25 Health Tests for Women Who Want to Live Longer, Healthier Lives

Many chronic diseases—like heart disease, dementia, cancer, and diabetes—can begin developing years before symptoms appear. Being proactive with your health means going beyond the basics and using every tool available to detect potential issues early, while they're still modifiable. 

At Midi, we feel strongly that knowledge is power, especially when it comes to prevention. These 25 tests offer a window into what’s happening inside your body now and what could lie ahead—empowering you to take action, tailor your lifestyle, and make informed decisions to protect your future health. 

Ask a healthcare professional, like a Midi clinician, which of these tests may be right for you. Not every test will be necessary now, so bookmark this A-to-Z resource, because your screening needs will shift with age and changes in your health. 

A1c (Hemoglobin A1c)

• What it tests for: This simple, non-fasting blood test measures your average blood sugar (glucose) levels over the past 2–3 months. Specifically, it looks at the percentage of hemoglobin coated with sugar (glycated hemoglobin). The more glucose in your blood, the more “glycated” hemoglobin you’ll have.
• Why you need it: To predict risk, diagnose, or monitor diabetes and prediabetes. When A1c levels are consistently high, it often means blood sugar is poorly controlled—which can strain your heart and blood vessels, putting you at increased risk of cardiovascular problems, including heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. 
• What it can tell you about your health: Indicates long-term blood sugar control, helping assess diabetes risk and management. Generally, an A1c level of less than 5.6% is considered normal. Levels between 5.7% and 6.4% indicate prediabetes, and 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes. 
• Covered by insurance? Yes, in most cases
• Who needs it: All ages, but consider testing annually starting at age 30

Annual Stool FIT Test

• What it tests for: This non-invasive test (you’ll need to collect a small stool sample at home) looks for early signs of colorectal cancer (colon and rectum) or polyps by detecting microscopic amounts of blood in the stool that aren’t visible to the naked eye.
• Why you need it: Recommended for colorectal cancer screening, especially for anyone 45 and older.
• What it can tell you about your health: Helps identify potential colorectal issues early. This is important because colon cancer is often curable when caught early. In fact, the 5-year relative survival rate for colorectal cancer found early is about 90%, according to the American Cancer Society. 
• Covered by insurance? Yes (in most cases)
• Who needs it: Anyone who is 45 and older; you may want to test sooner if you have a family history of colorectal cancer 

ApoB (Apolipoprotein B)

• What it tests for: A blood test measuring the amount of apolipoprotein B, which is a protein found on the surface of all atherogenic (plaque-forming) cholesterol particles, including LDL (commonly called “bad cholesterol”), VLDL, and others. 
• Why you need it: To assess risk for heart disease, as high ApoB levels can indicate a higher number of atherogenic particles.
• What it can tell you about your health: Testing ApoB is a more predictive marker for cardiovascular diseases than the traditional lipid panel and LDL cholesterol screens. While traditional cholesterol panels measure the amount of cholesterol in your blood, ApoB counts the actual number of particles that carry cholesterol. In fact, ApoB is now considered a better predictor of heart disease than LDL cholesterol alone.
• How to understand your results: If ApoB is elevated, it means more particles are circulating in your blood that can contribute to plaque buildup, inflammation, and vascular damage.
• Covered by insurance? No, usually out of pocket
• Who needs it: All adults can benefit from this test as part of a cardiac risk assessment.

ApoE (Apolipoprotein E)

• What it tests for: The ApoE blood test identifies which combination of the ApoE gene alleles (E2, E3, E4) a person has. Everyone inherits two alleles—one from each parent. 
• Why you need it: To assess your genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease and cardiovascular conditions, especially if you have a family history or are considering proactive lifestyle changes to reduce long-term risk.
• What it can tell you about your health: The presence of ApoE4 allele, which is linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. Carrying one copy of ApoE4 increases your risk, and having two copies can increase the risk by up to 15-fold. Keep in mind, this test is not predictive or diagnostic—many with high-risk alleles never develop Alzheimer’s.
• Covered by insurance? No (in most cases). Some insurers may cover it for specific medical reasons, such as evaluating hyperlipidemia or dementia risk.
• Who needs it: Anyone who want to engage in proactive brain health strategies and understand potential genetic risks

BRCA/Comprehensive Cancer Genetic Screening

• What it tests for: This genetic test analyzes mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Inherited mutations that increase the risk of breast, ovarian, and other cancers.
• Why you need it: To assess cancer risk, particularly if there's a family history of related cancers.
• What it can tell you about your health: Identifies genetic predispositions for certain cancers, enabling proactive monitoring and preventive measures like more regular screenings. Though, keep in mind, BRCA testing is not a guaranteed predictor of cancer development. 
• Covered by insurance? No (in most cases)
• Who needs it: Those who have been diagnosed with cancer at an early age or who have a strong family history of breast, ovarian, or other cancers.

