Your Guide to Women’s Health
- Category: Women's Health
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Women face unique circumstances when it comes to bodily health including pregnancies, breast cancer, and even a higher chance of diabetes. That’s why it’s important to know the challenges, health risks, and what to do if you or a loved one is facing a women’s health issue.
Health Screenings By Age
Cancer screenings help detect cancer early, when it’s most treatable. It’s important to talk to your doctor about what screenings are right for you regardless of age. Some screenings may need to happen earlier depending on family history or certain health risks.
“Every woman has unique healthcare needs. Regardless of their age, it’s important for women to pay attention to these needs. By prioritizing screenings and preventative care, women can take control of their wellness, address issues earlier, and strive for longevity,” said Dr. Alice Esame, Medical Director at Frederick Health Primary Care.
From young adults to your golden years, here are the certain health and cancer screenings you should be receiving.
In Your Teens
Yearly preventive exam: Teens should have yearly preventive exams to monitor height and weight, blood pressure, hearing and vision, discuss puberty changes, and screen for depression and anxiety. Teens will also get age-appropriate vaccines, such as HPV.
In Your 20s
Cervical Cancer: Starting at age 21 to 29, women should have a PAP test every 3 years to check for abnormal cervical cells.
Skin Checks: Do a skin self-exam monthly and learn the pattern of moles, blemishes, freckles, and other marks so you’ll notice changes. Consult with your doctor about any areas that concern you.
Breast Checks: Women of all ages are encouraged to perform monthly breast self-exams to look for any changes or abnormalities in your breasts such as lumps or skin changes.
In Your 30s
Cervical Cancer: Starting at age 30, women should have a Pap with HPV testing every 5 years, or a Pap test every 3 years.
Thyroid testing: Starting at age 35 and occurring every 5 years.
Diabetes: Start at age 35, especially those who are overweight or have obesity.
Continued screenings/tests: Monthly skin and breast checks.
In Your 40s
Breast Cancer: Starting at 40, women should have their annual mammogram, a low dose X-ray of the breast to detect early signs of cancer.
Colorectal Cancer: Screenings start at age 45.
Continued screenings/test: Cervical cancer, breast cancer (yearly mammograms), thyroid testing, diabetes, monthly skin and breast self-exams.
In Your 50s & 60s
Lung cancer: For those with a smoking history, should be screened for lung cancer starting at 50, annually.
Bone Density: Starting at age 65 to detect osteoporosis.
Continued screenings/test: Cervical cancer screening every 3 years until age 65, colorectal cancer, thyroid testing, diabetes, mammograms, and monthly skin and breast exams.
Well-Women's Preventive Visits
Women should get yearly preventive exams with their primary care provider. These exams check your cholesterol, blood pressure, and weight. They also ask about depression and anxiety, your diet and exercise, alcohol and tobacco use, safety, and medications. These visits serve as a baseline for things such as heart disease and can be monitored year after year.
8 Women's Health Tips for All Ages
Maintain a healthy social circle and build strong friendships
Monitor mental health. While its important at every stage of life, pay close attention during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy and postpartum, and perimenopause/menopause.
Prioritize better sleep. Most adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night.
Get regular exercise, aim for 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week.
Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and high fiber foods.
Wear sunscreen with at least 15 SPF and avoid tanning booths.
Have regular dentist and eye exams.
Stay up to date with yearly flu shots and age-appropriate preventive vaccines.
Heart Disease
Cardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of death in women and can take effect at any age. While heart disease is also the number one cause of death in men, it often presents differently in women. As opposed to typical chest pain, women may instead experience symptoms like shortness of breath, nausea, fatigue, back pain, or jaw pain, which are easy to mistake as symptoms of other conditions.
Heart disease can be prevented or managed through lifestyle changes and early detection. Regular checkups, blood pressure monitoring, and cholesterol screenings are essential. Maintaining a balanced diet, staying physically active, avoiding smoking, and managing stress can significantly reduce risk.
If anyone in your family has a history or elevated risk of heart disease, developing a relationship with a cardiologist can help improve outcomes as they can take in relevant factors they are already aware of, such as family history and genetics.
Menopause
Menopause is defined as the end of a women’s menstrual cycle, typically occurring between the ages of 45-55. Women reach full menopause when they have stop having periods for a full year. Around this time, women can experience premenopausal first where they can have hormonal changes and irregular or changing periods.
Symptoms that may indicate you are starting menopause are:
Hot flashes
Night sweats
Periods that are heavy or lighter than usual
Trouble sleeping
Irritability and mood swings
Thinning hair
Vaginal dryness
Read more about menopause with 10 Ways to Reduce the Symptoms of Menopause.
