Major Stressors in Women’s Health

The objectives of this chapter are to examine the differences in the causes of death and disability between men and women and determine if diet and/or nutritional status are factors contributing to these differences. We will examine the role of nutrition during several of the critical periods in a woman’s life when stresses are increased. We will look at menstrual issues with emphasis on premenstrual syndrome (PMS), polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and pregnancy. Additionally, we will review two major diseases associated with female aging: autoimmune disease and osteoporosis.