7 Key Reasons for Kidney Disease in Women: What to Know

It is a widespread belief that kidney diseases are equally common in males and females. Perhaps, they are not gender-biased. But estimates show that chronic kidney disease has a higher incidence in women compared to men.

Likely the cause is low awareness about the causes that put women at elevated risk of chronic kidney disease.

There are a plethora of reasons why diagnosis is more apparent in women, and we are going to let you learn how.

Here are 7 reasons that put women at risk of chronic kidney disease, such as:

1. The first reason for this is their tendency to hold urine for a long time. Women usually hold urine more, and this fills the bladder beyond its capacity. As a response to this, the urine drains back to the kidney itself. Certainly, other causes are also linked, such as more susceptibility to urinary tract infections or pyelonephritis (infections of the kidneys). Let us tell you that recurrent UTIs and kidney infections are often the cause of chronic kidney disease or kidney failure. So, get yourself treated in the first place if you want to waive your risk of developing kidney-related disorders.
2. The second reason linked to the development of kidney disease in women is hormonal changes in women, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Often these conditions trigger the need for more medications to address the complications linked to changes in the body. Taking too many medications can damage the filters or nephrons and glomeruli. When you do consume a lot of painkillers or antibiotics, the byproduct has to be removed by the kidneys only, which can be distressing for the kidneys.
3. Stress is common, but our response to stress is what makes the difference. Women have a different hormonal system that makes them respond more emotionally and become exhausted on an emotional level. This stress is further a cause of hypersensitivity that pressurizes the kidneys even more. Stress also impacts your other regulatory systems, which rely on a healthy kidney function to work well.
4. The fourth cause of the onset of kidney disease in women is their susceptibility to diabetes. Though men also have diabetes, it is highly common in women. Men only get type 1 and type 2 diabetes, while women are at risk of gestational diabetes too. Gestational diabetes can be managed well with the help of medicines, but in many cases, it remains uncontrollable and demands treatment. The treatment injects the risk of kidney failure ultimately.
5. Yet another risk factor is the risk of abortion. For any reason, if women terminate the pregnancy, they need to be vigilant about their health which includes taking care of hygiene factors also. If not, they may end up witnessing the signs of urinary tract infections, which eventually end up with chronic kidney disease.
6. The sixth factor is a condition called preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a health complication in which high blood pressure during pregnancy may disrupt the function of the liver and kidney. Mostly this happens in the 20th week of pregnancy and leads to complications in pregnancies. So, we recommend women undergoing pregnancy take care of their health and manage stress wisely. Practising yoga and meditation is going to help in the long run.
7. The next reason for kidney disease in women is the risk of lupus, an autoimmune disorder. When you have an autoimmune disorder, likely your immune system is at risk that can eventually harm most of your organ’s function. Lupus nephritis is a condition when lupus autoantibodies affect nephrons and glomeruli. This brings inflammation and may result in blood and protein in the urine, high blood pressure, and even kidney failure in many cases.

Concerned about your risk of chronic kidney disease? Book an appointment today, message us on WhatsApp for a quick consultation, or call us directly to discuss your health concerns and get expert advice.

So, these are seven risk factors linked to kidney disease in women. If you are a woman experiencing any of these health issues, we suggest you shall not ignore them and expect a consultation from your doctor. It might not sound obvious, but these health issues need serious evaluation by the doctor.

Or, if you want us, we can help you with the right treatment approach.