Return to the top of this page. What are important screening tests that women should have regularly?
• Thyroid test every 3-5 years, age 35 • Blood pressure screening every visit • Cholesterol screening every 2-3 years, age 30 and up • Bone density testing every 2 years after menopause • Blood sugar screen every 3 years after age 45 • Mammogram baseline at age 35, then yearly after age 40. • Pap test and pelvic and breast exam: Age 18 or sooner if sexually active and then annually. • Colonoscopy at age 50. If normal, every 5 years. Return to the top of this page. Are birth control pills safe? Can the birth control pill be used continuously so I won’t have a period? Birth control pills are safer now than those used in the past. They have lower levels of hormones. The pill has been shown to protect from ovarian and uterine cancer. There is no conclusive evidence of a link between birth control pills and breast cancer. Smoking in general is not advised, but smoking while taking the pill after age 35 increases cardiovascular risk significantly. Continuous use of the pill without having a
