Prioritize You: Celebrate Women’s Health Month with Essential Screenings & Services
May is Women’s Health Month—a time dedicated to empowering women to take charge of their well-being through education, prevention, and personalized care. At Family Medical Centers we honor this month by raising awareness about the unique health needs of women and highlighting the importance of regular screenings and services designed to keep women healthy at every age and stage of life.
Why Women’s Health Month Matters
Women often serve as caregivers for their families, putting the needs of others before their own. Women’s Health Month is a powerful reminder that taking care of yourself is not only important—it’s essential. Preventive care, early detection, and open conversations with your healthcare provider can lead to healthier, longer lives.
Essential Health Services for Women
We offer a full spectrum of women’s health services to support every phase of life, including:
- Annual Well-Woman Exams
A cornerstone of preventive care, well-woman exams include vital health screenings, personalized health planning, and a chance to discuss concerns with your provider. - Gynecology Services
From menstrual health to menopause management, our gynecology services are designed to meet your individual needs with compassion and expertise. - Family Planning & Reproductive Health
We provide counseling, birth control options, preconception care, and support for every reproductive journey. - Prenatal & Postpartum Care
Our comprehensive maternity services support both mom and baby—from planning for pregnancy through delivery and beyond.
Screenings Every Woman Should Consider
Regular screenings can detect issues early, when they’re most treatable. Based on age, risk factors, and family history, women may need:
1. Breast Cancer Screening (Mammogram)
Typically recommended starting at age 40, earlier if there’s a family history.
2. Cervical Cancer Screening (Pap Smear and HPV Test)
Regular screenings beginning at age 21 help catch abnormal cells before they become cancerous.
3. Bone Density Test
Screening for osteoporosis is recommended for women who are 65 years old or older and for women who are 50 to 64 and have certain risk factors, such as having a parent who has broken a hip or personal history of some intestinal disorders, multiple sclerosis, or low body weight.
4. Cholesterol
Cholesterol should be checked starting early in life—even children and adolescents should have their cholesterol checked. Your cholesterol level and other health conditions will determine the frequency of testing. Managing your cholesterol helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
5. Blood Pressure Checks
Everyone age 3 or older should have their blood pressure checked by their provider at least once a year.
If you have high blood pressure or are at higher risk for it, you may need testing more often. You may be at higher risk if you:
- Are 40 years old or older.
- Are overweight or have obesity.
- Have a family history of heart disease or diabetes.
- Have a family history of high blood pressure.
- Take birth control pills or other medicines that can increase your blood pressure.
- Are Black/African American. Black/African Americans are more likely than other racial and ethnic groups to have high blood pressure.
6. Diabetes Screenings
Type 2 diabetes can go unnoticed for years. Screening for diabetes is recommended if you have symptoms of diabetes such as (increased thirst/urination/hunger, blurry vision, wounds that heal slowly, etc.) or if you have risk factors which include:
- Have overweight or obesity
- Are age 45 or older
- Have a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes
- Are physically active less than 3 times a week
- Have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- Are an African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, or Alaska Native person
- Some Pacific Islander people and Asian American people also have a higher risk
- Have ever had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or given birth to a baby who weighed over 9 pounds.
7. Mental Health Screenings
Mental wellness is a crucial component of overall health. We offer screenings and support for conditions like anxiety, depression, and postpartum mood disorders.
Ready to schedule your appointment?
Click here to easily find a Family Medical Centers women’s health services provider by name, specialty, or the location most convenient for you.
References:
- CDC. (2024). Diabetes testing. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/diabetes-testing/index.html
- CDC. (2025). Facts about bone density. https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-health/data-research/facts-stats/dexa-scan.html#:~:text=Screening%20for%20osteoporosis%20is%20recommended,who%20has%20broken%20a%20hip
- CDC. (2024). Testing for cholesterol. https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/testing/index.html
- Medline. (2024). Measuring blood pressure. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/measuring-blood-pressure/
- USPSTF. (2018). Cervical cancer screening. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/cervical-cancer-screening
- USPSTF. (2024). Breast cancer screening. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/breast-cancer-screening
