leading cause of death for women in America. Although men can suffer from breast cancer, the disease is about 100 times less likely to attack men than women, and is thus a major women's health issue. Women should conduct monthly self-exams as soon as their breasts develop and go in for yearly physicals. Sexually active women should look into preventative vaccines, such as the HPV vaccine which many doctors concede can help prevent the HPV virus which leads to cervical cancer. Treatments like the HPV vaccine are major steps forward in women's health.

After women pass menopause, osteoporosis becomes a serious women's health issue. Osteoporosis is a weakening of the bones making them brittle. Women who suffer from osteoporosis are much more likely to break bones, making falls very dangerous. To prevent osteoporosis, women should avoid excessive tobacco or alcohol use, exercise frequently, and take plenty of calcium in the form of dairy products or supplements. If a woman is at a very high risk for the disease, she can also take prescription medication. Once diagnosed with osteoporosis, women should still supplement medication with preventative methods: follow a diet high in calcium and vitamin D, exercise, and prevent falls whenever possible.