Medical exams are used to keep track of your health. It is also a great way to keep a healthy lifestyle. Here I have the lists of medical exams every woman should have.
Cholesterol screening
We need to care about cholesterol levels, because they may to rise after menopause. This test uses electrophoresis to differentiate between the different types of lipids. Start taking this test at 20 years of age.
Bone density test
Women are prone to osteoporosis and this happens as a result of low estrogen levels after menopause. This test uses specialized X-ray called a dual-energy X-ray that screens your spine, hips, and wrists. Start taking this test at 65 years of age.
Vitamin D test
Doctors found out that vitamin D helps maintain strong bones and protect against cancer. Must start having this test at age 40 because as we age it is more likely that we will have insufficient vitamin D due to less efficiency in synthesizing vitamin D from the sun.
Blood pressure check
High blood pressure can cause heart failure, blindness and kidney disease. Women of all ages should check their blood pressure every year because after 40 years of age are more prone to high blood pressure.
Mammogram
It is used to detect early signs of breast cancer. Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the alternatives for mammogram.
Physical breast exam
Experts endorse a physical breast exam at home after menstruation. It is recommended for women ages 20 to 30. Used to observe possible signs of breast cancer.
Pap Smear
Done by gynecologists to detect deadly forms of cancer. The test remains an effective, widely used method for early detection of pre-cancer and cervical cancer.
Thyroid test
Women are at higher risk for most types of thyroid disease, probably because of hormonal factors. The Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test, is a blood test that measures the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone.
Vision screening
Women are at a higher risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, one of the most common eye health problems.
We should have a regular medical examinations even if we are in good health to assess the risk of medical problems in the future.
