Midlife Adults (40s) - Women's Health Programs Cedars-Sinai Skip to content Close Select your preferred language English عربى 简体中文 繁體中文 فارسي עִברִית 日本語 한국어 Русский Español Tagalog Menu Close Call 1-800-CEDARS-1 toggle search form Close Share Email Print Women's Health Back to Women's Health Programs & Services Woman's Journey Adolescence: Teens Young Adult: 20s Adult: 30s Midlife: 40s Mature: 50s & 60s Senior: 70s & Beyond Patient Stories Clinical Trials Helpful Phone Numbers Send Us a Message Women s Health In Your 40s Keep up your healthy habits and practice self-care as you balance family and career Life in your 40s can be filled with transitions that bring on high levels of stress. You may be taking care of everyone at home—growing children and aging parents—while also working hard to achieve milestones in your career. Self-care is especially important during this phase of your life. Along with the demands of everyday responsibilities, your body is going through subtle hormonal changes that can raise your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and other chronic illnesses. Maintaining healthy habits now will help you stay physically and mentally fit in later years, too. Important Stats for Women Your Age Here are some facts you need to know for a healthier life. 35% ARE OBESE 37% REPORT GREATER STRESS THAN PREVIOUS YEAR 1 in 4 DIE FROM HEART DISEASE 56% SLEEP LESS THAN 7 HOURS A NIGHT 10 Steps to Better Healthcare Not sure where to start? Here are healthy steps you can take today: Schedule a mammogram and perform monthly breast self-exams. If you're having trouble conceiving, talk to a fertility specialist. Share pregnancy history with your doctors to monitor for future medical conditions. Start managing weight gain in perimenopause. Discuss menopause symptoms with a gynecologist. Have your thyroid function tested. Get tested for STDs or HIV screening if you’re sexually active. Reach out for help with depression, anxiety or other mental conditions. Check your skin and moles regularly and discuss any changes with your doctor or nurse. Ask about contraception options. Find a Gynecologist FIND A PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR Call 1-800-CEDARS-1 (1-800-233-2771) Screenings & Vaccinations Because you’re now at an increased risk for health issues, it’s important to keep up with the following recommended screenings: Flu shot: every year, before flu season Clinical breast exam: every year Mammogram: every year Cervical cancer screening: pap test every 3 years Pelvic exam: every year STD and HIV screening: if you’re sexually active Blood pressure screening: every 2 years Cholesterol blood panel: every 2 years, starting at 45 Bone-density screening: discuss with your doctor Eye exam: every 2 years Dental exam: every year; cleaning twice a year Depression screening: as needed Tdap vaccine booster (tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough): every 10 years Schedule a Callback Call 1-800-CEDARS-1 (1-800-233-2771) Personalized Care in Your 40s Cedars-Sinai is available to answer questions or help you get started with the care you need in these important areas: PRIMARY CARE OBSTETRICS FERTILITY & REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE MAMMOGRAPHY & BREAST EXAMS GYNECOLOGY WOMEN'S CANCER VIEW ALL WOMEN'S HEALTH CLINICAL PROGRAMS 14 Tips for Healthy Living This advice will help you stay well throughout your 40s: Eat a healthy diet of whole foods, including plenty of fruits and vegetables. Exercise daily. Get regular medical checkups. Get the tests and vaccinations your doctor recommends. Do regular self-exams of breasts, skin and other body parts. If you have a family history of diabetes, check your A1c blood sugar levels regularly. Don't smoke, vape or abuse substances. Maintain an active and enjoyable social life. Use protection during sexual activity. Wear a seat belt, and don't drink, use drugs or text while driving. Get plenty of sleep every night. Find ways to manage your stress. Don't forget to take care of yourself, even if you're busy helping others. Use sunscreen or SPF-coated clothing to protect yourself from ultraviolet (UV) rays. Understanding Your Body s Changes You may have questions as your body is going through subtle hormonal changes. Browse these frequently asked questions. How often should I get a mammogram? Every 1-2 years. Because official guidelines vary, and every woman's risk factors for breast cancer are different, talk to your doctor about the schedule and frequency that's best for you. If you have dense breasts, your doctor may order an ultrasound or follow-up tests for further detection. I'm feeling moody and my period is becoming irregular. Am I in perimenopause? Perimenopause is the transition to menopause that often starts for women in their early 40s. You're likely to experience physical, emotional and psychological changes as the levels of hormones in your body rise and fall. Still, you should discuss your symptoms with a gynecologist to be sure they aren't caused by an underlying medical condition. Since entering my 40s, I'm finding it more challenging to maintain my weight. Is this normal? As you age, your metabolism tends to slow down. It gets easier to put on weight and more challenging to take it off. Much of it may land around your belly. Ask your doctor about nutrition and weight loss programs that could help you stay in good shape. Can I still have a baby? Conceiving in your 40s can be challenging, due to waning hormones, an aging egg supply and other factors. Discuss your options with a fertility specialist—and if you do become pregnant, talk to an obstetrician or high-risk pregnancy specialist to deal with possible complications. Disclaimer: These are general guidelines for people in your age group, but every individual is different. Talk to your doctor about your personal medical needs. Life in Your 40s Latest health news, advice and stories about real people from the Cedars-Sinai blog. Heart Attack Symptoms Women May Not Recognize Learn how to recognize the early and subtle warning signs of heart attacks in women. You could help prevent a tragedy by picking up on these surprising signals. READ MORE Demystifying Mammograms You've probably heard conflicting advice from experts about how often to get a mammogram. The truth is, there isn't a hard-and-fast rule. See what the experts say. READ MORE Share Email Print Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility