Fibra™ Updates: Cutting-Edge Technology Meets Women’s Health
Hey sis,
Let’s talk annual physical checkups. I know, annual doctor visits don’t exactly scream “girl time,” but they’re one of the most powerful things you can do for your long-term health. And honestly? Most of us aren’t told what to ask for when we get in that little room with the paper gown and the cold stethoscope.
So today, I’m playing big sister and sharing five important tests you should request at your next annual physical checkup. Whether you feel perfectly fine or haven’t had a real health convo in years, these are the kinds of screenings that help you stay ahead of the game. Let’s get into it.
Let’s start with the classic. If you’re between the ages of 21 and 65, your healthcare provider should already be bringing this one up. A Pap smear checks for abnormal cervical cells that could turn into cancer, and when paired with an HPV test, it becomes a powerful combo.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is super common and often harmless, but certain strains can increase your risk for cervical cancer. Testing helps catch any red flags early. The good news? If your results come back normal, you may not need to do it again for three years. But always confirm the timing with your doc, especially if you’ve had irregular results in the past.
A Pap smear (also called a Pap test) checks for abnormal or precancerous cells on your cervix, the lower part of your uterus that opens into the vagina. These abnormal cells, if left undetected, can slowly develop into cervical cancer over time — and the scary part is, you might not feel anything while that’s happening. That’s why this test is so important.
It’s a preventive test, not a diagnostic one. So just because something comes back “abnormal” doesn’t mean you have cancer — it just means your doctor may want to monitor things more closely or repeat the test sooner.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection. There are over 100 types of HPV, but about a dozen are considered “high-risk” — meaning they’re more likely to cause changes in cervical cells that could lead to cancer.
Here’s the kicker: most sexually active people will get HPV at some point, and in many cases, your body clears it on its own. But in some women, it lingers. That’s where testing helps.
An HPV test checks for the presence of these high-risk strains in your cervical cells — so you and your doctor can take action if needed.
While the Pap smear looks at the cells, the HPV test looks at the virus that causes most of the dangerous changes. When done together (called co-testing), they provide a more complete picture of your cervical health. In fact, co-testing is often recommended for women aged 30 to 65 and can safely extend the screening interval to once every 5 years if everything comes back normal.
Of course, if you’ve had abnormal results in the past, or if you’re immunocompromised, your doctor might suggest more frequent screenings.
It’s quick, just a few minutes. You’ll lie back on the exam table, your provider will insert a speculum to gently open the vaginal walls, then use a small brush or spatula to collect cervical cells. It can feel a little uncomfortable or weird (like pressure), but it shouldn’t be painful.
And you can totally ask your provider to talk you through it, take it slow, or let you breathe through the process. You’re in control.
Here’s where things can get awkward—but they really don’t need to be. If you’re sexually active (and even if you’ve been with the same partner for years), it’s smart to check in with an STI panel. Ask for tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, and possibly herpes, depending on your history and concerns.
Not all infections have symptoms, and you deserve peace of mind. Plus, catching and treating STIs early can prevent long-term health issues like infertility or chronic pain. It’s not shameful. It’s just responsible. And powerful.
Feeling more tired than usual? Gaining or losing weight without explanation? Having trouble focusing or feeling low? Your thyroid might be playing tricks on you.
A simple blood test that checks your TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) levels can help identify conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. These are more common in women than we often realize, especially during or after major hormonal shifts (hello, postpartum, perimenopause, or stressful life seasons).
Your doctor might not run this test automatically, so it’s worth asking for—especially if you’ve been feeling “off” and can’t quite put your finger on why.
Now let’s talk about energy. If you’re constantly dragging yourself out of bed, hitting a mid-day slump, or feeling unusually down, it might not be just life. Low vitamin D and iron levels are surprisingly common, particularly in women.
Ask your doctor for a ferritin test (to check your iron stores) and a vitamin D blood test—especially if you live somewhere with long winters, follow a plant-based diet, or have heavy periods. Low levels can lead to fatigue, brain fog, and even mood swings. Thankfully, both are treatable with lifestyle tweaks and supplements.
Small changes = big difference.
If you’re thinking about having a baby now or in the future—or you’ve been wondering why your cycle feels out of whack—a hormone panel can be incredibly insightful. It can include tests like FSH, LH, estrogen, progesterone, AMH, and testosterone.
You don’t need to wait until something feels “wrong” to ask for this. Think of it like taking a peek under the hood—knowing your hormone baseline can help you advocate for yourself if anything changes down the line. And if you’re dealing with irregular periods, mood changes, or symptoms like acne or thinning hair, this can help pinpoint the cause.
A hormone panel is a blood test (sometimes saliva or urine too) that looks at the key hormones driving your menstrual cycle, fertility, and overall reproductive health. These little messengers control so much — your energy, mood, skin, libido, periods, and even how your body stores fat.
Whether you’re trying to conceive, thinking ahead, or just want to understand your body better, a hormone panel gives you the blueprint.
As we get older (yes, even early 30s), hormonal shifts start to happen — often quietly. Ovulation becomes less consistent, egg quantity and quality begin to decline, and cycles may shorten or change in intensity. None of this means you can’t get pregnant, but understanding what’s going on helps you prepare and optimize.
Plus, if you’re TTC and things aren’t happening as quickly as expected, a hormone panel can give clues about what’s going on under the surface. Early answers = earlier support = less stress.
Here’s what doctors usually check for and what each one tells you:
Timing matters! Some hormones need to be tested on Day 2–5 of your cycle (FSH, LH, estradiol), while others like progesterone are tested around Day 21, depending on your cycle length.
Your provider will guide you, but keep track of your periods — knowing your cycle helps you show up prepared.
Honestly, even if babies aren’t on your radar right now, understanding your hormonal health is still a power move. Irregular cycles, mood swings, acne, hair thinning, low libido, or stubborn weight gain can all be clues that something’s off.
And once you have your hormone data? You’re in the driver’s seat — whether you want to tweak your lifestyle, ask for deeper testing, or plan your fertility with confidence.
You deserve to feel good in your body, not just “okay” or “functional.” Requesting these five tests at your annual physical checkup aren’t about being paranoid; they’re about being proactive.
So when you’re sitting in that office, don’t be afraid to ask questions, share your symptoms (even the weird ones), and request the screenings that help you live your healthiest, fullest life. Remember, no one knows your body like you do, and your voice matters in that room.
We do this for ourselves, our mothers, grandmothers, sisters, daughters, and granddaughters—because every woman deserves the tools to understand and care for her body with confidence. Together, we’re building a healthier, more informed future for generations to come.
© 2024 Fibra Inc.Ca.com, All Rights Reserved
Developed & Design by WebHEQ
