Health & Wellness
Women’s Health through the Decades
Navigating different stages for a lifetime of good health.
Each woman’s journey is unique. As mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends, we owe it to ourselves and those we love to prioritize our health—at every age.
Whatever path you take, women commonly face key health concerns during their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. Here’s how to stay strong through every decade.
Your 20s: Start strong
Your 20s are ideal for building healthy habits. Focus on a balanced diet, regular exercise, quality sleep, and minimal alcohol. Begin building trust with a clinician. “At yearly visits, share your family and health history,” says Ann Vale, MD, with LVPG Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Whether you’re planning for children or not, take time to understand your reproductive options. Staying active, eating well, and seeing a clinician regularly lay the foundation for long-term well-being.
Your 30s: Balancing it all
Work-life balance, fertility decisions, and mental health are big in your 30s. If you’re struggling with fertility or not planning to have children, talk to your doctor about family planning.
Pregnant or trying? Start prenatal care. Also, make sure you’re getting necessary vaccines, like flu and whooping cough. Taking 400 to 800 micrograms of folic acid daily supports pregnancy health.
Stress, a common issue in your 30s, can take a toll on your heart and mental health. “Your doctor can help you cope with life stressors and identify signs of depression,” Dr. Vale says.
Your 40s: Transition time
Perimenopause often begins in your 40s, with symptoms like irregular periods, hot flashes, and sleep issues. A doctor can help manage these and reassess your nutritional needs. Mammograms become important at this stage. “Talk with your doctor about your breast cancer risk,” Dr. Vale says.
You should also begin colorectal cancer screening at 45, and ask about cholesterol and diabetes testing.
Your 50s: Menopause and monitoring
The average age of menopause in the U.S. is 52. This stage is marked by a drop in hormones, increasing your risk for heart disease and osteoporosis. “Stay active and eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D,” says Dr. Vale.
Now is the time to begin yearly mammograms (if you haven’t already) and ask about lung cancer screening, especially if you’ve ever smoked. You’ll likely get a DEXA scan to measure bone density.
Your 60s and beyond: Thrive while aging
Exercise is vital, even if you’re just starting now. Talk to your clinician about the safest way to begin. Pelvic floor disorders, like urinary incontinence, often appear at this age due to past pregnancies, but new treatments can help.
Continue regular screenings and maintain a healthy diet. When you turn 65, sign up for Medicare. Consider advance care planning to ensure your wishes are honored later.
Lehigh Valley Health Network: Women-First Care
Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), part of Jefferson Health, has more than 125 years of experience supporting women through all life stages. From personalized care to leading-edge treatments, LVHN is here for you.
LVHN offers specialized programs tailored for women, including:
- WAVES for postpartum depression
- Women’s Heart and Vascular Program
- High-Risk Breast Clinic
Discover Women’s Health Center at Tower Place
LVHN’s Women’s Health Center at Tower Place, a 40,000-square-foot facility located at the former Bethlehem Steel Martin Tower site, offers convenient, connected care across specialties:
- Breast Health Services
- Dermatology
- Female Pelvic Medicine and Surgery
- Gynecology
- Maternal Fetal Medicine
- Obstetrics and Midwifery
- Women’s Heart and Vascular Center
- Women’s Rehabilitation, including pelvic floor therapy
Amenities like a café and on-site child care enhance your visit.
You deserve exceptional care—now and always.
Learn more and schedule at LVHN.org/womenshealth
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