Health guide: Essential tests every woman should undergo in their 30s and 40s

Women should get a blood glucose test annually beginning at age 45. People with diabetes, overweight or who have other risk factors should begin testing earlier and more regularly. (Image: Canva).

Regular health screenings are essential for women in their 30s and 40s to identify and prevent potential health issues early. Routine health checks, including mammograms, Pap smears, cholesterol tests, and bone density scans, play a vital role in early detection and prevention. These screenings enable timely intervention, which can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life. Additionally, regular blood pressure and glucose monitoring help manage and prevent chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes.

Women should also stay updated on vaccinations and undergo regular skin checks to detect any changes that might indicate skin cancer. Prioritising regular health screenings is a crucial component of long-term health and vitality so here’s a detailed outlook on when to take which test and why by Dr Nymphaea Walecha, director -obstetrics and gynaecology, Fortis hospital, Shalimar Bagh.

1. It is advised to have a Pap smear every three years to check for cervical cancer. The time interval can be extended to every five years if HPV testing is included. This investigation is crucial to detect Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections which can lead cervical cancer.

2. Beginning at age 40 or earlier if there is a family history of breast cancer, women should start having mammograms every 1-2 years. Mammography is essential for the early diagnosis of breast cancer, which greatly enhances the prognosis of treatment.

3. Beginning at age 20, a cholesterol check-up is advised every four to six years, with more frequent testing advised in case you have heart disease risk factors. This test helps in determining the risk of heart disease by measuring levels of good and bad cholesterol.

4. One should go with Dexa scan after menopause, during perimenopausal period or in high-risk situations such as early hysterectomy, steroid use, hypothyroidism, or other osteoporosis risk factors. Dexa scan detects osteoporosis and bone loss which can help in keeping mobility and prevent fractures.

5. It is recommended to check blood pressure every six months. Early detection of high/low blood pressure can prevent from heart diseases and brain strokes.

6. Women should get a blood glucose test annually beginning at age 45. People with diabetes, overweight or who have other risk factors should begin testing earlier and more regularly. Blood Glucose test detects diabetes and prediabetes, which can cause serious health problems.

7. Beginning at age 35, thyroid function should be examined every five years, or annual testing should be performed if thyroid dysfunction signs are present. This test detects the levels of Thyroid hormone, in order to detect diseases such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.

8. Every six months, dental visits should be routine. These examinations keep teeth healthy and find early indicators of gum disease, oral cancer, and other dental problems.

9. Every two years is the suggested time for an eye checkup, or once a year if there are risk factors for eye disease or visual issues. This examination looks for cataracts, glaucoma, altered vision, and other eye diseases.