Empowering Women's Health: 10 Vital Tests for a Stronger Future

In the hustle and bustle of taking care of their children, family, and friends, women often neglect their own health.

Working mothers, in particular, find themselves overwhelmed with the demands of their jobs and personal lives, often forgetting to prioritize their well-being.

However, with the advancements in technology and the availability of round-the-clock diagnostic services, monitoring one’s health has become easier than ever. It is crucial not to ignore personal health and to undergo these ten essential tests to prevent potential health issues and ensure timely intervention.

Test for Diabetes: Diabetes Makes your Blood Sweet and Your Life Bitter

Diabetes is a condition that can have serious long-term consequences for women’s health, especially during various stages like pregnancy, postpartum, lactation, and menopause. The essential tools that are used for diagnosing diabetes include fasting plasma glucose (FPG), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Gestational diabetes mellitus: risks and management during and after pregnancy

Go to source

).

Check Your Neck: Test for Thyroid

Thyroid examinations are equally important for women but are often overlooked. These tests assess the function of the thyroid gland, which has a significant impact on overall health. Sudden weight gain or loss can be an indication of thyroid disease. Thyroid tests include the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test, thyroxine (T4) test, and the overall thyroid profile test (2^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Disorders of the Thyroid Gland in Infancy, Childhood and Adolescence

Go to source

).

Say No to Tension, Test for Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition among women due to their demanding lifestyles. Regular blood pressure checks are essential, especially for women over the age of 35. A normal blood pressure reading is defined as 120/80 (3^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Hypertension in women: latest findings and clinical implications

Go to source

).

Test for Cholesterol Before it takes over your Heart

Cholesterol levels play a crucial role in heart health. A lipid test measures the levels of good and bad cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. It is recommended that everyone undergo this test due to their lifestyle and dietary habits. High cholesterol levels increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Individuals with normal results should have this test every five years after the age of 30, while those with high cholesterol or risk factors should undergo routine testing every six months (4^✔ ✔Trusted Source
BLOOD CHOLESTEROL Diagnosis

Go to source

).

Are you Getting Enough of the Sunshine Vitamin, Know with the Vitamin D Test

Vitamin D is vital for healthy bone growth, a strong immune system, and protection against various diseases. Women should regularly check their Vitamin D levels, as their ability to produce Vitamin D declines with age. Low levels of Vitamin D can lead to limb pain, frequent fractures, and low bone density. It is advisable to consult a physician for testing, particularly if any of these symptoms are observed (5^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Vitamin D -Fact Sheet for Health Professionals

Go to source

READ RELATED: The 8 Best Almond Milks to Buy, According To Dietitians

).

The Pap Smear Test: A Must for Women

The Pap smear test is recommended for women over the age of 30 to ensure early detection of cervical cancer. Indian women can further prevent this cause of death by receiving the HPV vaccine. Even vaccinated women should undergo a Pap smear test if they are over 21 years old or have been sexually active for less than three years (6^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Cervical cancer in India and HPV vaccination

Go to source

).

Early Detection for Your Protection: Screen for Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a significant cause of cancer-related deaths in India, highlighting the importance of early detection. Regular screenings, including yearly mammography for women over 40 and monthly self-examinations, are essential. Expert examinations can help detect abnormalities such as tumors, discomfort, or discharge, and seeking professional care is advised if any doubts arise (7^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Breast cancer in India: Present scenario and the challenges ahead

Go to source

).

Bone Health Matters: Check for Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis disproportionately affects women, leading to weakened and fractured bones. The condition worsens after menopause due to decreased estrogen levels, which affect bone development and maintenance. Women who have reached menopause or have experienced fractures should undergo a bone mineral density test, such as a DEXA scan, to assess bone strength and fracture risk. Specialists recommend this test every five years for women over 35, as some may have low bone density without realizing it (8^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Primary osteoporosis in postmenopausal women

Go to source

).

Know what is Going on in your Blood with Complete Blood Count

A complete blood count (CBC) is a vital test that helps identify various health conditions, including infections, anemia, and blood disorders (9^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Understanding the complete blood count with differential

Go to source

).

Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Screening: Get Yourself Tested

Every year, all sexually active women under the age of 25 should be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia. Women over the age of 25 who have new or multiple sex partners, or a sex partner with an STI, should be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia once a year. There are a few more STI checks that women should discuss with their doctor, especially if they have several sex partners (10^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Which STD Tests Should I Get?

Go to source

).