C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

• What it tests for: This blood test measures the level of C-reactive protein. CRP increases when there's inflammation in the body. Clinicians often check CRP levels to detect inflammation or infection, both acute and chronic. The standard CRP test detects acute or chronic inflammation, while the high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) test measures lower levels and is sometimes used to assess heart disease risk.
• Why you need it: To detect or monitor inflammation, infection, or tissue damage in your body—or to help assess your risk of cardiovascular disease using the hs-CRP test, especially if you have other risk factors.
• What it can tell you about your health: High CRP may indicate infection, autoimmune disease, or chronic inflammation (e.g., obesity, diabetes). Your hs-CRP level may help estimate heart disease risk.
• Covered by insurance? No (in most cases) 
• Who needs it: Adults ages 40+ with risk factors for cardiovascular disease, chronic inflammatory conditions (e.g., diabetes, obesity, autoimmune disease), or unexplained symptoms like fatigue, pain, or fever.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

• What it tests for: A CBC (Complete Blood Count) is one of the most common blood tests used in medicine. It provides a broad look at your overall health by measuring red blood cells (which carry oxygen), white blood cells (which help fight infection), hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells), platelets (which help with clotting).
• Why you need it: To diagnose conditions like anemia, infection, and leukemia.
• What it can tell you about your health: Provides information about blood health and can indicate underlying health issues.
• Covered by insurance? Yes
• Who needs it: All ages, as it’s considered part of a standard well woman’s exam

Cervical Screening (Pap Smear)

• What it tests for: This test, which is part of a pelvic exam, detects abnormal cells in the cervix (HPV) that could lead to cervical cancer.
• Why you need it: To prevent cervical cancer through early detection.
• What it can tell you about your health: Identifies potential risks for cervical cancer, allowing for timely intervention.
• Covered by insurance? Yes
• Who needs it: All adult women, as it’s considered part of a standard well woman’s exam. Screening can end at 65 if prior tests were normal.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

• What it tests for: A CMP, or Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, is a common blood test that measures things like electrolytes, kidney and liver function, and blood sugar levels.
• Why you need it: This test gives a broad view of your overall metabolic and organ health. 
• What it can tell you about your health: Imbalances in electrolytes or liver and kidney markers can affect how your heart beats, how your body manages fluid, and how well your organs filter waste. Elevated liver enzymes might indicate inflammation in the liver, while blood sugar levels can point toward diabetes risk. Though the CMP doesn’t diagnose cancer, it helps monitor your overall health and can detect warning signs early, especially during treatment or chronic illness.
• Covered by insurance? Yes
• Who needs it: Generally included as part of routine annual labs for adults of all ages; especially important starting in your 30s

Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Test 

• What it tests for: This noninvasive, low dose CT scan measures the amount of calcium that has accumulated in the walls of the coronary arteries and provides what is termed a “coronary artery calcium score” to help interpret your risk level of heart attack or stroke.
• Why you need it: To help evaluate your risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), especially if you're unsure about starting statins or other preventive treatments. It aids in personalizing decisions about heart disease prevention.
• What it can tell you about your health: Your scan will give you a calcium score, which reflects the amount of calcified plaque in your coronary arteries. The higher the number, the greater your risk for a future heart event. This score doesn’t tell us if a heart attack is imminent, but it does help predict future risk and decide if preventive treatments like medications or lifestyle changes are needed.
• Covered by insurance? No
• Who needs it: Women ages 40-70 who are unsure about starting statins or who have intermediate cardiovascular risk. Best discussed with a clinician to interpret your 10-year ASCVD risk score and determine if this test could help guide prevention

