Women's Preventative Health Canberra: Health Checks at All Ages

Preventive healthcare is not about doing all the tests. It’s about talking to your doctor and knowing what tests are appropriate for you.

Why is it important to have preventive health?

Why is it important to have preventive health for women?

Certain health issues may occur without any signs or symptoms. For instance, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and changes in blood glucose levels may not cause symptoms in the early stages.

Having regular health checks with your GP allows you to discuss your health and wellbeing and to look for any risks that may be present before they become harder to manage.

Preventive care may also vary with age. A young woman might need guidance on vaccinations, contraception, sexual health and mental wellbeing, whereas later in life, she may require more focus on cardiovascular health, bone health and cancer screening.

Health Checks in Your 20s and 30s

The 20’s and 30’s are a good time to develop healthy habits and learn about your own risk factors.

A GP may talk about:

• Blood pressure and overall cardiovascular risk
• Nutrition, physical activity and sleep
• Mental health and stress
• Sexual and reproductive health
• Contraception and pregnancy planning
• Vaccinations
• The cervical screening test should be performed at the appropriate age.
• Family history of diabetes, heart disease or certain cancers

Cervical screening is a key component of preventive health care. The National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) recommends that women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74 years have a Cervical Screening Test every 5 years.

Health Checks in Your 40s

Your health priorities can begin to change during your 40s. This doesn’t mean all women should have the same tests, but it’s a good opportunity to discuss your personal risk factors with your GP.

Your doctor might want to consider:

• Blood pressure
• The effects of cholesterol and cardiovascular risk.
• Blood glucose and diabetes risk.
• Weight and waist measurements (if applicable)
• Cervical screening
• Breast health
• Family history
• Mental wellbeing and sleep
• Alterations in menstruation.

Periods, energy, sleep or mood changes should not be taken for granted as just being part of the aging process. They may be associated with normal hormonal fluctuations, but if they are persistent or severe, it is worth discussing.

Preventive Health During Menopause and Midlife

Another time in a woman’s life when her health needs may shift is during menopause.

Alongside managing symptoms, preventive healthcare may include considering cardiovascular risk, bone health, lifestyle, sleep and mental wellbeing. Your GP will also be able to check on any existing medical conditions and medicines.

As women age, bone health becomes even more important as the risk of osteoporosis rises. The decision to get a bone density scan is not based on age alone, but on individual risk factors.

Blood Pressure, Cholesterol and Diabetes Checks

There are some of the most useful preventive checks that are relatively simple.

Blood pressure can be taken at a regular checkup, and blood tests can be used to check cholesterol and blood glucose levels as needed.

These checks can be used to detect cardiovascular or metabolic risk that may not have any symptoms.

Your family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart disease can also play a role in how often you should check your health.

Breast and Cervical Health

Knowing your breasts and reporting any unusual changes is an important aspect of health care.

Any changes, including a new lump, changes in the nipple, unusual discharge or changes in the shape of the breast should be discussed with a health care professional.

Cervical screening is different from checking for symptoms. The Cervical Screening Test is used to detect HPV, which may lead to changes in the cells of the cervix. Regular screening is a way to prevent cervical cancer.

It is also worth noting that cervical screening is not used to screen for all forms of gynaecological cancer. If your screening is current, but you have new or unusual symptoms, it is important to talk to your GP about them.

Mental Health is a part of preventative healthcare.

Preventive health doesn’t just mean physical tests.

Stress, anxiety, low mood, poor sleep and persistent emotional fatigue can impact on your physical health and quality of life. Talking to your GP about these concerns can be just as important as discussing blood pressure or cholesterol.

Don’t wait until symptoms are severe to seek assistance.

What to talk to your GP about?

No single checklist is applicable to all women.

A helpful health visit might involve talking about your symptoms, medical history, family history, medications, lifestyle and personal health goals. Your GP will then be able to decide on the appropriate examinations, tests or screening programs.

The most crucial aspect of women’s preventative health Canberra is not to have unnecessary tests. It is receiving timely and appropriate health care..

FAQs

1. How often should women get a health check?

No one schedule fits all women. The frequency depends on your age, health history, risk factors and any existing conditions. Your GP will be able to advise you on a suitable schedule..

2. What health exams should women have?

Preventive care can involve blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, cervical screening, breast health assessment, vaccinations, and mental wellbeing and lifestyle discussions, depending on your situation.

3. When should I start preventative health checks?

Preventive health care can start in young adulthood. The focus will shift over time, so it’s helpful to talk to your GP about your health regularly, not just when you have symptoms.

4. Should healthy women continue to have regular health checks?

Yes. Certain health problems may occur without symptoms. Preventive care can help detect risk factors and maintain recommended screening.

5. What happens to preventative health care once menopause is over?

It can. Healthcare may focus more on cardiovascular risk, bone health, cancer screening, medications and other health issues associated with age as women age.