Every May beginning on Mother’s Day, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office on Women’s Health (OWH) leads National Women’s Health Week (NWHW). This year, NWHW takes place May 10 – 16th. This observance aims to highlight women’s health issues and priorities and encourage women of all ages to prioritize their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our Friday Five offers some resources, tips and news around women’s health to help our readers take the first step toward taking care of their health.
Prevention, Innovation, and Impact: A New Era in Women’s Health
#OneThingForMyHealth
Your health journey is unique and worth celebrating! The #OneThingForMyHealth social media sharing activity invites you to share the one thing you’re doing to prioritize your health and help prevent or manage chronic disease – no matter how big or small. Whether you’re taking a walk, drinking more water, or prioritizing sleep, the HHS Office on Women’s Health wants to see how you’re taking charge of your well-being.
HHS Office on Women’s Health Announces the Launch of New Continuing Medical Education (CME/CE) Courses Page
Help Protect the Women You Love
Women’s Health: The Top 10 Recommended Blood Tests, Explained
1. Complete Blood Count (CBC): Anemia and Infection
A complete blood count (CBC) scans your red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to spot signs of anemia, infection, or other health issues. Low red-blood-cell counts can indicate anemia, while high white-blood-cell counts can signal infection or inflammation. CBCs are often included in annual checkups or prompted by symptoms like fatigue, weakness, or pale skin.
2. Hemoglobin A1c: Blood Sugar
The Hemoglobin A1c test measures your average blood-sugar level over roughly three months to check for diabetes or prediabetes. A1c levels above 5.7% indicate early risk, while 6.5% or higher signals diabetes. Women with diabetes face particular heart-disease risk, so regular testing is encouraged, especially if you have a family history of diabetes or higher body weight. A1c testing is available at most walk-in labs and doctors’ offices.
3. Lipid Panel: Cholesterol
A lipid panel measures your total cholesterol, “bad” cholesterol (LDL), “good” cholesterol (HDL), and triglycerides to estimate the risk of plaque buildup in your arteries that could lead to a heart attack or stroke. Test every four to six years after age 20, and more frequently if other risk factors are present or if you are older than 45, since cholesterol tends to rise after menopause.
4. Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH): Thyroid Function
A TSH test evaluates thyroid function, which affects energy, weight, mood, and menstrual cycles. Too little thyroid hormone leads to fatigue and weight gain, while too much can cause anxiety, weight loss, and irregular periods. Test every few years or if symptoms arise, especially if you are over 35 or have a family history of thyroid problems.
5. Vitamin D: Bone and Immune Health
Vitamin D is essential for strong bones and a functional immune system. Deficiency is common among women with limited sun exposure, darker skin, or low dairy intake, and can lead to fatigue, bone pain, or higher fracture risk. Women with these risk factors or symptoms should test annually.
6. Iron Panel and Ferritin: Iron Stores
Iron and ferritin tests detect anemia or low iron, both common among women who are pregnant, experience heavy periods, or follow a vegetarian diet. Symptoms include tiredness, dizziness, and hair loss. Women with these symptoms should test promptly, though annual screening is helpful for all menstruating women.
7. Hormone Panel: Reproductive and Menopausal Health
A hormone panel measures estrogen, FSH, LH, and testosterone levels to assess menstrual irregularities, fertility concerns, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or perimenopause. Irregular cycles, hot flashes, or changes in mood or libido can all signal abnormal hormone levels. Your clinician may order a panel if you show these symptoms or are struggling with fertility.
8. Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP): Organ Function
A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) examines kidney and liver function, blood sugar, and electrolytes. It helps detect health issues early, especially if you take long-term medications or have chronic conditions. Many doctors include a CMP as part of an annual checkup or when changing a medication.
9. High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP): Inflammation
An hs-CRP test detects low levels of inflammation that can contribute to heart-disease risk. The test is not diagnostic on its own, but a reading of 1 mg/L or higher can identify women who would benefit from early lifestyle changes or preventive treatment.
10. Fasting Insulin: Insulin Resistance
A fasting insulin test screens for early insulin resistance that can lead to type 2 diabetes or PCOS. High insulin levels indicate your body is working harder than normal to control blood sugar, even when glucose levels appear normal. Most standard labs offer this test to women with obesity, PCOS, or a family history of diabetes.
Brought to you by BetterWay.
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