Health Byte: 10 tests for mother's to consider for optimal health

Mothers are always on their toes to take care of their children, family, and friends. However, when it comes to taking care of their own health, they tend to lag behind.

While working moms get overwhelmed in balancing work and personal life, housemakers in the midst of their morning-to-night home managing schedules lose track of their own health.

However, with the emergence of technology and diagnostic services available 24x7 on your smartphone, monitoring health has become effortless.

Therefore, mothers must not overlook their health and should undergo these ten essential tests, thereby, pre-empting any potential health-related complications and ensuring timely intervention suggested by Dr Monica Malik, Senior Consultant - Obstetrics and Gynaecologist, at Apollo 24|7, and Apollo Hospitals, Sector 26, Noida.

1. Diabetes: The prevalence of diabetes in Indian women stands at 7.5 per cent which makes it imperative to regularly get their blood sugar levels checked. Diabetes can adversely impact triggering long-term complications in women's health, particularly through their various phases including pregnancy, post-partum, lactation, and menopause. To diagnose diabetes, you can go for blood tests such as fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) test.

2. Thyroid: Thyroid tests are equally important for women, however, often ignored. It impacts the health of women in numerous ways. Sometimes sudden weight gain or weight loss can be a significant indicator of the thyroid condition. Tests to undergo for thyroid include TSH (Thyroid-stimulating hormone) test or the T4 (Thyroxine) test or the overall thyroid profile test.

3.Hypertension: Due to an overburdened lifestyle, women are often vulnerable to hypertension. Therefore, it is highly important that women, particularly those above age 35, should get their blood pressure vitals checked at regular intervals of time. The normal blood pressure range is considered 120/80.

4.Cholesterols: Lipid test measures levels of good and bad cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides which is essential for every woman, thanks to their lifestyle and food habits. Having excessive levels of cholesterol can result in the risk of heart problems and even stroke at one age because cholesterol can accumulate in the blood vessels. For this test, one needs to fast for eight hours and is recommended after the age of 30 years, with a frequency of once a year for individuals with normal results. However, individuals with high cholesterol levels or women with risk factors should have regular screenings every six months.

5. Vitamin D: Since women require sufficient levels of Vitamin D for healthy bone growth and an efficient immune system, as well as for protection against diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer, it is crucial for women to check their Vitamin D levels. As women age, their ability to produce Vitamin D decreases, which can lead to pain in limbs, frequent fractures, or low bone density. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a physician for testing, especially if any of these symptoms are noticed.

6. Pap Smear: To ensure early detection of cervical cancer, women over 30 years old should visit their gynaecologist regularly for a full pelvic exam and a Pap smear test. Indian women can avoid this preventable cause of death by receiving the HPV vaccine, which is recommended for girls under 14 years of age in a two-dose regimen. Even if vaccinated, women who have been sexually active for more than 3 years should still undergo a Pap smear test as advised.

7. Mammogram: Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths in India, emphasising the importance of early detection. Every woman should undergo regular screenings, including a yearly mammogram for those over 40 and monthly self-examinations. Expert examinations can identify issues like lumps, pain, or discharge, and seeking professional help is recommended when in doubt.

8. Bone Mineral Density Test: Women are frequently affected by osteoporosis, which weakens and makes their bones fragile. This condition worsens after menopause due to lower oestrogen levels, which impacts bone formation and maintenance. To identify the bone's strength and the risk of fractures, women who have attained menopause or have had a fracture are advised to undergo a bone mineral density test called the DEXA scan. Experts suggest undergoing this test every five years once a woman turns 40.

9. Complete Blood Count: A vital blood test for women as it helps identify various health conditions, including anaemia, infections, and blood disorders. Along with that, monitoring reproductive health is an essential component of CBC testing for women as it can detect heavy menstrual bleeding by detecting low haemoglobin levels, making women vulnerable to infections during pregnancy and postpartum periods.

10. Allergies: Allergen-specific IgE testing is crucial for diagnosing allergies in both men and women, but it holds particular significance for women who are pregnant or planning to conceive. Allergies can have adverse effects on both the mother and the developing foetus, and certain allergy medications may not be safe during pregnancy. Additionally, if a woman is breastfeeding, knowing her specific allergens can help her avoid consuming foods or substances that could cause an allergic reaction in her infant.

These ten tests can play a significant role in transforming the health of every mother's life. Remember prevention is certainly better than cure. Therefore, early detection and being constantly aware of what is happening inside your body is always better.

(With inputs from IANS)