Which health check is best for a woman?

A test containing ferritin, haemoglobin (Hb), TSH, Vitamin D, and B12 covers the most common causes of symptoms in women. After 40, blood lipids, HbA1c, as well as liver and kidney values should also be included.

Why is iron deficiency more common in women?

Menstruation involves recurring iron loss that over time can deplete the body's iron stores, especially with heavy bleeding, pregnancy, or a vegetarian diet.

Should I test hormones in connection with menopause?

Menopause is normally diagnosed based on symptoms and age, not solely via blood tests. Hormone values can still provide guidance, especially for early symptoms or unclear cases.

How often should I have a health check?

Once a year is a reasonable rhythm for most adults. The value lies in being able to compare over time – a single measurement says less than a trend.

Do contraceptive pills affect my test results?

Hormonal contraceptives can affect, among other things, blood lipids and certain hormone levels. State this when the result is interpreted, so the doctor can take it into account.

Can I take the test during menstruation?

Yes, most analyses are not affected. However, if you want to measure iron status after heavy bleeding, it may be better to wait a few days.

Health check for women – which tests?

For women, iron status (ferritin and haemoglobin (Hb)) and thyroid tests (TSH) are the most relevant additions to a health check, as iron deficiency and thyroid disorders are significantly more common in women than in men. From the age of 40, blood lipids, blood sugar, and kidney function become equally important, and around menopause, hormone levels are added. A comprehensive health check with these markers covers the most common causes of symptoms.

Iron status – number one for menstruating women

Menstruation involves recurring iron loss. With heavy bleeding, the loss can exceed the iron provided by the diet, and stores are depleted slowly without you noticing. Ferritin shows the stores and drops first; haemoglobin (Hb) drops later. Many women live for a long time with fatigue, sensitivity to cold, and heart palpitations before iron deficiency is discovered.

The thyroid

Thyroid disorders affect women significantly more often than men, and the risk increases with age and after pregnancy. TSH is the screening test: an elevated value suggests underactive function, a decreased value suggests overactive function. Symptoms – fatigue, weight changes, sensitivity to cold, or heart palpitations – are easy to confuse with stress.

Heart and vessels after 40

The risk of cardiovascular disease in women increases significantly after menopause, when the protective effect of oestrogen diminishes. Cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides should therefore be monitored from the age of 40, along with blood pressure. HbA1c catches beginning insulin resistance before diabetes develops.

20–39 years: ferritin, haemoglobin (Hb), TSH, Vitamin D, B12, and a basic blood status.
40–54 years: add cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, HbA1c, liver, and kidney values.
55 years and up: comprehensive health check with all of the above, preferably annually to track trends.

How to choose a test

Base your choice on why you are doing the check. If you have symptoms like fatigue or sensitivity to cold, iron status and TSH are most important. If you want a preventive overview, a broader package is better, as values become most useful when you can track them over time. The test guide asks questions about age, symptoms, and heredity and suggests a package based on the answers.

Frequently asked questions

Which health check is best for a woman?: A test containing ferritin, haemoglobin (Hb), TSH, Vitamin D, and B12 covers the most common causes of symptoms in women. After 40, blood lipids, HbA1c, as well as liver and kidney values should also be included.
Why is iron deficiency more common in women?: Menstruation involves recurring iron loss that over time can deplete the body's iron stores, especially with heavy bleeding, pregnancy, or a vegetarian diet.
Should I test hormones in connection with menopause?: Menopause is normally diagnosed based on symptoms and age, not solely via blood tests. Hormone values can still provide guidance, especially for early symptoms or unclear cases.
How often should I have a health check?: Once a year is a reasonable rhythm for most adults. The value lies in being able to compare over time – a single measurement says less than a trend.
Do contraceptive pills affect my test results?: Hormonal contraceptives can affect, among other things, blood lipids and certain hormone levels. State this when the result is interpreted, so the doctor can take it into account.
Can I take the test during menstruation?: Yes, most analyses are not affected. However, if you want to measure iron status after heavy bleeding, it may be better to wait a few days.

Unsure which test suits you? Start the test guide – a few questions about age, sex and goals give a suggestion with three tests.

Read on

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Last updated: 2026-09-09