Health Care Is Self-Care: 5 Critical Screenings Women Should Prioritize

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Cholesterol checks

In addition to hot flashes and mood swings, you can thank menopause for one more thing: a risk of high cholesterol. Due to hormonal changes that happen during menopause, postmenopausal women can be at a heightened risk for high cholesterol, and should have their cholesterol checked regularly, according to National Institute of Health researchers. It is recommended that women between the ages of 55 and 65 receive a cholesterol screening every one to two years. Cholesterol screenings are done through a blood test in which your doctor checks the levels of four types of fats in your blood. Keeping your cholesterol in check is an important part of preventing heart disease, stroke, and even diabetes. Fasting typically isn’t required for this blood test, so ask your doctor about having it done at your next checkup, while you’re there.