Know First, Prevent, Take Care of Yourself According to Your Age
Annual health check-ups are a “gift of health” that women of all ages should give themselves because a woman’s body changes with age due to hormones, pregnancy, stress, lifestyle, and genetics. Regular check-ups help detect abnormalities early, allowing for prompt treatment and timely prevention of serious diseases.
Why Are Annual Health Check-ups Important?
Annual health check-ups are not just about checking if you are sick but are preventive care to help you keep up with your body’s changes from the early stages. Many diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, breast cancer, or cervical cancer, often have no symptoms in the early stages. Regular check-ups help detect abnormalities early, enabling timely treatment and reducing the risk of future complications.
Checklist of What Women Should Check at Each Age
Adolescence (Age 13–20 years): This is the time to start getting to know your body. The body changes due to female hormones. You should learn to observe your body’s symptoms, such as menstrual cycles, skin condition, weight, and see a gynecologist if there are any abnormalities. Annual health check-ups focus on building a good health foundation.
Recommended programs for this age group include:
- General health check-up: weight, height, blood pressure
- Basic blood tests, such as anemia and blood sugar levels
- Vitamin D or iron deficiency tests in some cases
- Skin and hormone tests if there are abnormal acne or irregular menstruation
- HPV vaccination to prevent HPV infection, the cause of cervical cancer, as well as other appropriate vaccines such as influenza, hepatitis B, or tetanus
- Oral and dental health check-up
Working Age (Age 21–40 years): This is the age of work and family planning. The body is still strong, but health is often neglected due to busyness and workload. Therefore, women who are married or sexually active should have a pelvic exam at least once a year to screen for abnormalities in the uterus and ovaries.
Recommended programs for this age group include:
- General health check-up: weight, height, blood pressure
- Blood sugar and lipid profile tests, liver and kidney function tests, and annual urine tests
- Cervical cancer screening (Pap smear or HPV DNA test) every 1–3 years
- Breast self-examination monthly and annual clinical breast exam
- Sexually transmitted disease (STD) screening if at risk
- Abdominal and pelvic ultrasound in some cases
- Hormone or infertility tests if planning pregnancy
- Oral and dental health check-up
- Appropriate vaccinations such as influenza, hepatitis B, or tetanus
Middle Age (Age 41–55 years): This is the hormonal transition period when the body begins to enter menopause. If there are abnormal symptoms such as missed periods, night sweats, or mood swings, you should see a gynecologist to check for menopause and receive hormone advice.
Recommended programs for this age group include:
- General health check-up: weight, height, blood pressure
- Blood sugar and lipid profile tests, liver and kidney function tests, and annual urine tests
- Continuous cervical cancer screening
- Mammogram screening for breast cancer
- Bone mineral density test to screen for osteoporosis
- Ultrasound of the uterus and ovaries
- Eye, heart, and other tests as needed based on risk, symptoms, or physician’s discretion
- Appropriate vaccinations such as influenza, shingles, hepatitis B, or tetanus
Elderly Age (Age 56 years and above): The body begins to show clear changes, and various systems slow down. This is the age for long-term health care. More detailed health check-ups are recommended, focusing on preventing chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and cancers common in the elderly.
Recommended programs for this age group include:
- General health check-up: weight, height, blood pressure
- Blood sugar and lipid profile tests, liver and kidney function tests, and annual urine tests
- Heart tests (EKG / Echo / Stress test) based on risk, symptoms, and physician’s discretion
- Breast and gynecological cancer screening
- Repeat bone mineral density test every 1–2 years
- Eye and hearing tests
- Brain or memory function tests for those with forgetfulness symptoms
- Thyroid and/or other tests as needed based on risk, symptoms, and physician’s discretion
- Colorectal cancer screening by stool test or colonoscopy
Preparation Before Health Check-up
To ensure accurate health check-up results that truly reflect your body’s condition, women should prepare before the examination, especially for specialized tests such as blood tests, pelvic exams, or mammograms. General recommendations before a health check-up include:
- Fasting from food and drinks (except water) for at least 8–12 hours before blood tests to ensure accurate blood sugar and lipid results
- Get enough sleep for at least 6–8 hours
- Avoid alcohol and coffee for 24 hours before the test as they may affect blood pressure and blood test results
- Avoid heavy exercise 1 day before the test to reduce errors in enzyme and hormone levels
- Prepare a list of medications and supplements you regularly take to inform the doctor before the test
- Pelvic exam or cervical cancer screening (Pap smear / HPV DNA Test) should be done at least 7 days after menstruation ends. Avoid sexual intercourse, vaginal douching, or using vaginal suppositories 48 hours before the test
- Mammogram (breast) screening should be done between days 7–10 from the first day of menstruation because the breasts are less tender, making the results more accurate and less painful. Avoid using powder or deodorant on the armpits before the test. Pregnant women or those who suspect pregnancy should inform the doctor and staff before any X-ray or procedure. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to change and avoid jewelry on the day of the test
Because “good health” is not a coincidence but the result of attentive care starting today, don’t wait for your body to send warning signs. Start having regular annual health check-ups today. Annual health check-ups at each age are important to help all women confidently plan their lives, prevent serious diseases early, and receive timely treatment so you can stay informed and prevent diseases before it’s too late.
Phyathai 2 Hospital is ready to take care of your health at every stage of life with a team of specialists and comprehensive health check-up programs, ensuring you that good health can start today.
