9 Routine Health Checks for Women
Regular health checks are crucial for maintaining overall wellness, particularly for women who face unique health challenges throughout their lives. At Bluecrest Wellness, we understand the importance of proactive healthcare and are dedicated to helping women stay informed about their health.
In this guide, we outline nine essential routine health checks every woman should consider. These checks can provide early detection of potential issues, offer peace of mind, and empower you to take control of your health. Explore these vital health assessments and learn how Bluecrest Wellness can support you on your journey to a healthier, happier life.
1. Cervical smear test
A cervical smear test is crucial for screening the risk of cervical cancer. This test involves collecting a small sample of cells from the cervix, which is then analysed in a laboratory to check for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV).
High-risk HPV can cause abnormal changes in the cervix, potentially leading to cancer. The primary goal of cervical screening is to detect the presence of high-risk HPV or early signs of abnormal changes, allowing for timely intervention before serious issues develop.
In the UK, the frequency of routine cervical screening varies based on age. The NHS recommends:
- Every three years for individuals aged 25-49
- Every five years for individuals aged 50-64
- Screening after 65 is only necessary if the last smear test result was abnormal
- If an abnormal smear result is detected, you may need to attend more frequent screenings, typically once a year, until your results return to normal.
2. Blood pressure checks
Regular blood pressure tests are crucial for women, as high blood pressure can elevate the risk of various conditions, including strokes, kidney disease, and heart attacks.
Approximately one in three people in the UK have high blood pressure, but many are unaware of their risk due to the lack of symptoms. This makes regular blood pressure screening essential for early detection and management.
It is recommended to have your blood pressure checked every five years if:
- Your blood pressure is in the normal range (between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg).
- You do not have any additional risk factors for high blood pressure, such as being overweight, inactive, or highly stressed.
If your blood pressure is slightly elevated (between 120/80mmHg and 139/89mmHg), or if you have any risk factors for high blood pressure, it is advisable to get your blood pressure checked annually.
If you have high blood pressure (any reading above 140/90mmHg), your GP may recommend more frequent blood pressure testing.
3. Cholesterol test
Cholesterol is a vital blood fat that plays a crucial role in the body's normal functioning. However, excessive cholesterol in your blood can clog arteries and increase the risk of conditions such as heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.
A cholesterol test, also known as a lipid panel, measures your total cholesterol and the two main types of cholesterol in your blood: HDL (the 'good' cholesterol) and LDL (the 'bad' cholesterol). Elevated levels of LDL cholesterol can increase your risk of various health conditions, making regular testing important for risk reduction.
It is recommended that everyone aged 20-65 has a cholesterol check every five years. More frequent testing may be necessary if you are at higher risk for heart disease. For those over the age of 65, an annual cholesterol test is advisable.
4. Type 2 diabetes screening
The number of women living with type 2 diabetes is increasing, making regular testing crucial to understand and manage your risk. Type 2 diabetes not only leads to certain complications but also raises the risk of other health conditions, such as heart and kidney disease.
It is recommended that everyone over the age of 40 undergoes a type 2 diabetes test every three years if they have no risk factors.
However, earlier and more frequent screening may be necessary if you:
- Have a family history of type 2 diabetes
- Are overweight or have obesity
- Have high blood pressure, prediabetes, or a history of heart disease
5. Bone density test
Women are at an increased risk of developing osteoporosis as they age, partly due to hormonal fluctuations. Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones, making them more fragile and prone to fractures.
A bone density scan, also known as a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan, involves lying on a table while an X-ray machine captures images of your bones. These images help assess your risk of osteoporosis, allowing for discussions on preventative measures, such as starting medications if necessary.
Generally, bone density tests are recommended for women over 65. However, if you have a low body weight, arthritis, or a family history of osteoporosis, your GP may suggest starting screenings at a younger age.
6. Mammogram
A mammogram screens women for their risk of breast cancer. The test involves compressing your breasts between plates so that X-ray images of your breast tissues can be captured.
In the UK, breast screening usually starts when you are 50 and is recommended every three years until you reach 71.
However, if you are considered at high risk of breast cancer due to family history, you can speak to your GP about starting screening earlier.
