Every Women’s Month, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of Filipinas. Women lead businesses, build careers, manage households, and nurture families. Yet while caring for everyone else, many Filipinas forget to care for themselves.
If you are a Filipina aged 25 to 45, this guide is for you. From heart disease and diabetes to breast cancer, PCOS thyroid disorders, perimenopause, and even mental health concerns, this guide answers the questions many women quietly search for online.
Awareness is the first step. Prevention saves lives.
Why Should We Turn Our Attention to the Importance of Women’s Health This Women’s Month?
Data from the World Health Organization shows that Ischemic Heart Disease is the number one cause of death among Filipino women[1]. The 2024-2025 Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) report[2] showed similar statistics which also stated that neoplasms (cancers), cerebrovascular diseases, such as stroke, as well as Pneumonia and Diabetes Mellitus are some of the most common causes of death for women in the Philippines.
Despite this, many women delay getting check-ups because of busy schedules, financial concerns, fear of bad news, or believing that their symptoms are just “normal” or of a more common illness or caused by stress.
This Women’s Month, let us change this mindset. Women’s health is important. Your health matters, too.
The “Silent Killers” Affecting Filipino Women
Heart Diseases and Hypertension
Heart disease is often thought of more as a man’s condition, but it remains to be one of the top causes of death among women globally and here in the Philippines. Hypertension is called a silent killer exactly because it may show no symptoms until serious complications develop.
You can learn more about hypertension, its symptoms, effects, risk factors, and how to manage and prevent it on this blog. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before taking action.
Type 2 Diabetes
Filipino food is packed with flavor and is very comforting, but our cuisine can also be high in sugar and refined carbohydrates. Combined with increasingly sedentary lifestyles, this raises the risk of Type 2 Diabetes significantly, even among younger women. Women with PCOS are also more prone to insulin resistance, which gives them a higher risk.
You can learn more about Type 2 Diabetes, how to spot symptoms, common diabetic complications, prevention and management tips, and diabetes treatments available at Unihealth Southwoods in this blog.
What Are Some Female-specific Medical Conditions?
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among Filipino women, and cases of breast cancer among women under 40 is rising. Knowing the symptoms of breast cancer in women could save your life.
You should watch out for lumps in the breast or underarm, changes in breast shape or size, nipple discharge, skin dimpling, and any unexplained redness or thickening. Early detection can dramatically improve outcomes and survival rates, which is why routine screening is so important.
To check for lumps in your breast, put your hand behind your head and use the pads of your three middle fingers on your opposite hand to feel your breast in circular motions. Make sure to check the whole area from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen and from your armpit to the cleavage. Yes, lumps don’t always appear right on or around the immediate breast area.
Remember, if you find any lumps, do not immediately jump to the conclusion that you have breast cancer. Most lumps are benign (non-cancerous) but you should consult a doctor as early as you can to get proper diagnosis and treatment.
Mammogram and Breast Ultrasound
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast, and a breast ultrasound is often used alongside mammograms, particularly in young women with dense breast tissue. These imaging procedures are used for screening, which typically starts at age 40 or earlier if you have a strong family history of breast cancer.
Mammogram and Breast Ultrasound are both available here at Unihealth Southwoods and Breast Ultrasound is included in our Silver and Gold Executive Check-up Packages. You may see more details about our radiology services on our Radiology Services page and our executive check-up packages on our Laboratory Services page.
If you are searching for an oncologist near you or an OB-GYN near you, you may check our Doctors’ Schedule page for the list of our doctors.
Cervical Cancer
Knowing how to prevent cervical cancer starts with two steps: getting the HPV vaccine and having regular Pap Smears. Cervical cancer rarely causes symptoms in its early stages, which makes your regular OB-GYN check-up critical.
Practicing safe sex by always using a condom and getting tested for STIs even if you and your partner are clean every year and quitting smoking are both very important in lowering your risk for cervical cancer.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is one of the most common hormonal disorders, affecting an estimated 10-13% of women of reproductive age[3]. It happens when the body produces too much male hormones (androgens) which can hinder the regular release of eggs and cause irregular periods, skin changes, and metabolism difficulties.
If you are wondering what are the first signs of PCOS, they often include painful and irregular or missed periods, severe acne, excess facial or body hair, weight gain especially around the abdomen, and difficulty in getting pregnant. PCOS is also closely linked to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and obesity.
