Pink Prescriptions - May 2026
The Power of Prevention: Why One Checkup Can Make a Difference
May 2026 Issue — Pink Prescriptions
By Cindy Steinberg, MD | Novant Health Hilton Head Primary Care
The Power of Prevention: Why One Checkup Can Make a Difference
When was the last time you checked in
with your doctor?
Are you up to date on routine exams and screenings? If not, National Women’s Checkup Day—observed each year on the second Monday in May—is the perfect reminder to schedule your annual visit and stay on top of your health.
As part of National Women’s Health Week, this observance encourages women to take proactive steps toward better well-being. Regular checkups can help detect potential issues early, before they become more serious. They also provide an opportunity to talk with your physician about risk factors, symptoms, and any concerns—big or small.
Your doctor can recommend appropriate screenings and establish baseline measurements, making it easier to track changes in your health over time.
In 2026, National Women’s Health Week takes place May 10–16, with National Women’s Checkup Day on Monday, May 11. Let this week be your reminder to prioritize your health, to schedule your appointment, ask questions, and take an active role in your care.
How often should I get bloodwork done?
Should I ask my doctor to test for my vitamin levels and hormone levels?
• For healthy adults, bloodwork can be done every 1-3 years
• For adults 40+ or with risk factors such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes, or family history, bloodwork is typically recommended annually.
• For those on medication or with chronic conditions, bloodwork should be done as directed by your physician—often every 3 to12 months, depending on the test and the condition.
• Vitamin testing should be targeted rather than a blanket panel—Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 are the most commonly useful tests when risk factors or symptoms exist (as listed above). Routine testing of multiple vitamins without indication rarely adds value.
• Hormone testing is not routinely needed but should be considered when there are specific symptoms present. Thyroid can be checked for symptoms of fatigue or weight changes. Reproductive hormone level can be checked with symptoms of irregular cycles, infertility, or significant menopausal symptoms. Tests such as Testosterone or Cortisol should be checked if a clinician suspects a defined disorder.
Personalized testing is based on age, symptoms, and risk factors—when discussing these tests with your clinician, make sure to ask which results would change management for overall individual health; not all tests are necessary for all individuals.
What are the most important questions women should ask at their annual checkup?
Ask: What screening tests do I need this year?
Examples tailored to age/risk:
Age 21-29: Cervical Cancer Screening (Pap)
Age 30-65: Pap + HPV co-testing
Age 40+: Mammogram (earlier if high risk)
Age 45+: Colorectal Screening (Options include Cologard™ if no symptoms, family history or previous colon polyps, or colonoscopy if risks are present)
Ask: Can bloodwork be ordered to screen
for diabetes and cholesterol?
Ask: Are my vitals and weight in a healthy range?
Be sure to discuss blood pressure reading and BMI at your visit.
Ask: What are my personal risks for heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis?
Discuss family history and ask if family history will change the timing of screening tests.
Ask: Are my vaccines up to date?
Vaccines to discuss include Influenza (yearly), Tdap (every 10 years), HPV (age-dependent), Shingles (Age 50+), Pneumonia (Age 50+).
Ask: What should I change about my lifestyle?
Discuss topics of diet, activity level/exercise, sleep, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use.
Ask: Are there any medications or supplements I should be taking?
Discuss supplements such as Calcium, Vitamin D, Fish Oil, etc. In addition, if you have seen supplements on the Internet claiming to help this or that, be sure to discuss them with your provider.
Ask: Are there any additional items to check or discuss regarding reproductive and sexual health?
If age or life stage appropriate—discuss topics such as contraception, STI screening, pregnancy planning, or pre-menopause or menopause symptoms.
Some additional age-specific add-ons might include:
30s: fertility planning, thyroid problems (if symptomatic), skin exam
40s-50s: perimenopause/menopause management, bone health baseline
60s+: fall risk, cognitive testing, hearing/vision, bone density screening
Are there optional tests I can have to tell me more about the state of my health?
While sometimes beneficial, optional testing should be tailored based on each individual’s health and family history. Tests that may benefit individuals include:
• Coronary Artery Calcium Scan: Helpful for refining cardiovascular risk (often considered between the ages of 40-75 with immediate risk)—this test is not for low-risk younger adults.
• Advanced Lipid Testing (e.g. ApoB, Lp(a)): Clarifies cardiovascular risk if standard lipids are borderline or family history is strong.
• Hemoglobin A1c or Fasting Insulin: To evaluate diabetes/insulin resistance risk beyond a basic glucose for those with high risk factors such as obesity.
• DEXA Scan: Measures bone health, particularly important for those 65 or older or earlier for those with risk factors such as low BMI, prolonged steroid use, history of fractures, or menopause.
• Thyroid Panel (TSH, free T4): Blood test that can be done if presenting with symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, hair/skin changes, or history of thyroid disease.
• Vitamin D Level: If high risk for osteoporosis or presenting with symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency.
• Vitamin B12 Level: If history of anemia, neuropathy, or taking metformin or on a proton-pump prohibitor (PPI).
• Sexually Transmitted Infections Screening: Based on risk factors
• Hepatitis C Screening: Recommended one time in adulthood
• Sleep Apnea Evaluation: If experiencing symptoms of snoring or daytime sleepiness.
• Genetic Testing for Cancer (e.g. BRCA): If strong family history.
What to avoid as routine screening: Whole body CT Scans, broad “hormone panels” or extensive micronutrient panels without symptoms. These often yield false positives and don’t necessarily change management or course of care. Any optional or additional testing should be done with intent based on current symptoms or risk factors.
Dr. Cindy Steinberg is a board-certified family medicine physician with Novant Health Hilton Head Primary Care. With more than 28 years of experience in primary care, Dr. Steinberg provides continuous and comprehensive care, builds long-term trust with patients, and focuses on prevention and overall health for individuals and families. Dr. Steinberg is accepting new patients, call (843) 682-2004 or visit www.novanthealth.org to schedule an appointment.