Women's health needs change significantly across the life course — from reproductive health in the 20s and 30s, through perimenopause and menopause, to cardiovascular and osteoporosis risk in later years. A well-woman health check is designed to address all of these stages with age-appropriate screening, ensuring nothing is overlooked between routine NHS appointments.[1]
What Is Included
| Category | Tests | What It Detects |
|---|---|---|
| Cervical | Smear test (HPV + cytology) | Cervical pre-cancer, HPV infection |
| Hormonal | FSH, LH, oestradiol, progesterone, AMH (fertility) | Menopause status, ovarian reserve, PCOS |
| Cardiovascular | Lipid profile, HbA1c, blood pressure, resting ECG | Heart disease risk, diabetes |
| Thyroid | TSH, free T4, thyroid antibodies | Hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's |
| Haematology | FBC, ferritin, B12, folate, vitamin D | Anaemia, nutritional deficiency |
| Pelvic imaging | Transvaginal or transabdominal ultrasound | Fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometrial thickness |
| Breast | Clinical breast examination, mammography referral (40+) | Breast lumps, screening pathway |
| Bone health | Vitamin D, calcium (DEXA referral if indicated) | Osteoporosis risk (postmenopausal) |
Age-Specific Priorities
| Age Group | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| 25–35 | Cervical screening, STI testing, contraception review, fertility baseline (AMH if desired) |
| 35–45 | Cardiovascular risk assessment, thyroid function, iron studies, pelvic ultrasound for fibroids/cysts |
| 45–55 | Perimenopause/menopause assessment (FSH, oestradiol), bone health, cardiovascular risk escalation |
| 55+ | Osteoporosis screening (DEXA), cardiovascular monitoring, cancer screening (breast, bowel, cervical) |
From Our Practice
"Women often tell me they feel their concerns are dismissed or rushed in standard appointments. A well-woman check gives us the time to listen properly, screen comprehensively, and create a personalised health plan that evolves with you through each life stage."
— Dr George Xynopoulos, Consultant Physician
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I have a well-woman check?
I recommend annually from age 30, with more frequent monitoring if you have specific risk factors or are going through perimenopause/menopause.
Is a smear test included?
Yes — cervical screening is a core component for women aged 25–64. We can perform this during your appointment if you are due.
Can I have a pelvic ultrasound as part of the check?
Yes. Pelvic ultrasound is included in our comprehensive well-woman package and is particularly valuable for detecting fibroids, ovarian cysts, and endometrial changes.
What if I am going through menopause?
We include hormonal assessment (FSH, oestradiol) and can discuss HRT options, bone health screening, and cardiovascular risk management as part of your check.
Do I need to prepare anything?
A 10–12 hour fast is required for accurate lipid and glucose results. If a smear test is included, avoid scheduling during your period.
Can I claim on insurance?
Most major insurers cover well-woman health checks. We provide the documentation needed for your claim.
Related Guides
Private Smear Test
Cervical screening at our clinic
Irregular Periods
Causes and when to seek help
Menopause & Heart Health
Cardiovascular risk in menopause
Health Check Services
Book your screening
References
- [1] NHS Cervical Screening Programme. Public Health England. 2024. View source
- [2] Beral V, Peto R, et al. Breast cancer and hormone-replacement therapy in the Million Women Study. Lancet. 2003;362(9382):419–427. View source
- [3] NICE CG44. Heavy menstrual bleeding: assessment and management. 2018. View source
- [4] Hippisley-Cox J, Coupland C, Brindle P. QRISK3 risk prediction algorithms. BMJ. 2017;357:j2099. View source
- [5] Holman RR, et al. 10-year follow-up of intensive glucose control in type 2 diabetes (UKPDS 80). N Engl J Med. 2008;359(15):1577–1589. View source
- [6] Si S, et al. Effectiveness of general practice-based health checks. Br J Gen Pract. 2014;64(618):e47–e53. View source
