Every year, we take our cars for an MOT check-up, because it's required, and we need to know it’s safe to drive. We don’t guess if the brakes are fine, we check. We don’t assume the tyres are OK, we check. If something isn’t working, we have to fix it, because we value our safety.
But what about OUR HEALTH?
So, when was the last time you checked in on your own health?
Have you noticed it’s harder to lose weight, even when you eat less? And do you know the implications of being overweight on your health markers?
Have you been told your cholesterol, blood sugar, or blood pressure is high, but didn’t know what to do?
Do you feel stressed, overwhelmed, and exhausted, but keep pushing through?
Do you wake up tired, even after a full night’s sleep?
Do you feel like your body is changing, but you don’t know why?
Have you noticed your digestion getting worse?
These are NOT just part of “getting older.” They are signs from your body that something is out of balance, and you should not ignore these.
Most women unfortunately are not prioritising themselves, until something serious forces them to take action. They think, “I’ll deal with it later”. But what if later is too late?
Here are some tests and signs that every woman over 40 should be aware of:
Insulin Resistance: This may cause you to store more fat, feel exhausted, or constantly crave sugar. Insulin resistance can develop silently and, if unchecked, may lead to type 2 diabetes.
High Cholesterol & Blood Pressure are “silent killers” because they often have no symptoms but increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Thyroid Function: A sluggish thyroid (hypothyroidism) can cause fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, thinning hair, cold intolerance, and mood changes. Many women go undiagnosed because symptoms overlap with other conditions.
Vitamin D & B12 Deficiency: Low levels can contribute to joint pain, fatigue, poor immunity, and low moods. Vitamin B12 deficiency is more common in vegetarians and can cause numbness, memory problems, and weakness.
Cortisol: Chronic stress leads to elevated cortisol, which can cause increased belly fat, poor sleep, cravings, anxiety, and burnout.
Hormonal Imbalance: As oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels shift in perimenopause and menopause, symptoms like weight gain (especially belly fat), poor sleep, hot flashes, and mood swings become more common.
Gut Health: Bloating, acid reflux, constipation, etc may indicate gut imbalances, food intolerances, or poor microbiome health. The gut plays a key role in hormone balance, immunity, and metabolism.
Iron Levels: Low iron levels (especially common in women with heavy periods) can cause fatigue, dizziness, hair thinning, weakness, and poor focus.
Sleep Quality: Poor sleep can increase cravings, affect immunity and memory. Lack of deep sleep is also linked to higher stress levels and weight gain.
BMI & Waist-to-Hip Ratio: Carrying excess weight around your midsection (visceral fat) increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and hormonal imbalances.
It’s time for your health! You wouldn’t drive a car that’s unsafe, so why ignore your own body’s signals?
Has your doctor already told you your health markers are a concern? Did you ignore it or take action? Are you waiting for the "right time" to put yourself first? Here’s the truth: Most women wait, until they get a health scare.
Don't risk your health, take charge and make a change.
Sujata Din is a Certified Health Coach and Certified Professional Cancer Coach. In this regular column for iGlobal, she offers some special insights, from useful wellness tips to recipes for creations that are not only delicious but also healthy.
*Info: FREE Masterclass
MORE LIKE THIS…