Medical Tests
Part of managing menopause in women is to ensure that regular medical tests are performed. This is done for the early detection of any medical conditions.
These medical tests should be performed regularly, check and remind your physician about these tests and whether you need them performed.
Breast self examinations should be performed every month. This can help detect breast cancer early.
Pap smear tests should be performed every 2 years, even if you have reached menopause or are no longer sexually active. Pap smears are performed to detect cervical cancer.
Mammograms should be performed every 2 years. They should be done in addition to breast self examinations as they can detect smaller lumps that you may not feel.
Blood pressure checks should be performed once a year if you have no history of hypertension (high blood pressure) or stabilized blood pressure. People with hypertension may need their blood pressure checked more often to ensure correct control by medication or lifestyle changes.
Cholesterol checks should be performed every 3 to 5 years if cholesterol levels are normal. More frequent cholesterol checks may be required for those who have high cholesterol.
Bone mineral density tests should be performed every 2 years. This will detect osteoporosis in its early forms so treatment can be commenced as soon as possible.