So how do you know if you have PCOS? To get an accurate diagnosis, your OB-GYN will require blood tests and a pelvic ultrasound performed by an OB-GYN Sonologist or an Endocrinologist. PCOS treatment in the Philippines usually includes a combination of lifestyle changes, weight management, birth control pills, and, in some cases, insulin-sensitizing medications.
While there is no cure for PCOS currently, symptoms can be managed well with the right approach.
Endometriosis
Many women are told that painful periods are normal and just part of being a woman. Mild discomfort is normal, but intense pain that affects your work, school, or relationships is not.
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing it to thicken and bleed during your period with no way to escape, which leads to a lot of pain and inflammation.
Endometriosis symptoms include debilitating menstrual cramps, pain during intercourse, chronic pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, and, in some cases, infertility. Diagnosing endometriosis may involve a pelvic exam, ultrasound, MRI, or laparoscopy.
Early diagnosis can significantly improve your quality of life, so please consult a doctor if your period pain is affecting your daily functioning.
Unihealth Southwoods have experienced OB-GYNs that you can consult and we are well-equipped to provide ultrasound, MRI, and laparoscopy to help you reach the correct diagnosis and proper treatment.
What Are Other Health Conditions That Women Often Overlook?
Thyroid Disorders in Women
Signs of thyroid problems are more common in women than in men and are easy to dismiss as just stress or part of aging.
Wondering what the symptoms of thyorid problems in women? They include unexpected weight changes, hair thinning, persistent fatigue, mood swings, and irregular periods.
The good news is that thyroid conditions are very manageable with proper treatment. Now, for women wondering, “Can a woman with thyroid problems get pregnant?” the answer is yes. Many women with well-managed thyroid conditions safely conceive and carry healthy pregnancies.
Perimenopause
Perimenopause symptoms can begin as early as the late 30s and are often mistaken for stress or burnout. Symptoms include irregular menstrual cycles, hot flashes, mood changes, night sweats, brain fog, and sleep disturbances. It can also affect bone density.
With the right medical support and lifestyle adjustments, perimenopause can be navigated with confidence rather than confusion. You do not have to go through it alone.
Postpartum Depression
Motherhood can be deeply fulfilling and at the same time very exhausting. Studies show that postpartum depression affects roughly 1 in 6 Filipino mothers — and the real number may be higher[4][5], yet it remains to be one of the least discussed women’s health issues in the country.
Symptoms may include persistent sadness, loss of interest in daily activities or activities you usually love doing, difficulty bonding with your baby, intense guilt, and, in some cases, self-harm.
If you have PPD, you are NOT a failure. You are NOT a bad mom. You just need help.
If you or someone you love is experiencing these signs, Unihealth Southwoods have skilled Psychiatrists you may consult with. You may check our Doctors’ Schedule page here.
Why Are Regular OB-GYN Checkups Important?
If you have been searching for an OB-GYN near you, wondering about how you can improve your health as a woman, or looking for women’s health checkup packages, let this be your sign to schedule an appointment. Preventive care is far more manageable than treating an advanced disease.
Women aged 25 to 45 should aim for an annual OB-GYN checkup that includes a Pap Smear, Clinical Breast Exam, Blood Pressure Check, Blood Sugar Test, Lipid Profile, and Thyroid Test if showing symptoms. A pelvic ultrasound may also be recommended depending on your situation.
Common Myths About Women’s Health
Myth: “I am young, so I must be healthy. I don’t need regular checkups, I’ll just go when I feel sick.”
Reality: Many conditions begin silently in your 20s and 30s. Make sure to eat a balanced diet, exercise at least 150 minutes per week (that’s just 30 minutes per day for 5 days), and get regular checkups (at least once a year) even if you don’t feel sick.
Myth: “No family history means no risk.”
Reality: Many factors play into developing medical conditions and lifestyle factors like diet, activity level, smoking, and alcohol consumption play a big and very important role.
Myth: “Severe period pain is just normal.”
Reality: If your period pain is debilitating and affects your everyday life and function, you should consult an OB-GYN and get tested for endometriosis or other reproductive system disorders.
Myth: “Breast cancer only affects older women.”
