Heart disease, followed by cancer and respiratory disease, is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. Regular health screenings for women, including lab tests, are crucial for preventative care. These tests help maintain overall health, especially considering the unique health concerns women face, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause, and birth control. Additionally, even when men and women suffer from the same illness, their symptoms and the impact of these diseases often differ, necessitating gender-specific treatments.

The first step in maintaining women’s health is to educate yourself on the various types of health tests available for screening and diagnosing potential problems.

Types of Women’s Health Tests

Here is a list of important health tests for women:

Breast Health

• Mammogram: An X-ray of the breast used to detect breast cancer early.
• Breast MRI: Used for women at high risk for breast cancer or to further investigate suspicious areas found on a mammogram.
• Breast Ultrasound: Helps to distinguish between solid masses and fluid-filled cysts.

Fertility Test for Women

• Ovulation Test: Determines if and when you are ovulating.
• AMH Test (Anti-Müllerian Hormone): Assesses ovarian reserve.
• FSH Test (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone): Evaluates ovarian function and fertility.
  

Sex and Energy for Women

• Thyroid Function Test: Checks for thyroid disorders that can affect energy levels.
• Hormone Panel: Measures levels of hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, which can impact sex drive and energy.
  

Women’s Health Panel

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): Measures overall health and detects a variety of disorders.
• Magnesium and Ferritin Levels: Important for bone health and energy.
• Vitamin B12 and Folate Levels: Essential for red blood cell formation and overall energy.
• Hormone Levels: Includes estrogen, estradiol, FSH, LH, and testosterone to assess menstrual cycle regularity and menopausal status.

What is Women’s Health?

Most women lead busy lives with work and family obligations, often neglecting their own health. Women have unique health concerns that require special attention, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause, and birth control. Additionally, women often experience different symptoms from men even when they have the same health conditions, and diseases can impact them differently due to biological differences, necessitating unique treatments.

Healthy Habits

Women should incorporate healthy lifestyle habits into their daily routines:

• Exercise Regularly: Improves mood, sleep, and overall health.
• Healthy Eating: Find a sustainable, balanced diet.
• Adequate Sleep: Essential for mood regulation and disease prevention.
• Stress Management: Techniques such as yoga, meditation, or hobbies can help.
• Regular Checkups: Schedule preventative care and health screenings, including visits to a gynecologist for maintaining sexual health.
• Risk Factors for Decline in Women’s Health

Major risk factors affecting women’s health include:

• Smoking or using tobacco products.
• Poor diet high in sugar, saturated fats, and sodium.
• Obesity and lack of exercise.
• Excessive alcohol consumption.
• Poor stress management.
• Irregular health screenings and pap smears.

Women are also more vulnerable to lung damage from smoking or air pollution, increasing the risk of pulmonary diseases like bronchitis and emphysema.