A complete guide to women’s health screening at every age

Published by Dr Iain Martin

Date posted — 18.07.25

For many women, day-to-day life is busy, demanding, and often leaves little room to prioritise personal health.  Keeping up with routine health checks is one of the most empowering things you can do — not just to detect problems early, but also to prevent them from developing in the first place.

At McKeown Medical, we recognise that women’s health needs evolve with each decade. That’s why we offer expert-led wellness consultations tailored to your age, stage, and specific concerns. Whether you’re in your 20s and navigating contraception, or in your 50s preparing for menopause, we’re here to help you stay in control of your health.

Why women’s health screening matters

Women’s health screening isn’t about reacting to problems — it’s about being proactive. From cervical cancer checks to hormone testing, regular reviews allow you to identify risks, spot subtle changes early, and feel confident in your wellbeing.

These checks evolve throughout life, reflecting shifts in hormones, lifestyle, and risk profiles. Here’s what to consider at each life stage.

In your 20s and 30s: Building the foundations of lifelong health

Your 20s and 30s are often a time of change – careers, relationships, and for many, decisions around pregnancy. This is also a critical time to monitor reproductive health and build healthy habits that will support you for years to come.

Recommended screenings:

  • Annual wellness examinations – A full review of your general and reproductive health, including breast and pelvic exams.
  • Cervical screening (Pap smear) – Every 3 years to detect early signs of cervical cell changes.
  • Sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing – Annually if under 25, or more frequently if sexually active with new partners.
  • Chlamydia screening – Recommended annually for sexually active women under 25.
  • Fertility assessments – For those planning or delaying pregnancy, including hormone profiling and ovarian reserve tests.
  • Contraception reviews – Ensuring your method is still safe and effective for your lifestyle and goals.

Even if you feel perfectly healthy, these tests can pick up silent issues like HPV infection, endometriosis, or irregular cycles, allowing for early action and peace of mind.

In your 40s and 50s: Navigating the perimenopausal transition

From around your mid-40s, many women begin to experience the first subtle signs of perimenopause — even if their periods are still regular. These may include fatigue, mood shifts, hot flushes, and changes in libido or weight. At this stage, health screening becomes increasingly focused on maintaining hormonal balance, preventing cancer, and assessing cardiovascular risk.

Recommended Screenings:

  • Annual wellness exams – Continued monitoring of overall and reproductive health.
  • Breast checks – Clinical breast exams and imaging (such as mammograms or ultrasounds if needed).
  • Cervical screening – Every 3 to 5 years, depending on previous results and your country’s guidelines.
  • Hormone level testing – To assess perimenopausal and menopausal changes and guide treatment.
  • Menopause consultations – Discussing symptoms, treatment options (including HRT), and lifestyle changes.
  • Cardiovascular risk assessment – As oestrogen declines, the risk of heart disease increases, making cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes screening more important than ever.

This is also a good time to reassess your long-term health goals. Are you sleeping well? Are your bones strong? Are you managing stress effectively? A tailored women’s health consultation can help provide these answers.

Putting your health first - how we can help

At McKeown Medical, we offer a range of dedicated women’s health consultations designed to meet your needs at every stage. Our services are comprehensive, discreet, and led by highly experienced practitioners who specialise in women’s health.

Our consultations include:

Women’s wellness consultations

A general health check focused on gynaecological wellness, contraception advice, STI testing, cycle tracking, and symptom management.

Menopause consultations

For women beginning to experience hormonal changes, these sessions include symptom review, hormone testing, and HRT advice tailored to your goals and preferences.

Advanced menopause consultations

A more in-depth review is recommended for women experiencing more complex symptoms or with medical concerns such as a history of cancer, cardiovascular risk, or bone density issues.

Menopause wellness consultations

Designed for those already on treatment who want to optimise their wellbeing, these sessions include lifestyle advice, nutrition guidance, and symptom monitoring.

We also offer convenient subscription packages to help you stay on top of your health year-round, with regular check-ups and priority access to expert care.

Stay ahead of your health at every age

Your health is your most valuable asset, and it deserves expert care at every stage of life. Whether you’re in your 20s and want to build healthy habits or in your 50s managing menopause, McKeown Medical is here to support you.

With a dedicated team, extensive diagnostic tools, and a calm, patient-focused environment, we’re proud to offer a level of care that puts women first, always with discretion, compassion, and clinical expertise.

Put your health first and keep on top of necessary health checks. At McKeown Medical, we provide expert women’s wellness consultations with our highly qualified team to help boost your health at any age. Book today to discover more.

Dr Iain Martin

Dr. Iain Martin is a consultant gynaecologist with a specialist interest in minimally-invasive gynaecology treatments. With years of experience and a dedication to improving women’s healthcare, Dr. Martin has become a trusted name in his field. His pioneering work in Scotland has made advanced, minimally- invasive treatments accessible to more women than ever before. Under Dr. Martin’s guidance, our clinic is setting a new standard for private gynaecological care.

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