Empowering Women's Health: 10 Vital Tests for a Stronger Future

Highlights:

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

In the hustle and bustle of taking care of their children, family, and friends, women often neglect their own health.

Working mothers, in particular, find themselves overwhelmed with the demands of their jobs and personal lives, often forgetting to prioritize their well-being.

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.

Diabetes Risk Assessment Calculator
Almost one-third of the people are unaware of the risk factors of diabetes. Find out if you run the risk of diabetes by using Diabetes Risk Assessment calculator.

‘Your health should be your priority. Assessing your health for diabetes, thyroid, hypertension, and other critical conditions can safeguard your life. #women’shealth #Medicaltest’

Tweet it Now

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) ().

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 ().

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 ().

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 ().

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 ().

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 ().

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 ().

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 ().

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 ().

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 ().

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