Reality: Breast cancer in young women was reported to be higher in the Philippines than other Asian countries[6]. PhilHealth also stated that as high as 65% of breast cancer cases were diagnosed in the advanced stages, greatly reducing survival rate[7].
Put Your Health First This Women’s Month
Like the saying goes, “put your oxygen mask on before assisting others”. Being a strong woman means taking care of yourself first before you take care of other people because how can you do that if you’re sick too?
You do not need to overhaul your life in one night. Start small, but start now. Learn your family health history. Monitor your blood pressure. Move your body at least 30 minutes every day. Prioritize sleep. Make space for your mental health. Schedule that OB-GYN consultation you’ve been postponing or get that women’s health checkup package you’ve been eyeing. One appointment can make a difference.
Start Your Journey to Better Women’s Health with Unihealth Southwoods Hospital and Medical Center
Reading about these conditions and being aware of your own health is the first step. The next one is finding a partner that can provide the care that you need, all under one roof.
Why Choose Unihealth Southwoods as Your Partner in Health?
Unihealth Southwoods Hospital is a tertiary hospital located in Southwoods Ecocentrum at the heart of Biñan City, Laguna near the Southwoods SLEX Exit. We have a team of board-certified, specialized doctors ready to support your health journey.
- OB-GYNs for your annual check-up
- Endocrinologists for diabetes, PCOS, or thyroid concerns
- Cardiologists for hypertension and overall heart health
- Oncologist for breast cancer screening
- Psychiatrist for postpartum depression and mental wellness
You can view all available specialists and their schedules on our Doctors’ Schedule page here.
USHMC also has a full in-house laboratory and a dedicated radiology department equipped with state-of-the-art equipment so you don’t have to go from one clinic to another. Here are some of the lab tests and imaging procedures we offer:
- Complete Blood Work
- Hormone Panels
- Blood Sugar Testing
- Lipid Profile
- Mammogram
- Breast Ultrasound
- MRI
To learn more about our laboratory services, visit our Laboratory Services page here.
To view our full list of diagnostic imaging procedures, check out our Radiology Services page here.
For women who want a more comprehensive assessment, you can browse our Women’s Executive Checkup packages, designed to cover the screenings that matter most at your stage of life, on our Laboratory Services page here.
This Women’s Month, take that first step. Share this with a sister, mother, grandmother, friend, or colleague. Celebrate not only with greetings, but with action.
Schedule your checkup today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are painful periods normal?
Mild cramping during your period is normal, but pain that forces you to miss work, school, or daily activities is not. Severe period pain could be a sign of endometriosis, PCOS, or uterine fibroids. If over-the-counter pain relief no longer works or your pain is getting worse over time, it is time to consult an OB-GYN.
Do I need a mammogram even if I can’t feel any lumps?
Yes. A mammogram is designed to detect abnormalities before any lump or symptom appears, which is exactly what makes it so valuable. Women aged 40 and above are generally advised to have annual mammograms. If you have a family history of breast cancer, your doctor may recommend starting earlier.
How do I know it’s Postpartum Depression and not just exhaustion or stress?
If you are experiencing the postpartum depression symptoms mentioned in the blog like persistent sadness, difficulty bonding with your baby, loss of interest in things you usually enjoy, or feelings of guilt or worthlessness lasting more than two weeks after giving birth, you should consult a doctor. PPD is a real medicalcondition and is very treatable with the right support.
Can I use my PhilHealth or HMO for OB-GYN checkups and screening tests?
PhilHealth typically covers consultations, some diagnostic procedures, and hospital admissions, but coverage for preventive screenings like mammograms and Pap smears depends on your benefit package. Similarly, for HMO, consultations, some diagnostic tests, and hospital admissions are covered; however, it still depends on your package. It’s best to ask our hospital billing department first in advance to confirm your claimable coverage.
At what age should I start getting a Pap Smear?
Generally, Pap smear screening starts at age 21, or within three years of becoming sexually active, whichever comes first. Women aged 21 to 65 are advised to have a Pap smear every three years if results are normal, or every five years if combined with an HPV test. Your OB-GYN may recommend a different schedule based on your personal health history.
Sources:
[1] https://data.who.int/countries/608
[2] https://psa.gov.ph/content/2025-causes-death-philippines-provisional-30-september-2025
[3] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/polycystic-ovary-syndrome