Women often put the needs of others ahead of their own. Prioritizing preventive and whole-person care at every stage of life can help keep health issues at bay. Now’s the time to add yourself to the top of your to-do list.

Key takeaways

• Women’s preventive care and health screenings vary by decade and aid in early disease detection, which saves lives.
• Whole-person care incorporates both physical and mental healthcare, as well as ongoing support and education, daily habits, and disease prevention.
• Knowing your family history is important to personalizing care and treatment.

Women’s preventive healthcare: What to prioritize at every age

As women, we’re used to being busy. Our calendars are always full and our checklists are never-ending. Because we manage life for everyone around us, we often put our own needs last.

But you can’t pour from an empty cup. If you don’t prioritize your health and well-being, you won’t be able to be there for the ones you love most. So, consider this your friendly reminder to add yourself to the top of this month’s To-Do list—even if it is already long.

Don’t know where to begin? We’ve created a simple, age-by-age checklist focused on what to do and when to help you stay ahead of potential health issues.

This isn’t just a list of screenings—it’s a roadmap for your physical, mental, and long-term health at every stage of life.

Why preventive healthcare matters

Preventive care is the key to a healthy life at every age. This is particularly true for women who have unique health risks, such as:

• Heart disease (the leading cause of death for women)
• Breast cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Osteoporosis
• Thyroid disorders
• Autoimmune diseases
• Migraines

Regular checkups with your primary care doctor and OBGYN can spot health problems early, often before symptoms begin, and help manage chronic conditions.

But preventive care isn’t limited to checkups and health screenings. At LCMC Health, we take a whole-person approach to women’s health, addressing both physical and mental health concerns at every stage of life.

Now let’s jump in and learn what to focus on and when.

Jump to your age group

• In your 20s
• In your 30s
• In your 40s
• In your 50s and 60s
• 65 and beyond

In your 20s: Build your health foundation

Congrats! You’re officially an adult now. If you haven’t already, establish care with a primary care provider and a women’s health provider.

It’s also a good idea to start building healthy habits. Focus on maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, engaging in regular exercise, and improving sleep quality.

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, so learn how to manage stress or talk to your primary care provider for help. And even if you’re not sexually active, prioritize your menstrual and sexual health. You know your body best. If something feels off, talk to your OBGYN.

What to schedule

• Annual exams with your primary care provider and OBGYN
• Pap smear every three years (starting at 21)
• STI screening, as needed
• HPV vaccine (if not completed during adolescence)
• HPV screening every five years (starting at 25)

What to watch for

• Menstrual health issues, such as PMS, painful periods, and irregular cycles
• Sexual health concerns or changes
• Changes in your mood, stress levels, or overall mental health

Learn why having a primary care provider matters.

In your 30s: Stay ahead of hidden risks

With a decade of adulthood under your belt, you’ve established a routine and are looking ahead to the next chapter of life.

Maybe you’re in a serious relationship and thinking of starting a family. Or maybe work is your priority right now. Whatever your focus, it’s a good idea to dig into your family’s health history to understand your own risks for chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

Learning how to manage stress and burnout is also important, as is protecting your reproductive health in case a family is in your future. Talk to your doctor to learn helpful tools and strategies to keep you healthy and happy.

What to schedule

• Annual exams with your primary care provider and OBGYN
• Cervical cancer screening (Pap smear and HPV screening every five years)
• Baseline screening for diabetes at 35 (earlier if high risk)
• Baseline screening for high cholesterol at 35 (earlier if high risk)
• Thyroid panel, if symptoms appear

What to watch for

• Changes in your menstrual cycle or unusual bleeding
• Persistent fatigue, weight changes, or brain fog
• Early signs of chronic conditions, like rising blood pressure or blood sugar

Learn about cervical cancer symptoms and prevention.

In your 40s: Prioritize prevention

You may think you’re too young to start thinking about menopause, but most women enter perimenopause during their 40s.

Because perimenopause increases your risk for bone loss (osteoporosis), cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity, it’s important to prioritize bone and heart health during this time.

Establish a consistent workout routine that includes strength training, and increase your calcium and vitamin D intake with food or supplements. Keep an eye on your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels, and stay on top of health screenings.

Mood swings are a common side effect of perimenopause, but if you’re experiencing more anxiety or depression, talk to a behavioral health specialist.

What to schedule

• Annual exams with your primary care provider and OBGYN
• Mammogram starting at 40
• Colon cancer screening starting at 45
• Continue cervical cancer screening
• Routine checks for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar

Not sure what screenings you need? See all recommended cancer screenings by age.

What to watch for

• Changes related to perimenopause, such as irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood swings
• Weight changes
• Increased anxiety and depression
• Changes in your heart health, such as shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or unusual fatigue

In your 50s and 60s: Protect long-term health

Now that you’re post-menopausal, you may still experience symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Talk to your OBGYN to find out if hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is right for you.

Hormonal changes during this stage of life can increase your risk for certain health conditions, making regular checkups and preventive care more important than ever.

