Checklist for the transitional years

Women in their 40s

You were prepared for a few laugh lines on your face or even a gray hair or two. But some things you didn’t expect at this stage in your life: irregular or heavy periods, fibroids, incontinence, sexual problems, weight gain, acne, erratic moods – all signs of aging and transitioning to menopause.

Now more than ever, you’ll want to have a Welia Women’s Health provider by your side. In addition to routine preventive care, including annual exams and mammograms, your provider will guide you as you make decisions about permanent birth control, lifestyle changes to manage sleep and stress, and other concerns at this stage of your life.

Ask your provider about the following during your annual exam.

   Complete check-up (every year)
   Family history 
   Healthy weight goals
   Nutrition and exercise goals
   Sleep goals
   Resting pulse and blood pressure
   Immunization to consider

• Flu
• Tetanus-Diptheria-pertussis
• Pneumococcal

   Non-prescription/OTC drug assessment
   Skin screening
   Tobacco cessation
   Vitamins
   Cholesterol
   Thyroid
   Diabetes screening
   Clinical breast exam
   Mental health/depression/anxiety

Review your age-specific preventive care checklist with your provider.

   Pap exam (every 1-5 years based on history and risk factors)
   Pelvic exam
   Permanent contraception counseling
   STI screening and management 
   Mammogram
   Bone health screening options
   Urinary and fecal incontinence
   Eye exam
   Dental exam and cleaning