5 Health Tests Every Woman Must Take

When it comes to prevention, it’s better to start early. Regular medical exams are essential to detect diseases or illnesses cropping up to maintain a healthy life.

* Body mass index

Body Mass Index or BMI is calculated to determine your body fat. Doctors advise keeping a track of BMI to avoid chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart conditions. It is easy to take—there are several apps that calculate BMI within seconds. All you need to do is key in your height and weight.

* Anaemia

Studies show that Anemia is very common among Indian women. It occurs due to the lack of hemoglobin or lower count of red blood cells in your blood, which can damage vital organs in the long run. If you get exhausted easily and have been feeling sudden dizziness, it is better to visit your doctor and get tested for anaemia.

* Vitamin deficiency

If you have been staying away from the sun and following a vegetarian diet, you are likely to be deficient in what is called as the sunshine vitamin, that is, vitamin D. It is essential for strong bones, the lack thereof being associated with a bone disease called rickets. You will also be prone to cardiovascular and cognitive dysfunction. On the other hand, low levels of B12 can result in serious consequences for women planning for a pregnancy.

* Pap smears and pelvic exams

A pelvic exam helps your doctor to look for signs of illnesses in women’s organs including vulva, uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, bladder, and rectum. It is recommended to begin scheduling annual tests starting at the age of 21 or even earlier. It is an important test to reduce the risk of gynecological cancers.

* Mammograms and breast exams

When it comes to prevention tests, it is better to start early. Starting in your 20s, regular manual breast exam is recommended where a doctor tests for lumps and abnormalities. All prevention tests start early and so is Breast Cancer. Once you hit the benchmark of age 40, taking a mammogram every two or three years. A mammogram is a screening test for breast cancer that uses low-dose X-rays to detect cancer.