With an increasing number of women falling prey to cancer, diabetes and even heart ailments, a periodic check on one’s health has become crucial. Experts say that the right test at the right time could probably save you from death.
In your 20s…
A thyroid function test is the most important, especially for Indian women. “Iodine is an important factor for thyroid function and unfortunately our diets here don’t include enough of it,” explains family physician, Dr A Momin. This is also the age where most of us get married, so it’s advisable to check for AIDS, other STDs, Hepatitis A and also Hepatitis B, which incidentally is more rampant than AIDS in India. A blood-grouping test to check the RH compatibility of a couple can also be life-saving claims Dr Momin. “RH Incompatibility can lead to premature abortion and even threaten a mother’s life,” he explains.
Also, contrary to popular perception, hormone imbalance doesn’t restrict itself to the teen years. It very often continues through the 20s, hence it is important to test for problems like PCOD (Poly Cystic Ovarian Disease), which can be detected through a pelvic sonography.
Between 30 and 50…
Thyroid function test, sugar testing for diabetes, pelvic sonography to rule out fibroids, ovarian cysts and tumors and lipid profile to check cholesterol are just some of the tests that are required to be done annually. Mammography and sono-mammography are most important. “If there is a family history, then this test should be done every two years as soon as you hit 30,” says Dr Kiran Coehlo, consulting gynecologist, Lilavati Hospital.
A serum calcium test and a bone density test to check for osteoporosis are also recommended once you hit 30. “Irrespective of family history, this test should be done once in two years. If the results of the tests are abnormal, then along with taking supplements to correct the problem, these tests should be repeated every six months till the results come positive,” advises Dr Momin.
Post menopause…
Most routine tests done in the peri-menopausal (35-50) stage should usually be carried out at this point. Test for diabetes, lipid profile, serum creatinum and blood urea nitrogen to check kidney functioning are just some you need to do at this stage. “And as many are either touching or post menopause, various hormone tests like serum estrogen and progesterone tests should be done,” advises surgeon Dr. A Merchant. He also says that besides the yearly executive test (which includes CBC, ECG, X-ray, sonography and other physical examinations), it is important for women to do ultra-sonography to check status of their uterus and ovaries.
Health Alert!
Of the most important screening tests doctors are recommending today is the ‘Pap smear’, which is credited for saving thousands of women from cervical cancer. Though the test is not 100 percent, it is the best available detection system of cervical cancer today. “Cervical cancer can be completely cured. That’s why early detection is important,” stresses Dr Coehlo. She recommends more frequent Pap testing for those at a higher risk for cervical cancer (early sexual activity, multiple sex partners, a history of sexually transmitted diseases, a history of abnormal Pap tests, genital warts, or women who smoke).
