Women’s health. The risks to look out for at every age
Checking in on our health is so important. So many of the common conditions which go on to be serious and debilitating, if caught early, are easily managed through diet or lifestyle changes.
When it comes to our health and wellbeing, knowledge is power. Not all conditions start with noticeable symptoms. Some health risks can lay dormant for a long time and other conditions can be tricky to spot, which is why it’s important to understand your risk factors, and how they relate to your age.
Each decade of your life brings changes to your health and how you should look after yourself. We can be more prone to certain illnesses and diseases as we get older, and there are preventative actions we can take at different stages to help reduce some of those risks.
Here’s what to watch out for …
… In your 20s
While you can reasonably expect to enjoy good health in your twenties, there are still risks to be aware of. Many of these, however, are based on how proactive you are about taking care of your health and making good choices.
The most common health complaints for women in their twenties are sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Statistics show that around 1 in 2 sexually active women will contract an STI by the age of 25, so it’s important to practice safe sex, and to get regular check-ups.
Twenty-something women are also often at risk for melanoma, a form of skin cancer, so it’s crucial to remember to wear sunscreen, hats, and to keep an eye on your moles, getting them checked out if you notice any change in their appearance or texture.
Women in their 20s also have an increased risk of developing diabetes or other similar, chronic conditions as a result of a sedentary lifestyle or an unbalanced diet.
… In your 30s
Diet plays an increasingly important part in this decade, with the recommendation being that women follow a well-balanced healthy diet, low in saturated fats, full of fruits and vegetables and light on processed foods. The risks that were present in the 20s still apply, so it’s also important to continue to keep an eye on sexual health and protect yourself in the sun.
For women in their 20s and 30s, childbirth can also contribute to additional health issues, including anaemia (iron deficiency), high blood pressure and gestational diabetes. For women who want to get pregnant in their 30s, there’s an increased risk of infertility, miscarriage, and other pregnancy-related health issues.
"With GP waiting times increasing in many practices, and appointments for non-urgent care more difficult to access, private blood testing is becoming a common alternative for many people looking to take control of their health.”
… In your 40s
It’s important to take good care of your bone health in your 40s as women are more likely than men to experience rheumatoid arthritis – an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the body's joints, causing pain and swelling. Weekly strength training sessions along with weight bearing and cardiovascular exercises can help prevent the bone-weakening disease osteoporosis.
Women in their 40s can also be at risk for stroke, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, so maintaining a healthy diet and taking regular exercise is important.
Women in their 40s are also more at risk for breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancers, so it’s a good idea to be aware of the warning signs of these diseases and to speak with your GP if you notice them.
… In your 50s
The average age of menopause for women in the UK is 51. This means a range of physical and hormonal changes which can lead to sleep problems, irregular periods and bleeding, hot flashes, and mood swings.
Lower levels of oestrogen, which occurs after the menopause, can cause women to lose bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Risk factors for bowel cancer also increase in this decade so it’s important to keep an eye on your bowel health.
… In your 60s and beyond
From your 60s onwards, many of the same risks from your 50s still apply, increasing as time goes on. The potential for heart disease also rises significantly in your sixties, as well as stroke risk, which doubles with every decade after 55.
Women in their 60s might be more vulnerable to illnesses like colds and the flu due to a weaker immune system and may also be more likely to have a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Knowledge is power
Checking in on our health is so important. So many of the common conditions which go on to be serious and debilitating, if caught early, are easily managed through diet or lifestyle changes. And being aware of the different risks at every age can help you know what to be on the lookout for.
With GP waiting times increasing in many practices, and appointments for non-urgent care more difficult to access, private blood testing is becoming a common alternative for many people looking to take control of their health.
Our Comprehensive Plus Z Female test is a great option for those looking for a broad snapshot of their overall health, as it tests the blood for a number of key health indicators, deficiencies, and disease markers, removing a lot of guess work and flagging any potential problems.
The test looks at:
- red and white blood cell quality
- thyroid function
- kidney and liver function
- diabetes markers
- essential elements and vitamins
- autoantibodies
- expansive cardiac risk factor analysis
- ovarian cancer markers (Ca125)
How your appointment works
We partner with Spire Healthcare to offer a professional phlebotomy service. This guarantees that your blood samples are taken and handled correctly and that your results are processed efficiently by clinical professionals. Our confidential blood tests are available at over thirty private clinics around the UK.
Unlike home testing healthcare kits, where you take the sample yourself, our trained professionals reduce the likelihood of errors such as collecting an insufficient amount of blood or accidental contamination, which could delay your test results.
At your appointment, the friendly team will talk to you about your test, collect your blood sample and send it off for testing at an accredited partner laboratory. All you need to do is arrive for your appointment. We’ll take care of the test, and the rest.
Clear, accurate results
The time it takes to receive your results will depend on the type of test you have chosen. When they are ready, your results will be sent directly to you, via email, within the time specified. If you would prefer to receive a paper copy of your results through the post, that can be arranged for you.
You can also choose the option of reported or unreported results. Reported results include information and comment from our GP which you may find helpful to discuss with your own consultant, or for your records.