Wellness Spotlight

Women's health screenings

Throughout the course of a woman's life, a few standard precautions are necessary for her health and well-being. Some tests are geared toward specific age groups, as risk of disease varies with lifestyle and behavior, and some deseases just aren't prevalent at certain ages. 

There are several screening tests aimed at women's health that are recommended by Womenshealth.gov. Guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Forc (USPSTF) (see chart below) are evidence-based, meaning they are scientifically proven to be crucial to a woman's longevity. The USPSTF is made up of primary care providers, such as internists, pediatricians, family physicians, gynecologists/obstetricians, nurses and health behavior specialists. The Centersfo Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also endorse this information as part of its Healthier Worksite Initiative. 

In addition to these tests, it's crcial cfor women to get screened for thyroid disease~every woman has a 1 in 8 chance of developing a thyroid disorder in her lifetime. Thyroid disease is very prevalent in the U.S. and can lead to thyroid cancer. 

Early detection of this desease is important, as thyroid cancer is highly treatable with surgery. In these cases, doctors will remove the thyroid gland and start the patient on hormone replacement therapy. Although prevalence is high, thyroid cancer is one of the top 10 most common cancers in the country, it is rarely fatal. The treatment of thyroid disease depends on many factors, including the type and severity of the tyroid disorder, and the age and overall health of the patient. Treatment must be specific to the individual. 

Some symptoms of abnormal thyroid function are depression, tiredness, dry skin and hair, anxiety, dramatic weight change, feeling cold or hot all the time, and trouble concentrating. The CDC recommends that patients who are experiencing any of these symptoms visit their doctor for a thyroid examination. 

Screening Test              Ages 18-39              Ages 40-49              Ages 50-64              Ages 65+

Blood pressure test         Test every 2 years; once a year if blood pressure is between 120/80

                                        and 139/89. Discuss treatment for blood pressure 140/90 or higher

Bone mineral                                                                             Discuss with your     Get tested at least

density test                                                                                 doctor or nurse if      once, talk to your

                                                                                                    you are at risck.        doctor about

                                                                                                                                      repeat testing.

Breast cancer                                             Discuss with your   Get a screening        Get a screening

screening                                                    doctor or nurse        every 2 years            every 2 years

Cervical cancer         Test every three      Test every five years if you have cervix  Ask your doctor

screening                   years if your are                                                                       if you need to get

                                   21+ and have                                                                            a Pap test. 

                                   cervix.

Cholesterol Test                       Test regularly if you are at increased risk for heart disease

Colorectal cancer                                                                      Talk to your             Get screened 

screening                                                                                    doctor about the       regularly

                                                                                                    best screening          through 75

Diabetes screening                    Get screened regularly if you have elevated blood pressure

Thyroid screening    Thyroid function should be measured in all adults beginning at age 35 and                                                                                every five years thereafter.

*everyone's health is individual, so talk to your doctor about screenings that you feel are needed on our own schedule. The above chart is only a guideline of recommended standards.