Looking after your health can be challenging at times, especially in the fast-paced society we live in. However, there are various ways you can gain specific insights into your health, which can help detect any underlying conditions sooner rather than later.
While many women need to attend several screenings and check-ups already, such as cervical screenings and mammograms, these may have certain limitations that can stop you from being able to access them when you need.
Having a women’s health check-up can be a great way to give you peace of mind by checking for various health conditions.
In this blog post, we delve into the importance of female health check-ups, highlighting when you should consider them and what’s included. Discover all the information you need about women’s health check-ups with The McIndoe Centre.
The importance of a women's health check
When you see your doctor for an appointment about your health, this usually happens when you’ve already developed symptoms or feel like something isn’t quite right in your body.
However, with women’s health conditions, detecting them before symptoms arise is crucial. Although women tend to live longer than men, there are still many different conditions you may be at an increased risk for as you age.
Women may be at an increased risk of conditions such as:
- Osteoporosis (deterioration of bone tissue leading to low bone density)
- Osteoarthritis
- Certain types of cancer (breast, ovarian, lung)
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Some health conditions can also be asymptomatic, meaning they will either not cause any noticeable symptoms at all or won’t until they are at a more advanced stage.
A women’s health check-up catches underlying conditions before they cause symptoms and covers more than one aspect of your health at a time.
Find out why you should book a women’s health check in our video from Dr Emma Sloan below:
Why should I book a health check?
Our expert team of GPs are passionate about women’s health and have received specialist training within this area.
Dr Emma Sloan is one of The McIndoe Centre’s GP and Women's Health Specialists, who is also one of a handful of British Menopause Society menopause trainers in the south east.
Women’s health checks can cover different stages of your life too. From pregnancy to menopause and your menstrual cycle, these check-ups may offer you a way of maintaining and checking your health over the long term.
Benefits of women’s health check-ups
Women’s health check-ups are essential for your overall health and can provide several benefits.
Some of the major benefits of women’s health check-ups include:
- Early detection of health conditions, making them more responsive to treatment
- Diagnosis of asymptomatic health problems
- Identify potential health issues before they develop
- Personalised lifestyle recommendations can be made based on your results
- Diagnosis and treatment of certain conditions before they become severe
- Peace of mind about your health
- A thorough understanding of your risk factors for certain conditions
- Access to screenings and testing without long GP waiting lists
- A preventative approach to healthcare that supports you long-term
Having a women’s health check-up can provide you with the peace of mind and care you need to support your wellbeing.
Regular women’s health check-ups aid in early detection and diagnosis of many conditions affecting your health, both of which can enhance the effectiveness of treatment.
At what age should I consider a women’s health check-up?
Some women’s health check-ups will be better suited to different age groups as you may have a higher or lower risk for certain conditions depending on your age.
You may be contacted by the NHS for a number of different health checks. However, with a Women’s Health Check, you can take charge of your health without having to wait for an NHS appointment.
For example, bowel cancer screening is normally advised for women over 60. But if you are worried or displaying symptoms before this age, it may be possible to have it done sooner with The McIndoe Centre. We check for bowel cancer in women over the age of 40.
At The McIndoe Centre, any woman over the age of 18 can book a Women’s Health Check with us.
What can our Women’s Health Check detect?
Women’s health check-ups can be used to detect and diagnose a range of conditions and hormonal changes, such as:
- Menopause (including early menopause)
- Bowel cancer (for patients over 40 years, or if required)
- Anaemia
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disorders
- Low or high blood pressure
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Urinary tract infections
- Abnormal changes in the breast
If you are diagnosed with any of these conditions during your check-up, our doctor will write to your GP with the results and advise you to be referred for further testing.
Depending on the condition, you may also be at risk of other potential health conditions so our doctor might advise certain lifestyle recommendations as well.
What is included in a women’s health check?
The types of tests and screenings included in women’s health check packages vary depending on which hospital or clinic you choose and your individual needs. Before you undergo tests, you will most likely have a thorough consultation to determine what’s right for you.
During this consultation, your doctor will ask you various questions about your:
- Smoking habits
- Alcohol consumption
- Family history
- Exercise level
- Nutrition
- Sexual health
- Menstruation
Screenings included in our women’s health check are:
- Breast examinations
- Blood pressure checks
- Cholesterol checks
- Weight and height ratio – your body mass index (BMI)
- Bowel cancer screening (for patients over 40, or if required)
- Diabetes screening (blood glucose test)
- Lifestyle review
- Contraception overview
- Cardiovascular risk assessment
You will also want to consider your personal preferences and risk factors. For instance, if you are at a higher risk of breast cancer, choosing a female health check-up that includes a mammogram would be more beneficial.
How long does a women’s health check take?
Depending on how many assessments you need, the check-up should take no longer than one hour.
Afterwards, you’ll also have a follow-up appointment with the doctor to discuss your results, concerns and, if applicable, any diagnoses or treatment plans.
Get in touch with The McIndoe Centre
If you want to take charge of your health, book a women’s health check-up with The McIndoe Centre. Our services are led by our GP and menopause specialist Dr Emma Sloan who understands the complexities of women’s health and provides comprehensive, top-quality care.
By having a women’s health check-up performed on a regular basis, you will not only be actively prioritising your health but you’ll also benefit from earlier detection and treatment interventions.
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