Are you also wondering what tests you should take as a woman? Worry not, we’ve got you covered with the list of tests that are a must for you.
- Regular health check-ups are crucial for women, especially working mothers, to prevent potential health issues and ensure timely intervention
- Key tests include diabetes screenings, thyroid examinations, blood pressure checks, cholesterol tests, Vitamin D level assessments, Pap smears, mammograms, bone mineral density examinations, and complete blood counts //
- These tests aid in the early detection of conditions such as diabetes, thyroid diseases, hypertension, high cholesterol, cervical cancer, breast cancer, osteoporosis, and blood disorders, ensuring better health outcomes for women
However, with the advancements in technology and the availability of round-the-clock diagnostic services, monitoring one's health has become easier than ever. It is crucial not to ignore personal health and to undergo these ten essential tests to prevent potential health issues and ensure timely intervention.
Test for Diabetes: Diabetes Makes your Blood Sweet and Your Life Bitter
Diabetes is a condition that can have serious long-term consequences for women's health, especially during various stages like pregnancy, postpartum, lactation, and menopause. The essential tools that are used for diagnosing diabetes include fasting plasma glucose (FPG), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (1✔ ✔Trusted SourceGestational diabetes mellitus: risks and management during and after pregnancy
Go to source).
Check Your Neck: Test for Thyroid
Thyroid examinations are equally important for women but are often overlooked. These tests assess the function of the thyroid gland, which has a significant impact on overall health. Sudden weight gain or loss can be an indication of thyroid disease. Thyroid tests include the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test, thyroxine (T4) test, and the overall thyroid profile test (2✔ ✔Trusted SourceDisorders of the Thyroid Gland in Infancy, Childhood and Adolescence
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Say No to Tension, Test for Hypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition among women due to their demanding lifestyles. Regular blood pressure checks are essential, especially for women over the age of 35. A normal blood pressure reading is defined as 120/80 (3✔ ✔Trusted SourceHypertension in women: latest findings and clinical implications
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Test for Cholesterol Before it takes over your Heart
Cholesterol levels play a crucial role in heart health. A lipid test measures the levels of good and bad cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. It is recommended that everyone undergo this test due to their lifestyle and dietary habits. High cholesterol levels increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Individuals with normal results should have this test every five years after the age of 30, while those with high cholesterol or risk factors should undergo routine testing every six months (4✔ ✔Trusted SourceBLOOD CHOLESTEROL Diagnosis
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Are you Getting Enough of the Sunshine Vitamin, Know with the Vitamin D Test
Vitamin D is vital for healthy bone growth, a strong immune system, and protection against various diseases. Women should regularly check their Vitamin D levels, as their ability to produce Vitamin D declines with age. Low levels of Vitamin D can lead to limb pain, frequent fractures, and low bone density. It is advisable to consult a physician for testing, particularly if any of these symptoms are observed (5✔ ✔Trusted SourceVitamin D -Fact Sheet for Health Professionals
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The Pap Smear Test: A Must for Women
The Pap smear test is recommended for women over the age of 30 to ensure early detection of cervical cancer. Indian women can further prevent this cause of death by receiving the HPV vaccine. Even vaccinated women should undergo a Pap smear test if they are over 21 years old or have been sexually active for less than three years (6✔ ✔Trusted SourceCervical cancer in India and HPV vaccination
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Early Detection for Your Protection: Screen for Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a significant cause of cancer-related deaths in India, highlighting the importance of early detection. Regular screenings, including yearly mammography for women over 40 and monthly self-examinations, are essential. Expert examinations can help detect abnormalities such as tumors, discomfort, or discharge, and seeking professional care is advised if any doubts arise (7✔ ✔Trusted SourceBreast cancer in India: Present scenario and the challenges ahead
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Bone Health Matters: Check for Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis disproportionately affects women, leading to weakened and fractured bones. The condition worsens after menopause due to decreased estrogen levels, which affect bone development and maintenance. Women who have reached menopause or have experienced fractures should undergo a bone mineral density test, such as a DEXA scan, to assess bone strength and fracture risk. Specialists recommend this test every five years for women over 35, as some may have low bone density without realizing it (8✔ ✔Trusted SourcePrimary osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
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Know what is Going on in your Blood with Complete Blood Count
A complete blood count (CBC) is a vital test that helps identify various health conditions, including infections, anemia, and blood disorders (9✔ ✔Trusted SourceUnderstanding the complete blood count with differential
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Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Screening: Get Yourself Tested
Every year, all sexually active women under the age of 25 should be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia. Women over the age of 25 who have new or multiple sex partners, or a sex partner with an STI, should be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia once a year. There are a few more STI checks that women should discuss with their doctor, especially if they have several sex partners (10✔ ✔Trusted SourceWhich STD Tests Should I Get?
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Therefore, refrain from getting preoccupied with chat and dedicate yourself to maintaining a healthy and fit lifestyle. Take proactive measures to catch hold of the diseases before they catch you.
References:
- Gestational diabetes mellitus: risks and management during and after pregnancy - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22751341/)
- Disorders of the Thyroid Gland in Infancy, Childhood and Adolescence - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279032/)
- Hypertension in women: latest findings and clinical implications - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23251774/)
- BLOOD CHOLESTEROL Diagnosis - (https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/blood-cholesterol/diagnosis)
- Vitamin D -Fact Sheet for Health Professionals - (https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/)
- Cervical cancer in India and HPV vaccination - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3385284/)
- Breast cancer in India: Present scenario and the challenges ahead - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35433294/)
- Primary osteoporosis in postmenopausal women - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29062981/)
- Understanding the complete blood count with differential - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12710004/)
- Which STD Tests Should I Get? - (https://www.cdc.gov/std/prevention/screeningreccs.htm)
Source-Medindia