Women's Health 40+: What Exams to Include in Your Checkup
Prevention is a sign of wisdom! Welcome to this new phase full of possibilities. In this article, you will find important information about key aspects of women’s health after turning 40.
Where to Start...
Life expectancy has increased with medical advancements. However, numbers related to diseases such as obesity, high blood pressure, and stress have also been rising. Staying healthy seems like a challenge that involves:
✔ Luck with genetic predisposition;
✔ Access to medical checkups and regular exams;
✔ A balanced diet;
✔ Exercise and proper rest.
In the context of women’s health 40+, two key factors are important:
1️⃣ The well-known greater female longevity compared to men;
2️⃣ The issues of mental load and multiple roles, such as managing the home, children, elderly parents, and professional career.
Often, this overwhelming responsibility causes women to neglect their own health.
📌 The first step is not to skip annual checkups.
✔ Mark your calendar with the best times of the year for your medical checkup;
✔ Research your family health history, as doctors always ask about this, and it can influence the ideal age for certain tests.
But What Changes at 40?
Among the many social pressures, such as those related to motherhood and career, the 40s are a time for reassessing priorities.
Beyond mental health concerns, like anxiety and depression, there are significant biological transformations in the female body.
📌 Example: Changes in the thyroid can cause depression, fatigue, and a slower metabolism.
This phase is known as perimenopause, the period preceding menopause, and it brings with it a gradual decline in estrogen and progesterone levels.
It is essential to adopt a comprehensive view of women’s health. Besides essential prevention against breast and cervical cancer, pay attention to any changes in your body. Early diagnosis increases the chances of successful treatment.
Perimenopause: 5 Signs That Require Attention
1️⃣ Hot Flashes:
✔ If frequent, it’s important to differentiate them from high blood pressure or hyperthyroidism;
✔ Hormonal decline can impact heart health;
✔ Annual checkups with a cardiologist and endocrinologist are recommended.
2️⃣ Leg Swelling and Varicose Veins:
✔ Family history may indicate increased risk;
✔ Beyond aesthetics, varicose veins can be associated with circulatory problems;
✔ Consulting a vascular specialist can help prevent thrombosis.
3️⃣ Urinary Incontinence:
✔ Weakening of the pelvic floor muscles may lead to involuntary urine leakage;
✔ A urologist can assess the situation and recommend medication, physiotherapy, or surgery.
4️⃣ Fractures and Joint Pain:
✔ Bone mass loss can lead to osteopenia and osteoporosis;
✔ If persistent pain occurs, consulting a rheumatologist is recommended.
5️⃣ Shortness of Breath:
✔ In women, this may be a symptom of a heart attack;
✔ If it’s a new issue, seek a cardiologist immediately.
Essential Exams for Your Checkup
Gynecology
Besides the Pap smear, it is recommended to include:
✔ Annual mammogram;
✔ Breast ultrasound and transvaginal ultrasound, as recommended by your doctor.
Endocrinology
Besides a complete blood count, these tests may be required:
✔ HOMA index (insulin resistance);
✔ TSH ultra-sensitive and free T4 (thyroid function);
✔ Glycated hemoglobin and fasting insulin;
✔ Estradiol, FSH, and LH (reproductive hormones);
✔ Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and testosterone;
✔ Vitamin D, C, and B12, among others.
Final Tips
✔ Healthy Diet:
✔ Prioritize natural, unprocessed foods;
✔ If possible, consult a nutritionist for a personalized diet plan.
✔ Hormone Replacement Therapy:
✔ Can help manage menopause symptoms;
✔ Must be evaluated individually, as it may increase breast cancer risk.
✔ Quit Smoking:
✔ Smoking increases the risk of various cancers;
✔ Combined with alcohol, the risk is even higher.
📌 This article does not replace medical advice. If you notice any changes in your body, seek professional guidance. Your health is your greatest asset!
Bibliographic References
🔹 Terra - 5 Symptoms No Woman Should Ignore After 40
🔹 SBEM-SP - Women's Health Care
🔹 Blog - Changes in Women’s Lives After 40
🔹 Medicina Diagnóstica - Essential Exams for Women 40+