Contents:
- Medical Video: 9 Essential Health Tests Women Need
- What types of health tests for 40-year-old women need to be done?
- 1. Examination of blood pressure
- 2. Test cholesterol levels
- 3. Examination of blood sugar levels
- 4. Eye examination
- 5. Cervical cancer screening
- 6. Breast examination
- 7. Skin examination
- 8. Examination of the thyroid
- 9. Mental health tests
Medical Video: 9 Essential Health Tests Women Need
Along with increasing age, usually the body will experience a decline in function. In addition, the immune system also usually experiences a decrease which will result in the body's ability to ward off disease. Usually middle age that starts from the age of 40 becomes a yellow light for women to be more sensitive to their health conditions. Here are some health tests for women that should be followed if you turn 40.
What types of health tests for 40-year-old women need to be done?
1. Examination of blood pressure
The American Heart Association recommends checking blood pressure every year and starts at the age of 20. Especially if you enter your 40s, this is one of the mandatory tests for all women.
Uncontrolled blood pressure can cause various diseases. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Normal blood pressure is at 120/80 mmHg. If your blood pressure exceeds the normal level, you can reduce it with diet, exercise and medication.
2. Test cholesterol levels
High cholesterol levels are one of the triggers for heart disease. Therefore, you should start routine to check cholesterol levels in the body to check levels of bad cholesterol (LDL), good cholesterol (HDL), and triglycerides every year.
If the level of bad cholesterol exceeds 130 then you need to change your lifestyle and start a healthy diet that can help reduce and stabilize cholesterol levels in the body.
3. Examination of blood sugar levels
The American Diabetes Association recommends that women start an annual blood sugar test that starts at 45 years of age. Eating unhealthy foods, high in calories, sugar, and fat, can increase blood sugar levels
Over time, these conditions will develop into diabetes. Your doctor will usually start with a fasting glucose test or A1C test (a blood test that shows average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months).
4. Eye examination
An equally important medical test for women is an eye test. The American Optometric Association states that when a woman enters the age of 40, the health of her eyes must be tested every 1-3 years.
Diseases that threaten the eye health of women in their 40s are glaucoma, farsightedness, and macular degeneration. In addition, if you have diabetes, the health of your retina also needs to be checked because diabetes can cause eye health problems.
5. Cervical cancer screening
Women aged between 30-65 years need to undergo pap smaer tests every three years and HPV every five years. Don't hesitate to tell your doctor's sexual history to see what things to worry about. Especially if you have a history of changing partners.
6. Breast examination
The most important and initial breast screening begins with breast self-examination (BSE). This is done by checking the condition of the breast itself by detecting whether there are changes such as lumps, shapes, wrinkles, curves around the breast by touching them.
In addition, it is important to be aware of changes in the nipple. These changes can include shape, size, rash, and pain.
7. Skin examination
Skin becomes an important part that should not be missed from a series of health tests for women. Because the skin becomes a body shield that is exposed to direct exposure to sunlight and pollution every day.
Therefore, as you age you need to pay more attention to skin health. White women are especially at high risk of skin cancer such as melanoma and other types compared to dark-skinned women.
Having a family with melanoma and often experiencing direct sunburn at a young age increases your risk for skin cancer. Therefore, do a doctor's examination of the skin to check the condition of your skin as a whole. In addition, don't hesitate to see a doctor if you notice changes in the skin such as enlarged moles, rashes, or spots.
8. Examination of the thyroid
About 13% of women aged 35-65 years have hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Therefore, you are advised to do a thyroid examination at least every five years. The reason is, some thyroid disorders are also more common after menopause.
The less active thyroid is usually measured by a blood test. If you experience symptoms such as mood changes, weight gain, sleep habits, and sudden increase in cholesterol, immediately consult your doctor because this can indicate a problem with the thyroid.
9. Mental health tests
Not only the health of a woman's body that needs attention, mental health also needs attention. Women in their 40s and over are prone to depression. Because this is an age to transition where women approach menopause. Hormonal changes that occur can make women more easily stressed.
Research shows that women aged between 40-59 years also have a higher level of depression than with young women. In addition, many women who enter their 40s experience excessive anxiety. Therefore, it's good to go to an expert therapist to check for potential depression that might occur.
Various health tests for women are carried out as an effort to prevent early various serious diseases that might lurk you as you age. Therefore, try to consult your doctor regarding the type and set of tests that need to be followed.