Protecting your long-term health should be a top priority. Stay active, support your bone and heart health, eat a balanced diet, and pay attention to changes in your body.

What to schedule

• Annual exams with your primary care provider and OBGYN
• Continue colon cancer screening
• Continue mammograms
• Continue cervical cancer screening (as recommended until age 65)
• Routine checks for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar

What to watch for

• Bone loss and increased risk of osteoporosis
• Signs of chronic conditions, such as changes in blood pressure, blood sugar, or cholesterol
• Ongoing menopause-related changes
• New or unusual symptoms that don’t go away

Learn about ovarian cancer symptoms and risk factors.

65 and beyond: Stay strong and independent

You’re officially a senior now. Make this your best decade yet by staying strong, independent, and connected.

If you feel slower or stiffer than you did in your 20s or 30s, focus on building strength and balance to reduce your risk of falling. If you’re experiencing mobility challenges, consider using a device such as a cane or walker for extra support. And stay active. A simple walk around the block is good for your body and soul.

Speaking of good for your soul, spend time with loved ones. Join a community group or visit your grandbabies to ward off feelings of isolation and loneliness.

What to schedule

• Annual exams with your primary care provider and OBGYN
• DEXA bone density test (beginning at 65) to screen for osteoporosis
• Vision and hearing tests
• Fall risk assessment
• Continue screenings for diabetes, cholesterol, and heart health
• Talk to your doctor about continuing mammograms and colon cancer screenings

What to watch for

• Mobility changes
• Vision or hearing loss
• Cognitive changes
• Isolation

Don’t forget about your mental and emotional health

Regardless of your age, your mental and emotional health is just as important as your physical health.

Anxiety, depression, and burnout are more common in women, but we don’t always talk about it—until now.

Normalize seeking support when you need it. Talk to a friend, a co-worker, a therapist, or your doctor. Asking for help isn’t a weakness; it’s a strength. And putting yourself—and your mental health—first isn’t selfish; it’s self-care.

Explore tips for improving women’s health and wellness.

Small habits, big impact: Daily health tips to help you thrive

Healthy habits play a key role in preventing disease and supporting your overall well-being at every age. Small changes make a big impact, and it’s never too late to start.

You can:

• Move your body daily (any way you want; aim for 150 minutes per week)
• Eat for energy and health (focus on fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains)
• Limit processed foods and sugary drinks (we’re looking at you, beignets and Hurricanes!)
• Don’t smoke or vape
• Limit alcohol
• Stay hydrated throughout the day
• Use sunscreen and visit the dermatologist for skin cancer checks
• Stay up to date on vaccines and health screenings
• Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep
• Manage stress
• Build a community for connection
• Practice grace and self-compassion

Know your family history

Knowing your family health history helps you and your doctor understand your risks for certain conditions. This information helps your provider recommend the right screenings and preventive care.

Talk to your family about:

• Heart disease
• Breast and ovarian cancer
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure and high cholesterol
• Osteoporosis
• Autoimmune diseases
• Depression and other mental health conditions

Once you know your risk, talk to your primary care provider.

Take action today

While you can’t control your genetics, you can take steps today to protect your health.

Start by taking the following actions:

• Schedule a wellness checkup
• Schedule overdue screenings
• Learn your family history
• Make small, healthy changes
• Talk to your doctor

LCMC Health women’s health services are all about you. From managing your periods to navigating pregnancies to understanding menopause, we’re with you through every stage of life. Learn more about women’s health services at LCMC Health.

Related questions about women’s preventive healthcare by age

How often should women see a doctor?

Most women should see a primary care provider once a year for a wellness exam, even if they feel healthy.

Do I still need the HPV vaccine if I’m not sexually active?

Yes. In fact, the HPV vaccine works best when administered before sexual activity begins. It is routinely recommended for children between 11 and 12 years old. If you did not receive the vaccine during early adolescence, it’s recommended that you receive it by age 26. Pap smear screenings are recommended from age 21 through 65.

Is there a screening test for ovarian cancer?

No, there is currently no screening test for ovarian cancer in women without symptoms. Transvaginal ultrasounds and blood tests can detect disease, but they are unreliable for early detection.

When should I start getting skin cancer screenings?

If you’re at an increased risk for skin cancer because you have fair skin, a history of sunburns, excessive sun exposure, or a family history of melanoma, it’s recommended that you start seeing a dermatologist for skin cancer screenings in your 20s or earlier. It’s also a good idea to do monthly self-checks.

I have questions about women’s health, but I don’t know where to begin. Is there someone I can call, even if I’m not a patient?

Yes, LCMC Health offers a free Nurse Hotline to answer all your questions and help you find the care that’s right for you. Call us at 504.962.6202.

The LCMC Health Nurse Hotline is available Monday–Friday from 8 am–8 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 8 am–4 pm.

A little something extra, delivered to your inbox.

We're making health a reason to celebrate!

Fill out the form below to receive our monthly wellness email to keep you informed about healthcare trends, information about our providers and services, and of course, tons of delicious recipes (that are good for you!) from our expert dietitians.

Sign-Up