Introduction
It is true that we all have a wide spectrum of health issues, but some illnesses have a greater impact on women than on males. Several disorders, such as breast cancer, UTIs, miscarriages, cervical cancer, and many more, are specific to women. In addition to these problems, women are more likely than males to suffer a heart attack.
Every year many women lose their lives because of a lack of understanding about their own health concerns. The value of a woman's health check-up is now well recognized by the general population. A disproportionate number of diseases and physical ailments affect women.
Some of those disorders, if left untreated, can be fatal if they are not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. That's one of the main reasons why so many women these days are interested in getting a regular health checkup. For your convenience, we have included a list of health checkups that are exclusive to women.
How do you benefit from a Women’s Health Checkup?
- A health examination can help discover any health condition that is more difficult to detect with low or minimal symptoms.
- A regular medical checkup can help a woman remain on top of potentially dangerous disorders and be proactive with regard to any further treatment.
- In the case of ongoing treatment, this will help you analyze whether your treatment is efficient.
- An organized and timely health checkup helps to keep stress at bay.
- Any potential medical expense can be planned for in advance.
Tests included in Women’s Health Checkup:
- Complete Blood Count
- ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation rate)
- Lipid Profile
- Liver Profile
- Renal Profile
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin D3
- TSH
- Total T4
- Total T3
- Calcium
- Total cholesterol
- Creatinine
- CA125
- CBC: This investigation not only helps in determining the hemoglobin concentration in the blood. But also helps in measuring the total number of white blood cells, the differential white blood cell count, the number of total red blood cells, the red blood cell indexes, and the number of total platelets.
- Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR): ESR is the rate at which the red blood cells settle down when a tube of anticoagulated blood is kept standing for an hour. It is measured in mm/hr. Several things can make the ESR go up. This can give the doctor a good idea of whether or not there is an infection or inflammation that is going on. ESR is a useful aid in the diagnosis of conditions like temporal arteritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and polymyalgia rheumatica. Very high ESR rates (> 100 mm/hr.) are also seen in conditions like cancer and tuberculosis. ESR is affected by age, sex, pregnancy, drugs, and hematocrit levels. ESR is not used for the definitive diagnosis of disease but serves as a clue to further workup of the patient in case the values are high.
- Lipid Profile: Cardiovascular health can be assessed by examining cholesterol levels in the blood using the lipid profile test. A buildup of cholesterol in the arteries and blood vessels can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular disorders. It is a blood test that measures a variety of lipids in your blood:
- Total cholesterol: Your total cholesterol level is determined by this measurement.
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol: If you have high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol "bad cholesterol” in your blood, you are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease.
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol: Good" cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein (HDL), helps keep LDL levels in check.
- Triglycerides: Excess triglycerides are linked to cardiovascular disease and inflammation of the pancreas
- The Liver Profile tests for the following parameters:
- SGOT/AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase)
- SGPT/ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase)
- Total Protein
- Albumin
- Globulin
- Total Bilirubin
- GGT
- Alkaline Phosphatase
The Liver plays an important part in carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism and is also responsible for the production of bile and storage of several important proteins and fats, like albumin and cholesterol. A Liver profile is helpful in identifying conditions in which there is damage to the liver cells or the bile channels that transport bile from the liver to the gall bladder and then onwards to the intestine.
- Vitamin B12: DNA synthesis and the formation of blood components depend on Vitamin B12, which is found in a wide range of foods and supplements. It is essential for the health of the nerves and the brain. Vitamin B12 absorption is dependent on the production of an "intrinsic factor" by the stomach.
Deficiency of Vit B 12 can lead to:
- Anemia
- Inflammation of the tongue
- Tingling/numbness in hands and feet due to neuropathy
- Weakness
- Difficulty maintaining balance
- Behavioral changes
- Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) are both referred to as "vitamin D." While the skin produces Vitamin D3 when exposed to sunshine, Vitamin D2 is found in plants and may be obtained through diet, which is how it enters the body. It is necessary for the liver and kidneys to activate vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 in the body. Good bone health is dependent on vitamin D's involvement in the intestines' ability to absorb calcium and phosphorus. The immune system, metabolism, and inflammation are all impacted by vitamin D deficiency, which is why it's been related to so many different diseases. Vitamin D deficiency can produce the following symptoms:
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Repeated Infection
- Bone pain
- Depression
- Delayed wound healing
- Brittle Bones
- Loss of hair
- Thyroid hormones, such as T3, T4, and TSH, are also measured by this test profile. Thyroid hormones are critical to cellular metabolism and thermoregulation. A person's thyroid produces T3 and T4, while the pituitary gland in the brain produces TSH. T3 and T4 production is induced by TSH. T3 and T4 deficiency is the cause of hypothyroidism. The most common symptoms of underactive thyroid are:
- Fatigue
- Lethargy
- Feeling Cold
- Weight Gain with loss of appetite
- Hair Loss
- Dry Coarse Skin
- Constipation
- Dyspepsia
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular periods
An increase in thyroid hormones results in hyperthyroidism. Those with an overactive thyroid present with symptoms of
- Nervousness
- Tremor
- Anxiety
- Increased sensitivity to heat
- Weight loss despite a normal / increased appetite
- Sweating
- Pounding of the heart (Palpitation)
- Irregular heart beat
- Increase in bowel movements
- Irregular periods
- Increase in size of thyroid gland (in front of the neck)
The above-mentioned details are for educational purposes only. For a more thorough understanding speak with your doctor, as the clinical interpretation of abnormal reports will vary from case to case.
When should women get a health checkup done?
A female health checkup is necessary if you are over 35 years old or if you notice any of the following symptoms: Fatigue, Weight gain or weight loss that wasn't planned, increased facial hair, irregularity in the menstrual cycle. A women's health check-up package is a smart and relevant idea for a number of reasons, and it helps diagnose many conditions like Anemia, Diabetes, Thyroid disease, Vitamin deficiencies, Mineral deficiencies, Liver disorders, and some cancers.
Is there any preparation required by women before undergoing a health checkup?
You should consult with a doctor or reach out to your laboratory to find out which women's health checkup package is the best for you. Avoid fatigue by getting adequate sleep and rest. Eat nothing for 8 to 10 hours before the test i.e., remain in a fasted state. On the day of the test, abstain from consuming alcohol and smoking. Make sure you have your medical records and prescriptions on hand, as well as any other relevant information. Avoid a female health checkup for 7 days before the beginning of your next menstrual cycle.
Is the Women’s Health Checkup possible at home?
For most blood investigations, the sample can be collected from home. However, certain procedures like a PAP smear test may require that you visit the laboratory. Please contact the lab for the necessary information and to help you choose the right package for you.
If most of my reports are in the normal range, should I still get a health checkup done regularly?
Yes, it is advisable to get an annual check-up done for all women over 35 years of age. Regular health checkups can help you detect illnesses early on and can help you take the necessary steps to prevent their advancement.
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