Overview of key points of female physical examination

Women’s physical examination needs to be personalized based on age, family history, living habits, etc. The core items includeGynecological examination, breast screening, endocrine testing, early cancer screening and bone health assessment. Adolescent women focus on the menstrual cycle and sexual development; during the childbearing age, attention should be paid to cervical cancer screening (such as HPV testing) and reproductive function; after menopause, osteoporosis and cardiovascular examinations should be strengthened. Secondary items include routine hematuria tests, liver function and other basic items, but the priority needs to be adjusted according to individual conditions.

Gynecology and breast health: basic but crucial

Gynecological examination is the core of female physical examination, includingLeucorrhea routine, TCT (liquid-based thin-layer cell test) and HPV typing, can detect cervical lesions early. In terms of breast health, monthly self-examination is recommended for those over the age of 20 and increases every year after the age of 40.Breast ultrasound or mammography. Data shows that the cure rate of early breast cancer exceeds 90% (source: Chinese Anti-Cancer Association). Some hospitals such as Union Medical College and 301 Hospital provide integrated screening packages.

Endocrinology and Fertility Assessment

Imbalanced hormone levels may lead to irregular menstruation, polycystic ovary syndrome, etc. Recommended testingSix items of sex hormones, thyroid function (TSH, FT4), especially women who are preparing for pregnancy, need to check AMH (anti-Mullerian hormone) to evaluate ovarian reserve. The decrease in estrogen in menopausal women can easily lead to osteoporosis, so bone density testing (DXA) cannot be ignored. The director of the Endocrinology Department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital once emphasized that "hormone balance is the invisible shield of women's health."

Early cancer screening and chronic disease management

In addition to cervical cancer and breast cancer, screening for lung cancer (low-dose CT) and colorectal cancer (colonoscopy) is equally important. Chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes can be treated throughFasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobinMonitor. Some physical examination centers offer women-only packages, such as Meinian Health’s “Pink Care Plan” which includes the above items. See the table below for data comparison:

Personalized physical examination: from prevention to action

Women's health needs to be managed at different levels. If there is a genetic history in the family (such as BRCA gene mutation), special testing should be added. daily combinationReasonable diet and exerciseImprove physical examination results. The Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University recommends that “physical examination reports should be interpreted dynamically and an intervention plan should be formulated together with doctors.” Remember, physical examination is not the end, but the starting point of health management.

Citing sources

1. "Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines (2022 Edition)" by the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association 2. "Expert Consensus on the Clinical Application of Female Hormones" by the Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital 3. Meinian Health "Pink Care Plan" product description 4. Public data from the Physical Examination Center of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University