Preventive Care: Women’s Health Screenings by Age

When it comes to preventive health screenings for women, many people focus on their gynecological health, including getting pap smears and mammograms. Yet did you know that heart disease is the number one cause of mortality for women, surpassing breast cancer? Plus, more women than men die from strokes.

The good news is that with regular visits to your primary care provider and the right preventive health screenings, you can catch health issues in their earliest, most treatable stages. Here are the top recommended women’s health screenings by age.

In Your 20s and 30s

Getting the right health screenings in your 20s and 30s establishes a strong baseline. Plus, it allows you and your health care provider to identify and treat issues early, setting you up for a lifetime of good health.

Pap Smear & HPV Testing: The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists recommends that women should get a Pap smear screening at age 21 with follow-up screenings every three years until age 29 if no complications are noted. They then recommend a combined Pap and HPV test every 5 years between the ages of 30 and 65, a Pap test alone every 3 years, or HPV testing alone every 5 years.
Blood Glucose: While more men than women develop type 2 diabetes, women are more likely to develop diabetic complications. Your best defense is to get a blood glucose screening for diabetes beginning at age 35 with repeat screenings every three years until age 40, which is when annual screenings should begin. It’s also important to get tested for gestational diabetes during pregnancy.
Blood Pressure: High blood pressure (hypertension) is called the “silent killer” because the first symptom can be a heart attack or stroke. It’s important to get your blood pressure checked at least once a year and more often if your numbers are elevated.
Cholesterol Panel: High cholesterol levels can raise your likelihood of developing heart disease and put you at an increased risk of having a heart attack or stroke. That’s why it’s important to get annual blood cholesterol panels, including total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides.
Thyroid Function: According to the American Thyroid Association, women are five to eight times more likely to develop thyroid issues than men. Plus, up to 60% of women are unaware that they have a thyroid issue. That’s why experts recommend thyroid screenings beginning at age 35 with additional screenings every five years if the results are normal.

In Your 40s

For preventive health care in your 40s, you want to continue to get all of the women’s health screenings recommended above. Plus, you want to add the following tests:

Mammogram: The American Cancer Society recommends annual breast cancer mammogram screenings beginning at age 40, as well as performing monthly self-exams. If you have symptoms or a family history of breast cancer, your doctor may recommend beginning mammograms earlier.
Colonoscopy: Starting at age 45, or earlier if you have symptoms or a family history of colon cancer, you want to get a colonoscopy to examine the lining of your colon for polyps or signs of cancer. Repeat screenings are normally recommended every 10 years and sooner if precancerous polyps are removed or other abnormalities are detected.

In Your 50s and Beyond:

In addition to continuing the preventive health screenings listed above, in your 50s and 60s most health providers will begin adding the following tests.

Bone Density Test (DEXA Scan): Due to the drop in hormones during menopause, women are at greater risk of developing osteoporosis than men. Therefore, bone density screenings for osteoporosis are recommended beginning at age 65 and earlier if you have additional risk factors.
Cognitive Screening: Unless you exhibit symptoms, your health care provider will typically begin assessing you for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease beginning at age 65. This early evaluation is important for identifying and treating cognitive issues.
Skin Checks: In addition to getting an annual skin check by a dermatologist, it’s important to check yourself for spots or moles and let your doctor know if you notice anything that’s concerning.

Staying Healthy for a Lifetime

Taking charge of your health is essential at every stage of life. Remember to keep this checklist handy and share it with your health care provider at your next checkup. Staying current with your women’s health screenings ensures you’re doing all you can to stay active, vibrant, and healthy for many years to come.