Health tests women in their 30s should not ignore

The body of a woman undergoes a lot of hormonal changes throughout life, right from the start of puberty to menopause. This makes preventive health screenings a must. If you are over 30, here’s a checklist from experts on the first and foremost checkups you need to do.

Here are some health tips for women

Dr Shobha Gupta, medical director, gynaecologist, and IVF expert, Mother’s Lap IVF Centre, New Delhi, and Vrindavan listed down the following:

Zap your stress: “The biggest problem I observe in many of my patients these days is that they experience excessive stress without realizing its potential impact on their health. This can lead to various issues, ranging from infertility to increased risks of depression, anxiety, and heart disease. Omit stress from your life before it gives you serious health issues,” said Dr Gupta.

Eat right: Many of us tend to eat too late in the day or right before going to bed at night, disrupting the natural digestion process that should occur during the day. Ensure that you consume a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals. “Vitamin C is very important to women for those who are planning a baby as it significantly increases the pregnancy rate. Protein in your diet is important for your fertility as it helps to maintain blood sugar balance. Include more salads and fruits in your diet,” said Dr Gupta.

Women should eat right (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Keep an eye on your discharge: Discharge is entirely normal throughout your menstrual cycle. However, if your discharge begins to resemble something like cottage cheese, it could be a sign of a yeast infection. “If it’s green, gray, yellow, or white, it could be a bacterial or sexually transmitted infection. Consult a doctor without delay,” said Dr Gupta.

Keep an eye on your biological clock: Natural pregnancy is always preferable. As we age, our biological clock begins to tick. Women are most fertile in their early 20s, and their fertility gradually declines with age. “After the age of 35, this decline becomes more pronounced. Being more “fertility aware” allows you to make informed decisions and be aware that it might take you longer to conceive,” said Dr Gupta.

Go out and walk: Do not limit yourself to computer screens or confine yourself to LED screens. Physical activity is crucial. “Engage in 30 minutes of cardio or take a leisurely one-hour walk in the park. It helps in combating various diseases such as obesity, anxiety, depression, heart diseases, and managing diabetes,” advised Dr Gupta.

Here is a checklist of all the preventive health checkups for women

Breast cancer screening: Women are more prone to developing breast cancer after the age of 30. Undergoing regular mammography can help women detect the condition even before it becomes suggestive.

Cervical cancer screening: Cervical cancer appears in the lower part of the uterus in females. A Pap smear test is conducted to detect the presence of cancer cells in the cervix. It is recommended that women above the age of 21 should get a Pap smear test at least once in five years.

Bone density screening: Bone density tends to decrease after the age of 30 in women. Therefore, they are advised to get regular screening for osteoporosis.

Diabetes screening: Right from the age of 35 plus, women must undergo a blood glucose test every three years to check for prediabetes or diabetes. If a woman is obese or has a family history of diabetes, she must get screened early.

Blood pressure screening: Women must keep a check on their blood pressure to ensure that they are not suffering from a heart-related ailment. Additionally, women who have a family history of hypertension or blood pressure-related issues must get themselves regularly checked.

Thyroid tests: Women over the age of 30, especially those with a family history of thyroid disorders or experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes, or mood changes, should discuss their concerns with a healthcare provider who can determine the most appropriate thyroid tests for their situation.

Vitamin D test: A vitamin D test measures the vitamin D levels in your blood. Vitamin D is essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth, supporting the immune system, brain, and nervous system, and regulating insulin levels. It is measured via a blood test.

Pre-marital health tests: Pre-martial tests are also on the rise which involves necessary blood tests to check for blood-related disorders such as thalassemia and other Haemoglobinopathics, and sexually transmitted diseases.

Apart from these, psychiatric problems like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, major depression should also be checked. Chronic diseases like hypertension, diabetes bronchial asthma, epilepsy also have a bearing on your life. If you know all these diseases beforehand, then they can be treated, and you can tackle the issue of health and family planning better.

Another important test could be that of fertility: “Such a test could also be taken by girls with irregular menstrual cycles and boys with erection problems and the absence of testicles in the scrotum. Additionally, certain genetic disorders can be transmitted to the offspring if both the husband and wife have them. If we know this beforehand, we can avoid such marriages and prevent congenital abnormalities,” said Dr Gupta.

Additionally, eye exams and skin checks contribute to overall health monitoring. “Mental health screenings should not be overlooked, as conditions like anxiety and depression can manifest during this stage of life,” said Dr Surabhi Siddhartha, consultant obstetrician, and gyneacologist, Motherhood Hospital Kharghar.

“Ultimately, individual health history, family medical background, and lifestyle factors should guide women in discussing an appropriate screening plan with their healthcare providers. Regular communication with healthcare professionals is essential for comprehensive and personalised care,” stressed Dr Surabhi.

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