5 Medical Tests Every Woman Must Have

It is said that ‘health is wealth’, but with the pace of everyday life, people often forget this saying. The unhealthiness of today’s lifestyle ultimately reflects on our health which is why taking necessary precautions is imperative.

So here are 5 of the most important medical tests that all women should take:

1. Vitamin D test:

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that is required to maintain bone health and fight against multiple diseases and infections. Contrary to popular belief vitamin D is not just acquired through sun exposure, it is also present in fish and egg yolks. While it may be hard-to-believe, Vitamin D deficiency is, in reality, a commonplace in recent times, especially among women. The main risk of this deficiency is osteoporosis and hence frequent tests for this is vital.

How often to test: Annual testing post the age of 45 is ideal.

2. Thyroid test:

A gland that is often ignored but is critical to a woman’s overall health is the thyroid gland. This gland controls the hormonal reactions in the body and can lead to issues such as insomnia, weight loss/gain, fluctuating tempers and more. So keeping a regular check on your thyroid levels is critical for overall mental and physical health.

How often to test: Testing once in 6 months post the age of 30 is ideal.

3. Pelvic exam and pap smear:

With cervical cancer being called the second leading cause of death for women, uterine and pelvic health should be given prime importance. Although there are vaccines in the market for prevention of cervical cancer, regular pelvic exams and pap smears will confirm your good health.

How often to test: The ideal interval for testing is annual post the age of 15.

4. Bone density test:

Another seriously growing concern amongst women is bone health and bone density. The major outcome of this is osteoporosis, which is the weakening of the bone, in turn leading to easy breakages, cracks, and joint pains. Since it can prove to be an obstacle in day to day life, keeping a check on the bone density level is essential.

How often to test: Once in two years is ideal for all women post-puberty.

5. Cholesterol screening/lipid profile

Cholesterol is a fatty protein that is capable of blocking important arteries in your body, ultimately leading to heart diseases. A common problem in both men and women, high levels of cholesterol are good indicators of future heart conditions as well. Especially with the unhealthy food habits in today’s lifestyle, regular testing of your blood cholesterol level is essential.

How often to test: Once in 5 years post the age of 20 should be ideal, however, if the first test indicates high levels, then it should be tested once every 6 months after medical consultation.

Apart from these, most doctors also recommend a full body health check-up once every 5 years to ensure you are always in prime health. For accurate results, going to trusted and professional diagnostic centres is essential. So go ahead and get yourself checked and ensure your health is your top priority!