3 Preventive Tests Every Woman Should Get To Protect Her Health
Taking care of your body is important as you age, and it is especially important to take care of your feminine organs and health. As you age, here are 3 preventive tests you should receive.
Mammograms
Mammograms tend to be something that many women avoid or do not want to face. There is the fear of having breast cancer, and mammograms are not comfortable. As your body ages, however, getting mammography services is necessary and important.
Mammograms are not typically needed when you are in your twenties unless you have a serious family history of breast cancer. In that case, you will start your screenings in your early twenties so that the doctors can detect any possible signs of breast cancer.
In most cases, you will get your first mammogram in your thirties or forties, depending on what your gynecologist recommends. A mammogram will take a digital image of the tissue in your breasts, and then your doctor can determine if there are any cancerous lumps to be concerned about.
Pelvic Exam
Next, you can also get a pelvic exam, which is different from a traditional pap smear. A pelvic exam does not require the gynecologist to take any samples from your uterus lining or vaginal area.
Instead, the doctor will feel your uterus and ovaries to see if they feel normal. Your doctor should be able to feel if there are any cysts or abnormalities just by the feel of these organs. While this exam is not comfortable, it only lasts for a couple of minutes and does not require any serious testing unless the doctor finds something to be worried about.
Hormone Tests
Last, you will need to receive some hormone tests as you age and start to show signs of menopause. Many women experience menopause in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, and it varies from one woman to another.
As soon as you start to experience menopause symptoms, which include hot flashes, night sweats, problems sleeping, missing periods, and big mood swings, you need to see your doctor.
He or she can then do blood tests to check your hormone levels, and you can then receive the appropriate prescription for birth control. Note that the birth control is not given for the purpose of preventing pregnancy in this instance.
Instead, it will help to balance out your hormones by giving you a set dose that your body needs every day to function without as many symptoms.
By getting these 3 exams at the correct times, you can prevent major problems and help your feminine organs to cope with the changes of aging.