Daily/regular workouts- Done. Balanced diet- Check. Quality me-time and family time- Absolutely! But what about your routine health tests? Still pending or never done? It is time to stop neglecting your health and give it the attention it truly deserves.
As women journey through life, women's health checks become crucial for spotting common age-related health issues early and for their long-term well-being. Many health issues can creep up on women, often without any visible symptoms, only revealing themselves in an advanced stage.
Every woman needs to be aware of the key tests, especially in a country like India, where cultural and socioeconomic factors can impact access to healthcare. Make this International Women’s Day your cue to prioritise yourself by undergoing vital diagnostic health checkups. This is, without doubt, the best gift you can give to yourself.
So, which vital health screenings should be on every woman's preventive healthcare radar? Let’s explore the essential tests every woman should prioritise.
Essential Women’s Day Health Tests and Checkups
Let’s first discuss/address the basic key question before we get into the list of must-have health screenings: What crucial purpose makes these screening tests so vital for every woman's health journey? The prime objective behind most health screening tests is the early detection of diseases, which translates to more treatment options and improved health outcomes because these tests can identify potential health problems even before you have symptoms.
Your age, health status/history, family history, and other risk factors help doctors determine the proper screening test for you. Protect your health with recommended Women's Day health tests. The general health tests include:
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Nearly 50% of Indian women, particularly in rural areas, suffer from iron deficiency, often caused by anaemia. A CBC test is an invaluable tool for pinpointing anaemia and other blood-related conditions. This test—regular screening—is especially crucial for menstruating and pregnant women and also those with symptoms like general weakness and fatigue.
A CBC gives you a complete picture of the various components in your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, offering a comprehensive overview of your health status.
Thyroid Function Tests
The normal function of the thyroid gland is highly important for regulating your body’s:
- Metabolism
- Energy levels
- Overall function
Did you know that thyroid disorders are more prevalent/frequent in women than in men? As women age, the likelihood/risk of thyroid disorders increases, which is why doctors recommend tests that measure thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and other thyroid hormones. These tests can identify conditions like hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, which affect everything from weight to mood and energy levels.
This screening—a thyroid function test—as part of the women’s full-body checkup, checks for TSH levels, identifies underactive or overactive thyroid function in their early stages, and provides a longer timeline for receiving the correct treatment to regulate thyroid levels.
Also Read: Prioritising Health Checkups for Women - Essential Screenings for Every Age
Blood Glucose Test
Type 2 diabetes can sneak up on you at any time, especially with age. Many women in their 50s find themselves in the prediabetic zone without any apparent warning signs. Blood sugar levels should be monitored for the detection of prediabetes and diabetes. Regular glucose testing becomes even more crucial for women:
- With a family history of diabetes.
- Who has experienced gestational diabetes during pregnancy?
- Who is overweight/obese?
Whether through a fasting glucose test or the HbA1c test, monitoring your blood sugar levels can make a world of difference in detecting high blood sugar levels early and maintaining your health.
Lipid Profile
A lipid profile test sheds light on your heart health and determines your risk of heart disease, which is often undiagnosed/underdiagnosed and the leading cause of death among women.
This test measures the different kinds of lipids in your blood, such as:
- HDL or good cholesterol
- LDL or bad cholesterol
- Triglycerides
Regular and more frequent monitoring of cholesterol levels is a must if your family has a history of heart disease. This ensures maintaining your cholesterol levels and a healthy heart, lowering the risk of stroke and heart disease.
Vitamin D Test
Many Indian women suffer from vitamin D deficiency. This essential nutrient is pivotal for your optimal health status and bone strength/health for better calcium absorption.
As you age, you are more likely to have vitamin D deficiency, making you more susceptible to bone disorders. Hence, checking your vitamin D levels with a simple blood test can help prevent the consequences. If your tests show vitamin D deficiency, your doctor may recommend supplements to reclaim your bone vitality.
Pap Smear
From age 21 until 65, every woman should prioritise regular pelvic exam and Pap smear, with the recommended frequency that changes based on a woman’s age.
During a Pap smear test, your doctor will use a device—speculum—to widen your vaginal canal to remove the cells from the cervix. Your doctor will then examine these cells to check for abnormalities or other changes that might indicate the presence of cervical cancer. This straightforward, regular screening helps detect cervical cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages. Depending on your age and risk factors, an HPV test may also be recommended.
Mammogram
Breast cancer, one of the most common cancers affecting women globally, is preventable as long as you do routine mammogram screening starting from the age of 40. This low-dose X-ray is immensely helpful in detecting a lump/lumps or abnormal tissue growths in your breast(s) well before they are big enough for you to feel them or through self-examination alone.
Mammograms are crucial for detecting breast cancer early, leading to better treatments and outcomes. Remember, it could be the key to securing your health for years to come.
DEXA Scan
A DEXA scan (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) measures your bone density. This quick and painless scan is crucial for detecting osteoporosis, a condition common among postmenopausal women due to declining oestrogen levels.
Regular DEXA scans can provide crucial insights into your skeletal health, ensuring stronger and healthier bones and minimising the risk of fractures.
Echocardiogram
The echocardiogram is the simplest, non-invasive test that uses ultrasound waves to create images of your heart. This procedure allows for the assessment of heart function, diagnosis/detection of abnormalities in heart structure, and evaluation of conditions like heart valve disease and cardiomyopathy.
Regular cardiac screenings/evaluations can uncover hidden issues before they escalate, especially for women with a history of heart conditions/disease or related symptoms. This empowers you to take control of your heart health through lifestyle adjustments or medical treatment when necessary.
Invest in You This Women's Day With Essential Health Tests
Are you really tending to all areas/aspects of your well-being? It is now the time to elevate your spotlight on your health with personalised and prioritised care. Apart from your routine workouts, meditation, and other wellness activities, do not forget to undergo regular screenings and stay well-informed of your health status.
Celebrate this Women's Day by prioritising your health with Anderson Diagnostics and Labs’ Women’s Wellness Checks. Our diagnostic labs offer a one-stop destination for essential screenings in one visit.
Don’t wait—contact us to schedule your Women’s Wellness checkup.
