Many people think about visiting doctors and taking tests only when the first signs of illness appear. But even at school we were told that it is necessary to go, for example, to a gynecologist or dentist for examination every six months. BeautyHack has found out what other doctors should be on the annual checkup list.
Therapist
Throughout the year, you will certainly have a reason to visit a therapist. First, take directions for a general blood test, urine test, cardiogram of the heart, fluorography. "Until 30 years old, it is worth paying attention to the level of glucose in the blood, after 30 - to cholesterol in order to exclude the likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases," advises Natalya Melkina, the therapist and head of the therapeutic and diagnostic department of the therapeutic profile of the Ecomedservice medical center (Minsk). Second, get a prescription medication for colds. If you feel that the first signs of the disease do not respond to treatment, you need to see a doctor. “Temperature is not the only indicator of inflammation. A person can walk with a runny nose for a long time, not paying attention to it, and then feel pain when urinating. It means,that the infection has passed into the genitourinary tract, explains Natalya Melkina. - Often people with chronic diseases such as sinusitis are self-medicating. But over time, the effect of certain drugs may fade and the treatment will not be effective. Moreover, you should not consult a pharmacist in a pharmacy which drug is better to buy."
But you should not insist on an MRI of the whole body if you have no specific complaints. The examining doctor needs starting points to study pathologies. If, for example, your neck hurts, then the neurologist should give instructions on which part of the spine he is more interested in. And before the magnetic resonance imaging of the abdominal cavity, an ultrasound scan should be done, blood (including biochemistry) and urine tests should be done. And only if deviations are found, agree to an MRI.
Endocrinologist
Put your thyroid check-up on your must-do list. This small organ has an impressive list of functions: regulation of energy and fat metabolism, hematopoiesis, participation in the work of the cardiovascular system, support of vitality and balance of female sex hormones.
The cells of the gland produce thyroid hormones and thyrocalcitonin, which are involved in many processes in the body. Their lack or overabundance, that is, dysfunction of the thyroid gland, can cause stunted growth in children, depression, weight gain, mastopathy, and impaired calcium absorption. Hypo- or hyperthyroidism (decreased or increased function of the thyroid gland) during pregnancy is especially dangerous. They can provoke anemia, placental abruption, spontaneous miscarriage.
“When people come to an appointment and complain about the appearance of pigmentation and hair loss, the first thing I do is send them to an endocrinologist,” says Valentina Murga, dermatologist-cosmetologist at the Oblaka esthetic center (Minsk). - Increased fatigue and lethargy also indicate thyroid dysfunction. You can determine abnormalities in the thyroid gland by taking a blood test from a vein on an empty stomach. It will show the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone, triiodothyronine, tetraiodothyronine and antibodies to thyroid peroxidase. An ultrasound of the thyroid gland will not hurt, so that the doctor can thoroughly study the structure of the organ."
Gynecologist
In addition to the annual examination of the gynecologist and ultrasound of the pelvic organs, do not forget to take a smear for cytology. This will allow the doctor to assess the condition of the cells of the cervix and identify diseases at an early stage. Often this analysis is taken "just in case", but there are indications: pregnancy planning, menstrual irregularities, the need to install an intrauterine device, erosion of the cervix. The latter, by the way, in our latitudes was elevated to the rank of the norm, which means that when diagnosing erosion, do not think about burning it. This measure is resorted to only when the epithelium of the cervix is damaged, which causes papillomavirus. A detailed examination of the cervix and the walls of the vagina under a microscope (colposcopy) is carried out at the discretion of the doctor.
Women over 35 should have a mammogram once a year. During the procedure, a kind of X-ray of the mammary glands is taken to detect changes in the tissues. In order to get the most accurate picture, undergo an examination from the 5th to the 12th day of the cycle, and do not use deodorant before visiting the doctor (it will appear in the picture as a spot). Two more ways to study the condition of the mammary glands are ultrasound and MRI. But they serve rather to clarify the results of mammography. Girls at a younger age can limit themselves to examining the glands by a gynecologist and only when changes appear, go to an appointment with a mammologist.
“Unwanted hair growth and pigmentation are sure signs of hormonal imbalance. Start solving the problem by taking tests for sex hormones, explains Valentina Murga. - The gynecologist will tell you which hormones you should check. This list must include estradiol, testosterone (free and bound), follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones, prolactin, 17-OH-progesterone, sex-binding globulin."
These tests are also prescribed for severely manifested excessive dry skin, joint aches, muscle pain, fatigue, dyspepsia, flatulence, decreased libido, dry mucous membranes, shortening of the menstrual cycle. All of these signs may indicate ovarian wasting syndrome. To get an accurate result, get tested on the 3-5th day of your fasting cycle.
Monitor your vitamin D levels
Vitamin D is also the workhorse of our body. It ensures normal growth and development of bones, regulates mineral metabolism, promotes the deposition of calcium in bone tissue, increases immunity, and contributes to the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. Enough reasons to pay special attention to it! In autumn and winter, many people suffer from a lack of vitamin D, but this can be checked by taking a special blood test and then consulting an endocrinologist. Do not prescribe this vitamin yourself. Hypervitaminosis is fraught with digestive disorders, shortness of breath, muscle pain, and increased blood pressure. “I am not a supporter of aimless intake of vitamins all year round,” Natalya Melkina shares. - Hypervitaminosis can lead to the appearance of kidney stones, stomach ulcers due to excess acid. With a balanced diet, additional vitamin intake may not be required.
Text: Julia Kozoliy
