As women, we often prioritize taking care of others before ourselves. But, taking care of your health starts with you. Regular preventive exams can catch potential health issues early, ensuring you receive the treatment you need when you need it.

Here are the ultimate preventive exams for women by age that can keep you in peak condition throughout your life.

20s

The 20s are a time to establish healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Key preventive exams for women in their 20s include:.

1. Yearly Physical Exam

A yearly physical exam allows you to establish a baseline for your health and monitor any changes year-over-year. During your exam, your healthcare provider will measure your height and weight, blood pressure, and may conduct a breast exam.

Additionally, your doctor may test your cholesterol and blood sugar to help assess your risk for chronic diseases.

2. Pap Smear

A Pap smear is a screening test used to detect precancerous or cancerous cells in the cervix. Women age 21-29 should have a Pap smear every three years as long as their results are normal.

30s

As you enter your 30s, it’s important to continue regular preventive exams and screenings to catch any potential health issues early. Key preventive exams for women in their 30s include:.

1. Mammogram

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast used to detect breast cancer. Women at an average risk for breast cancer should have a mammogram every two years starting at age 50.

However, your doctor may recommend starting mammograms earlier if you have a family history of breast cancer or if you have other risk factors.

2. Blood Glucose Test

A blood glucose test can help diagnose diabetes early. Women who have a family history of diabetes or who have high blood pressure or high cholesterol should have their blood glucose checked regularly.

Additionally, women who had gestational diabetes during pregnancy should have their blood glucose checked after giving birth.

40s

As you hit your 40s, it’s essential to prioritize your preventive exams and screenings to catch potential health issues early. Key preventive exams for women in their 40s include:.

1. Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a procedure that examines the colon and rectum for signs of cancer and other abnormalities. Women with an average risk for colon cancer should have a colonoscopy every 10 years starting at age 50.

However, your doctor may recommend starting earlier or having more frequent colonoscopies if you have a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors.

2. Bone Density Test

A bone density test measures bone mass and strength and can determine if you have osteoporosis or a risk for it. Women should have a baseline bone density test at age 40 and follow up tests as recommended by their healthcare provider.

50s and Beyond

As you enter menopause and beyond, your preventive exams and screenings may change to adapt to your changing health needs. Key preventive exams for women in their 50s and beyond include:.

1. Mammogram

Women at an average risk for breast cancer should continue to have a mammogram every two years through their 60s and may continue to have mammograms after if they are in good health.

2. Colorectal Cancer Screening

Women at an average risk for colorectal cancer should have a colonoscopy every 10 years starting at age 50 or may choose other screening options such as stool tests or sigmoidoscopy.

3. Bone Density Test

Women should continue to monitor their bone density throughout their 50s and beyond to catch any signs of osteoporosis early and prevent fractures.

Conclusion

Advocating for your health starts with regular preventive exams and screenings. By staying on top of your health, you can catch potential health issues early and receive the treatment you need when you need it.

Use this guide to prioritize your preventive exams and screenings by age and stay in peak condition throughout your life.