I Shaved My Legs for This…

 I’ve showered. Slipped on my cutest undies. Even shaved my legs.

Nope. Not date night.

It’s my annual gynecologist appointment.

Listen, I’ve been doing this since I was 18 and wanted birth control. You’d think after three kids, the poking, prodding, scraping, and “just scoot down a little more” would feel normal.

It does not.

But here’s the truth: If you’re over 45, these appointments are no longer optional maintenance. They are strategic investments in your future health.  And midlife? This is where being proactive matters most.

Why Health Screenings Matter More After 45

Once we hit our 40s and 50s, our risk for certain conditions increases:

• Heart disease

• Breast cancer

• Osteoporosis

• Thyroid dysfunction

• Type 2 diabetes

• Colon cancer

Hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause also mask symptoms. Fatigue? Weight gain? Brain fog? It could be hormones or something else.  Regular screenings help you:

• Catch issues early

• Establish healthy baselines

• Advocate for yourself with data

• Stay strong, independent, and thriving

Now let’s break down what you actually need.

1. Annual Gynecological Exam (Even in Menopause)

This is still foundational.  Cervical cancer screening guidelines have evolved. Most women 25–65 should have:

• HPV testing every 5 years (preferred), OR

• Co-testing (Pap + HPV) every 5 years, OR

• Pap smear alone every 3 years

Even after menopause, pelvic exams help monitor:

• Vaginal health

• Pelvic floor changes

• Abnormal bleeding

• Hormone-related concerns

Ask about:

• Thyroid labs (T3, T4, TSH)

• Hormone symptom management

• Sexual health changes

• Vaginal dryness or pain

Menopause is coming for all of us. You deserve support, not silence.

2. Mammogram (Start at 40 Continue Consistently)

General guidelines:

• 40–44: Optional annual screening

• 45–54: Annual mammograms

• 55+: Annual or every 2 years based on risk and physician guidance

If you have a first-degree relative with breast cancer, you may need earlier or more frequent screening.  This is not the appointment to skip because you’re “busy.”

3. Annual Physical Exam

This is your big-picture health check. It typically includes:

• Blood pressure screening

• Cholesterol panel

• Blood glucose testing

• Thyroid testing

• Weight and BMI discussion

• Heart and lung assessment

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in women. Don’t ignore it just because we talk about breast cancer more.

4. Dental Visits (Every 6 Months)

Midlife hormonal changes can cause:

• Dry mouth

• Gum inflammation

• Increased cavity risk

Gum disease is also linked to cardiovascular issues. Two cleanings a year. Non-negotiable. 

5. Eye Exams (Every 1–3 Years)

After 40, vision changes accelerate.  Menopause can contribute to:

• Dry eyes

• Contact lens discomfort

• Vision fluctuations

Screening also checks for:

• Glaucoma

• Cataracts

• Macular degeneration

If your readers are holding menus at arm’s length this is your sign. 

6. Annual Skin Check

Skin cancer risk increases with age.  Schedule a yearly dermatology exam if possible, especially if:

• You have fair skin

• You have a history of sun exposure

• You notice new or changing moles

Menopause also affects skin thickness, elasticity, and hydration. What feels cosmetic can sometimes be medical.

7. Colon Cancer Screening (Starting at 45)

Colon cancer screening now begins at 45 for average-risk adults.  Options include:

• Colonoscopy (every 10 years)

• Annual stool-based tests

• FIT-DNA testing every 1–3 years

Talk to your provider about what makes sense for you.  Avoiding it doesn’t lower your risk.

Additional Screenings to Discuss

Bone Density Scan (DEXA) Often recommended around menopause or by 65 — earlier if risk factors exist.

Diabetes Screening  At least every 3 years after 45.

Cholesterol Screening  Every 5 years if normal, more often if elevated or high risk.

Hearing Test  Establish a baseline before noticeable decline.

STD/STI Testing  Yes, even in midlife. Especially if newly single or dating.

We don’t outgrow responsibility just because we outgrow fertility.

What to Bring to Every Appointment

• Insurance card + ID

• Family medical history

• Medication and supplement list

• Written symptoms (track them!)

• Questions

Do not rely on memory. Brain fog is real. 

Midlife Health Is Power - These appointments may be awkward.  They may be inconvenient.  You may still shave your legs for them.  But this is how we stop reacting to health problems and start preventing them.

Midlife isn’t about decline. It’s about data. Awareness. Strength.  AND advocating for yourself like the grown woman you are.