Women's health — the medical checks you should never skip
Prevention is the most powerful care that exists. Yet 43% of women postpone their medical appointments, often because they take care of everyone except themselves. This guide is your health calendar — compassionate, practical and guilt-free.
The essential check-up calendar — by age
From 20 — the fundamentals
- Cervical smear (every 3 years)
- Annual dermatological review
- Basic blood panel (full blood count, fasting glucose, lipids, TSH, vitamins B12 and D)
From 25 to 40 — the pivotal years
- Annual gynaecological follow-up
- Thyroid panel (TSH) — women are 5-8 times more affected than men
- Ferritin and iron — heavy periods create deficiency in 30% of women
From 40 to 55 — enhanced monitoring
- Mammography every 2 years (from 50 in most national programmes)
- Bone density scan (osteoporosis risk from menopause)
- Cardiovascular panel — women are under-diagnosed
- Colorectal cancer screening from 50
Mental health — the most forgotten check
Depression affects twice as many women as men. Raising mental health with your GP at annual visits should be as normal as mentioning physical pain.
The ideal annual check-up list
- Annual GP consultation
- Complete blood panel (full blood count, glucose, lipids, TSH, vitamin D, ferritin, B12)
- Cervical smear (every 3 years, 25 to 65)
- Annual gynaecological examination
- Breast examination (monthly self-examination + annual clinical)
- Mole mapping (annually for at-risk skin)
- Blood pressure and BMI (each consultation)
- Vision and hearing (every 2-3 years)
Frequently asked questions
Once a year for all sexually active women, even in apparent good health. Gynaecological follow-up covers hormonal health, contraception, infections, menopause and overall wellbeing.
Most women describe slight pressure for a few seconds. It should not be painful. If you feel pain, inform your doctor immediately.
Unusual bleeding (outside periods), persistent pelvic pain, breast lump, mole change (ABCDE: asymmetry, irregular borders, uneven colour, diameter >6mm, evolution). Never wait with these symptoms.
Yes — significantly. Hypothyroidism causes dry dull skin, diffuse hair loss, brittle nails, fatigue and depression. A simple TSH dosage suffices for diagnosis.
Yes — affecting 80% of Europeans. In northern Europe, cutaneous vitamin D production is insufficient 6 months per year. Supplementing autumn-winter is recommended for most people.
Once a month, 7-10 days after periods start. Standing, arms raised, then lying down. Spiral palpation from nipple outward. Report any lump, asymmetry, discharge or skin change.
From 50 with immunological test (kit sent every 2 years). For high-risk people, colonoscopy may be recommended from 40.
Absolutely — and it remains under-practised. GPs are trained in depression and anxiety screening. Validated screening tools (PHQ-9, GAD-7) allow rapid assessment in consultation.
In France, routine tests prescribed by a doctor are covered by Social Security. Check your specific national health system for coverage details.
Routine: full blood count, glucose, lipids, creatinine. Complete adds TSH, vitamins D and B12, ferritin, CRP (inflammation), hormonal panel. A complete annual panel is more informative for women.