The age of 50 is a reference point when the risk of many diseases increases. Heart attack and myocardial infarction, stroke and osteoporosis threaten a woman who has entered menopause. With the onset of menopause in women, compensatory mechanisms associated with the restructuring of the hormonal background are activated. Their goal is one – to ensure the normal functioning of the body in conditions of estrogen deficiency. But these mechanisms are imperfect. Strengthening in one place, they weaken in another and increase the risk of various diseases.
Timely diagnosis provides an opportunity to identify deviations in the state of health. The list of necessary tests differs for different ages. Here I have outlined a checkup plan appropriate for women over 50, which includes the following examinations:
- General blood test: Determines the number of blood cells – erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets. Allows to detect anemia, inflammatory processes, pathology in the hemostasis system.
- Blood glucose test: This study will help to detect diabetes mellitus. An increase in glucose levels is a reason to visit an endocrinologist.
- Cholesterol test: An increase in cholesterol is associated with a high risk of cardiovascular pathology. Myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease and angina pectoris, stroke – all these conditions are caused by excess lipids in the blood.
- General urinalysis: Shows the functioning of the kidneys, is an indicator of many processes occurring in the body. Helps to detect diseases of the urinary tract, some metabolic disorders.
- Coagulation test: With age, the risk of developing thrombosis, a dangerous condition that can cost lives, increases. A coagulogram or its extended version, a hemostasiogram, can detect abnormalities in the blood clotting system.
- TSH and FT4 testing: A thyroid profile tests the efficiency of the thyroid, the gland responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism. As women get older, they are more prone to thyroid problems. The most common of these are hyperthyroidism (the gland produces too many hormones) or hypothyroidism (the gland produces too few hormones).
- PAP test or oncocytology smear: Detects precancerous changes and cervical cancer, inflammatory processes and other conditions.
- STI screening: The risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections remains even after the age of 50. At this age, it is also possible the activation of its own opportunistic microflora against the background of a decrease in local immunity. Such a problem is often detected in women at the onset of menopause, because with a decrease in hormone levels, the vaginal mucosa cannot fully perform its protective function. The infection can be detected with the help of a smear and bacteriological culture of the cervical secretion.
- Oncological markers. Two indicators have diagnostic value: CA-125 and CA 15-3. The first is increased in malignant tumors of the ovary, the second speaks of breast cancer. In the blood cancer markers are detected earlier than the first signs of the disease.
- Other examinations for women after age 50 should include:
- ultrasound of breast, thyroid, abdominal and pelvic organs;
- mammography;
- vascular and heart checks (ECG, Doppler echocardiography);
- fluorography;
- colonoscopy;
- neurological consultation;
- gynecological exam.
A dangerous trend for women is to start neglecting visits to the gynecologist after 50. Menopause and the whole period that follows it is wrongly labeled as one in which gynecological check-ups are no longer necessary. Well, this is not at all the case. Quite the opposite! As you get older, the risk of ovarian and breast cancer increases, which is why visits to the gynecologist will continue to be annual!
Aging brings with it changes, but with regular monitoring and proper care, pathologies that may develop can be prevented. Timely diagnosis will detect diseases at early stages and give a chance to live a full life even in old age.
The frequency of check-ups should be yearly, but if there are certain known conditions or suspicions of disease, your specialist may recommend certain tests and examinations even more frequently (such as a gynecological examination or breast ultrasound).
How often do you have your medical check-ups?
Take care of your health and don't ignore the importance of regular medical examinations!