Women’s health at every stage of life

As a woman, your body’s needs will alter throughout your life and it’s important to keep on top of these needs to really make the most of life.

Here we have provided a quick guide to some of the challenges your body might face during each stage and explain what you can do to help overcome them.

In Your 20s

In your early adult years, you are much less likely to fall ill and face health problems, which makes it the perfect time to start an exercise regime, build up your strength and keep your muscles in great condition.

Depending on what you are looking to achieve from your new regime, the type of exercise you choose could vary. If you’re looking to improve overall fitness and strength, skipping and running are just a couple of great cardiovascular exercises. If you’re looking to improve muscle tone and overall stamina, a low-impact routine of walking and pilates could be a great option.

Given that these are the years where you are most likely to enjoy a few too many nights out on the town, you may need to monitor your levels of vitamin B and C. If you’re eating a balanced and varied diet, taking a daily supplement can be a fantastic way to ensure that your levels of these important vitamins are as they should be.

One vital health check for all women in their 20s is the cervical cancer screening test (more commonly referred to as a smear test). Women are invited to have their first smear test shortly before their 25th birthday, but if you feel as though something is amiss, seek advice from your nurse or GP before then.  

In Your 30s

Research from the Office of National Statistics reports that 30 is the most common age for women in the UK to start a family. It is important to continue with the exercise routine you started in your 20s but it’s also vital to include a focus on nutrition in any preparations for a new arrival to the family.

Alongside a healthy, balanced diet, why not safeguard your nutritional intake with Pregnacare Conception, a supplement formulated specifically for women who are trying for a baby. It provides 400mcg folic acid as recommended by the UK Department of Health for women from the start of trying to conceive.

The micronutrient formula found within the Pregnacare Conception also contains zinc which contributes to normal fertility and reproduction.

In Your 40s

Similarly to your 30s, a healthy diet and a regular exercise regime are essential when it comes to making sure your body is as healthy as it can be, but certain other health checks are important as you enter your 40s too.

If you are hoping to conceive in your 40s, taking a keen interest in your overall health is vital, as a woman's fertility decreases with age. Through building up stores of folic acid and other vital nutrients, the Pregnacare range can support a healthy, balanced diet and a regular exercise routine.

In our 40s, while we may be as sociable as we were in our 20s, the way in which we socialise may change. Dancing and drinking until dawn may be replaced by relaxed gatherings with friends and family, accompanied by plenty of food and drink. It’s essential that this relaxed way of socialising is counterbalanced. Why not jump off the train a stop early and walk the rest of the way to work? That extra glass of wine with dinner won't seem too bad then!

In Your 50s

The 50s can be a really significant time for women and their bodies. From changes to bone density to the side effects of the natural menopause, these events mean that it’s even more important to take extra-special care of your body at this time.

Keeping up to date with health checks is important. Your GP can help advise you on the tests and checks you need during this time. If you haven’t started doing so already, make sure you are breast-aware by regularly checking for any changes as well as attending the regular mammograms that you are invited to.

Maintaining a regular exercise routine can help to make the menopause much more comfortable, alongside extra nutritional support and supplements such as Menopace. Menopace micronutrient formulas include vitamin B6 for normal hormone activity as well as vitamin D and magnesium which contribute to the maintenance of normal bones.

Certain exercises can also help to lessen the side effects of the menopause. These include low-impact exercises such as swimming, gentle aerobics and cycling.

The same goes for your blood pressure, which can often rise during the more mature years. It is recommended that you have your blood pressure checked every couple of years, as well as your cholesterol levels. Your GP will advise on the frequency of these checks.

Although healthy fats such as omega-3 and omega-9 are helpful to your body throughout all stages of life, they come in especially handy in your 50s to maintain healthy hair and skin.

In Your 60s

Your body tends to remain more or less the same as in your 50s, but you may need to attend hearing and sight check-ups more frequently.

At this time in life, you might find it beneficial to practise mental stimulation through reading, writing, painting or even volunteering. You should have plenty of time to sit back, relax and enjoy all these things and more once you retire.

It’s a good idea to visit your GP once a year, even if it’s just for a check-up. You can speak to your doctor about anything physically or mentally concerning.

In Your 70s

Being over 70 doesn’t mean you have to rest and recuperate all day! Many women in their 70s are still energetic and full of life.

As we age, our appetite can lessen slightly, but this does not have to pose a problem. Generally, it isn't anything to worry about, but you can speak to your doctor about any concerns you may have.

It’s important to continue being in tune with your body. Be aware of what is ‘normal’ for you and seek assistance if anything changes. Keeping on top of your recommended daily amounts of vitamins and minerals can really make a difference in how you feel each day. Our Wellwoman daily supplements for 70+ provides nutritional support to safeguard and maintain your daily intake.