Check-up for Men and Women: A Complete Guide to Routine Examinations for All Ages

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Most diseases in their early stages are almost asymptomatic. However, it is precisely at these early stages that diseases are easier to treat or prevent from progressing to severe complications. Regular examinations are an opportunity not only to detect existing problems but also to understand whether you have a predisposition to certain diseases that may develop in the future.

For example, if there have been cases of breast or prostate cancer in your family, this may indicate mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, which increase the risk of these diseases by 5-10 times. It is important to understand that the presence of such mutations does not mean an inevitable illness. Its development depends on many factors. One of these factors includes epigenetic changes—the influence of the environment, lifestyle, and even emotional state—which can either activate or suppress risky genetic markers.

Understanding your genetic predisposition and the factors that can modify it is the foundation of prevention. Check-ups not only help detect diseases in their early stages but also accurately determine risks, allowing timely intervention and preventive measures.

Age-Related Changes in the Body

Young Adults (Ages 18 to 35)

Starting at age 18, check-up programs focus on a comprehensive assessment of the body, identifying individual risks, and disease prevention. Special attention is paid to early detection of genetic risks, general health status, and reproductive health.

Check-up for the 18-35 Age Group

1. Genetic testing helps identify predispositions to diseases:
   – Testing for mutations associated with hereditary conditions.
   – Assessment of predisposition to cardiovascular, oncological, and other chronic diseases, including deficiencies in vitamins or trace elements.
   – Personalized recommendations for prevention and lifestyle adjustments based on genetic profiles.
2. General therapeutic check-up provides an evaluation of overall health and detects hidden issues (inflammatory processes, metabolic disorders, or anemia):
   – Complete blood count (including hemoglobin levels, leukocyte formula, ESR).
   – Biochemical blood test to assess liver, kidney, and other organ function (lipid profile, glucose, C-reactive protein, ferritin, etc.).
   – Urinalysis.
   – Instrumental tests: ECG, spirometry, chest CT (once a year), ultrasound of the abdominal organs, kidneys, and thyroid gland.
   – Consultation with a general practitioner for interpreting test results.
3. Reproductive health check:
   For women, special attention is given to gynecological health, including the diagnosis of inflammatory diseases, hormonal imbalances, and early cancer prevention:
   – Consultation with a gynecologist.
   – Pelvic ultrasound.
   – Pap smear (cytological analysis).
   – STI testing (as indicated).
   – HPV testing for oncogenic types.
   For men, the focus is on urological check-ups, which allow the detection of infections, evaluation of the genitourinary system, and exclusion of reproductive health risks:
   – Consultation with a urologist.
   – Transrectal prostate ultrasound (TRUS).
   – STI testing (as indicated).
4. Additional examinations (if needed): Depending on the patient’s wishes, complaints, medical history, or test results requiring further clarification, the program may include consultations and tests by specialists:
   – Ophthalmologist (for vision problems)
   – Dermatologist (e.g., for skin or mole assessment)
   – Endocrinologist
   – ENT specialist

Middle Age (Ages 35 to 50)

Ages 35 to 50 represent a transitional phase during which significant hormonal changes occur in the body. For women, this period is associated with the beginning of estrogen decline, leading to perimenopause, while for men, a decrease in testosterone levels may result in so-called “male menopause.” These changes are often correlated with initial signs of bodily restructuring: episodic migraines, unstable blood pressure, fatigue, and emotional instability.

As hormonal changes occur, there is a simultaneous slowdown in metabolic processes. This manifests as an increase in body weight, particularly in the abdominal area, along with elevated levels of cholesterol, LDL (low-density lipoproteins), triglycerides (TG), and blood sugar. These metabolic changes form the foundation for the development of age-associated diseases.

Arterial hypertension arises due to disrupted vascular tone and increased strain on the heart, potentially leading to heart failure or stroke.

Atherosclerosis develops from the accumulation of cholesterol plaques on blood vessel walls, impairing blood flow and increasing the risk of coronary artery disease.

Type 2 diabetes often results from carbohydrate metabolism disorders and insulin resistance. Without medical supervision, it can lead to serious complications such as diabetic retinopathy or nephropathy.

