Doctors say that annual health checkup is not just a medical routine but a sign of responsibility towards oneself. Women often leave themselves behind in everyday responsibilities, but an annual test can change the course of many serious diseases.

Many problems, especially those related to hormonal and reproductive health, remain silent in the beginning. Therefore, the goal is clear: to catch the problems that are hidden in time, to prevent the ones that are emerging and to prevent the risks that may arise. Experts say that some annual checkups make a big difference in women.

Cervical and reproductive health checks are important because cervical cancer can grow without warning for many years. Doctors recommend annual pop test from the age of 21. HPB and STI testing proves useful for sexually active women. Common problems like fibroids, PCOD, cysts and endometriosis can be detected early through pelvic exam and ultrasound.

Annual checkup of breast health is equally important. Clinical breast exam or ultrasound is a better option for young women, whereas after the age of 40, mammography catches even the smallest lumps. Many women postpone testing in the absence of symptoms, while breast-related diseases often grow silently.

Blood tests are considered the cornerstone of women’s health. CBC can detect anemia and infection, TSH can indicate thyroid problems, sugar and HbC1c can indicate early diabetes, and lipid profile can indicate the risk of heart disease. Liver and kidney function are also included in these tests.

Vitamin D and B12 deficiency is very common in women after the age of 30. These deficiencies grow silently and cause problems like fatigue, hair fall, mood swings and bone pain. These deficiencies can be easily identified and corrected through annual inspection.

After the age of 35 to 40, the risks related to heart, bones and metabolism start increasing. Therefore, blood pressure, BMI, waist measurement, urine test, ECG and bone density scan after 40 to 50 are very useful. Women who have a family history of heart disease or cancer are also advised to undergo some additional tests.