Women’s health changes through life, from periods and contraception to pregnancy, perimenopause and beyond. A Women’s Health Check is a chance to step back, look at the whole picture and catch quiet problems early. We tailor it to your age, your history and what matters to you right now.
What we look at
Cervical and breast health
- Cervical Screening Test. This replaced the old Pap smear and looks for human papillomavirus (HPV), the cause of almost all cervical cancers. It is recommended every five years from 25 to 74. You can choose to collect your own sample in private, which is just as accurate as a sample taken by a doctor or nurse.
- Breast health. We can examine your breasts if you have a concern, and talk about when to start BreastScreen mammograms. They are free every two years and recommended for women aged 50 to 74. Women from 40 can also book. If breast cancer runs in your family, we look at whether you need checks earlier or more often.
Heart and bone health
- Heart health. Heart disease is often missed in women because the symptoms can be different. Instead of crushing chest pain, women may feel breathless, sick, sweaty, or have pain in the jaw, neck, back or arm. We check blood pressure and cholesterol and work out your overall risk of heart attack and stroke. Read more about heart health checks.
- Bone density. Bones can thin after menopause as oestrogen falls. Medicare covers a bone density (DEXA) scan from age 70, or earlier if you have certain risk factors, and we will tell you if you qualify.
Pregnancy planning, sexual health and iron
- Planning a pregnancy. We cover folic acid, vaccinations, medicines and genetic carrier screening, ideally a few months before you start trying.
- STI screening. Confidential testing for common infections is a normal part of looking after your sexual health.
- Iron. We check for iron deficiency, especially if you have heavy periods or eat a mostly plant-based diet.
Perimenopause and menopause
Hot flushes, night sweats, brain fog and mood changes often start in perimenopause, the years before your final period. We can talk about this as part of any health check. For a deeper look, our Menopause Assessment is a dedicated one-hour consultation covering symptoms, menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), other treatments and your long-term health.
The mental load
Many women juggle work, caring for children or parents, and running a household. Over time that can lead to exhaustion, anxiety or depression. You are welcome to talk about how you are really going. If it would help, we can set up a Mental Health Treatment Plan so you can see a psychologist.
Trusted resources
- Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (jeanhailes.org.au): practical information from periods and PCOS to bone health
- BreastScreen Australia, 13 20 50: free mammograms from age 40
- Cancer Council (cancer.org.au): information on cervical screening and self-collection
- Australasian Menopause Society (menopause.org.au): resources on perimenopause and menopause