THE Princess of Wales has always looked the picture of health.
But this week, she was admitted to hospital for “planned abdominal surgery”.
Kate, 42, has now reached a decade where taking care of herself is vital for her health.
GP Dr Tom Jenkins told Sun on Sunday Health: “Before the age of 40, we think we are invincible. Then all of a sudden, our friends or relatives start to experience health issues and we become acutely aware of our vulnerabilities.
“Everyone’s risk goes up and even if, like Kate, you have been very sporty and active, there are still risks as you age.”
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Here, Dr Jenkins, founder of cold medication Centoreze (centoreze.co.uk), reveals the biggest health risks faced by women in their fifth decade . . .
OSTEOPOROSIS
WOMEN are at greater risk of this condition, which causes fragile bones, as they approach menopause.
Ask your GP about your FRAX score, a test which is used to predict your likelihood of developing a fracture in the next ten years.
If you’re at risk you may need to up the calcium in your diet, do more impact exercises or take supplements. Medication may be prescribed.
MENOPAUSE
MENOPAUSE usually affects women aged 45 to 55. Symptoms are wide-ranging but might include changes to your monthly cycle, hot flushes, reduced sex drive, weight gain and difficulty concentrating.
Ask your doctor for an FSH test, which checks hormone levels. If required, you will be prescribed HRT.
BREAST CANCER
AROUND 7,600 women in their 40s are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK. Mammograms are carried out every five years for women in their 50s onwards.
But if you have risk factors, including a close relative of any age who has had breast cancer, ask for one sooner.
CERVICAL CANCER
MOST women diagnosed with cervical cancer are aged 35 to 44. Screening should take place every three years. Ask your doctor if you haven’t had one in that time frame.
During the test, which only lasts minutes, a nurse takes a sample of cells from your cervix using a small, soft brush.
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IRREGULAR HEARTBEAT
THE risk of atrial fibrillation, or an irregular heartbeat, increases in your fourth decade. Even the very fit are at risk.
Check your pulse by putting a hand on your desk with your palm facing upwards. Place two fingers across the wrist at the base of the thumb where you should feel your radial artery. Count for 30 seconds. The beat should be steady and regular.
BOWEL CANCER
RATES go up in your 40s, with more than 2,600 new cases diagnosed in under-50s in the UK every year.
Symptoms include an unexpected change in bowel movements, which might affect the frequency or appearance.
You may experience unexplained weight loss, bloating and/or blood in the stool. A home test kit can be provided by your GP.
This allows you to provide a sample and put it in a bottle to send to a lab for testing.
While routine testing is only offered to those over 50, if you have symptoms or a family history, ask your doctor for a test.
ANAEMIA
THE World Health Organisation estimates that 30 per cent of women aged 15 to 49 worldwide are anaemic.
Symptoms might include lack of energy, shortness of breath, heart palpitations and pale skin. There are multiple causes, including heavy periods, colon cancer and taking ibuprofen or aspirin.
Ask your GP for a test to check your red blood cell count. If it’s low, you may be prescribed supplements and be given advice about how to increase iron in your diet.
OVARIAN CANCER
RISK increases with age but there’s a steep rise in women aged 40 to 44. It’s often difficult to diagnose as women report vague symptoms such as bloating or lower abdominal pain.
Indigestion, unexplained weight loss or gain, back pain, fatigue, constipation and diarrhoea are also reported symptoms.
The first defence is a blood test called CA125, which checks protein levels in the blood. A positive test does not mean you have ovarian cancer but it may warrant further investigation.
HIGH CHOLESTEROL
The risk of heart attacks starts creeping up in your 40s. This is usually due to high cholesterol or high blood pressure.
If you have smoked or have a family history, you are at greater risk. Get your cholesterol and blood pressure checked annually if your levels are raised. It can often be done for free in pharmacies.
