7 Health Tests Every Woman Needs

As women, we tend to worry about our children’s health and the well-being of our entire family. In looking after our loved ones, we barely get time to take care of ourselves. While it is important to regularly exercise and eat healthy food, it is just as critical that women get the appropriate health check-ups done from time to time. Undergoing the necessary health checks ups can help detect potential health problems and encourage you to seek medical help when the issues are still treatable. By getting age-appropriate health screenings, you are giving yourself a better chance of seeking early treatment and cure. Also, you are preventing medical emergencies from wiping out your hard-earned money and savings. Besides opting for a good health insurance plan, it is important that you undergo the necessary, routine health screenings for women to keep yourself healthy. They are as under:

7 female screening tests all women must undergo.

Here is a list of health checkups for women that you must undergo regularly in your 30s and 40s.

1. Pelvic exam
   The most common of all the screening tests for women's health, is the pelvic exam. It is advisable to get a pelvic examination done every three years. The test, which includes a pap smear test, helps find possible signs of cysts, sexually transmitted infections/diseases, fibroids, or cancer. If you are above the age of 30, you should have this test along with the HPV test that can help you detect the virus that causes cervical cancer.

2. Mammography
   The list of female health screening tests is incomplete without a mention of the mammography test. This test is especially critical because the number of breast cancer cases in India is on the rise. You cannot prevent breast cancer but by detecting it early, you can seek the right treatment at the right time. Since the risk of breast cancer increases as you age, an annual mammogram test is advised if you are above the age of 40. If you have a family history of breast cancer, you should get yourself physically examined by a gynaecologist at a young age. Your doctor may recommend frequent screenings if you are at risk.

3. Blood pressure screening
   High blood pressure can cause life-threatening medical conditions like heart attack or stroke or kidney failure. All these can happen without any warning. Keep your blood pressure in check to avoid long-term health problems. Your blood pressure readings can help your doctor suggest you the appropriate medications and lifestyle changes to keep your blood pressure in control.

4. Cholesterol test
   A common, age-related screening test for women and men is the cholesterol test. If you have high cholesterol, it can lead to build-up of plaque which is made up of bad cholesterol and other substances. This plaque can block arteries and put you at the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and stroke. If you don’t get your cholesterol tested, this plaque can build over the years leading to serious health issues. It’s best to visit a doctor and make a plan about how often should you get the cholesterol test done.

5. Glucose screening test:
   Diabetes, especially Type-2 diabetes, has become very common these days and it can affect your entire body – right from your eyes to your feet and your internal organs. The best way to prevent or manage diabetes is to get routine glucose screening tests done. Although it is largely known as a lifestyle disease, diabetes is also deemed a heredity and genetic disease. Thus, if you have a family history of diabetes, you should get screened more often.

6. Bone Density Screening Test
   Vitamin D deficiencies are much too common, especially in women living in cities and towns where sunlight isn’t adequate. The deficiency can also be caused if you stay in a warmer city, but don’t step out too often. As women grow older, they should start taking calcium supplements (prescribed by their doctors) and also get screened for osteoporosis and bone density tests. Getting checked for bone density tests in your 40s and 50s can reduce the risks associated with osteoporosis. Since this test is like a full body x-ray test, you should consult your doctor regarding the frequency of this test.

7. Skin Examination
   Skin examination is another necessary screening test for women, especially those who notice any changes in the skin tone or colour. Just as less exposure to sunlight causes Vitamin D deficiencies, over exposure to sunlight can put women at risk of skin cancer. As such, it is essential to conduct skin tests at home every month. If you find new moles or changes to your existing moles, you may be at risk of early onset skin cancer. Even if you don’t notice any changes, you should go for this screening test, if you have a family history of skin cancer.

As the old saying goes, ‘prevention is better than cure’. In the case of your health, prevention means several different things. From ensuring a fit and healthy lifestyle, to undergoing regular health checkups for women and investing in a good health insurance policy; all of it is critical. Indeed, the need for health insurance cannot be emphasised enough. No matter, what your age is having a health insurance plan is the best way to be prepared for medical emergencies. Health insurance not only comes to your aid when you need treatment, it also helps you avail income deductions of up to Rs. 100,000 per annum when you pay insurance premiums for yourself, spouse and dependent parents.

Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.