A Women’s Health Check-Up List for Every Age: Your Guide to Preventive Screenings

Category: Educational, Information, Women's Services
Posted On: Dec 12, 2025

Staying on top of your health is one of the smartest things you can do as you age. Whether you’re in your 20s or your 70s, regular screenings can detect potential issues early, long before symptoms appear.

With an emphasis on the importance of early detection, this guide breaks down health screenings for women by age that can help you build a personalized wellness plan with your provider.

Preventive care isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s about understanding your body, staying ahead of risks, and staying healthy for the long life you deserve.

Why Preventive Screenings Change Over Time

As women age, their health needs evolve through the decades. Women’s hormonal shifts, family history, lifestyle factors, and age-related risks all influence which tests and screenings matter most to a patient at any given time.

Preventive medicine is not a one-size-fits-all answer, it’s a case-by-case solution for each patient. Women and their providers will be navigating things like when to begin mammograms, how often to screen for cervical cancer, or whether genetic testing and counseling may be helpful.

Screenings become even more essential in catching silent conditions as women age, like high blood pressure, osteoporosis, or breast cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages.

This decade-by-decade women’s health check-up list highlights the core screenings recommended at each stage of life.

Women’s Health Check-Up List by Age

Your 20s: Laying the Foundation

Your 20s are the ideal time to establish a strong relationship with a primary care provider, helping to lay the foundation for building lifelong health habits.

Along with your primary care provider, it’s a good idea to get established with an OB/GYN if you are not already, to make sure you are receiving appropriate care for your reproductive system, no matter if you plan on starting a family or not.

Laurel Jordan, DO, an OB/GYN at Norman Regional Care for Women, recommends that women regularly see an OB/GYN to keep up with their health. “It’s important that women know about their reproductive health, especially in their 20s. Young women at this age should have an established OB/GYN to know about their menstrual cycle, uterine health, and fertility if applicable, receive sexually transmitted infection testing if they are at risk, and receive regular Pap smear screenings for HPV and cervical cancer cells.”

Recommended Screenings for women in their 20s

Annual blood work – Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
Blood pressure screenings at least once a year
Cholesterol and blood glucose screening if you have risk factors such as family history or obesity
Clinical breast exam and education on breast health awareness
Pap smear and HPV co-testing for Cervical Cancer every three years
Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening based on risk

Why these screenings matter: Screening for cervical cancer risk and STIs can catch issues early, while breast self-awareness can help you recognize any concerning changes. Your primary care provider can conduct blood pressure screenings, as well as order blood work to examine your cholesterol levels and hormones. Your OB/GYN can assist you in managing your hormones.

Your 30s: Building on Routine Preventive Care

Life gets busier in your 30s, but preventive care remains essential. Building on that foundation laid in your 20s, your 30s is all about creating a routine.

Recommended Screenings for women in their 30s

Continued Screenings:

Annual blood work – Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
Blood pressure screenings
Cholesterol and blood glucose screening if you have risk factors such as family history or obesity
Clinical breast exam and breast health awareness
Pap smear and HPV co-testing for Cervical Cancer every five years
- Or Pap smear every three years

Additional Screenings:

Thyroid function test if you have symptoms or family history

Why it matters: Lifestyle-related conditions such as diabetes and thyroid disorders often surface in this decade. This is why it is imperative that you have an established primary care provider.

They can order tests and lab work, and refer you to our Para/Thyroid Center if you experience abnormalities associated with your thyroid and parathyroid glands.

Your 40s: Focusing on Breast and Colon Health

Your 40s are a transitional decade where risks begin to shift—especially for breast and colon cancer.

Recommended Screenings for women in their 40s

Continued Screenings:

Annual blood work – Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
Blood pressure screenings, and cholesterol and blood glucose testing, looking at heart health
Clinical breast exam and breast health awareness
Pap smear and HPV co-testing for Cervical Cancer every five years
- Or Pap smear every three years
Thyroid function test as needed

Additional Screenings:

Annual or biennial mammograms (earlier if you have family history)
Colorectal cancer screening may begin at 45 (earlier if you have family history)

Why it matters: Breast cancer risk increases with age, so mammograms become a vital part of early detection. This decade is also a key time to monitor colon health and heart health, as cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 cause of death in women. Our experts at The Oklahoma Breast Center, GI of Norman and Norman Heart and Vascular Associates can help you stay on top of your health checklist as you enter your 40s.

