She's Got This: Health Tips & Screening Milestones for Women
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“As women, we often feel a strong desire to care for others, sometimes at the expense of our own needs. It's important to remember that we can't be there for others if we're not taking care of ourselves." - Women’s Health Provider, Sarah Lundin, DO.
Women wear many hats such as mother, daughter, sister, wife, student, and employee – and oftentimes find themselves the primary manager of their families as well – taking responsibility for parents, partners, and children. The endless work that comes with maintaining a household and navigating relationship dynamics on top of day-to-day life makes it easy for women to place themselves last on the priority list.
This article is for all women of all ages wanting to better prioritize their health and wellbeing and how to do just that.
Taking care of yourself is crucial and goes far beyond spa days or shopping sprees to less glamorous moments such as maintaining regular appointments for mental, physical, and emotional health. It’s important to remember that self-care isn’t selfish. On the contrary, it ensures you have the energy to keep rocking all those hats you wear for a long, healthy life.
Health Challenges Women Face
“Women's health is different from most areas of healthcare because every aspect of women's health affects the other areas - as women, our minds and bodies are so closely connected, and as a women's healthcare provider, I understand there are several areas of a woman's life that can affect her health and overall wellbeing,” says Women’s Health Provider, Sarah Lundin, DO.
Some specific health challenges women face are hormones, menstrual cycles, birth control, infertility, pregnancy, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, thyroid disorders, breast & ovarian cancer, post-partum depression, and menopause just to name a few.
But there’s even more to it than that: many health issues affect women differently than men, impacting their diagnosis and care. For example, a heart attack may show up with different symptoms in a woman, putting her at risk for a misdiagnosis. Similarly, medication may react differently due to a lack of adequate medical testing in women. While we (unfortunately) don’t have the power to influence pharmaceutical testing, there are proactive measures women can take to protect themselves such as routine check-ups and preventative screenings to help detect and address concerns early.
Women’s Health Providers and Care
A Women’s Health provider can support women’s health needs at every stage of life. Many people mistakenly believe that visits to a specialist are only necessary during pregnancy or reproductive years. In reality, these providers are equipped to address health concerns from puberty through menopause and beyond.
It's especially important for women to see a Women’s Health provider for routine annual screenings and any advanced gynecologic issues. They can collaborate with your primary care physician to ensure you receive comprehensive care.
At Great River Health, our Women’s Health providers address a wide range of issues, including gynecology services, family planning, women’s wellness, cancer genetics, and more. Patients might schedule an appointment for:
Cervical cancer screening (Pap and HPV testing)
Vaginal infections
STI testing and treatment
Colposcopy
Contraception, pregnancy testing, and family planning
Initial evaluation of menstrual disorders
Uncomplicated Menopause and Perimenopause
Urinary tract infections
Headaches and Migraines
Polycystic ovaries
Thyroid disorders
Hypertension and high cholesterol
Heart Disease Risk Assessment
Behavioral and emotional health concerns
Abnormal bleeding
Endometriosis care
GYN ultrasounds
Menopause care
Hormone care
Medical treatment for other chronic conditions that impact women
Our dedicated team is here to support your health throughout your life journey.
Key Health Milestones for Women
Prioritizing annual screenings and appointments or follow-up appointments can seem like a daunting task, but it’s important to understand what care is recommended when to stay on top of your health and catch potential issues early.
Below are recommended women’s health screenings for all ages. Keep in mind these are general guidelines, and individual recommendations may vary based on personal health history and risk factors. It's essential to consult or establish care with a women’s healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate screening schedule for you.
When to Start
For young women between the ages of 11-13 entering puberty, it's beneficial to establish care with a women's health provider. Some common questions or concerns that can be covered during the first year(s) of visits are:
Delayed puberty (no breast tissue changes before age 14).
Delayed menarche (no menstrual cycles before age 16).
Painful menstrual cycles, especially if missing school or activities due to symptoms.
Unable to wear a tampon or questions about genital anatomy.
Any sexual health questions or contraceptive needs.
Family medicine or pediatric professionals can address most other health needs, including general questions about puberty. (Sports exams and immunization reviews are recommended in those departments).
Screenings For All Ages
Annual Physical: Annual physicals typically include a general health assessment, blood pressure check, and other vital signs. If you have specific women's health concerns, you may want to see a women's health provider for your annual physical. Here are some reasons why everyone should consider getting an annual physical from their family medicine provider, internal medicine provider, or women’s health provider.
Early detection of health conditions.
Monitoring overall health: Helps track changes in your health over time and identify any potential risk factors.
Preventative care: Your provider can recommend preventive measures, such as screenings, vaccinations, or lifestyle changes, to help you stay healthy.
Personalized health advice: Your provider can provide tailored advice based on your individual health needs.
Peace of mind: Knowing that your health is being monitored can provide peace of mind.
Laboratory tests: The frequency of lab tests can also vary based on your age, health history, and risk factors. Some lab tests should be part of your annual physical. Let's explore some of the most common lab tests, what they measure, and when they're typically considered.
