Written by the Progyny Editorial Team. Reviewed by Dr. Janet Choi, Chief Medical Officer, Progyny \u2014 January 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It can be tricky to know which health screenings you\u2019re due for and how often to have them. Fortunately, there\u2019s an easy way to stay on track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Have a yearly in-person exam with your primary care provider<\/strong>. During that visit, your provider will give you personalized recommendations and answer any questions you have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To help guide that conversation, here are screening recommendations for people with average risk during the perimenopause and menopause years. Depending on your personal and family medical history, or if you\u2019re pregnant, your recommendations may be different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If this feels like a lot, don\u2019t worry \u2014 your provider will walk you through it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n To learn more about these exams and screenings, expand each section below.<\/p>\n\n\n It’s so important to have a yearly exam, even if you feel healthy. This is a chance to connect with your provider about your overall health, medicines, lifestyle, safety, prevention, and more.<\/p>\n During your physical, your provider will make sure you\u2019re on track with screenings for:<\/p>\n Your provider will probably also ask questions to see if you\u2019re at risk for depression. Depression screening is recommended during pregnancy and after birth, as well.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n <\/div>\n Talk with your provider about which vaccines are right for you. Recommendations include:<\/p>\n These vaccines protect against viruses and diseases that can lead to serious problems. For example, shingles can cause facial paralysis and vision loss. Always be sure to ask your doctor any questions you have.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n <\/div>\n A bone density test is done with a special x-ray called a DEXA scan.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re 50 to 64 years old and have any risk factors for osteoporosis (weak bones), talk with your doctor about this screening. Risk factors include:<\/p>\n At age 65, bone density screening is recommended for all.<\/p>\n Your bone density test results and overall risk level will help you and your doctor decide how often to repeat the scan.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n <\/div>\n It’s common to begin breast cancer screening with a mammogram at age 40. Some people begin sooner. It\u2019s usually repeated every 1 to 2 years.<\/p>\n A mammogram is an x-ray of your breasts, taken while your breasts are firmly pressed between plastic plates.<\/p>\n If you have a family history or other risk factors, your provider may recommend additional tests. Breast cancer screening typically goes until age 75.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n <\/div>\n Cervical cancer screening is typically done until age 65, if you have a uterus and cervix. This screening may be done with a swab of your cervix, using a couple different tests:<\/p>\n At 45, it\u2019s usually time to start getting screened for colorectal cancer. Some people may start sooner or have additional colorectal screenings, based on their risk factors.<\/p>\n There are a few ways to get screened. Talk with your provider to understand your options and what\u2019s right for you. The options include at-home tests of your stool (poop) every 1 or 3 years and colonoscopy, every 10 years.<\/p>\n Colorectal cancer screening typically goes until age 75.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n <\/div>\n If you smoke or used to smoke, talk with your doctor about lung cancer screening. It’s typically recommended starting at age 50 if:<\/p>\nExams and screenings at-a-glance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u2705 At age 40: <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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\u2705 Age 45, add: <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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\u2705 Age 50, add: <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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\u2705 Age 65, add: <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Physical exam<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Vaccines<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Bone density test<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Breast cancer screening<\/span><\/h3>\n
Cervical cancer screening<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Colorectal cancer screening<\/span><\/h3>\n
Lung cancer screening<\/span><\/h3>\n