Postpartum Care & Depression
Having a baby can be a joyous time but with it comes many physical and emotional changes. The first 6 weeks, to up to 1 year after birth are when most women experience effects such as postpartum depression and maternal warning signs.
Postpartum depression (PPD) affects 10-15% of women causing severe mood swings, intense sadness, anxiety, difficulty bonding with the infant, or thoughts of self-harm. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor and receive medical treatment right away to prevent long term effects.
Read more: What You Should Know About Postpartum Depression
Complications post-birth can become life threatening if not treated right away. If you experience any of the POST-BIRTH warning signs, call 911 right away or call your healthcare provider.
Pain in chest
Obstructed breathing or shortness of breath
Seizures
Thoughts of hurting yourself or someone else
Bleeding, soaking through one pad an hour, or blood clots
Incision that is not healing
Red or swollen legs, that are painful or warm to touch
Temperature of 100.4º F or higher or 96.8º F or lower
Headache that does not get better, even after taking medication, or a bad headache with vision changes.
Hospitals across the country, including Frederick Health, are joining the Orange Bracelet Initiative, a safety initiative for patients who have recently given birth, to raise awareness for maternal warning signs and reduce maternal deaths. Postpartum patients are encouraged to wear an orange bracelet that says “I GAVE BIRTH” for up to 6 weeks. This bracelet not only serves are a reminder to monitor their own symptoms but alerts healthcare professionals and emergency responders to immediately check for complications that oftentimes can be overlooked.
Pelvic Health
Pelvic health issues include dysfunctions such as urinary incontinence (leakage), pelvic organ prolapse, chronic pelvic pain, painful bladder syndrome, constipation, and sexual dysfunction, and more. These issues become more common as women age, affecting 1 in 3 women. Oftentimes, women do not seek help for these issues or wait years, due to embarrassment, stigmas, or misconceptions that this is a normal part of aging.
It’s important to remember that these disorders are not a normal part of aging and treatment can improve your quality of life. If you’re experiencing pelvic health issues, it’s encouraged to talk to your doctor about treatment options and can refer you to a urologist or pelvic floor specialist.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor that can often be seen on an X-ray or felt as a lump. It is the most common cancer among women worldwide, aside from skin cancer.
In the United States, about 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society. Women are at higher risk due to hormonal factors, genetics, age, and lifestyle factors.
Common warning signs include:
A new lump in the breast or underarm
Changes in breast size or shape
Skin dimpling or irritation
Nipple discharge or inversion
PCOS
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age. It occurs when the ovaries produce excess androgens (male hormones), which can disrupt the menstrual cycle and lead to a variety of symptoms, including infertility.
Common signs of PCOS include:
Irregular or missed periods
Excess facial or body hair
Acne or oily skin
Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
Thinning hair on the scalp
While there is no cure for PCOS, it can be managed through lifestyle changes, medications to regulate hormones, and treatments that address specific symptoms. Early diagnosis and care can help reduce long-term health risks.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in women but due to advancements in treatments, the rate of deaths has decreased. According to the American Cancer Society, it’s estimated that in 2026, about 21,000 women will receive a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. This cancer typically develops in older women, with half diagnosed aged 63 years or older.
Symptoms are often vague and mistaken for common, less serious conditions. Warning signs can include abdominal bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, feeling full quickly while eating, and a frequent or urgent need to urinate. These symptoms are typically persistent and last more than 2 to 3 weeks.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms often, it’s important to talk to your doctor about the possibility and risk of ovarian cancer.
Uterine Fibroids
Uterine Fibroids are common noncancerous growths of the uterus and affect nearly 40% to 80% of women. Many people with Uterine Fibroids don’t experience symptoms, but in those that do, common symptoms can include heavy menstrual bleeding or painful periods, longer periods, pelvic pain or pressure, frequent urination, constipation, and growing or pain in the stomach area.
Treatments of uterine fibroids can include waiting, medication, non-surgical options, or in some cases more invasive surgical options such as myomectomy or hysterectomy (removal of the uterus).
Advancements in uterine fibroid treatment such as Acessa, a minimally invasive procedure that treats fibroids without removing the uterus (hysterectomy), help women find relief with less disruption to their daily life. This procedure uses gentle heat (radiofrequency energy) to target and shrink fibroids over time. If you have uterine fibroids, talk to your gynecologist about Acessa.
Take Control of Your Health
Taking charge of your health starts with awareness. Many of the most common health risks for women can be prevented or managed with early detection, regular checkups, and healthy lifestyle choices.
Scheduling routine visits with your healthcare provider, staying up to date on screenings, and paying attention to changes in your body are essential steps. Early action can make all the difference. By staying informed and proactive, women can take meaningful steps toward healthier, longer lives.