Sleep disturbances, caused by stress and hormonal changes, impair the body’s restorative processes and decrease overall vitality.

Obesity becomes a risk factor for cardiovascular and endocrine diseases, exacerbating the severity of other conditions.

Moreover, with age, the risk of developing oncological diseases rises significantly, particularly in the presence of contributing factors such as chronic low-grade systemic inflammation or an unhealthy lifestyle.

Check-up for Ages 35-50

1. Hormonal Profile: hormone testing can reveal early signs of menopause, thyroid dysfunction, and stress-related changes:
   – Key hormones: sex hormones (estradiol, testosterone), thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4), and cortisol.
2. Biochemical Blood Tests: assessment of the risk of atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus
   – Lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides).
   – Glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels.
3. Cardiovascular System Assessment:
   – ECG and echocardiography
   – Blood pressure and pulse monitoring
   – Duplex scanning of neck vessels to detect atherosclerotic changes
4. Weight and Metabolism Monitoring:
   – Body mass index (BMI) calculation.
   – Body composition analysis (fat and muscle percentage).
   – Dietitian or preventive medicine consultation with lifestyle recommendations.
5. Reproductive Health Check:
   For women:
   – Pelvic ultrasound.
   – Mammography (as indicated).
   – Consultation with a gynecologist.
   For men:
   – Prostate ultrasound.
   – Consultation with a urologist.
6. Cancer Screening:
   – Tumor markers (PSA for men, CA-125 for women, etc.).
   – Colonoscopy or fecal occult blood test.

Older Adults (Ages 50+)

For individuals over 50, primary attention is focused on the long-term effects of sex hormone deficiency. Moreover, the body’s compensatory mechanisms are increasingly ineffective at managing disruptions in the functioning of organs and systems. For example, due to metabolic disorders, the elasticity of the vascular wall decreases, and the atherosclerotic process progresses, exacerbating arterial hypertension and increasing the risk of developing coronary artery disease or stroke. Calcium deficiency, resulting from decreased levels of estrogen and testosterone, leads to osteoporosis (thinning of bone tissue), which significantly raises the risk of fractures even from minor injuries. The most dangerous fractures include hip fractures and compression fractures of the spine.

Metabolic changes often lead to the development of metabolic syndrome, characterized by an increase in visceral fat, insulin resistance, and inflammatory processes. These disruptions frequently result in type 2 diabetes, obesity, and chronic inflammatory conditions. Additionally, individuals over the age of 50 face an increased risk of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, necessitating regular cognitive function monitoring.
Equally important is conducting regular cancer screenings, as the risk of developing cancer rises significantly with age. As part of a check-up program for this age group, cancer risk assessments are carried out to facilitate early detection and timely treatment.

Check-up for Ages 50+

Comprehensive Cardiological Examination:

• Monitoring heart and vascular health, including ECG, echocardiography, and duplex scanning of neck vessels.
• Hormonal Analysis:
  Testing for sex hormones, parathyroid hormone, TSH, T3, and T4.
• Osteoporosis Diagnostics:
  Bone density measurement (densitometry).
• Biochemical Blood Tests:
  Lipid profile, glucose levels, glycated hemoglobin, C-reactive protein, ferritin, vitamin D, and vitamin B12.
• Cognitive Screening:
  Memory and attention testing for early detection of neurodegenerative processes.
• Cancer Screening:
  Mammography, colonoscopy, abdominal ultrasound, and tumor markers (PSA, CEA, CA-125, CA 19-9).

If regular check-ups are not conducted, age-related processes may progress silently, increasing the risk of sudden health crises. Modern foreign clinics often employ an integrative, systemic approach to diagnostics, tailoring check-ups to individual patient characteristics. Recommendations may include medication, lifestyle and diet adjustments, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, and nutraceutical support with dietary supplements.

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The text has been verified

Verified by: Marianna Sharipova, Certified Physician, Medical Director of HMS, with 20 years of experience in medical tourism.

Author: Anna Kukarkina, MD