What health checks should you actually be getting in your 20s? An expert weighs in.

Thanks to our brand partner, JEAN HAILES FOR WOMEN'S HEALTH

Your 20s are often dubbed the decade of invincibility — filled with late nights, questionable food choices and the unshakeable belief that your body can bounce back from anything.

But here's the plot twist: Your 20s are actually the ideal time to start taking charge of your health.

We get it — the idea of booking regular health checks can feel overwhelming, and it can raise more questions than answers.

"What's the deal with cervical screening these days?" "Should I be worried about my blood pressure already?" "How often should I be getting my skin checked?"

The questions come thick and fast, and the more you think about them, the more it can feel like you're trying to decode a medical textbook.

If you're unsure about where to start — or what's actually relevant to you right now — there's some good news.

As part of Women's Health Week, Jean Hailes has launched Her Health Check, an online tool designed to make things simpler.

It asks a few quick questions about yourself, including your age. Then based on your answers, it provides recommendations on which health checks you might need and when. You can also get your report emailed to you for your next doctor's visit.

To unpack what a health check really involves and why they matter, we spoke with Dr Judith Hammond, a GP at Jean Hailes for Women's Health.

She explained that health checks help to identify health issues early, when you have a better chance of treating and managing them.

"A health check generally means a preventative health appointment or screening for future risk of a health issue," Hammond told Mamamia. "So they will vary according to your age."

In her long career as a GP, Hammond has noticed some trends.

One of these is that women in their 20s most commonly book appointments to seek advice and help with periods, reproductive health and mental health.

With any appointment, a doctor will use a particular concern as a launching pad to investigate whether further checks are needed as well as get base-line readings on things like blood pressure.

"The health checks you need will be governed by things like family history and any other conditions you might have," Hammond said.

"With a family history of more serious conditions like skin cancer or bowel cancer, we can begin screening earlier. So it's really important to know this information and share it with your doctor."

If a patient is 25 or over and has ever had sexual contact with another person, one of the checks that Hammond recommended is a cervical screening test.

"Collecting your own sample for cervical screening is now available. It's really simple — you do a vaginal swab yourself," Hammond explained. "It's just as accurate as getting the sample collected by your healthcare provider, but that option is still available to you if you prefer."

Hammond added that whichever option you choose for your cervical screening, you need to get tested every five years.

If you're sexually active, Hammond recommended getting regular STI checks — everyone's different when it comes to sexual health but getting screened at least once a year is often recommended for people in their 20s if they're meeting new sexual partners.

She also emphasised the importance of reaching out for a mental health check if you start to struggle with your wellbeing.

Hammond explained that breast self-checks and skin self-checks should also start to be routinely done at home, because it allows people to familiarise themselves with their bodies — making changes easier to notice.

There's no set time as to when or how often a person should do these self-checks, but the earlier you start, the better.

"Keep an eye on your skin and get your partner, mum or dad to check your back," Hammond said. "If you notice any unusual or changing spots or if there is something you're worried about, ask your doctor to have a look at it."

Hammond's biggest takeaway?

For many women, your 20s are generally a time of good physical health.

But Hammond encouraged women to seek medical help if you feel like something's holding you back. Whether it's troubling period symptoms or mental health challenges affecting your daily life, don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional.

"I see the 20s as a really positive time," Hammond said. "But if things like your periods are seriously impacting your enjoyment of life or your ability to get to work, that's definitely a sign to see someone. Because we're here to help you and provide support."

Not sure which health checks you actually need? Head over to Jean Hailes to complete Her Health Check.

This information is general in nature and does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. As with any medical condition, always seek health advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

Feature Image: Getty.

Jean Hailes Women's Health Week is happening 1–5 September. It's time to say yes to you and put yourself first – because when women thrive, everyone around us also benefits. Visit the Women's Health Week website or jump onto Jean Hailes socials to learn more about the health checks you need and when to get them. womenshealthweek.com.au