A woman’s life is marked by distinct biological changes and challenges, with key stages including adolescence, reproductive years, perimenopause, and menopause. Each phase brings significant physical, emotional, and hormonal shifts, requiring evolving care to support overall well-being.
Dr. Shelly, Lab Director & Clinical Lead at Mahajan Imaging Labs, emphasizes the importance of proactive health monitoring for women. Regular screenings at every life stage enable early detection of potential health concerns and timely intervention. As Women’s Day (March 8) approaches, it’s crucial to highlight women’s health challenges and empower them to take charge of their well-being through preventive care and essential medical tests.
Adolescence
Adolescence is a crucial phase in a female’s life, often accompanied by challenges such as irregular periods, heavy bleeding, and hormonal imbalances like PCOS/PCOD. Many adolescent girls suffer from nutritional deficiencies, leading to anemia and weak bones. To address these concerns, regular iron and hemoglobin tests are recommended to screen for anemia, along with Vitamin D and calcium level checks to ensure proper bone health. Additionally, HPV vaccination and awareness can help prevent cervical cancer in later years.
Motherhood Years
The reproductive years bring significant changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing. High-risk pregnancies, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and postpartum depression are common concerns. There is also an increased risk of breast lumps, cysts, and infections during this period. Recommended tests include a complete blood count (CBC) and blood sugar tests to detect anemia and diabetes risk, Pap smear and HPV tests for cervical cancer screening, and mammograms or breast ultrasounds for early detection of breast cancer. Additionally, pelvic ultrasounds and hormonal profiling (FSH, LH, prolactin) help assess reproductive health, while lipid profile and blood pressure monitoring aid in maintaining cardiovascular health.
Perimenopause
Perimenopause is marked by irregular menstrual cycles and an increased risk of osteoporosis, osteopenia, hypertension, high cholesterol, weight gain, and declining bone health. Women in this stage should undergo a bone mineral density (DEXA scan) to detect early signs of osteoporosis. Regular diabetes and cholesterol screenings, thyroid function tests, and blood pressure monitoring are also crucial for maintaining overall health.
Menopause
Menopause is defined as the absence of menstruation for 12 consecutive months and is associated with a decline in estrogen levels, which impacts vaginal lubrication, cardiovascular health, cholesterol levels, and cognitive function. It also increases the risk of colorectal cancer. Regular bone density tests to monitor osteoporosis progression, ECG and cardiac risk assessments to check heart health, and colonoscopy screenings for colorectal cancer detection. Eye exams are essential to detect cataracts and glaucoma, while thyroid function tests help monitor the increased prevalence of hypothyroidism during this stage.
Beyond Menopause
Post-menopausal women face heightened risks of fractures, mobility issues, osteoporosis, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, Type 2 diabetes, and bladder control problems. Annual mammograms and breast self-exams should continue for breast cancer monitoring. Regular blood sugar and lipid profile tests help maintain metabolic health, while cognitive and neurological assessments assist in early detection of dementia or Alzheimer’s. Urinary and kidney function tests are also recommended to detect UTIs and kidney disorders, ensuring overall well-being in later years.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
