Tests Every Woman Should Take

Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.

Quick: when was the last time you had a check-up at the doctor’s?

So many women beg off heading to the doctor’s for a check-up, especially at this time of the year when there’s just so many things to do. But then putting it off until you start feeling sick shouldn’t be the case either. Check-ups and medical screening tests can actually prevent you from getting to that point. Think of it as maintenance: just like how you send your car in the shop for an oil and tire check every few months, you should show your body the same care.

Take the time to take care for yourself and schedule an appointment with your doctor when the New Year comes around. Here’s a list of tests you should do, pronto. As they say, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure (and your body will thank you!)

Tests to take in your 20s: 

Cholesterol Screening. You’ve probably heard about how bad cholesterol is for the heart…and it is, since cholesterol is a fatty protein that, in large amounts, can build up in your arteries, clogging them and putting you at risk for heart disease. There are two kinds of cholesterol: HDL, or high-density lipoproteins, and LDL, or low-density lipoproteins. The former is actually considered “good” cholesterol, because it protects you against heart disease, while the latter is “bad”, because is poses a risk to your heart. Women are especially prone to high levels of cholesterol, since it tends to peak right after menopause. A cholesterol reading will let you know how much HDL and LDL is present in your system, as well as triglycerides, which are fats in your blood.
How often: have it done every five years to see if you’re within a healthy range.

Blood Pressure. It’s pretty simple, and almost every doctor’s office has a blood pressure contraption (you know, the one with an arm cuff). But don’t take this simple test for granted: more than half of the 75 million people suffering from high blood pressure are women!
How often: Once a year is fine. But since high blood pressure raises your chances of getting a heart attack and a stroke, welcome the routine readings that most doctors do.

Visual Screening and Eye Exam. Even if you don’t have any problems with your vision, it’s a good idea to get your eyes checked to ensure they’re in tip-top shape. Women are more prone to developing macular degeneration, wherein you start to lose your vision as you age. A visual screening lets you know how well your vision is, while an eye exam is more in-depth, as the doctor checks for possible glaucoma, macular degeneration, retinopathy, and other eye diseases.
How often: Try to get both every one to three years. Your doctor might ask you to come in for more frequent tests if you have diabetes, since that puts you at risk for more eye problems.

Pap Smear. It’s uncomfortable, but you gotta do it. Women should generally have their pap smear three years after they become sexually active, or at age 21—whichever comes first. Pap smears involve checking your cervical cells for any abnormalities, which can include cancer cells. In fact, many women were able to detect early stages of cervical cancer through pap smears. It’s good to keep in mind that cervical cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer worldwide.
How often: If you’re in your 20s, have it done every two years. If you’re in your 30s, have it done once every three years.

Tests to take in your 30s:

Diabetes Screening. While most doctors would recommend diabetes screening to be done on women above 45, it’s worth considering getting tested earlier, especially if: it runs in your family; your blood pressure is higher than 135/80; you’re overweight; and if you take medication for high blood pressure. Pregnant women are also prone to gestational diabetes, which can be dangerous for both mother and child. During a screening, you’ll be asked to drink a sugary-drink (think concentrated orange soda, but without the fizz), after which your blood will be drawn so doctors can check how well your body can absorb and digest glucose.
How often: Every three years.

Thyroid Test. The thyroid is a small gland found in our neck, which regulates our heart rate, blood pressure, and metabolism. Because of the many hormones women produce throughout their life (pregnancy and menopause, anyone?), they’re more prone to different types of thyroid diseases, such as hyperthyroidism. A thyroid test, known as the TSH test, is basically a blood test that measures the level of thryoxine (the hormone secreted by the thyroid) in your blood.
How often: Try to get it every five years after you hit 25. You’ll start getting them annually when you turn 60.

Tests to take in your 40s:

Vitamin D Test. Women are at high risk for osteoporosis. In fact, 80% of people who suffer from bone loss are women! That’s because many women tend to overlook the importance of Vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium, thus making our bones strong. A routine Vitamin D screening requires a blood test to see just how much Vitamin D you have in your system.
How often: You can do this test once, since it isn’t necessarily required. But you’ll definitely want to take it: as we age, our bodies can’t quite synthesize Vitamin D from the sun as well as we did when we were younger. Plus, if you do find out you have a Vitamin D deficiency, your doctor will be able to give you options to prevent getting osteoporosis later in life!

Mammogram. This is the most basic way to screen for tumors in the breast. You’ll be asked to have an x-ray taken of your breasts to check for abnormal growth. It’s recommended that women take this test at least once in their life, as breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women.
How often: Every year. Your first mammogram should be at around the time you turn 40, but if you have relatives who were diagnosed with breast cancer, it’s good to start getting mammograms earlier.

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