7 Health Screenings Every Woman Above 30 Should Get Done Annually

Health screenings should be part of every individual's health plan. These screenings can help detect any illness at an early stage, which will eventually improve treatment outcomes. Women, especially those above 30 years, have an increased risk of several diseases. They tend to have more frequent and chronic health issues due to several reasons. While women live longer than men, they tend to have a higher number of years of poorer health. This happens because they face issues like osteoporosis, depression, and autoimmune diseases.

Women above 30 also face an increased risk of conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and hormonal imbalances. This makes annual health screenings important for early detection and prevention of diseases among women. Here are some health screenings every woman above 30 should get done annually.

Health Screenings For Women Above 30

1. Blood Pressure Check

Routine blood pressure monitoring is non-negotiable after 30 because one can develop hypertension silently due to stress, poor sleep, or changes in weight. Higher readings can impact the heart, arteries, and kidneys, which doubles the risk of stroke over time. A simple cuff test can track systolic and diastolic levels, which should be under 120/80 mmHg. Women with desk jobs, high-salt diets, or family history should check more frequently. Early intervention through yoga, brisk walks, and potassium-rich foods can help prevent complications.

2. Lipid Profile Test

This blood panel checks your cholesterol (total, HDL, LDL) and triglycerides and highlights plaque buildup that can lead to heart disease. Sedentary habits, fried snacks, and genetic factors can cause imbalances. If your LDL is above 100 mg/dL, it is a matter of concern. Fasting for 8-10 hours before the test is important as it can give accurate results. If your results are not normal, ensure dietary changes and more physical activities. Annual screenings can help reduce the risks of cardiovascular events.

3. Diabetes Screening

Fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, or The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), helps to detect prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes. Blood sugar levels usually increase after 30 due to insulin resistance fueled by processed foods and inactivity. HbA1c under 5.7% is ideal. People who are overweight, those with gestational diabetes history, or family predisposition have an increased risk and can benefit from yearly checks. If you're pre-diabetic or diabetic, changes like portion-controlled thalis with millets, dal, and greens can help reverse prediabetes, reducing severe complications.

4. Pap Smear and HPV Testing

Cervical cancer screening via Pap smear (every 3 years) or HPV co-testing (every 5 years) is important because HPV persistence increases risks after 30. When integrated into annual pelvic exams, this test can identify precancerous cells. Indian women have higher incidence due to screening gaps. 90% of cases are preventable with vaccination and hygiene. Regular checks can also safeguard fertility and longevity.

5. Thyroid Function Tests

TSH, T3, and T4 levels can reveal if you're hypo- or hyperthyroidism, which impacts 1 in 8 women over 30. You might experience unexplained weight gain, hair thinning, or mood swings. Iodine fluctuations and autoimmune conditions are common causes in India. Annual blood tests can help you get the right treatment if TSH exceeds 4.5 mIU/L. Balancing thyroid levels can help restore metabolism and combat infertility.

6. Clinical Breast Examination

Monthly self-exams along with annual doctor-led tests can help detect lumps early, before mammograms at 40. Dense breasts in younger women can hide changes, so professional checks for asymmetry or discharge can be beneficial. Family history or BRCA concerns may need ultrasounds. If breast cancer is detected at stage 1, survival rates can exceed 90%.

7. Complete Blood Count (CBC) and Metabolic Panel

CBC can help detect anaemia that can be caused due to low iron or heavy periods, among others. Metabolic panels, on the other hand, assess liver, kidney, and electrolytes. Low haemoglobin can cause breathlessness, high creatinine can be a sign of dehydration, kidney disease. Annual checks can also help detect deficiencies.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.