A Real-World Guide to Women’s Health Screening by Age
Real talk: this post is sponsored by Gateway Hancock Health. It’s part of a partnership we value, and one we think is worth your time. Keep reading.
Every CityMom will tell you: Women’s health isn’t one-size-fits-all - and it never has been. From young adulthood to motherhood, perimenopause, and beyond, our bodies change, risk factors shift, and the screenings that matter most evolve right along with us. It can be a lot to juggle, especially when we're managing our own family's healthcare on top of it, right? And then words like preventive care and health screening by age start popping in and before we know it, we're overwhelmed.
That's where this post comes in: Below, we're breaking down how the most important health screenings at every life stage — plus how to weave in a trusted health care provider like Gateway Hancock Health! - so you feel supported through each chapter of life from YA and beyond.
Women’s Health Screening by Age:
Young Adulthood (Late Teens, 20s & 30s): Building the Foundation
This initial stage is often viewed as “healthy by default,” but it’s also when preventive care truly begins. It's a time period critical for establishing regular checkups - while they might not be much now, they will play a major role in future health outcomes and life expectancy. And while many younger women are considered average risk of medical concerns, factors like family history, medical history, sexual partners, or chronic health conditions can increase risk and require additional screenings.
Key Screenings & Health Priorities During This Stage
An annual well-woman exam with a health care provider
Pap smear/test and cervical cancer screening, typically beginning at age 21
HPV test and education around the human papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV vaccine
Blood pressure screenings, including awareness of the top number (measured in mm Hg) that can indicate high blood pressure
Sexual health screenings, including testing for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C when appropriate
Mental health conversations, especially during major life transitions
Discussions around birth control, family planning, and menstrual health
How Gateway Hancock Health Can Help:
By providing preventive care through annual exams, a pap test, pelvic exams, birth control counseling, on-site lab testing, and diagnostic imaging through its primary care network and the Hancock Health Women’s Clinic. Services like Gateway Labs and diagnostic imaging also allow screenings and follow-up to happen within one system.
Motherhood & Pregnancy: Protecting Two (or More)
Pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and active motherhood often come with shifting health concerns — and less time to manage them. This is a stage where blood pressure, blood sugar, mental health, and infection risk become especially important, alongside continued preventive screenings.
In addition to pregnancy-related care, many women need ongoing support for conditions like UTIs, hormonal changes, and routine lab monitoring. Staying connected to a primary care provider (and a super convenient immediate care with late and weekend hours) during these years helps ensure new symptoms don’t get overlooked while caring for everyone else.
Key Screenings & Health Priorities During This Stage
Regular prenatal and postpartum visits for pregnant women
Monitoring for high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and gestational diabetes
Mental health screenings for anxiety, depression, and mood changes
Continued cervical cancer screening and pelvic exams as recommended
Screening for intimate partner violence, now recommended by major health organizations
Ongoing preventive screenings for women delaying care during busy parenting years
How Gateway Hancock Health Can Help:
Supporting pregnancy and postpartum care with ultrasound imaging, pregnancy-related blood tests, and lab work for iron and hormone levels through its women’s health and imaging services. For urgent issues like UTIs during pregnancy or motherhood, women can access testing and treatment through Gateway Immediate Care with on-site labs and extended evening and weekend hours.
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More Women’s Health Screening by Age Milestones...
Midlife & Perimenopause (Late 30s, 40s & Early 50s): The Turning Point
Midlife is often when we see screening needs expand. It's a time where we get hit with hormonal changes and weight shifts. Plus, increasing family and work demands can raise the risk of conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and breast cancer — even in women who have felt healthy for years!
During this stage, screenings may include mammograms, colorectal cancer screening, metabolic and cardiovascular lab work, and continued cervical cancer screening based on individual risk factors. Family history becomes especially important in determining when and how often certain tests are needed.
Key Screenings & Health Priorities During This Stage
Breast cancer screening, including mammograms, based on age and risk assessment
Continued blood pressure screenings and heart disease evaluation (supported by guidance from the American Heart Association and European Society of Cardiology)
Diabetes screening via a simple blood test
Discussion of weight gain, metabolic health, and hormonal changes
Colon cancer and colorectal cancer screening beginning around age 45 (per U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations)
Skin exams to identify early signs of skin cancer
Updated eye exams to catch vision problems early
How Gateway Hancock Health Can Help:
Gateway is part of the Hancock Health network which offers digital mammography and advanced breast imaging, including AB-MRI when appropriate, to support breast health screening during midlife, along with lab testing to monitor metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors. Women who require further evaluation or treatment are supported through the Hancock Health Sue Ann Wortman Cancer Center, a Mayo Clinic Care Network member providing coordinated cancer testing and care close to home.
Beyond Menopause: Protecting Long-Term Health
After menopause, preventive care remains essential. Screenings increasingly focus on bone health, heart health, metabolic conditions, and cancer surveillance, all of which play a role in independence, mobility, and long-term quality of life.
Regular checkups help manage chronic conditions, identify issues early, and ensure screenings continue at recommended intervals based on age and personal risk level.
Key Screenings & Health Priorities During This Stage
Bone density test and osteoporosis screening
Ongoing heart disease and blood pressure screening
Colon cancer screening at regular intervals
Kidney function monitoring to detect kidney problems
Continued dental exams and vision checks (per the American Dental Association and American Academy of Ophthalmology)
Review of medications and chronic medical conditions
How Gateway Hancock Health Can Help:
Thru ongoing primary care, lab testing, and diagnostic imaging based on age and individual risk factors. For women facing cancer or navigating survivorship, the Sue Ann Wortman Cancer Center offers treatment services, reconstruction options, and patient support resources within the Hancock Health network.
