Importance of Women’s Health & Annual Check-Ups

Health is essential to women of all ages. It’s vital to be aware of the changes in your body as you age, and an annual check-up can ensure that you’re staying healthy.

Many women think they are too young for an annual exam or don’t have time for one; however, you must make time for regular check-ups throughout your life.

Below we’ll explain why it’s crucial to get your health checked annually and what happens during a routine visit to a doctor for a check-up.

Regular Check-ups Are Vital Because of Normal Changes to the Body as Women Age

Regular check-ups are vital because of expected changes to the body as women age. As you get older, your risk for certain illnesses and conditions increases. It’s essential to be aware of these risks so you can take steps to prevent them from occurring or getting worse.

Aging also causes physical changes in women’s bodies, making them more vulnerable to specific health problems and diseases. For example:

• Women are more likely than men to develop osteoporosis as they age. This is a potentially life-threatening disease because it can cause bones to become weak and break easily.
• Menopause occurs when menstrual periods stop permanently or nearly permanently; this typically happens between ages 40 and 55 but may happen earlier or later depending on how long it takes a woman’s reproductive system to stop working altogether. During this period, which lasts for seven years on average but may last longer or shorter depending on each woman, her body goes through many hormonal fluctuations that can affect mood swings or other symptoms, including weight gain around the waistline area.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women over 25 have a pap smear every five years to detect precancerous changes in the cervix. Women over 50 should have a mammogram every year to detect breast cancer.

If you are over 65, your doctor may recommend additional testing based on your risk factors and health history. For example, suppose you have no family history of colon cancer but have had polyps removed from your colon. In that case, your doctor may recommend screening for colon cancer with a colonoscopy or a screening test calledFecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) every three years.

You do not need a routine test if you do not have any risk factors for osteoporosis (bone disease). However, you can do it if you are especially worried about fractures or falls related to osteoporosis in the future.

Consider Hormone Therapy and Birth Control Pills, if Needed

If you have entered menopause, you must talk with your doctor about hormone therapy. This treatment can help reduce symptoms and prevent osteoporosis.

If you are bothered by symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes or night sweats, you may want to consider taking a birth control pill for a limited time. This medication helps stabilize the menstrual cycle and regulate hormone levels.

Casually Take Care of Yourself Throughout the Year

You can do several things to maintain your health and well-being throughout the year. These include eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol to excess, getting regular check-ups from a doctor, managing stress effectively, and making time for fun activities.

If you have any concerns about your health or well-being that your regular check-ups are not addressing, then immediately make an appointment with your doctor.

Takeaway

As you can see, there are many reasons why getting regular check-ups is essential. They are especially vital for women because of normal changes to the body as you age.

The importance of annual check-ups is also highlighted in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) constitution, which states that health is a fundamental human right for everyone, and every individual has the right to be free from disease.

We recommend getting yourself checked up at least once a year.

Remember: You are in charge of your healthcare and have the right to ask questions when you need clarification. Please fill out the contact form below to get started with your assessment and consultation with one of our experts.