Cortisol

• What it tests for: An accurate way to understand your cortisol rhythm is with a saliva test, done four times in one day—morning, midday, evening, and bedtime. This shows how your cortisol rises and falls throughout the day. 
• Why you need it: Cortisol follows a natural rhythm: it spikes shortly after waking and gradually declines throughout the day. But when this rhythm is off—or if cortisol stays too high for too long—it can lead to inflammation, weight gain, hormone imbalances, fatigue, and even increased risk for chronic diseases like heart disease and dementia.
• What it can tell you about your health: Chronically high cortisol promotes inflammation and plaque buildup in your arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Long-term inflammation can damage DNA, which is one way cancer may develop. Too much cortisol can also affect memory, focus, and mood. Over time, high levels may contribute to brain aging, dementia, and diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
• Covered by insurance? No
• Who needs it: Anyone who’s curious about their cortisol rhythm 

DEXA for Bone Health 

• What it tests for: A DEXA scan measures bone mineral density (BMD) to assess the strength of your bones. It helps diagnose osteopenia (low bone mass) and osteoporosis (weakened bones), and estimates your risk of fractures.
• Why you need it: To determine if you have bone loss and to evaluate your risk of osteoporosis-related fractures, especially as you age or if you have risk factors like menopause, low body weight, or certain medical conditions or medications.
• What it can tell you about your health: If your bones are within a normal range of density, or if you have osteopenia or osteoporosis. Osteoporosis requires medical treatment and fall prevention strategies as well as follow-up scans every 1–2 years, or as recommended by your clinician.
• Covered by insurance? Yes, for eligible individuals
• Who needs it: Women 65+ or postmenopausal with risk factors; can screen younger if you have risk factors

Estradiol

• What it tests for: The estradiol test measures levels of estradiol (E2), the most active form of estrogen in the body produced mainly by the ovaries. 
• Why you need it: Estradiol may be tested if you’re experiencing irregular or missed periods, hot flashes or night sweats, infertility, symptoms of premature menopause, bone thinning, or low libido to help assess ovarian function and hormonal status.
• What it can tell you about your health: Whether estrogen levels are in the expected range for your age, sex, and menstrual phase. Low estradiol may indicate perimenopause, menopause, hypothalamic dysfunction, or low ovarian reserve. High estradiol may suggest PCOS, estrogen dominance, tumors, or over-response to fertility treatments.
• Covered by insurance? Yes, typically covered when medically indicated (e.g., irregular periods, infertility, menopause symptoms, hormone therapy monitoring).
• Who needs it: May be informative for women with irregular cycles, fertility concerns, menopausal symptoms, or on HRT.

Fasting Insulin

• What it tests for: A fasting insulin test measures the level of insulin in your blood after you haven't eaten for 8–12 hours. Insulin is the hormone that helps regulate blood sugar.
• Why you need it: To evaluate how well your body is responding to glucose and insulin, and to help detect insulin resistance, which often appears years before blood sugar becomes abnormal. It can guide early interventions to prevent type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic syndrome.
• What it can tell you about your health: Whether you're producing too much insulin (a sign of insulin resistance) and your risk of diabetes, PCOS, weight gain, and cardiovascular disease.
• Covered by insurance? No, in most cases, unless specifically indicated by a medical condition like hypoglycemia or PCOS.
• Who needs it: Adults ages 20+ with obesity, family history of diabetes, PCOS, fatty liver disease, high triglycerides or low HDL, elevated blood sugar or borderline A1C. 

Ferritin

• What it tests for: A ferritin test measures the amount of ferritin, a protein that stores iron in your body. It reflects how much iron your body has in reserve.
• Why you need it: Ferritin levels can decline as women age, especially if they experience heavy menstrual periods or dietary insufficiency. 
• What it can tell you about your health: Low ferritin indicates iron deficiency, which can lead to anemia, fatigue, and poor immune function. High ferritin may indicate iron overload or be elevated in chronic inflammation, liver disease, or infection.
• Covered by insurance? Yes
• Who needs it: Check annually for women with heavy periods, vegetarian diets, or those showing symptoms of fatigue, poor sleep, or hair loss.

