Australian women urged to prioritize health checks after 40

Dr Melanie Hemsley, a GP at Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, stresses that regular health checks in the 40s and 50s are crucial for healthy ageing. She advises women to keep up with screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, bone density and other silent conditions, and to consider Medicare‑subsidised health assessments for those aged 45‑49 with chronic‑disease risk factors or perimenopausal symptoms.

Stories from Australian women in their 50s and 60s highlight common gaps in knowledge about bone health, heart risk, mental wellbeing and menopause. Several said they were told to wait until after menopause before starting hormone therapy, a recommendation they now view as outdated. Their experiences underline the need for early conversations with doctors and up‑to‑date information to avoid unnecessary years of untreated symptoms.