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Mercy OB/GYN Dr. Carmen Farrior

Dr. Carmen Farrior, OB/GYN, Discusses Medical Test/Screens That Women Need At Various Stages Of Life

37-year-old Nicole Pyles is on top of her health. She takes vitamins, goes to the gym, tries to watch what she eats, and sees the doctor for regular checkups.

"I get an annual Pap smear and every two years, my eyes. My family is predisposed to high blood pressure and I make sure I go to the doctor for a physical," she said.

These are some of the tests that Dr. Carmen Farrior, OB/GYN with Mercy Medical Center, says women should be having in their 30s, starting with a full gynecologic exam.

"That includes a pelvic exam where we check the uterus, ovaries, looking for any masses, as well as a Pap smear for cervical cancer. Women over 30 are also recommended to have the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) test."

Add to that a physical that should include a cholesterol screening with a full lipid profile. Your doctor may also suggest a CRP test to look for inflammation that may affect your heart. Additional screens include a blood pressure check and an eye exam every 2-3 years to check for glaucoma and cataracts; and a skin check, especially for women who are fair skinned or are dark skinned and have moles.

"And in your 40s, the woman's favorite, time for your mammogram. Alot of physicians will do a baseline screening between the ages of 35 and 40 and have you get a mammogram every year thereafter. When you're in your 40s, you definitely need to be getting your mammogram," Dr. Farrior said.

For women in their 40s, also add a blood glucose test every three years to check for diabetes or pre-diabetes, and a Vitamin D check--almost every part of the body needs Vitamin D and most of us don't get enough.

For women in their 50s, add a colonoscopy.

"It's important to get your colon cancer screening because they can find out early if you have a polyp that they can remove before it becomes cancer," Dr. Farrior said.

Women in their 50s should also have their thyroid gland checked for proper function and a bone density scan to detect osteoporosis.

For more information and to see Dr. Farrior's interview on WBAL-TV11's "The Woman's Doctor," click this link: http://www.wbaltv.com/video/19826755/index.html