Your 50s: Bone, Heart & Cancer Screening Priorities

With your 50s, usually come hormonal changes during menopause, bringing new health considerations for women navigating this new decade.

Recommended Screenings for women in their 50s

Continued Screenings:

Annual blood work – Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
Annual or biennial mammograms
Blood pressure screenings, and cholesterol and blood glucose testing
Pap smear and HPV co-testing for Cervical Cancer every five years
- Or Pap smear every three years
Clinical breast exam and breast health awareness
Colorectal cancer screenings, occurrence based on family history, health and risks
Thyroid function test as needed

Additional Screenings:

Bone density scan (DEXA) at age 65, or earlier if you’re high-risk
Diabetes screening at least every 3 years

Why it matters: Estrogen decline increases the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease in women. Preventive screenings help identify silent conditions such as bone loss and diabetes.

Adding Ortho Central Bone Health Clinic into your rotation of specialists will ensure you are taking care of all parts of your body, even your bones.

“As your OB/GYN, we can get your hormones tested and help you tackle the root cause of your symptoms,” said Dr. Jordan. “Your hormones play a large role in your well-being as you age. We can get you feeling better and help reduce your risk for developing other diseases through hormone management.”

Your 60s and Beyond: Staying Ahead of Age-Related Risks

Preventive screenings help maintain independence, mobility, and quality of life as you age into your 60s and beyond.

Recommended Screenings for women in their 60s and beyond

Continued Screenings:

Annual blood work – Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
Annual or biennial mammograms
Blood pressure screenings, and cholesterol and blood glucose testing
Bone density scan (DEXA) at age 65, or earlier if you’re high-risk
No pap smear and HPV co-testing for Cervical Cancer after 65 if testing has been negative in the past.
Clinical breast exam and breast health awareness
Colorectal cancer screenings, occurrence based on family history, health and risks
Diabetes screening at least every 3 years
Thyroid function test as needed

Additional Screenings:

Vision, hearing, and neurological screenings

Why it matters: Early detection of disease remains crucial in your later years. Many age-related conditions progress silently—making regular checkups essential.

Receiving cognitive screenings with a Neurologist starting in your 60s can help prolong your cognitive health as you age. The Neurosciences team at Norman Regional Neurology Associates can help you stay sharp into your golden years.

Common Questions Women Ask About Preventive Care

1. What are the most important screenings for each age group?

For younger women, cervical cancer and STI screenings are key. In your 40s and beyond, breast, colorectal, and cardiovascular screenings become central. Osteoporosis screening is also essential later in life as well as cognitive testing.

2. Why do these needs change over time?

Hormones, aging, family history, and the natural progression of disease risk shape how your screening guidelines evolve.

3. What’s the biggest misconception about preventive care?

Many women believe they only need screenings when they feel unwell. In reality, most serious health conditions—like breast cancer, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol—often have no symptoms in early stages.

“With STIs and cervical cancer caused by HPV, there are instances where patients don’t have any symptoms. It is important for women to know that, and with regular STI testing and Pap smears, we can help decrease the risk of infection or cancer developing further,” said Dr. Jordan.

4. How can women advocate for their health at annual visits?

Bring questions and share updates. Ask whether your family history changes your screening schedule. A conversation-driven visit ensures your care is personalized.

“Preventive care is not a one-size-fits-all plan. There are multiple factors that determine each patients’ risks. That’s why these screenings are important to get a baseline on your health,” said Dr. Jordan.

5. What role does family history play?

Your family history plays a significant role when it comes to your health. Women with a family history of breast, ovarian, colon cancer, or heart disease may need earlier or more frequent screenings. To get a better idea about your risks, you can have genetic testing done to see what you may be more prone to developing.

“We offer genetic testing at Norman Regional, allowing you to have a better idea of what you could develop based on your genetics,” said Dr. Jordan. “As your OB/GYN, we can help guide you to services you may need regarding your women’s health concerns.”

Take Charge of Your Health at Every Age

Preventive care is one of the most powerful tools women have to protect long-term health. By understanding your recommended screenings and talking openly with your provider, you can build a plan that fits your life, your risks, and your goals.

Your health needs can change as you age, and at Norman Regional Care for Women, helping you navigate your health is our priority. Your future self will thank you for the preventive care you receive now. To schedule an appointment, call our office at 405-793-2229.