“How Pathology Testing Helps With Women’s Health” is a collaborative post.
Pathology Tests for Every Life Stage
Pathology testing plays an important role in women’s health, offering valuable insights into various aspects of health. From adolescence through menopause, different pathology tests provide information that helps women and their healthcare providers make informed decisions about their health, it can help diagnose health issues early and it can also guide treatments for specific conditions. With companies providing various pathology tests and marker packages, it’s never been easier to personalise a marker package to highlight specific female hormone levels. Understanding the key pathology tests for each life stage empowers women to take a proactive approach to their health.
Adolescence and Young Adulthood
During adolescence and young adulthood, certain tests can help to establish a baseline for overall health and detect early issues that may impact future wellness.
Hormone Panels
Hormone testing can help diagnose hormonal imbalances, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, also called PCOS, which is common among young women. These tests measure hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and luteinizing hormone (LH) to assess reproductive health.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
CBC tests are especially relevant for young women who may experience iron-deficiency anemia due to menstruation. These tests assess red and white blood cells and hemoglobin levels, helping detect deficiencies and immune health issues.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Testing
Routine STI screening is crucial for sexually active women to ensure reproductive health and prevent complications related to untreated infections.
Pathology Testing Through Reproductive Years
During a woman’s reproductive years, pathology testing focuses on maintaining reproductive health, identifying fertility issues, and detecting potential risks in early pregnancy.
Pap Smear and HPV Testing
Pap smears, often conducted every three to five years, can detect abnormal cervical cells that may indicate a risk for cervical cancer. HPV testing is typically done alongside Pap smears to identify the presence of the human papillomavirus, a major cause of cervical cancer.
Fertility Hormone Testing
Women planning for pregnancy may benefit from testing for hormones like follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and progesterone to assess ovarian reserve, ovulation and overall fertility health.
Thyroid Function Tests
Thyroid disorders, which are more common in women, can have a huge impact on fertility, mood, and energy levels. Testing TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) and T4 levels helps detect hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), both of which affect menstrual cycles and pregnancy.
Blood Glucose Testing
Screening for high blood sugar levels or insulin resistance can detect prediabetes or diabetes, which affects cardiovascular health and pregnancy outcomes.
Perimenopause and Menopause
As women enter perimenopause and menopause, certain tests can help monitor changing hormone levels, bone health and potential risks for age-related conditions.
Bone Density Testing
Estrogen levels drop during menopause, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Bone density tests measure bone mass and help detect early signs of bone loss.
Lipid Panel
A lipid panel measures cholesterol levels such as LDL, HDL and triglycerides in order to assess cardiovascular risk. Women are more vulnerable to heart disease after menopause, making regular lipid screening very important.
Vitamin D Levels
Vitamin D is essential for bone health. Deficiencies become more common as women age, making testing for vitamin D increasingly important, ensuring women maintain adequate levels to support bone strength and immune health.
Later-Stage Hormone Panel
A hormone panel specifically aimed at women who are in menopause or perimenopause can provide insights into symptoms like hot flashes, mood changes and energy levels, helping women and their healthcare providers determine if hormone replacement therapy or other interventions are suitable.
Pathology testing offers women a deeper understanding of their health at every life stage, from detecting reproductive issues in young adulthood to monitoring bone health during menopause. These tests are integral to maintaining wellness, preventing disease and improving quality of life for women.
