9 Health tests for women entering the age of 40

As you get older, your body will usually experience a decline in function. In addition, the immune system usually experiences a decline which will result in the body's ability to ward off disease. Usually middle age, starting from the age of 40, is a yellow light for women to be more sensitive to their health conditions. Here are some health tests for women that you should undergo if you are in your 40s.

What types of medical tests for women in their 40s should be done?

1. Check blood pressure

The American Heart Association recommends having your blood pressure checked every year and starting at the beginning of the age of 20. Especially if you are in your 40s then this is one of the mandatory tests for all women.

Uncontrolled blood pressure can cause various diseases. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. If your blood pressure exceeds normal limits, you can lower it with diet, exercise, and medication.

2. Test cholesterol levels

High cholesterol levels are one of the triggers for heart disease. Therefore, you should start regularly checking cholesterol levels in the body to check levels of bad cholesterol (LDL), good cholesterol (HDL), and triglycerides every year.

If the bad cholesterol level exceeds 130 then you need to change your lifestyle and start to have a healthy diet that can help lower and stabilize cholesterol levels in the body.

3. Check blood sugar levels

The American Diabetes Association recommends women start an annual blood sugar level starting at age 45. Eating unhealthy foods, high in calories, sugar, and fat, can increase blood sugar levels

Over time, this condition will develop into diabetes. The doctor will usually start with a fasting glucose test or an A1C test (a blood test that shows average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months).

4. Eye examination

Health test for women that is no less important is the eye test. The American Optometric Association states that when a woman reaches the age of 40, her eye health should be tested every 1-3 years.

Diseases that threaten the eye health of women in their 40s are glaucoma, farsightedness, and macular degeneration. In addition, if you have diabetes, your retina health also needs to be checked because diabetes can cause eye health problems.

5. Cervical cancer screening

Women between 30-65 years of age need to have a Pap smaer test every three years and HPV every five years. Don't hesitate to tell your doctor about your sexual history to see what things to worry about about it. Especially if you have a history of changing partners.

6. Breast examination

The primary and initial breast screening begins with breast self-examination (BSE). This is done by examining the condition of the breasts themselves by detecting whether there are changes such as lumps, shapes, wrinkles, and indentations around the breasts by feeling them.

In addition, it is important to be aware of changes in the nipples. These changes can include shape, size, rash, and pain.

7. Skin examination

The skin is an important part that cannot be missed in a series of medical tests for women. The reason is, the skin becomes the body's shield which is exposed to direct sunlight and pollution every day.

Therefore, as you age you need to pay more attention to skin health. White women are especially at higher risk of developing skin cancers such as melanoma and other types compared to dark skinned women.

Having a family with melanoma and experiencing frequent direct sunburn at a young age increases your risk for skin cancer. Therefore, do a check-up to a dermatologist who specializes in checking your overall skin condition. Also, don't hesitate to see a doctor if you notice changes in your skin such as an enlarged mole, rash, or spot.

8. Thyroid examination

About 13% of women aged 35-65 years have hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Therefore, it is recommended that you get your thyroid checked at least once every five years. The reason is, some thyroid disorders are also more common after menopause.

An underactive thyroid is usually measured through a blood test. If you experience symptoms such as mood changes, weight gain, sleep habits, and a sudden increase in cholesterol, consult your doctor immediately as this could indicate a thyroid problem.

9. Mental health tests

Not only the health of a woman's body that needs attention, mental health also needs to be considered. Women in their 40s and over are prone to depression. The reason is this is the age towards the transition where women approach menopause. Hormonal changes that occur can make it easier for women to stress.

Research shows that women aged between 40-59 years also have higher rates of depression than young women. In addition, many women who enter their 40s experience excessive anxiety. Therefore, it is better to go to an expert therapist to check the potential for depression that might occur.

These various health tests for women are carried out as an early preventive measure against serious diseases that may lurk you as you age. Therefore, try to consult your doctor regarding the type and series of tests that need to be undergone.