FSH

• What it tests for: The FSH test measures the level of follicle-stimulating hormone in your blood. FSH is produced by the pituitary gland and plays a key role in reproductive health in both women and men.
• Why you need it: To evaluate fertility, menstrual irregularities, menopause status, or pituitary function. In men, it helps assess sperm production and testicular function.
• What it can tell you about your health: In women, it helps determine if you're in perimenopause or menopause, or if you have ovarian dysfunction, PCOS, or infertility. FSH may affect your heart health. Some studies show that high FSH levels (especially after menopause) might increase the risk of hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), high cholesterol and heart disease.
• Covered by insurance? Yes, typically covered when medically indicated—for infertility, irregular cycles, suspected menopause, or hormone-related concerns.
• Who needs it: Women of any age with infertility, PCOS, or suspected ovarian dysfunction, and those over 40 with irregular periods or symptoms of menopause

Full Body MRI

• What it tests for: A full body MRI is a noninvasive imaging scan that uses magnetic fields and radio waves (no radiation) to take detailed pictures of the entire body. 
• Why you need it: It screens for early-stage cancers, vascular disease, organ abnormalities, or degenerative conditions.
• What it can tell you about your health: This MRI can detect tumors, cysts, or abnormal growths; identifies vascular issues like aneurysms; assesses spine, joints, muscles, and organs (brain, liver, kidneys, pancreas, etc.). It may detect early signs of neurologic, cardiovascular, or autoimmune disease
• Covered by insurance? No, unless ordered for a specific medical concern
• Who needs it: May be considered in adults ages 40+ with a strong family history of cancer, aneurysm, or sudden death, genetic risk factors (e.g., BRCA mutation, Lynch syndrome), and those interested in early detection.

Galleri Test

• What it tests for: The Galleri® test is a multi-cancer early detection (MCED) blood test that looks for circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) with abnormal methylation patterns—biological signals that may indicate the presence of over 50 types of cancer, many of which are not routinely screened for. 
• Why you need it: It detects potential early-stage cancers before symptoms appear—especially in people with a high lifetime cancer risk, family history, or those who want additional screening beyond standard guidelines.
• What it can tell you about your health: Whether a cancer signal is detected in your blood. If positive, it predicts the tissue of origin (where the cancer may be starting). If negative, no cancer signal was found at the time of testing—but it does not rule out cancer completely. It does not replace standard screenings like colonoscopy, mammogram, or low-dose lung CT.
• Covered by insurance? No
• Who needs it: Adults age 40+ with elevated cancer risk (e.g., family history, genetic predisposition) or people wanting additional early detection strategies alongside traditional cancer screening.

Homocysteine

• What it tests for: A simple blood test to check your levels of homocysteine, a type of amino acid that your body makes when it breaks down another amino acid called methionine. Homocysteine is important in a process called the methylation cycle, which helps the body use and recycle nutrients.
• Why you need it: If homocysteine levels get too high, it can be linked to health problems. 
• What it can tell you about your health: High homocysteine is linked to several health problems, particularly heart disease, blood clots, and cognitive decline. It can damage blood vessel linings, cause inflammation, and contribute to brain cell stress. In women, it may cause muscle weakness and bone loss, and in cancer patients, it raises the risk of clots. 
• Covered by insurance? No
• Who needs it: May be appropriate for women with cardiovascular risk factors or family history of heart disease, blood clots, or dementia

Lp(a)

• What it tests for: The Lp(a) test measures the amount of lipoprotein(a) in your blood—a type of LDL-like particle with an added protein called apolipoprotein(a). 
• Why you need it: To identify hidden cardiovascular risk that standard cholesterol panels may miss. It is especially useful if you have early heart disease, strong family history, or high cholesterol without clear explanation.
• What it can tell you about your health: Elevated Lp(a) is a significant risk factor for atherosclerosis independent of LDL and ApoB. It can put you at increased risk for heart attack, stroke, aortic valve stenosis, and coronary artery disease, even if other lipids are normal. High Lp(a) has also been linked to vascular dementia, a form of cognitive decline caused by impaired blood flow to the brain due to plaque and vessel damage.
• Covered by insurance? Yes, sometimes. Coverage is variable—may be covered if there’s a personal or family history of early cardiovascular disease or unexplained high cholesterol.
• Who needs it: Anyone with a family history of premature heart attacks or stroke or elevated LDL that doesn’t respond to treatment.

