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Health issues for lesbians: Tips to stay healthy

Health issues for lesbians may include substance abuse, obesity and depression. Understand these important health risks and know how to protect yourself.

By Mayo Clinic staff

Lesbians and women who have sex with women are at increased risk of a number of health issues, including substance abuse, obesity and depression — but there are steps lesbians and bisexual women can take to improve their health and well-being. Find out about these important health issues for lesbians and understand ways to promote a healthy lifestyle.

Prevent cancer

Lesbians may have a higher prevalence of risk factors for breast cancer, colon cancer and ovarian cancer than do other women. Potential reasons include higher rates of obesity and alcohol abuse, choosing not to bear children and inconsistent medical care, which may result in lower rates of routine screenings.

Making healthy lifestyle changes — such as maintaining a healthy weight, including physical activity in your daily routine, limiting the amount of alcohol you drink, and seeking routine screenings and health care — may help reduce your risk of cancer.

Prevent obesity

Lesbians are more likely to be overweight or obese than are other women. This may be in part due to different values concerning physical appearance and what's perceived to be attractive or desirable. Overeating may be a form of self-comfort in response to stress, abuse and discrimination. Obesity may also serve as a method of protection from the undesired sexual attention of men.

If you're obese, you're more likely to develop a number of potentially serious health problems — including many types of cancer, gynecologic problems, depression, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. You can take steps to prevent unhealthy weight gain and related health problems. Make a commitment to include physical activity in your daily routine, eat a healthy diet and monitor your weight. If you're struggling to lose weight, ask your doctor for help and support.

Seek help for substance abuse

Alcohol abuse is common among lesbians and bisexual women. Risk factors for lesbian alcohol abuse include:

  • Relying on women's bars for socializing and peer support
  • Impact of sexism and discrimination
  • Stress related to passing as a heterosexual or coming out
  • Low self-esteem related to the perception of being different
  • Trauma due to bullying, violence, abuse or self-abuse

Women who abuse alcohol are at risk of alcohol-related accidents, fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, muscle weakness and pain, and osteoporosis. Lesbian and bisexual women who use injectable drugs are at high risk of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS.

If you have a substance abuse problem, remember that help is available. Local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender health, mental health, or community centers often provide substance abuse treatment. Organizations such as the National Association of Lesbian and Gay Addiction Professionals also may provide referrals.

Stop smoking

Lesbians and bisexual women are more likely to smoke than are heterosexual women. Potential reasons include stress, depression and discrimination.

Smokers are more likely to develop disease and die earlier than those who don't smoke. If you smoke, take the first step and decide to quit. Then take advantage of the variety of resources available to help you successfully quit smoking.

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References
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