Most Women Know They Should Get Regular Checkups. Fewer Actually Do.
And I understand why. It can feel unnecessary when you feel fine. It’s easy to deprioritise when life is busy. And honestly, nobody hands you a clear, practical list of what to actually get checked and when.
So here it is. A decade-by-decade guide to women’s health screening — relevant to Indian women, practical to follow.
In Your 20s: Establishing a Baseline
Your 20s are a good time to understand what your “normal” looks like — before problems develop.
- Blood pressure: Every 1–2 years. High BP is common even in young women and causes no symptoms.
- Thyroid (TSH): Thyroid disease is extremely prevalent in Indian women — often undiagnosed for years. Test once in your mid-20s and if symptoms suggest it.
- Haemoglobin/CBC: Iron deficiency anaemia is extremely common in young Indian women. Check it.
- Pap smear: From age 21 if you’re sexually active. Every 3 years.
- Vitamin D and B12: Both frequently deficient in urban Indian women regardless of diet.
- Blood sugar: If overweight, have PCOS, or family history of diabetes.
In Your 30s: Fertility, Hormones, and Heart Health
This decade brings more health considerations — particularly for women thinking about pregnancy.
- All of the above, plus:
- AMH test: If you’re not planning pregnancy yet but want to know your fertility timeline — AMH gives you important information.
- Lipid profile: Cholesterol matters from your 30s onwards, particularly with family history of heart disease.
- Pap smear + HPV co-test: From age 30, HPV testing adds important information.
- Liver function: Especially with regular medication use or alcohol consumption.
- Blood sugar (fasting): Diabetes is appearing earlier in India. Screen regularly.
In Your 40s: Cancer Screening Becomes Critical
This is the decade where proactive screening genuinely saves lives.
- All of the above, plus:
- Mammogram: Start at 40, annually or every 2 years depending on risk.
- Bone density (DEXA scan): If risk factors for osteoporosis are present — family history, low body weight, steroid use.
- HbA1c: More comprehensive diabetes assessment than fasting glucose alone.
- Cardiac assessment: ECG, and if risk factors are present — stress test or echocardiogram.
- Perimenopause assessment: If your periods are changing, discuss hormonal options proactively.
In Your 50s and Beyond: Protecting Bones, Heart, and Beyond
- DEXA scan: All postmenopausal women — bone density needs monitoring.
- Lipid and cardiac profile: Heart disease risk rises significantly after menopause.
- Colorectal cancer screening: Colonoscopy from age 45–50.
- Postmenopausal bleeding: Any bleeding after menopause — see a doctor immediately, every time.
- Eye and dental exams: Annually.
Ongoing at Every Age
- Weight and BMI monitoring
- Blood pressure
- Cervical screening (until age 65)
- Breast awareness
- Mental health — as important as physical health
Come in for Your Health Check at Punit Fertility, Kandivali
At Punit Fertility & Women’s Center, we care for women at every stage of life — not just during fertility treatment. Dr. Miral Patel provides comprehensive women’s health care including all the screenings above.
👉 Book a women’s health checkup at Punit Fertility Mumbai