Health Screenings Every Woman Needs After 40

As you get older, your risk for certain diseases and conditions increases. That’s why it’s important to get regular screenings for those conditions. If you catch them early, they’re much easier to treat — and treat successfully.

At Associates in Family Medicine in San Diego, California, Dr. Mahshid M. Hamidi and our staff provide women’s health services, including screenings for various conditions and diseases. If you’re 40 or older, here’s what you need to know about which screenings to get and when.

What is preventive screening?

Preventive screening is a test used to determine if a patient who has no symptoms has certain health problems or diseases. The goal is to detect problems early so you can make any necessary lifestyle changes, and so your doctor can monitor you more closely or treat the problem early in its progression.

While screening tests aren’t diagnostic tools, they’re used to determine if more testing is needed and if you require health counseling.

Screenings every woman needs after 40

Once you turn 40, and either shortly before or once you enter menopause, your risk for certain conditions rises. These tests are essential for women who fall in this age group.

Blood pressure

All adults, including women over 40, should have a yearly checkup if their blood pressure is in the normal range – 120/80. If it’s higher, follow your health care provider’s recommendations.

Breast cancer

Starting at age 40, all women should have a screening mammogram once every year to check for breast cancer. This is in addition to yearly breast exams, where the doctor palpates your breast and surrounding area to detect any abnormal lumps.

Cervical cancer

All women, except those who have had a hysterectomy (with removal of the cervix) for reasons not related to cervical cancer, should be screened for cervical cancer.

Women from 30 to 65 should have a Pap test plus an HPV (human papillomavirus) test (called “co-testing”) every five years, but you may have Pap tests by themselves every three years.

Colorectal cancer

Women 45 and older who are at average risk should have one of the following screenings:

• Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years, or
• CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every five years, or
• Colonoscopy every 10 years, or
• Yearly fecal occult blood test, or
• Yearly fecal immunochemical test, or
• Stool DNA test, every three years

If you opt for any test except a colonoscopy and you have a positive result, you’ll need to undergo a colonoscopy to follow up.

HIV and other STDs

All women should undergo screening at routine exams.

Lipid disorders

All women aged 45 and older who are at high risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) should be screened at least every five years. Many doctors order a lipid panel at your annual physical exam.

Obesity

All women should be screened for being overweight or obese at every routine checkup. Lifestyle changes made early on can mitigate the risk of serious diseases associated with extra weight.

Cardiovascular disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in American women. And your risk gets higher as you get older. You should start being screened at age 40.

Osteoporosis

As women age, especially once they reach menopause and their estrogen levels drop, they tend to lose bone density and strength, which can cause osteoporosis. You should get a DEXA (bone density) scan starting at age 40.

Mental health

Older women are more likely to develop mental health conditions than men, including anxiety, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and cognitive decline. These may be due to fluctuating hormone levels or because you have a mental health problem. Getting screened allows you to get the help you need in either case.

Want to learn more about how to stay healthy after 40? Associates in Family Medicine can help. Call our office at 858-565-6394 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hamidi, or send us a message online. We also accept telehealth appointments.