Neurotrack

• What it tests for: The Neurotrack test is a digital, app-based cognitive screening tool that evaluates memory, attention, processing speed, and executive function. It is designed to screen for early cognitive decline and track changes in brain function over time—particularly useful in assessing risk for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
• Why you need it: To screen for early signs of cognitive impairment, especially if you’re at risk due to age, family history, APOE4 status, or concern about memory loss. It can also be used to monitor cognitive health over time and measure improvement after lifestyle or treatment interventions.
• What it can tell you about your health: Whether your cognitive performance is within the expected range for your age, if there are signs of cognitive slowing or mild impairment. It also helps identify individuals who may benefit from further neurologic evaluation, preventive strategies, or lifestyle changes.
• Covered by insurance? No
• Who needs it: Anyone concerned about cognitive health or prevention, particularly those with a family history of dementia or known APOE4 carriers. It’s also an option for anyone interested in tracking brain health over time or engaging in dementia prevention programs

Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHGB) Test 

• What it tests for: The SHBG test measures levels of sex hormone-binding globulin, a protein made by the liver that binds to sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen. SHBG controls how much of these hormones are “free” (bioavailable) versus “bound” (inactive) in the blood.
• Why you need it: To better understand your hormone balance, especially if you have symptoms of low testosterone, estrogen excess, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or thyroid or liver dysfunction. It helps assess whether hormone levels are being affected by binding proteins.
• What it can tell you about your health: Helps interpret total testosterone or estrogen tests by showing how much is actually bioavailable. High SHBG can reduce free testosterone or estrogen—seen in hyperthyroidism, liver disease, pregnancy, or estrogen therapy. Low SHBG may increase free hormone levels—seen in obesity, insulin resistance, hypothyroidism, PCOS, or androgen excess.
• Covered by insurance? Yes, in some cases, when ordered to evaluate hormone-related symptoms or metabolic concerns.
• Who needs it: Women with symptoms of PCOS, androgen excess, or irregular periods, along with anyone with thyroid issues, obesity, or metabolic syndrome.

Testosterone

• What it tests for: Testosterone screening measures levels of testosterone. It is most commonly assessed using total testosterone, and may also include free or bioavailable testosterone if more detail is needed.
• Why you need it: To evaluate symptoms related to testosterone imbalance, such as fatigue, low libido, irregular periods, infertility, mood changes, or muscle loss. Also used to monitor hormone replacement therapy or screen for underlying health issues.
• What it can tell you about your health: Low testosterone (hypogonadism) may explain symptoms like fatigue, low sex drive, depression, or reduced muscle mass. High testosterone may be due to supplementation, tumors, PCOS, or other endocrine disorders
• Covered by insurance? Yes, often covered when medically indicated (e.g., symptoms of low T, infertility, irregular menses, or suspected hormone imbalance)
• Who needs it: Women with signs of androgen excess (e.g., acne, hair thinning, irregular cycles), plus anyone with infertility, erectile dysfunction, or low bone density

Thyroid Panel

• What it tests for: Thyroid function is primarily assessed through serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) measurement, which remains the most sensitive and reliable screening tool for detecting both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. 
• Why you need it: To evaluate symptoms of thyroid dysfunction, such as fatigue, weight changes, hair thinning, depression, cold intolerance, irregular periods, or brain fog. Also used to monitor thyroid medication or screen for thyroid disease in at-risk individuals.
• What it can tell you about your health: Thyroid disorders, especially hypothyroidism from Hashimoto’s disease, are common and often underdiagnosed in women over 50, making thyroid screening essential in symptomatic pre- and postmenopausal women presenting with fatigue, mood changes, weight fluctuations, sleep issues, palpitations, agitation, or hair thinning.
• Covered by insurance? Yes
• Who needs it: Women with symptoms of thyroid dysfunction (menstrual irregularities, PCOS, infertility), plus those with a family history of thyroid disease or autoimmune disorders. 

Vitamin D

• What it tests for: The Vitamin D test measures the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] in your blood, the main circulating form of vitamin D. It reflects your vitamin D status from sunlight, food, and supplements.
• Why you need it: To assess whether you have adequate vitamin D for bone health, immune support, mood regulation, and inflammation control. Deficiency is common, especially in people with low sun exposure, darker skin tones, or absorption issues.
• What it can tell you about your health: Whether you are deficient, insufficient, or have optimal levels. Low levels are linked to osteoporosis, weakened immunity, fatigue, depression, and increased risk of chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular, autoimmune).
  High levels may indicate over-supplementation.
• Covered by insurance? Coverage varies—often covered if you have osteoporosis, malabsorption, or related symptoms, but may not be covered for general screening.
• Who needs it: Adults of all ages, especially those with limited sun exposure or darker skin, those with osteopenia/osteoporosis or autoimmune conditions, chronic fatigue, or mood disorders.

*Note: Insurance coverage will vary. Always confirm with your insurance provider before moving forward with testing.