Women’s Health

1200 North 7th Street, Chariton, Iowa 50049
Phone: (641) 774-8103

Women’s health needs evolve throughout life — influenced by hormonal changes, reproductive milestones, and increased risk for certain conditions. Preventive care is about more than annual exams; it’s about understanding your body, recognizing changes early, and partnering with your provider to support long-term wellness.

From reproductive health in your 20s to bone health and heart disease prevention later in life, each stage brings different priorities. This guide outlines recommended screenings, at-home checks, vaccines, and health considerations by age group.

Click your age group below to learn what you should be considering.

Ages 18 - 29

Your 20s focus on reproductive health, preventive screening, and building lifelong health habits. Even if you feel healthy, annual visits help monitor blood pressure, mental health, and overall wellness. This is also an important time to discuss family planning — whether you’re preventing pregnancy now or thinking about having children in the future. Preconception health (optimizing your health before pregnancy) plays a major role in healthy outcomes for both mom and baby.

At Your Annual Visit

  • Blood pressure screening
  • Height, weight, BMI
  • Cervical cancer screening (Pap test starting at 21)
  • STI screening (as needed)
  • Birth control counseling
  • Preconception counseling (if planning pregnancy now or in the future)
  • Mental health screening

Preconception Health Considerations

  • Begin prenatal vitamins with folic acid (if planning pregnancy)
  • Review current medications for pregnancy safety
  • Update vaccines before pregnancy
  • Manage chronic conditions (asthma, diabetes, thyroid disorders, etc.)
  • Achieve a healthy weight
  • Discuss genetic screening if indicated

At-Home Health Checks

  • Breast self-awareness (know what’s normal for you)
  • Monitor menstrual cycle regularity
  • Watch for unusual pelvic pain or abnormal discharge
  • Track severe PMS symptoms
  • Monitor skin changes

Vaccines

  • HPV (if not completed)
  • Tdap (every 10 years)
  • Annual flu shot
  • COVID vaccine (as recommended)
Ages 30 - 39

In your 30s, preventive care may continue to include fertility planning, pregnancy health, and reproductive wellness. This decade is also an important time to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and overall heart health — especially if you have a family history of chronic conditions. Even if you feel well, routine visits help detect early changes and support long-term wellness.

At Your Annual Visit

  • Blood pressure screening
  • Cervical cancer screening
  • Breast exam
  • Cholesterol screening
  • Diabetes screening (if indicated)
  • Preconception counseling (if planning pregnancy)

Screenings to Consider

  • Thyroid screening (if symptomatic)
  • Skin exam (if high sun exposure)

At-Home Health Checks

  • Continue breast self-awareness
  • Monitor menstrual irregularities
  • Watch for persistent pelvic pain
  • Track unexplained weight changes

Lifestyle Priorities

  • Heart-healthy diet
  • Strength training for bone health
  • Stress management
  • Sleep quality
Ages 40 - 49

Your 40s are a key decade for preventive screening. Hormonal changes may begin during this time, and cancer screenings become more routine. Staying proactive can significantly impact long-term health outcomes.

At Your Annual Visit

  • Blood pressure and cholesterol monitoring
  • Mammogram (beginning at 40 or as recommended)
  • Cervical cancer screening
  • Colon cancer screening (starting at 45)
  • Diabetes screening
  • Perimenopause discussion

Screenings to Consider

  • Thyroid testing (if symptomatic)
  • Bone density screening (if risk factors)

At-Home Health Checks

  • Continue breast self-awareness
  • Monitor menstrual changes
  • Report heavy bleeding or irregular cycles
  • Watch for hot flashes, mood changes, or sleep disturbances
  • Monitor bowel changes
Ages 50 - 64

Menopause often occurs during this stage, and preventive care focuses on heart health, bone strength, and cancer screening. Hormonal changes may affect sleep, mood, metabolism, and bladder health, making routine care especially important.

At Your Annual Visit

  • Mammogram
  • Colon cancer screening
  • Blood pressure and cholesterol
  • Diabetes screening
  • Bone density test (earlier if risk factors)
  • Menopause symptom management

Vaccines

  • Shingles vaccine (starting at 50)
  • Pneumonia vaccine (as recommended)
  • Annual flu shot
  • COVID booster (as recommended)

At-Home Health Checks

  • Report any postmenopausal bleeding immediately
  • Monitor bladder control changes
  • Maintain muscle strength and balance
  • Watch for persistent fatigue or unexplained weight loss
Ages 65+

After age 65, care focuses on maintaining independence, bone health, cognitive wellness, and managing chronic conditions. Screening recommendations may be adjusted based on your overall health and previous results.

At Your Annual Visit

  • Blood pressure and cholesterol
  • Mammogram (based on health status and prior results)
  • Colon cancer screening (based on prior results)
  • Bone density testing
  • Fall risk assessment
  • Vision and hearing screening
  • Medication review

At-Home Focus

  • Fall prevention strategies
  • Stay physically active
  • Maintain social engagement
  • Monitor memory or cognitive changes
  • Report changes in appetite, energy, or mobility