6 Crucial Health Tests Women Must Have

1. HIV/AIDS

You will never really know if you don’t go test yourself…especially if you had more than one partner in the past. HIV/AIDS is a growing threat around the world. It is crucial that all women go for the test at least once a year.

If you have a partner, you both should be tested on a regular basis.
And for goodness’ sake, make sure you practice safe sex.

2. PAP test (Pap Smear)

If there is one thing you should do to help prevent cervical cancer, it’s the pap test.
You have to go every year (this is a must ladies!)

3. Breast Checkup

Women in the United States get breast cancer more than any other type of cancer except for skin cancer.

The following are common symptoms of breast cancer:

Your breast or nipple feels different
You may experience nipple tenderness or notice a lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area. This might not always be a sign…especially if you have heavy PMS. Many women experience tender breasts before and during their menstrual cycle. It might also be caused by you wearing a bra which is too small. The underwire might squeeze your breast tissue and causing bruising. Try not to wear smaller bra sizes. It’s not healthy for your breasts.
Your breast or nipple looks different
This could mean a change in the size or shape of the breast or a nipple that is turned slightly inward. In addition, the skin of the breast, areola or nipple may appear scaly, red or swollen or may have ridges or pitting that resembles the skin of an orange.
Your nipples are discharging fluid.

Test yourself:

Clinical breast examinations every three years from ages 20-39.
If you are aged 40 and above…you’ll have to increase your examinations to annually.
Exercise with a low fat diet!

4. A Blood Pressure Test

If you are still really young, then you might not have to worry about this one.
Most women under the age of 30 have normal blood pressure. But you might never know.

A good rule of thumb would be to test yourself each year.

If you walk around with high blood pressure, you will silently damage your arteries, kidneys and even your brain. And the worst thing of all is, that damage is permanent.

5. Blood Count Test

You have to do this at least once in your mid 20’s.
The main reason behind a CBC (complete blood count) test is to test for anaemia.
Once you have gone for your first test, you can go for it every 4-6 years after that.

6. TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)

There are many women diagnosed with hypothyroidism. “Hypo” referring to low thyroid levels.

This leads to depressions, weight gain and in many cases …miscarriage.

Symptoms might include: