Navigating Women's Health Changes Through the Decades

June 16, 2025 - To quote Coco Chanel: "Women have always been the strong ones of the world." Despite being the strongest, it's equally important that women know how their health changes over time and how to take care of their bodies - no matter what stage of life they're in. Checklists like these help women navigate the routine doctor appointments, exams, and preventative screenings they must make.

"Age may just be a number, but I can't stress enough how important it is for women to maintain their health, because being proactive about it will benefit them in the long run," says Suzanne Spernal, DNP, APN-BC, RNCOB, C-ONQS, Senior Vice President of Women's Services at RWJBarnabas Health. "This includes getting recommended exams, screenings, and immunizations to stay healthy."

In Your 20s: Your 20s are a great time to establish healthy habits that will benefit you for decades to come. These include finding a general physician, gynecologist, and dermatologist to conduct your annual exams, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet.

Bone density, metabolism, and fertility are at their peak; however, it's also important to treat your skin well by limiting sun exposure.

In Your 30s: In their 30s, women may be juggling their health, careers, relationships, and having children. In addition to maintaining their overall health, women of this age may talk to their doctor about family planning and becoming pregnant.

Women in their mid-30s may notice their metabolism slowing down, so they should continue maintaining a healthy diet and getting regular exercise. During this decade, women may also experience a decline in their skin's collagen and elastin, bone density, and fertility.

The 40s: Much like in their 30s, women may continue to experience a decrease in metabolism and bone density in their 40s. They may also notice a decline in muscle mass. Breast health also becomes critically important, as 40 is when mammograms become a vital screening tool for breast cancer detection. Age 45 is now the age to start screening for colorectal cancer among all average risk adults according to 2021 guidelines from the American College of Gastroenterology. This is an important change from earlier guidelines that used to recommend starting at age 50 for most people and age 45 for African Americans only.

Women in their 40s are also at increased risk of developing certain health conditions like heart disease, osteoporosis, and certain cancers. Early detection and preventative measures play a key role in addressing this.

The 50s: The 50s bring women hormonal changes as they enter perimenopause and then menopause, which often comes with symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and irregular periods.

Maintaining bone health should continue to be a top priority for women, as bone density takes a nosedive after menopause. Women may also notice their body composition shift: they may lose weight from their hips and thighs and gain it around their middle.

It's also important they stay on top of regular check-ups and screenings, as the risk for certain health conditions like heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers, can increase.

The 60s: It's true what they say: as a woman ages, she shrinks! Women in their 60s may lose some height as intervertebral discs thin with age. They may also notice joint stiffness, pain in their knees, hips, and back, and occasional urinary incontinence due to weakening pelvic floor muscles.

Regular checkups become even more important in the 60s as women can develop certain chronic conditions.

The 70s and Beyond: Women in their 70s experience mobility, sensory, and cognitive changes. They are at an increased risk of falls and balance issues as their muscles weaken, and they may not see or hear as well as they used to. They may need cataract surgery or hearing aids. Their skin also becomes thinner, drier, and more prone to wrinkles.

To thrive in their 70s and beyond, women should maintain a healthy weight and get regular screenings and checkups to help control chronic conditions like diabetes.

Every woman's health journey is unique. Remember: Getting regular checkups and staying healthy never goes out of style.

Learn more about women's health services at RWJBarnabas Health and find a specialist near you.