7. Skin cancer
Skin cancer can pose a risk to women, especially as they age, so it’s important to regularly self-check your skin for signs of changes. Look at any existing moles or freckles, paying attention to any changes in shapes, colour, or size that may indicate an underlying problem. If you have any concerns, you should speak to your GP.
It’s also a good idea to take regular pictures of any moles or freckles you’re concerned about to record any changes, which can be useful for your GP when considering your risk of skin cancer.
8. Bowel cancer screening
Bowel cancer rates are rising, making regular screenings crucial for early detection and treatment.
The NHS provides free home bowel screening kits to everyone aged 60-74. This faecal immunochemical test (FIT) is mailed to your home, where you collect a small stool sample and send it back in the provided envelope for laboratory analysis. If the test detects any abnormalities, you may be asked to undergo further testing.
9. General health
As a woman, it’s important to check on your general health in addition to getting specific tests.
This can include regular urinalysis to make sure there are no signs or symptoms of infection, lung function tests to check for symptoms of health conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and blood health markers to look for signs of conditions like anaemia.
What are the Benefits of Having Regular Women’s Health Checks?
Regular women’s health checks offer numerous benefits, including:
- Alerting you to any potential health risks earlier so you can take proactive action to minimise your risk or start treatment sooner.
- Providing you with personalised recommendations on how you can improve your health.
- Improving your quality of life by helping you address any potential health risks earlier.
- Providing reassurance about your risk of certain cancers, like cervical cancer or breast cancer.
Where Can You Get Routine Women’s Health Checks?
Staying informed and proactive about your health is essential. Below, we outline where you can access all nine routine women’s health checks to help you optimise your health:
Routine health checks
Anyone aged 40-74 is eligible for a free NHS Health Check every five years. This provides comprehensive insights into your overall health and well-being, like diabetes and cholesterol checks but doesn’t include specific tests like cervical screening or mammograms.
Cervical screening
A cervical screening test is available on the NHS to all women aged 25-64. Women aged 25-49 are called for routine screening every three years, and those aged 50-64 every five years.
Mammogram
Mammogram screening is available on the NHS for any woman over 50. You are called for screening every three years until you reach 71.
Bowel cancer screening
In the UK, bowel cancer screening is available to anyone between 60 and 74. You will be sent a test every two years unless you receive an abnormal result, in which case you may be invited for further tests.
Bone density scan
As women are at greater risk of osteoporosis as they get older, you may be invited for a bone density scan when you reach 65 or sooner if you are considered at risk. Some factors that can put you at higher risk of osteoporosis include early menopause, low weight and arthritis.
Private healthcare providers
Although it is possible to get many essential women’s routine health checks through the NHS, it may mean attending multiple appointments at different locations. By booking a full women’s health check with a private healthcare provider like Bluecrest Wellness, you can get many of the checks you need in one appointment at a time and location that suits you.
What Checks are Covered in a Bluecrest Wellness Women’s Health Check?
At Bluecrest Wellness, we provide private comprehensive women's health checks, encompassing a wide range of tests such as cholesterol and diabetes screenings. Additionally, we offer gender-specific tests, including assessments for cervical cancer risk. This thorough approach ensures you receive a complete evaluation of your overall health and wellbeing, offering crucial insights into any potential health risks.
Our women’s health checks include:
- Bowel cancer risk
- Blood health markers
- Immune system check
- Stomach cancer risk
- Urinalysis
- Liver function blood test
- Kidney function blood test
- Cholesterol and advanced diabetes checks
- Essential proteins and iron
- Cervical cancer risk
- Bone health, energy, and muscles
- Lung function check
- Thyroid function test
- ECG test
- Peripheral arterial disease test
- Body composition scan
Book a Private Health Check
Our comprehensive female health checks are designed for busy women who want to take control of their health and address the concerns that matter to them. They deliver complete peace of mind ensuring you get a range of essential checks designed specifically to meet the needs of women, like cervical cancer (HPV), urinalysis detecting UTIs, and more.
Our private women’s health checks are quick, accurate, convenient and completely stress-free. With over 350 venues across the UK and Ireland, you get accurate professional health checks within 20 minutes of your home. This means no waiting for an appointment, safe clinical procedures, and no embarrassing questions, long travel times, and busy waiting rooms.
BOOK A WOMAN’S HEALTH CHECK TODAY