Complete Blood Count (CBC): Checks for anemia, infections, and other blood disorders. Recommended annually for most adults.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP): Evaluates kidney function, liver function, electrolytes, and glucose levels. Recommended annually for most adults.
Lipid Panel: Measures cholesterol levels, including LDL ("bad" cholesterol), HDL ("good" cholesterol), and triglycerides. Recommended every 5 years, starting at the ages of 9-11. At the age of 50 for women, it is recommended to be screened for cholesterol every 1-2 years.
Thyroid Function Test: The thyroid gland is a small gland located in your neck that produces hormones that regulate your metabolism. This test is recommended annually if you have a family history of thyroid disease or symptoms of thyroid dysfunction.
Breast Self-Exam (BSEs): Monthly breast self-exams are recommended to help you become more aware of your breasts' normal appearance, and texture. BSEs can help you identify changes in your breasts, such as lumps, bumps, or thickening, that may be signs of breast cancer.
Anxiety & depression screening: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends depression screening for adolescents starting at age 11. Early detection can help reduce the stigma associated with mental health conditions, encouraging individuals to seek help without fear of judgment. It can also prevent the development of more severe symptoms and complications.
Screenings For 20s - 30s
Pap Test: A pap test detects cervical cancer, and abnormal cells in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. Cervical cancer is highly curable if detected early. It is recommended every 2-3 years for women from ages 21-29.
HPV Test: This screening detects the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause cervical cancer. This screening is recommended every 5 years for women aged 30-65.
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Screening: Annual screening for sexually active women.
HIV Screening: Recommended for all sexually active women.
Screenings For 40s and 50s
Mammogram: Mammograms detect abnormalities in the breast tissue that could cause cancer. This is recommended every year starting at the age of 40. If you have a family history of breast cancer, discuss with your provider when to start screening, which may be earlier than the recommended age of 40.
Pap Test: Every 5 years for women aged 30-65 who have had 3 consecutive normal Pap tests and are not at high risk.
Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a screening test for colorectal cancer. It is recommended every 10 years for men and women starting at age 45. People with an increased risk of getting colorectal cancer should talk to their healthcare provider about when to begin screening.
Bone Density Test: A bone density test tells you how strong your bones are and whether you have osteoporosis or weak bones. Recommended for women starting at age 50 who have certain risk factors.
Lipid Panel: A blood test used to measure cholesterol and triglyceride levels in your blood. It’s recommended that women aged 50 be screened for cholesterol every 1-2 years.
Screenings For 60s and Beyond
Mammogram: Continue every 1-2 years or as recommended by your doctor.
Colonoscopy: Continue as recommended by your doctor.
Bone Density Test: Continue as recommended by your doctor.
Shingles Vaccine: Recommended for adults aged 50 and older.
We understand that healthcare costs can be a barrier to regular screenings and annual appointments. However, many insurance plans cover at least one annual wellness visit. If you have women's health-related concerns, scheduling your annual wellness check with a women's health provider can be beneficial. We recommend reviewing your insurance coverage before scheduling to understand what may or may not be covered.
As women’s health provider, Kenzie Griffin, PA-C noted, “another barrier for many women can be the discomfort or fear associated with gynecological exams. Finding a provider, you trust and feel comfortable with is essential. Don't hesitate to discuss any concerns or fears you have; open communication can help your provider better understand and address your needs.” Click to learn more about our women’s health providers.
Daily Habits for Healthy Women
Small consistent changes in your daily habits can make a big difference to your health.
Schedule Self-Care: Whether it's a quick workout, a relaxing bath, or simply some quiet time, make it a recurring non-negotiable in your schedule.
Nourish Your Body: To save time and ensure you're eating healthy, prepare meals or snacks in advance. Aim for a balanced diet with a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
Move Your Body: It's easy to think that if you can't squeeze in a long, intense workout, it's not worth exercising at all. However, short, sustainable workouts can be just as beneficial. Choose activities you enjoy, making exercise more fun! Incorporate movement whenever possible—it doesn't have to be a formal workout. Take the stairs, walk during your lunch break, or do some stretching at home when you are short of time.
Manage Stress: The Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Women's Health explained, “Stress is a reaction to a change or a challenge. In the short term, stress can be helpful. It makes you more alert and gives you the energy to get things done. However long-term stress can lead to serious health problems. Women are more likely than men to report symptoms of stress, including headaches and upset stomach. Women are also more likely to have mental health conditions that are made worse by stress, such as depression or anxiety.” Learn to recognize your body's physical, emotional, and behavioral responses to stress. By understanding your stress triggers, you can implement effective coping strategies like meditation and deep breathing techniques. You can also manage stress by developing hobbies that help you relax, for example: taking an art class, going on walks, hikes, or running, playing pickleball, or getting lost in a book.
From women’s health to nutrition coaching, fitness classes, well-child checks, and preventative screenings, there are endless ways to keep you and your family healthy at Great River Health. Learn more by viewing our full list of health services.
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