As a woman, the choices you make today affect your future. If you are still in the 35-50 age bracket, you still have a unique opportunity to impact your future positively by making the right choices today. Athens, GA gynecologist advises preventive health care habits to help protect your future. Practicing proactive management mitigates health risk factors. This involves making good lifestyle choices and using effective strategies as advised by your gynecologist.
The specialist helps you navigate your perimenopause years as your body changes. The advice you get helps improve your future wellness as you take proactive health care decisions in your early perimenopause to early menopause years.
How to Prepare for Perimenopause
Perimenopause is that time when your body as a woman is transitioning to menopause. At age 35 - 50, a woman has an opportunity to change their future health through the adoption of healthy habits while focusing on preventive health care. Remember, your body is changing continuously as you march on to menopause which is the point when a woman can no longer menstruate.
When you start feeling the early perimenopause symptoms, it’s time to prioritize your habits and healthy life choices to improve your symptoms and prevent future diseases.
You start experiencing changes in your feelings, emotions, and fluctuation in your hormone levels.
From the mid-30s to late 30s you experience a change in moods, emotions, and increased stress. When you reach your 40s your perimenopause symptoms become more pronounced as you get drastic mood swings and irregular menstruation.
What Are the Health Risks Women Are Likely to Experience After 35 Years?
On a daily basis, you are likely to manage your household, career, and family including caring for the elderly. However, the stress you feel can lead to health problems and diseases in the future.
Osteoporosis
When you break a bone it signifies you have osteoporosis. You don’t get any other visible symptoms.
Heart attack
Many women at this age have a scare or even a silent heart attack. It is at this point when you need to make hard lifestyle changes by cleaning your diet and inculcating an exercise routine.
Preventive health care should start immediately as you won’t see symptoms until the disease has developed. Start actively managing your risk factors to prevent future health risks. A woman at this age is likely to develop:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Obesity
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis
You need to go for screenings and tests by visiting a doctor.
What Are the Health Screenings and Tests for Women Over 35 Years?
Additional tests are normally introduced at your annual gynecology appointment. Speak to your doctor to ensure they perform appropriate tests for your age annually. The tests include:
- Annual exam - includes a breast exam and full check-up.
- Mammogram - early cancer screening is advisable if your family has a history of breast cancer. If you don’t, you can start mammograms in your early 40s.
- Pap smear - is recommended annually based on your past tests and age.
- Blood sugar test for diabetes - when you approach mid-life, you need regular diabetes testing every 5 years.
- Thyroid screening - advisable if you have symptoms of increased weight gain, depression, and fatigue
- Lipid screening - checks your cholesterol levels.
Prioritize your health to guard against future health problems and diseases. Consult your gynecologist to better understand the risk factors you are likely to face.