Menopause means permanent cessation of menstruation due to the loss of ovarian and follicular activity.
It happens when women reach their early 50s. It is the need of the hour for women to take utmost care of themselves during and after menopause.
Women will have to undergo some tests to ensure that they are healthy and hearty. In the below article, we tell you about the annual screening for post-menopausal women.
Screening for post-menopausal women
A majority of women after their menopause fail to take care of their overall well-being. The menopausal transition impacts each woman uniquely and in various ways. The body uses energy differently, fat cells change, and women may gain weight over time.
There will be changes in bone or heart health, body shape, composition, or physical function after the periods completely stop. Thus, the menopause screening test is one of the important tests in a woman’s life.
During or after menopause, the doctor prescribes a test to every woman to observe the level of oestrogen and FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) in the body. This test helps to detect problems in the uterus (the womb), cervix (the opening from vagina to uterus), vagina (a muscular canal extending from cervix to labia), ovaries (the glands which produce eggs), fallopian tubes (the tube which carries eggs to the womb), rectum (chamber connection between colon and anus) and the bladder (the sac which holds urine).
Other tests that are recommended post-menopause
1. Blood pressure monitoring
It will be essential for post-menopausal women to check their blood pressure from time to time. This will help you to keep heart problems at bay and stay healthy. If you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, or other conditions, then check your blood pressure regularly.
2. Breast cancer screening
Women are required to carry out breast self-examination monthly to check for any abnormal changes in the breasts. Those women above 40 will also have to opt for regular mammograms every year.
3. Cervical cancer
To keep cervical cancer away, the screening should start at age 21. Women in the age group 30- 65 should be screened with either a Pap test every 3 years or the HPV test every 5 years.
4. Checking cholesterol levels
Are you aware? Recommended age for cholesterol screening is 45 for women. Check the cholesterol levels as per the doctor’s advice after your menopause.
The last word: Post-menopausal women should take charge of their health and stay healthy throughout life. Do not skip regular tests and follow-ups with the treating doctor.
