5 tests every woman in their 40s must take

As we age our body undergoes subtle changes. Physical appearance is just one thing, which is visible to all, the hormones and stress level takes a serious toll on our internal system. For women, the situation is even grimmer as the onset of the perimenopause phase makes them more prone to diseases. Heart disease, breast cancer, and osteoporosis are some of the common problems that most women develop after hitting the age of 40. Regular health screening can cut down the risk of severe infection and detect the disease early, so it can be prevented from turning into something life-threatening. Here are 5 common health screenings every woman must get in their 40s.

High blood pressure is also common among people later in life. Middle-aged women often witness a rise in blood pressure level, which can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke if left untreated. It is easy to lower blood pressure with a little tweak in diet and lifestyle. Regular exercising can also help to manage the numbers. Medications are only recommended in extreme cases.

Regular breast examination is recommended for women of all age groups. Breast and cervical cancer are the two common cancers affecting women of all age groups and the risk increases with age. Self-breasts examination at home once in two weeks can help to determine any lump formation at the early stage and prevent it from damaging more tissues. Once in a year get a pap smear and mammogram test for protection against the two common types of cancer.

It is common to lose bone density and strength with age, which can lead to loss of bone or osteoporosis. The bones become more weak and brittle, which increases the risk of injury or fracture. Osteoporosis is more common in women than men. A DEXA scan can help to identify the density of your bones.

People who are not cautious about their eating habits in their 20s and 30s are more likely to suffer from diabetes in their 40s. Decades of eating the wrong food and weight gain can put pressure on the pancreas. It can easily increase the blood sugar level. Getting yourself tested for fasting blood sugar levels can help to control diabetes early. Check with your doctor. He/she may recommend early diagnosis depending on your risk factor.

Taking this blood test can cut down the risk of developing severe heart disease and stroke. High cholesterol levels can increase the risk of developing heart-related ailments. If you have high cholesterol, changing your diet and taking some medications can help to bring it down. After 30 everyone should get their cholesterol level check every five years. Your total cholesterol levels should ideally be less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl).