Send FeedbackIn addition to health issues that affect men and women equally, there are some conditions unique to women or that affect women disproportionately. Use the resources in this article to learn about these conditions, the ways that lab tests can help identify and/or monitor these conditions and what you can do to stay healthy and extend your healthy years.
Learn about general health screenings for women
Preventive medicine is one area of healthcare in which all women can exercise more responsibility and control over their health. Getting regular screening tests for common health problems is a simple and effective first step.
Screening tests during a full body checkup for women can give you and your healthcare provider the information needed to identify health risks and take preventive measures before they become more serious problems. Getting routine tests performed even though you have no symptoms can help detect problems early and help you benefit from easier and more effective treatment. The tests associated with women’s general health check ups can sometimes even prevent disease.
Two panels of tests are frequently used as general health screenings. These tests can screen for a number of health issues at the same time. Your health care practitioner may order these when you have a general health examination:
| Blood Test Panels | Examples of Conditions Screened |
|---|---|
| Complete blood count (CBC) | Anemia, infection, iron deficiency, bleeding disorders |
| Complete metabolic panel (CMP) | Liver disease, kidney disease, electrolyte and acid/base balance |
It’s easy to take these tests for granted, but their power to keep you healthier longer should not be underestimated. Talk to your healthcare practitioner about getting the recommended health screenings. Learn about other screening tests that can help keep you healthy:
| Condition screened | Tests |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | Glucose, A1c |
| Heart disease, high cholesterol | Lipid panel |
| High blood pressure | Blood pressure reading |
| Obesity | Body Mass Index (BMI) |
| Osteoporosis | Dexa scan |
| Sexually transmitted diseases | Chlamydia, Gonorrhea |
| HIV | HIV test |
| Breast cancer | Mammogram |
| Cervical cancer | HPV test, Pap smear |
| Colon cancer | Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and fecal immunochemical test (FIT), colonoscopy |
Do you take biotin for healthier hair, skin and nails?
You should know that if you take biotin pills or supplements, it can interfere with some laboratory tests. If you are scheduled to have some lab work done and take biotin, read the articles New Guideline Addresses Biotin Interference in Some Lab Tests and Biotin Affects Some Blood Tests Results to learn more.
Learn about some conditions that can affect women's health
Understand conditions that can affect women’s health and learn about some related tests that may be done to help screen for, diagnose and/or monitor the course and treatment of these conditions:
