Women’s Health Checks: What You Should Be Getting and When
Women’s health checks are one of those things that are easy to put off. Life gets busy, nothing feels urgent, and it can be hard to know what you actually need versus what’s just nice to have.
The reality is that a lot of the conditions that affect women most seriously, heart disease, cervical cancer, breast cancer, osteoporosis, develop quietly before any symptoms appear. Regular checks are how you catch them early, when they’re far easier to treat.
Here’s a straightforward guide to what women should be getting, and when.
In Your 20s
Cervical screening every 5 years The cervical screening test replaced the old Pap smear in 2017. It tests for HPV, which causes almost all cases of cervical cancer. If you’ve ever been sexually active, screening starts at age 25 and continues every 5 years.
STI checks If you’re sexually active, particularly with new or multiple partners, regular STI screening is worth discussing with your GP. Many STIs have no symptoms.
Mental health Your 20s can be a high-pressure decade. If you’re struggling with anxiety, low mood, or stress, your GP can help you access support through a Mental Health Care Plan.
Contraception review If you’re using hormonal contraception, it’s worth having a regular conversation with your GP to make sure your current method is still the right fit.
Due for a check or just overdue for a catch-up with a GP you actually like? Book at Southport Metro or call 07 5612 7830. No referral needed.
In Your 30s
Continue cervical screening every 5 years
Blood pressure and cholesterol These can start to creep up in your 30s, often without any symptoms. A basic check gives you a baseline and flags anything worth monitoring.
Thyroid function Thyroid issues are more common in women than men and can present as fatigue, weight changes, mood shifts, or irregular periods. Worth checking if you’ve been experiencing any of these.
Skin checks Particularly important if you’ve had significant sun exposure, which on the Gold Coast is most of us.
Preconception care If you’re thinking about having children, a preconception appointment with your GP is a great starting point. It covers folate supplementation, vaccination status, and any conditions worth managing before pregnancy.
In Your 40s
Continue cervical screening every 5 years
Breast awareness and mammograms BreastScreen Australia offers free mammograms to women aged 40 and over. In your 40s, talk to your GP about your individual risk and when to start.
Blood glucose testing Type 2 diabetes risk increases with age. A fasting blood glucose test or HbA1c check is simple and gives you important information.
Perimenopause Perimenopause can start in the early to mid-40s for some women, well before periods stop. Symptoms like irregular cycles, sleep disruption, mood changes, and hot flushes are worth discussing with your GP. Effective management options are available.
Experiencing symptoms you can’t quite explain? It might be worth a conversation. Book a women’s health appointment at Southport Metro or call 07 5612 7830.
In Your 50s and Beyond
Mammograms every 2 years via BreastScreen Free through the national program from age 50.
Bone density scan (DXA scan) Recommended around the time of menopause, particularly if you have risk factors. Osteoporosis is largely preventable and treatable when caught early.
Bowel cancer screening The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program sends free test kits to Australians aged 45 to 74. Use it.
Cardiovascular risk assessment Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australian women. After menopause, cardiovascular risk increases. Your GP can assess your overall risk and help you manage it.
Continue cervical screening until age 70 to 74
A Note on Not Waiting for Something to Go Wrong
Most of these checks are straightforward and low cost. The value isn’t just catching disease early. It’s having a GP who knows your history, understands your baseline, and can notice when something has changed.
If it’s been a while since you’ve had a proper health review, that’s reason enough to book in.
Book a Women’s Health Check at Southport Metro
Our GPs provide comprehensive women’s health care across all life stages. Open 7 days a week at Australia Fair Metro Shopping Centre in Southport.
Book online or call us on 07 5612 7830.
This article is for general informational purposes only. Please speak with your GP for personalised health advice.