Amie Davis, associate professor, Department of Family Medicine

As a family doctor, I want women to know that you do not have to simply push through changes that are affecting your daily life. If you are experiencing symptoms like poor sleep, low energy and mood changes, it’s worth having a conversation with your doctor. Many women are used to putting the needs of others first and often dismiss their own symptoms as just part of a busy life or getting older. But your health matters.

Paying attention to how you feel, and speaking up when something feels different, is an important part of taking care of yourself.

Sandra Ofori, assistant professor, Department of Medicine

As a cardiologist, I know that women don’t always present similarly to men when they are having a cardiac event.

My one piece of advice to all women today is to trust your instincts and advocate for yourself when you feel something is wrong.

Sheryl Green, associate professor, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences

It’s quite normal for women to experience an increase in anxiety during pregnancy and in the postpartum, so much is changing in life. But even positive changes can bring about uncertainty and, ultimately, anxiety. When anxiety becomes highly distressing and interferes with a woman’s day-to-day life, it’s important that she communicates this to her health care team in order to access effective treatments.

Depression is not the only common mental health difficulty that women need to be aware of during pregnancy and the postpartum.

Andrea Gonzalez, associate professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences

Parenting stress is so common that it is often accepted as just “part of the job.” Yet it has real consequences for women’s health. Research shows that chronic stress and sleep loss during the caregiving years can have long-lasting effects on women’s mental and physical health. Too often, this goes unrecognized. That’s why supporting women who are parenting is not option, it’s essential. This support requires systems, policies and communities that recognize caregiving as central to women’s health.

When women are supported, children, families and society benefit.

Ada Tang, professor and assistant dean of Rehabilitation Science, School of Rehabilitation Science

Stroke hits women differently. Worldwide, stroke happens in men slightly more than women, but women are more likely to have more severe strokes and live with long-term disability. Women also face unique risks throughout our lives, from birth control and pregnancy to menopause. Yet women make up less than 40 per cent of participants in stroke studies, meaning care decisions may be based on research that doesn’t fully represent us.

When women are included, everyone benefits with better prevention, treatment and recovery.

Rohan D’Souza, associate professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology

Pregnancy and childbirth should be among the most joyous events for families and communities. Unfortunately, we hear a lot about rising rates of complications during pregnancy, and that can be scary. While it is true that pregnancy complications are on the rise, it is also true that pregnancy and childbirth can still be the safest time in a person’s life thanks to numerous advances in screening, diagnosis and treatment.

One of the most important things you can do is tune out the misinformation that seems to be everywhere and, instead, lean on trusted, evidence-based advice. That means turning to professionals — like midwives, family doctors and obstetricians —these are the people who are there to support you, answer your questions and help make your pregnancy journey as safe and positive as possible for both you and your baby.

Sarah Mah, assistant professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology

Not all periods are normal, especially if they are very heavy, irregular or if there’s bleeding between periods. Any new vaginal bleeding after menopause is a serious red flag sign.

It’s important to discuss your bleeding patterns with a physician — ask whether you need a gynecologic exam, biopsy or imaging, to rule out endometrial or cervical cancer, and to advocate for care to improve your quality of life and prevent future issues.

Sinéad Dufour, associate clinical professor, School of Rehabilitation Science

Urinary incontinence is incredibly common — impacting one in three women across the lifespan — and can be disruptive and distressing. The good news is that urinary incontinence can be treated effectively with basic care strategies. No medication. No surgery. But it does need a slightly more personalized touch than generic pelvic floor exercises.

Only 25 per cent of women seek help, and this needs to change. So, if you leak when you don’t want to, seek out the care you deserve, which will likely include the help of a pelvic health physiotherapist.

Susan Jack, professor and Dorothy C. Hall Chair in Nursing Research, School of Nursing

Relationship safety is a health issue when a partner is controlling, coercive or violent. Women often describe feeling trapped, like they’re walking on eggshells or that they’re losing confidence and becoming increasingly isolated from their friends and their family. Over time, this loss of freedom and constant stress can affect your mental health, your physical health and even your daily functioning.

If this feels familiar, help is available by talking to a trusted health-care professional or using the free, private iHeal app, where women can access supports and take steps to enhance safety and well-being.

Alison Shea, associate professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Menopause officially begins one year after your last period, which often occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause, and this transition can last four to eight years. Perimenopause often starts when your periods become irregular, sometimes coming earlier or later than usual. During this time, changing hormone levels can cause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, poor sleep, mood changes and brain fog.

Many people are surprised by how common these symptoms are. The good news is that we have effective and safe treatments available. If menopause symptoms are affecting your daily life, talk to your health care provider about your options.