Health Checkup for Women: The Essential Tests at Every Age (20s to 60s)

Quick answer: Every adult woman benefits from a yearly CBC (anaemia), thyroid (TSH), vitamin D, vitamin B12, blood sugar/HbA1c and lipid profile, with iron studies (ferritin) if periods are heavy. From the 20s, add cervical cancer screening (Pap smear and/or HPV test) as advised by your gynaecologist. From the 40s, add liver and kidney function, regular breast examination and mammography as advised, and after menopause, calcium and bone health checks. Women planning pregnancy should do a pre-conception panel.

Women in Indian households often take care of everyone's health except their own. Yet women face specific risks — anaemia, thyroid disease, vitamin deficiencies, PCOS, and after menopause, a steep rise in heart disease and osteoporosis. A few simple tests, at the right time, catch most of these early.

In Your 20s

• CBC and ferritin — anaemia is extremely common in young Indian women. See iron deficiency anaemia
• Thyroid (TSH) — see thyroid test explained
• Vitamin D and vitamin B12 — especially for vegetarians and those working indoors
• Fasting sugar or HbA1c and lipid profile — baseline, earlier if overweight or with PCOS
• PCOS evaluation if periods are irregular or there's acne or excess hair — see PCOS test panel
• Cervical screening — from 25 (or as advised), Pap smear and/or HPV testing at intervals recommended by your gynaecologist
• Hepatitis B vaccination status and HPV vaccination — discuss with your doctor
• Blood group and Rh type — important before pregnancy. See blood group testing

In Your 30s

Everything above, plus:

• HbA1c yearly — diabetes risk rises, especially after pregnancy with gestational diabetes
• Lipid profile every one to two years
• Pre-conception tests if planning pregnancy: CBC, blood group, thyroid, sugar, rubella immunity, hepatitis B, HIV, VDRL and thalassaemia screening (Hb electrophoresis). See pre-marital tests and pregnancy tests
• Clinical breast examination as part of routine checkups
• Urine routine — UTIs are common. See UTI tests

In Your 40s

Hormonal changes begin (perimenopause), and metabolic risk rises.

• Full metabolic panel yearly: HbA1c, fasting sugar, lipid profile, liver and kidney function
• Thyroid — thyroid disorders peak in middle-aged women
• Vitamin D, B12, calcium
• CBC and ferritin — periods may become heavier before menopause
• Mammography — discuss timing and frequency with your doctor based on your risk
• Blood pressure checks at every visit
• ECG as a baseline if you have risk factors

After Menopause (50s and Beyond)

Estrogen's protective effect fades, and risks of heart disease and osteoporosis rise sharply.

• Lipid profile and HbA1c every year
• Kidney and liver function
• Vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase — bone health markers
• Bone density scan (DEXA) as advised, usually around 65 or earlier with risk factors
• Thyroid
• Mammography and cervical screening as advised
• Urine routine — UTIs become more common after menopause
• See our senior citizen checkup guide

Symptoms Women Shouldn't Ignore

• Constant tiredness or breathlessness
• Heavy, prolonged or very irregular periods
• Bleeding after menopause — needs prompt evaluation
• Sudden weight changes or hair fall
• A breast lump, nipple discharge or skin change
• Persistent bloating or pelvic pain
• Chest discomfort, jaw pain or unusual breathlessness — heart symptoms in women are often subtle

Choosing the Right Package

• 20s and 30s: the ₹2,000 ADC Mini Swasthya Panel — CBC, sugar, thyroid, liver, kidney, lipids — plus vitamin D and B12 if needed
• 30s onwards, vegetarians, or anyone with fatigue: the ₹3,000 ADC Swasthya Panel, which adds iron studies, vitamin D, B12 and calcium

Frequently Asked Questions

Which tests should every woman do yearly?

CBC, thyroid (TSH), vitamin D, vitamin B12, blood sugar or HbA1c and lipid profile are useful yearly tests for most adult women, with iron studies if periods are heavy.

At what age should women start cervical cancer screening?

Many guidelines recommend starting around age 25, with Pap smear or HPV testing at intervals advised by your gynaecologist.

Why are Indian women prone to anaemia?

Menstrual blood loss, pregnancy, breastfeeding, vegetarian diets and poor iron absorption make iron deficiency anaemia very common in Indian women.

What tests should women do after menopause?

Lipid profile, HbA1c, kidney and liver function, vitamin D, calcium and thyroid tests, along with bone density, mammography and cervical screening as advised.

Which Aarvak package is best for women?

The ₹3,000 ADC Swasthya Panel is the most complete for most women, as it includes iron studies, vitamin D, vitamin B12, calcium, thyroid, sugar and cholesterol.

Book a Women's Health Checkup in Gurugram

Make time for your own health. Book at our Sector 67 lab or with home sample collection at a time that suits you. Call +91 92663 33711 or compare packages.

This article is for general information only. Your doctor will advise which tests and screening intervals are right for you.