LOG-BHS-Baptist Health System_CMYK

40s-50s-500x300A doctor’s visit from time to time is recommended for women aged 40 to 50, even if they are healthy, so they can be assessed for risk for future health problems and screened for medical issues. These medical visits are also an opportunity to update vaccinations, learn more about how to live a healthier lifestyle and get connected with specialists if needed.

Routine Blood Tests and Screenings

Blood pressure screenings should be completed at least once a year. If you have any of the following risk factors, ask your doctor if you should be screened more frequently:

  • Overweight or obesity
  • Health conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes or heart disease
  • A first-degree relative with hypertension
  • The blood pressure top number is 120 to 129 mm Hg, or the bottom number is 70 to 79 mm HG

Stage 1 hypertension is marked by having a blood pressure of 130 mm Hg or more for the top number or 80 mm Hg or more for the bottom number. Consult with your healthcare provider to learn how to reduce blood pressure. Take steps to manage your blood pressure.

Read the Article

Gynecology and Urology

Women 30 to 65 years old should undergo an HPV test every five years or a pap test every three years. Another option is to take both tests every five years. If you have been treated for pre-cancer or cervical dysplasia, you should continue pap tests for 20 years after treatment or until age 65, whichever is longer. You do not need to undergo a pap smear if you’ve had a hysterectomy (cervix and uterus removal) or have not been diagnosed with cervical cancer.

Find a Gynecologist

Hormones

Smoking and certain treatments or medications can cause premature or early onset of menopause. Premature menopause may happen before age 40. Early menopause may occur between 40 to 45 years old. Women who have undergone a hysterectomy before 40 may also experience premature menopause. Women with early or premature menopause cannot get pregnant and have reduced estrogen levels, increasing long-term health risks of heart disease and osteoporosis.

Talk to your doctor if you have not had your period for 12 months or if you think you are experiencing early menopause symptoms. Some symptoms are hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleep problems, and irregular periods. Your healthcare provider may recommend a blood test to measure estrogen and other hormone levels.

Find an OB/GYN

Cardiovascular Health

If you have coronary heart disease risk factors, cholesterol screening should begin at 40 to 45 years old. Otherwise, screenings are recommended starting at the age of 45. If you have normal cholesterol levels, it is recommended that you undergo cholesterol screening every five years. Do this more frequently if you have changes in your lifestyle, such as weight gain or diet, or if you have diabetes, kidney problems, heart disease or other conditions.

Diabetes screening should start at 35 years old for adults who do not have diabetes risk factors. It should be repeated every three years. The following risk factors may require you to get tested more frequently:

  • Having a first-degree family with diabetes
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Planning to become pregnant
  • Health conditions such as prediabetes, hypertension or heart disease

Take a Quiz

Colon Health

The American Cancer Society recommends that adults 45 years old and above with an average colorectal cancer risk undergo regular screening with either a structural examination or stool-based test. The test will depend on the patient’s preferences, medical condition, personal or family history of colorectal diseases and other factors. Here are available colorectal cancer screening tests:

Stool-Based Tests

Stool-based tests aim to look for signs of cancer, such as blood in a person's stool.

Screening TestHow Often
Guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) aims to check blood in stool using guaiac, a chemical.Once a year
The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) aims to detect blood in the stool.Once a year
The FIT-NDA test or the stool DNA test is a combination of FIT and another test that detects altered DNA in the stool.Every three years

Structural Examinations

Structural examinations are also known as visual exams. They aim to check for cancer or polyps inside the colon and rectum.

Screening TestHow Often
Computed tomography (CT) colonography uses computers to display X-ray images of the entire colon for the doctor to analyze.Every five years
Flexible sigmoidoscopy aims to check cancer or polyps inside the rectum and the colon’s lower third.Every ten years for people without increased colorectal cancer risk
A colonoscopy aims to check for cancer or polyps in the entire colon and rectum. The doctor can also find and remove these abnormalities during a colonoscopy. This procedure is also used as a follow-up test if the doctor finds anything unusual from the other screening tests.Every ten years for people without increased colorectal cancer risk

Discuss with your doctor the pros and cons of these screening tests. Learn how your gut affects your heart health:

Read the Article

Mammograms

A mammogram aims to get x-ray images of the breasts to check for tumors and cancer. It is recommended for women ages 40 to 49 every one to two years. If you have a first-degree family member who had breast cancer, a yearly breast cancer screening is recommended and must be started at an age younger than the age when the family member was diagnosed. Make sure to consult with your doctor to learn what is best for you.

Learn more about mammograms here:

Read the Article

Additional Resources