Women form the backbone of each family. But due to the change in lifestyle, they are so much engrossed fulfilling the liabilities that they often sacrifice their well-being for their family. When talking about working women professionals, they don’t often get time for their normal health screenings due to high pressure and stressful jobs. Some common medical issues which the women face include untimely menopause, complications in pregnancy, and other gynaecological conditions such as pelvic floor disorders, uterine fibroids, etc.
With the rapidly emerging women- related problems in the society, few organizations have developed web portals to provide diagnostic services on just a click of a mouse. These portals aid in availing health screenings at the comfort of home via laptops, desktops, etc. The sample is collected, and the reports of the tests are dropped at the doorsteps. This also provides accuracy and transparency in the tests.
To name a few, we mention here a few important tests which every woman must undergo.
Complete Blood Count
A complete blood count is a blood test which helps to evaluate the overall health and helps in detecting a wide range of diseases and disorders including anaemia, various infections and even life-threatening diseases such as leukaemia. This is not an age-specific test. The doctors suggest each woman undergo the test and get their complete blood count twice in a month.
Screening of Diabetes
If in the early stages, diabetes doesn’t show any symptoms but when in later stages it can severely affect the kidney, liver and even eyes of the patient. The basic diabetes check-ups include fasting plasma glucose and pre-prandial plasma. The A1C test provides three -month report of the blood glucose levels. Diabetes screening should be done annually if the reports are normal.
Mammogram Test (Breast Cancer Screening)
A mammogram, which screens breast cancer, involves compressing the breast between the X-ray plates so that the images can be captured. The chances of breast cancer increase with an increase in age. Doctors suggest that women should undergo annual screenings from the age of 45 and recommend mammogram twice a year. In case of family history of the disease, one must consult the doctor at the earliest and he/she may suggest for frequent mammograms.
Thyroid (TSH), T3 and T4
Thyroid function tests are a series of blood tests which measure the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. Disorder of thyroid can affect women of all age causing disturbance in normal puberty and menstruation cycles. An overactive or under-active thyroid gland may also affect the ovulation leading to infertility in women. It is essential for women to get their thyroid tested regularly each year or as per the doctor’s recommendation.
Lipid Profile
High Cholesterol level not only increases your chances of cardiovascular diseases, stroke but also links you to the gall bladder disease. In women, the screening must start from the age of 20. At the age of 45 and/or a family history of heart disease, one must undergo the annual screening.
Cervical Cancer Screening or Pap Smear
Cervical cancer arises from the cervix. It is due to the abnormal growth of cells that can grow to other major parts of the body. HPV or Pap test helps to detect the growth of these abnormal cells which may become cancerous in the future. Women within the age of 21–65 years must undergo the screening once in three or a maximum of five years.
Bone Mineral Density (BMD) or Osteoporosis
This test measures how much calcium and other types of minerals your bones contain. It helps in detecting osteoporosis and predicts the risk of bone fractures. The most common way to perform this test is DEXA which are low-dose X-rays. Women aging between 20–29 years must get tested once in two months.
About the author
CA (Dr.) Ruchi Gupta is the Founder of 3Hcare – a synonym to quality healthcare services in Delhi NCR – with the objective to provide quality diagnostic related services at affordable prices. She is a prolific educationist, qualified UGC NET- JRF, having a decade long experience in mentoring management students in the field of applied Finance & Business Management.
