Lifestyle
diseases are more the norm than the exception these days. And they no
longer affect 35-plus women. Even the very young are now falling prey to
these diseases. Early detection, diagnosis and treatment is pivotal to
fighting their onset. Here's looking at a few basic tests, every woman
18 and onwards, should opt for... Vitamin D WHEN: According to orthopaedic surgeon Dr Tejas Upasini, bone pain,
back pain and leg pain are symptoms to look out for when going in for this test.
WHY: It's an important test for young women. Dr Upasini says vitamin D deficiency exists in around 80-90% of all young
women in Mumbai and ideally, every woman of every age should get the test done. He says, "Osteomalacia (weakening and softening of
bones due to problems with bone formation or the bone building process) is common in youngsters. It is different from
osteoporosis that affects older women."
HOW: Blood test.
Vitamin B12 WHEN:
Experience numbness or feel a tingling in the arms and legs, weakness,
and also loss of balance as well as anemia? Go for this test.
WHY:
"It's a deficiency usually spotted in vegetarians. This test determines
the amount of this vitamin in your blood," says Dr Upasini.
HOW: Blood test. Don't consume anything 10-12 hours prior.
Breast examination WHEN:
Lumps and irregularities on breasts is the first symptom. General
physician Dr Mursalin Shaikh says, "Once self-examination reveals
lumps, women should go in for mammograms."
WHY: It is an important test often ignored by young women, says Shaikh, adding, "Women as young as 25, should go for this test."
HOW: Self-administered test. Check for lumps, swellings or growths on breast.
Sugar WHEN:
Feeling constantly thirsty, frequently needing to urinate, sudden
increase in appetite, extreme fatigue, dizziness, blurred vision and
nausea are all indicators.
WHY: Young women are struggling to lose weight and
obesity
is also on the rise in the city, says bariatric surgeon Dr Ramen
Goel. And both these reasons are enough incentives to get regular sugar
tests done by women above 20 years, sometimes even less.
HOW: A simple finger prick is required for a blood sample. The results can be known in a matter of minutes.
Thyroid WHEN: Weight gain, lethargy, irregular periods, neck swelling.
WHY:
To check for hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Both are quite
prevalent in the city. Girls as young as 18 have been been diagnosed
with this malaise, say doctors.
HOW: Blood test.
Pap smear WHEN:
No symptoms to look out for, it is a test every woman above the age of
25 has to go in for, say experts. Women over 65, with normal tests for
the last 10 years and those without a cervix (usually because of a
hysterectomy), can forego these tests
WHY: It's a preventive test that checks for cancerous processes in the female reproductive system.
HOW: A simple procedure wherein, a nurse collects cells from the cervix and this is analysed in a laboratory.
