40s

In Your 40s

Now is the time to turn your awareness of good health into ACTION.

These are guidelines only. Your doctor or nurse will personalize the timing of each test to meet your specific healthcare needs.

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General health

Full checkup — Including weight and height.
Sleep habits — Discuss at your annual exam.
Thyroid (TSH) test —Discuss with your doctor or nurse.
HIV screening — Get this test if you are at risk for HIV infection (unprotected sex, sexually transmitted disease, or used drugs with needles).
Hepatitis C (HCV) screening — Get this one-time screening if you were born between 1945 and 1965.

Heart health

Blood pressure test — At least every two years.
Cholesterol panel — Total, LDL, HDL and triglycerides; discuss with your doctor or nurse.

Bone health

Diabetes

Blood glucose or A1c test — Get screened if you have sustained blood pressure greater than 135/80, take medicine for high blood pressure, or are at risk for developing diabetes.

Breast health

Breast self-exam —Become familiar with your breasts so you can identify any changes and discuss with your doctor or nurse.
Clinical breast exam —Yearly.
Mammogram — Every 1-2 years. Official recommendations vary. Discuss the schedule that is right for you with your doctor or nurse.

Reproductive health

Pap test — At least every three years.
Pelvic exam — Yearly.
Sexually transmitted infection (STI) tests —Both partners should get tested for STIs, including HIV, before initiating sexual intercourse. Get a chlamydia test if you have new or multiple partners.

Mental health screening

Eye and ear health

Comprehensive eye exam — Baseline exam at age 40, then every 2-4 years as your doctor advises.
Hearing test — Every 10 years.

Skin health

Skin exam — Monthly self-exam of skin and moles and as part of a routine full checkup with your doctor or nurse.

Oral health

Immunizations

Sources: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention