It’s a monumental birthday.
It signifies more than just a special celebration or a huge birthday bash. If you’re a woman who's 40 or older, you should be aware of some new and special medical tests or screenings that are important to maintaining your health.
As a maturing woman, there are different health concerns affecting your changing body than you might have had to think about in your past. And while going to the doctor and scheduling tests may be less than exciting and fun, it is a necessary element of growing older. Many of the screenings that will be discussed in this article are vehicles for early diagnosis for health conditions that can be life threatening if left untreated. Understanding how to maintain optimum health into your senior years can help ensure that you’ll be healthy and alive to see your children and grandchildren grow up and that you’ll be able to appreciate the wonderful parts of the golden years of your life.
If you have difficulty remembering details and have concerns that a list of annual or bi-annual tests will fall by the wayside in your hustle-bustle, busy life you may want to develop a system to help you keep track of what screenings are coming up. Some women establish an electronic calendar that sends them reminders when it’s time to schedule a health test while others simply keep a list somewhere obvious so it’s on their mind on a regular basis. Whatever system will help you remember to take the time to care for yourself is fine. Just make sure you establish something so you don’t forget this important healthcare initiative.
Six Tests to Get if You’re a Woman over 40
The following list of tests is not exclusive, and if you have a family history of a certain condition or have prior health concerns that warrant additional screenings, be sure to include your own personal list in addition to this one. The following six health tests are standard screenings recommended for all women over the age of 40.
- Thyroid testing: Your thyroid health is an essential part of maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle. Underactive thyroid function can result in weight gain, and overactive thyroid function can signal an autoimmune syndrome. Some symptoms that can indicate a thyroid problem include trouble sleeping, unexplained changes in weight, mood swings or out-of-control cholesterol levels. A simple blood test can reveal any limited function in the thyroid and can help your doctor establish appropriate treatments if necessary. Your thyroid test can be included in an annual physical examination or you can request a thyroid test at any time if you feel you are experiencing symptoms associated with thyroid issues.
- Blood pressure screening: Out of control, unchecked blood pressure can lead to serious and life-threatening health conditions such as kidney failure, stroke or heart disease. A regular blood pressure screening (at least every two years if readings have been normal) can ensure that you do not develop blood pressure concerns that go unnoticed. In many cases, your doctor’s office will take a blood pressure reading with a sphygmomanometer every time you visit. You should receive a reading at every annual examination as well. But if you haven’t visited the doctor in some time and haven’t had a reading, you should plan a visit for the specific purpose of having your blood pressure tested.
- Cholesterol screening: The only way to know your cholesterol level is to have a blood test. Many people have no idea whether they are walking around with high cholesterol or if they are within the normal range. Cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease and can require medication and dietary changes to manage it. If you’ve had a bad cholesterol (LDL) reading – higher than 130 -- seek medical help in managing your cholesterol and have your levels rechecked at least annually. If your cholesterol screening reveals a level within the recommended ranges, you can typically wait for five years before being retested.
- Mammogram: While it used to be recommended for all women to receive their first mammogram at age 40, there has been some discrepancy in this advice in recent years. According to the American Cancer Society, women older than 40 should have an annual mammogram to test for breast abnormalities, possibly signaling breast cancer or other health concerns. However, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recently issued a conflicting statement that women do not necessarily need to be tested until age 50. Basically, if you have a history of breast cancer in your family or have had your own breast health concerns in the past, you may need to seek mammogram testing earlier in life. Consult your doctor for guidance on the best approach.
- Diabetes screening: Diabetes is a common health condition and a growing health concern. Anyone older than 44 is advised to be screened for diabetes at least once every three years. If you are overweight, have a family history of diabetes or have a blood pressure reading higher than 135/80, you may be at an elevated risk for developing this disease. Blood sugar levels are tested to diagnose diabetes, and you should consult your doctor to learn if more frequent screenings may be in order based on your personal health history and current health conditions. Dietary and lifestyle modifications are often used to treat diabetes, along with using appropriate medications when necessary.
- Skin cancer screening: Women older than 40 should receive a full-body screening for any skin abnormalities that could signal skin cancer. This condition is another growing concern and is no longer believed to affect only men or women who spend countless hours in the sun or the tanning bed. Family history, a fair skin tone and getting bad sunburns prior to age 18 are all additional risk factors for skin cancer. Skin cancer is highly treatable in many cases, especially with an early diagnosis. Self-screenings can be helpful for detecting skin cancer. Examine your own body for any moles that are larger than the size of a pencil eraser, change over time, have irregular or asymmetrical borders, or an odd color. A doctor should examine any moles that grow or bleed right away.
Regular testing for common health concerns can ensure you are doing everything you can to protect and maintain good health. See your doctor with any additional health concerns.