6 medical tests every woman over the age of 30 should schedule annually

Your 30s surely open up a host of different avenues in your life. For starters, you are now more confident and are more accepting of your own body and circumstances. On the other hand, your low level of tolerance for drama keeps you away from all unnecessary nonsense–ensuring that you stay happy and get that 8-hour sleep that you so missed out on in your 20s. #JOMO is the new #FOMO and you couldn’t be happier.

However, one more thing that your 30s bring is higher health risks. Ageing is natural and this is probably the time you’ll become a little less active and energetic. Plus, come on, that wild 20s lifestyle had to catch up sometime.

So as you enter the third decade of your life–or if you are still in the midst of it– make your health a priority and get yourself tested regularly.

We got Dr Geeth Monnappa, consultant at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Fortis La Femme Hospital, Bengaluru to list six tests that every woman must schedule once she reaches 30.

Mammogram
A yearly clinical breast examination by a doctor along with a mammogram and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of the breasts is recommended after the age of 30 by the American Cancer Society.

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Women with an average risk of breast cancer can also start mammograms by the age of 40, if not 30. A strict annual mammogram routine is recommended from 45 years of age

Pap smear
This procedure is used to screen for cervical cancer in women.
A pap smear, in fact, is recommended after the age of 21 at a frequency of three years up to the age of 65.

HPV testing
After the age of 30, HPV testing can be done along with a pap smear for better detection for those at high risk of developing cervical cancer

Lipid profile
The American Heart Association recommends a lipid profile in every healthy individual from the age of 20 every four to six years, while focusing on a healthy diet and physical activity.

Thyroid function tests and complete blood count (CBC)
Mild anaemia and clinical hypothyroidism rarely show any symptoms. Knowing your haemoglobin and your thyroid profile will help in early detection and treatment and improve your quality of life.

Fertility and pre-pregnancy evaluation
This would be the right age to consult with a gynaecologist to assess your fertility. The ovarian reserves, or the number of eggs in the ovary, diminish from the late 20s, and drastically from late 30s.

If you are planning to delay pregnancy it would be advisable to check your ovarian reserves to know the alternatives available in case of low reserves.

This includes a few tests to determine if you are healthy to get pregnant–or if your sugar or thyroid levels need correction prior to pregnancy.

Your doctor might recommend a rubella vaccination, if you are not immune, before you attempt conception. Education about the age-related risks of Down’s Syndrome and medical conditions that may complicate pregnancy will give you a better understanding of the options available for early detection and treatment.

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Speak to your gynaecologist and discuss the possibility of you needing these tests on an annual basis. As per her/his advice line up the necessary tests, and stay fit and healthy.