01, Jun 2025
May is recognized as National Women's Health Month, a time to celebrate women and highlight the healthcare needs of women at every stage of life.
Women have unique health care challenges with a higher risk of developing certain disease conditions than men. These medical conditions can include depression, anxiety, migraines, osteoporosis, thyroid disorders and urinary tract infections. Among the leading causes of death for women are diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
All of these conditions can be treated and even prevented if detected early.
To prioritize your health, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider for a complete body routine checkup. Schedule a well-woman exam. Learn how to manage stress better. Start prioritizing the essential things in life, like love and laughter.
It's essential to stay on top of your annual routine screenings. Cervical cancer screening begins at age 21. Screening mammograms should be performed every year for women aged 40 or older. Regular screening colonoscopies should be scheduled starting at age 45.
Care begins early in a pregnancy and is essential to ensure a healthy start for both mother and baby. Regular prenatal checkups help monitor the baby's growth and development. It provides the mother nutritional guidance for a healthier pregnancy and manages any detectable pre-existing health conditions.
Women undergo various body changes at different stages of life, which may affect their overall health and well-being. Routine visits to a gynecologist are vital for maintaining good reproductive health. During these visits, doctors can detect and treat a variety of health issues, like hormonal imbalances and cervical cancer, as early as possible. Seeing a gynecologist paves the path to having conversations about contraception management, pregnancy planning and managing peri menopausal symptoms.
Screening for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and cancers, like breast, cervical, and ovarian cancer, is a critical part of women's health care as well. Regular screenings—including HPV tests, Pap smears with Human Papilloma virus testing, and mammograms help us detect STDs and cancers early, which often gives us better treatment options and outcomes.
Use this month as a gentle reminder to schedule an appointment with your doctor for a complete body checkup and an appointment with a gynecologist for a well woman exam. Then talk to your providers about steps to live a healthier life. They have the knowledge and experience to equip you with many tools to make your life easier or connect you with mental health professionals who can help you manage stress, prioritize the important things in life, and help you flourish regardless of your life stage.
Take the first step today. Schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Dr. Sue Mitra and her staff strive to offer their patients the best care, advice and services available in the medical field with the goal to keep patient healthy & happy.
Dr. Sue Mitra is board certified in international medicine. She is seen here with a Cologuard, which is a noninvasive colon cancer screening test. (Photo by: Tim Shortt/Florida Today)