Empowering Health > Women's Health > Women: Enjoy a Lifetime of Good Health

You face unique health issues at every stage of life... as a young girl and teenager, during reproductive years, in midlife and around menopause. You can control your own good health by being proactive and following recommendations for preventive care. Be sure to discuss these guidelines with your doctor.

Pre-Teen/Teen Years

What to expect: Young girls going through puberty – usually between ages 9 and 16 – experience many body changes. Weight and hormone changes affect body shape. Emotional health can be impacted, too.

Caution: Girls need a trusted adult to talk to, like a parent, teacher or counselor. Communication is key!

Preventive care/screenings: Some girls become sexually active during this time, so they must understand birth control and the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.

We recommend:

First gynecological exam, including Pap test, for sexually active teens or no later than age 21

HPV vaccine for cervical cancer, which can be administered to girls at age 9 and up to age 26

Full physical, possibly with body mass index (BMI) to screen for obesity

Early prevention against heart disease and osteoporosis with good diet, weight management and exercise

Reproductive Years

What to expect: Young women become more sexually active during these years, and many start their families. Healthy, physically fit women are more likely to have healthy pregnancies.

Caution: Sexually active women who don’t wish to become pregnant need to be diligent about birth control, and take precautions against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Preventive care/screenings: With an increased focus on reproductive health, women also need to lay the foundation now for better overall health in midlife and beyond. In addition to the previous guidelines, we recommend:

General health checkup every one to five years, depending on risk factors

Blood pressure check, at least every two years

Cholesterol check, beginning at age 20, and then every five years if normal

Mammogram, beginning at age 40, and then annually, or based on doctor’s recommendations and personal risk of breast cancer

Clinical breast exam annually

Annual gynecological exam with STD tests if sexually active; Pap test one to three years depending on your doctor’s recommendation

Skin health exam, checking moles and skin abnormalities, every three years

Midlife and Beyond

What to expect: Women undergo more body changes at this stage, due to hormonal adjustments. Middle-aged women may find themselves caring for both their children and their parents. Stress and fatigue are common concerns. Plus, perimenopause and menopause can be associated with weight gain and sleeplessness.

Caution: Many women tend to set aside their own health needs at this stage because they simply lack the time.

Preventive care/screenings: This stage of life, however, may be when women actually need more time for their health. In addition to the physical and gynecological exams previously noted, we recommend:

A baseline bone density test for osteoporosis

Blood sugar check for diabetes, at least every three years, more frequently if indicated

Fecal occult blood test for colorectal health, yearly beginning at age 50 (may include flexible sigmoidoscopy)

Colonoscopy every 10 years, beginning at age 50

Talk with your doctor about healthy strategies for life, as some of the guidelines might be different for you.