The body of a woman experience a lot of hormonal changes throughout their life, from the start of puberty to menopause. This makes preventive health screenings a must. If you are over 30, here’s a checklist from experts on the first and foremost checkups which you need to do.
Dr Shobha Gupta, medical director, gynecologist, New Delhi, listed the following:
Relieve your stress
These days the biggest problem I see in many of my patients is that they experience too much stress without realizing its potential impact on their health. This can lead to various problems, ranging from infertility to increased risks of depression, anxiety, and heart disease. Ignore stress from your life, before it gives you serious health problems, said Dr Gupta.
Eat right
Many of us tend to eat too late in the day or right before going to bed at night, disrupting the natural digestion process which should occur during the day. Make sure that you consume a balanced diet, which is rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Vitamin C is very important to women for those who are planning a baby as it significantly increases the pregnancy rate. For your fertility include protein in your diet as it helps to maintain blood sugar balance. Include more salads and fruits in your diet, says Dr Gupta.
Keep an eye on your discharge
Discharge is totally normal throughout your menstrual cycle. However, if your discharge begins to resemble something like cottage cheese, it could be a sign of a yeast infection. “If it’s green, gray, yellow, or white, it could be a bacterial or sexually transmitted infection. Consult a doctor immediately, said Dr Gupta.
Keep a watch on your biological clock
Natural pregnancy is always preferable. As we age, our biological clock begins to tick. Women are most fertile in their early 20s, and their fertility gradually reduces with age. After the age of 35, this decline becomes more pronounced. Being more fertility aware allows you to make informed decisions and be aware that it might take you longer to conceive, says Dr Gupta.
Go for a walk
Do not limit yourself to computer screens or confine yourself to LED screens. Physical activity is important. Involve in 30 minutes of cardio or take a one-hour walk in the park. It helps to combat various diseases such as obesity, anxiety, depression, heart diseases, and managing diabetes, says Dr Gupta.
The precautionary health checkups for women
Breast cancer screening
Women are more prone to develop breast cancer after the age of 30. Undergoing regular mammography can help women to detect the condition even before it becomes suggestive.
Cervical cancer screening
Cervical cancer appears in the lower part of the uterus in females. A To detect the presence of cancer cells in the cervix, a Pap smear test is conducted. It is recommended that women above the age of 21 should get a Pap smear test at least once in five years.
Bone density screening
Bone density tends to reduce after the age of 30 in women. Therefore, they are advised to get regular screening for osteoporosis.
Diabetes screening
Women after the age of 35, every three years they must undergo a blood glucose test to check for diabetes or prediabetes. If a woman is obese or has a family history of diabetes, she must get screened early.
Blood pressure screening
Women must keep a check on their blood pressure to make sure that they are not suffering from a heart-related ailment. Additionally, women who have a family history of hypertension or blood pressure-related issues must get themselves checked often.
Thyroid tests
Women over the age of 30, especially those with a family history of thyroid disorders or experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes, or mood changes, should discuss their concerns with a healthcare provider who can determine the most suitable thyroid tests for their situation.
Vitamin D test
A vitamin D test measures the vitamin D levels in your blood. Vitamin D is very important to maintain healthy bones and teeth, supporting the immune system, brain, and nervous system, and regulating insulin levels. It is measured via a blood test.
Pre-marital health tests
Pre-martial tests are also increasing, which involves necessary blood tests to check for blood-related disorders such as thalassemia and sexually transmitted diseases.
Apart from these, psychiatric issues like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia and major depression should also be checked regularly. Chronic diseases like diabetes bronchial asthma and hypertension also have a bearing on your life. If you know all these diseases beforehand, then they can be treated, and you can handle the problem of health and family planning better.
Another important test could be that of fertility
Such a test could also be taken by girls with irregular menstrual cycles and boys with erection issues and the absence of testicles in the scrotum. Additionally, certain genetic disorders can be transmitted to the offspring if both the husband and wife have them. If we know this early, we can avoid such marriages and prevent congenital abnormalities, says Dr Gupta.
Additionally, eye exams and skin checks contribute to overall health monitoring. Mental health screenings should not be ignored, as conditions like anxiety and depression can manifest during this stage of life, said Dr Surabhi Siddhartha, consultant obstetrician, and gynecologist, Motherhood Hospital Kharghar.
Eventually, individual health history, family medical background, and lifestyle factors should guide women in discussing a suitable screening plan with their healthcare providers. Regular communication with healthcare professionals is important for comprehensive and personalized care, stressed Dr Surabhi.
