<p>Youth is a gift of nature, but age is a work of art.’ Thirty can be an alarming number for most women. Small steps in the right direction can help make this stage, healthy and beautiful. </p>.<p>Here are some tests to be done by a women over 30 years of age:</p>.<p class="CrossHead"><strong>Screening for cervical cancer</strong></p>.<p>A PAP smear is recommended after the age of 21 every three years upto 65 to screen for cervical cancer.</p>.<p><em>HPV testing </em></p>.<p>After the age of 30, HPV testing can be done along with a PAP smear for better detection of those at high risk of developing cervical cancer.</p>.<p class="CrossHead"><strong>Mammogram</strong></p>.<p>In women at high risk of developing breast cancer like those with BRCA 1 and 2 mutations or mutations in a first degree relative, a yearly clinical breast examination by a doctor along with a mammogram and MRI of the breasts is recommended after 30, by the American Cancer Society. </p>.<p>Women with an average risk of breast cancer have the option of starting mammograms by 40, however annual mammograms are recommended from 45 years of age. </p>.<p class="CrossHead"><strong>Fertility and Pre-Pregnancy evaluation </strong></p>.<p>Thirty would be the right age to consult with a gynaecologist to assess your fertility. </p>.<p>The ovarian reserves or the number of eggs in the ovary diminish from the late 20’s and drastically from late 30’s. </p>.<p>If you are planning to delay pregnancy it would be advisable to check your ovarian reserves to know the alternatives available in case of low reserves. </p>.<p>A pre-pregnancy check is recommended in all women planning a pregnancy irrespective of age. This includes few tests to determine if they are healthy to get pregnant or if sugar or thyroid levels need correction prior to pregnancy.</p>.<p>Rubella vaccination maybe recommended in a woman who is not immune prior to contemplating pregnancy. </p>.<p>In women above 35, education about age-related risks of Down’s Syndrome and medical conditions that may complicate pregnancy will give them a better understanding of the options available for early detection and treatment. </p>.<p class="CrossHead"><strong>Lipid profile</strong></p>.<p>The American Heart Association recommends a lipid profile in every healthy individual from the age of 20 every four to six years while focusing on a healthy diet and physical activity. </p>.<p class="CrossHead"><strong>Thyroid function tests and complete hemogram</strong></p>.<p>Mild anaemia and subclinical hypothyroidism may be present without any symptom. </p>.<p>Knowing your haemoglobin and your thyroid profile will help in early detection and treatment and improve your quality of life . </p>.<p>Thirties is when the mind takes over the heart and maturity kicks in. So, live responsibly and stay healthy.</p>.<p><em>(The author is consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Fortis La Femme Hospital, Richmond Road, Bangalore) </em></p>
<p>Youth is a gift of nature, but age is a work of art.’ Thirty can be an alarming number for most women. Small steps in the right direction can help make this stage, healthy and beautiful. </p>.<p>Here are some tests to be done by a women over 30 years of age:</p>.<p class="CrossHead"><strong>Screening for cervical cancer</strong></p>.<p>A PAP smear is recommended after the age of 21 every three years upto 65 to screen for cervical cancer.</p>.<p><em>HPV testing </em></p>.<p>After the age of 30, HPV testing can be done along with a PAP smear for better detection of those at high risk of developing cervical cancer.</p>.<p class="CrossHead"><strong>Mammogram</strong></p>.<p>In women at high risk of developing breast cancer like those with BRCA 1 and 2 mutations or mutations in a first degree relative, a yearly clinical breast examination by a doctor along with a mammogram and MRI of the breasts is recommended after 30, by the American Cancer Society. </p>.<p>Women with an average risk of breast cancer have the option of starting mammograms by 40, however annual mammograms are recommended from 45 years of age. </p>.<p class="CrossHead"><strong>Fertility and Pre-Pregnancy evaluation </strong></p>.<p>Thirty would be the right age to consult with a gynaecologist to assess your fertility. </p>.<p>The ovarian reserves or the number of eggs in the ovary diminish from the late 20’s and drastically from late 30’s. </p>.<p>If you are planning to delay pregnancy it would be advisable to check your ovarian reserves to know the alternatives available in case of low reserves. </p>.<p>A pre-pregnancy check is recommended in all women planning a pregnancy irrespective of age. This includes few tests to determine if they are healthy to get pregnant or if sugar or thyroid levels need correction prior to pregnancy.</p>.<p>Rubella vaccination maybe recommended in a woman who is not immune prior to contemplating pregnancy. </p>.<p>In women above 35, education about age-related risks of Down’s Syndrome and medical conditions that may complicate pregnancy will give them a better understanding of the options available for early detection and treatment. </p>.<p class="CrossHead"><strong>Lipid profile</strong></p>.<p>The American Heart Association recommends a lipid profile in every healthy individual from the age of 20 every four to six years while focusing on a healthy diet and physical activity. </p>.<p class="CrossHead"><strong>Thyroid function tests and complete hemogram</strong></p>.<p>Mild anaemia and subclinical hypothyroidism may be present without any symptom. </p>.<p>Knowing your haemoglobin and your thyroid profile will help in early detection and treatment and improve your quality of life . </p>.<p>Thirties is when the mind takes over the heart and maturity kicks in. So, live responsibly and stay healthy.</p>.<p><em>(The author is consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Fortis La Femme Hospital, Richmond Road, Bangalore) </em></p>