Six Important Tests..

[Under-Radar]

....Women must have!


PAP SMEAR: Recommended annual smear until age 30, after that if you have both a negative pap and a negative hpv test you can be retested every three years.

CHLAMYDIA & GONORRHEA: These STD’s are usually symptom-less, but if left untreated they can cause pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. If not in a monogamous relationship, get tested annually.

BLOOD PRESSURE: Although most women under age 30 have normal blood pressure, it’s a good idea to have it tested yearly. If you have undiagnosed hypertension, it’ll be silently doing damage to your arteries, brain and kidneys, most of this damage irreversible.

CHOLESTEROL SCREENING: Many doctors wait until a woman is in her 40’s or 50’s before performing this test, but about ½ of all women under 40 have high cholesterol. Women should get an initial screening at age 20, then every 5 years thereafter (more frequently if yours is elevated).

THYROID STIMULATING HORMONE (TSH) TEST: 1 in 10 women in the USA are hypothyroid (low thyroid hormone levels) hypothyroidism has been linked to depression, weight gain and miscarriage. All women should have a baseline screening at age 35 then every 5 years after that (ask for one earlier if you suffer from fatigue, hair loss or weight gain or constantly feel cold).

COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT (CBC): each woman should have a baseline CBC done in their 20’s since it’s a good screening for anemia. 5-10% of women have anemia and don’t know it. CBC should be run every 5 years.

For a more extensive look at bloodwork and how to interpret results yourself: