Women's Health Screenings: What to Know at Every Age

Women's Health Screenings: What to Know at Every Age

Key Takeways:

• Annual wellness visits remain essential, even when Pap smears are only recommended every few years, to help women stay on top of preventive care and health concerns.
• Routine screenings save lives, with cervical cancer screening starting at 21, mammograms at 40 and colorectal cancer screenings at 45 for most women.
• Women should seek care when symptoms affect daily life, including concerns related to menstruation, menopause, mental health or overall well-being, and it's never too late to get back on track with preventive care.
  

Women's health can be a complex topic, and many women may not know that preventive care can begin earlier than they think. From reproductive health conversations to annual wellness exams, understanding where and when to start seeking care can be the first step toward maintaining lifelong health and wellness.

Shane Gerber, certified nurse practitioner at OhioHealth Van Wert Obstetrics and Gynecology, shared preventive care advice for women at every age and explains when to begin recommended screenings.

Adolescence: Beginning Women's Health Conversations

Conversations about reproductive and women's health should begin early. While irregular periods can be normal during adolescence, significant pain or prolonged bleeding may indicate a need for medical attention. Young women are encouraged to discuss menstrual health and normal development with their primary care provider.

20s and 30s: Cervical Cancer Screenings

One of the first steps to preventive care is staying up to date on cervical cancer screenings. Pap smears begin at age 21 and help detect abnormal cervical cells that could lead to cancer. Beginning at age 30, screenings may also include HPV testing, which checks for the virus responsible for most cervical cancers. While some screenings are only necessary every few years, Gerber stresses that regular wellness appointments are just as important for maintaining conversations about women's health.

"A lot of the guidelines for Pap smears are now every three to five years, and that's only if you've had a history of normal Paps in the past," Gerber said. "But women think that means they don't need to be seen except once every three years, and I try to tell them it's still important to get a yearly exam."

40s and 50s: Cancer Screenings and Menopause

Other important preventive screenings include mammograms for breast cancer and colorectal cancer screenings. For women at average risk, mammograms generally begin at age 40, while colorectal cancer screenings begin at 45. Women with a family history of certain cancers should discuss the possibility of earlier screenings with their healthcare providers.

As women approach menopause, paying attention to physical and emotional changes becomes an important part of preventive care. Symptoms to watch for include difficulty sleeping, depression or anxiety, brain fog, joint pain and irregular periods. However, if any symptom starts to interfere with everyday life or women experience unusually heavy or frequent bleeding, they should consult a healthcare provider.

"Any time that your physical or mental well-being is interfering with your quality of life or your overall functioning, you should definitely seek help or be seen," Gerber said.

60s and Beyond: Bone Health and Osteoporosis

Bone health also becomes increasingly important with age. Women are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis after menopause due to declining estrogen levels. It is recommended to begin bone density screenings at age 65, although some women may need earlier testing based on individual risk factors.

Prioritizing Preventaive Care at Every Age

For women who have fallen behind on preventive appointments or are unsure where to start, Gerber emphasizes that it's never too late to prioritize their health.

"Start with your healthcare provider that you're most comfortable with," Gerber said. "If it's your family doctor, if it's your OB/GYN, you can get started. It's never too late."

To schedule an appointment or learn more about recommended health screenings, click here.