Stay ahead: essential health checks for women

Health checks might not be the most exciting task on your to-do list, but they’re an important way to stay on top of your health and catch potential issues before they become bigger problems. 

Women’s bodies go through many changes over a lifetime, which means the checks you need will vary depending on your age and life stage. From early adulthood to midlife and beyond, here’s your complete guide to staying on track.

Early adulthood (18–40 years)

Taking charge of your health starts with building good habits in early adulthood. Here are the regular checks to have on your radar:

• Self-breast screens: perform monthly self-examinations to check for lumps or changes. Knowing what’s normal for you makes it easier to spot any unusual changes. Here are some of the signs to look out for.
• Skin checks: regularly inspect your skin for any new or suspicious spots. Use a full-length mirror to check your body and talk to your healthcare professional if you notice changes.
• Sexual health checks: if sexually active, it’s recommended to get an annual sexual health screen to test for STIs. Your healthcare professional can guide you on the tests that are right for you.
• Cervical screening test: from age 25, women should have a cervical screening test every 5 years to detect any early changes in the cervix and reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
• Regular dental check-ups: visit your dentist every 6–12 months to maintain your oral health.

Middle adulthood (40–65 years)

This stage of life brings changes in hormones, metabolism, and overall health. Regular health checks become even more essential during these years, including:

• Heart health check: from age 45, schedule regular heart health checks with your healthcare professional to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and other risk factors. For First Nations women, it’s recommended to start heart health checks from age 30.
• Self-breast screens: continue monthly self-breast examinations to monitor for any changes.
• Mammograms: from age 50, book a mammogram every 2 years to screen for breast cancer. Early detection can make a big difference. Women aged 50 to 74 can receive free mammograms every 2 years with BreastScreen Australia.
• Skin checks: keep up regular self-skin checks to monitor for suspicious spots or changes. If you have a history of skin cancer or significant sun exposure, consider annual professional skin checks.
• Bowel screening: from age 45, a bowel screening test every 2 years can help detect early signs of bowel cancer. The test is free, simple and can be done at home.
• Cervical screening test: continue cervical screening every 5 years, even if you’re no longer sexually active.
• Bone density: from age 50, talk to your healthcare professional about a bone density test to check for osteoporosis, especially if you have risk factors like family history, early menopause, or low calcium intake.
• Reproductive health check: hormonal changes leading up to menopause may cause symptoms like irregular periods, mood swings, and hot flashes. Talk to your healthcare professional about managing these changes and your overall reproductive health.

Late adulthood (65+ years)

Staying healthy and active is key to enjoying later life, and regular health checks can help keep you feeling your best:

• Continue heart health checks, skin checks, bowel screening, breast checks and mammograms and cervical screening.
• A bone density test may be required to assess the risk of osteoporosis and fractures as you age.
• Reproductive health: while menopause is complete, reproductive health checks remain important to address any lingering symptoms or concerns.
• Eye and hearing tests should now be added to your list. Schedule annual eye and hearing tests from age 65 to catch any changes early and maintain your independence.

Other checks that may also be required:

• Iron levels: low iron levels are common in women of childbearing age and can affect your energy and overall health. Talk to your healthcare professional about if you’re concerned about iron.
• Vitamin D levels: keep an eye on these levels, as deficiencies are common and can impact mood and bone health.
• Your healthcare professional may also suggest a glucose test as well as cholesterol and lipid blood tests to monitor overall cardiovascular and metabolic health.
• If you have a family history of certain conditions or diseases (for example breast cancer or osteoporosis), it’s worth chatting to your healthcare professional as they may recommend getting health checks earlier.

The bottom line

Regular check-ups and screenings can help catch potential issues early, giving you the best chance to live a long, healthy, and active life. Book that overdue appointment—your future self will thank you!

Related articles:

• Man up your health: guide to men's health checks
• Running on empty? Check your iron levels
• How to be breast aware: Signs to watch for alongside screening

Reviewed by Healthylife health experts January 2025.