Aging is a natural part of life. However, there are certain factors for healthy aging that people who were assigned female at birth should keep in mind. These include regular screenings and seeking care for the stages of menopause.

Aging can affect everyone differently. However, certain aspects of aging for people who were assigned female at birth differ from those who were assigned male at birth.

These aspects may include the need for regular breast cancer screenings and pap smears. It also includes the need for care and advice during the stages of menopause, which are perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause.

These stages can affect every aspect of a person’s life. Seeking the right care and advice can help you cope with these changes.

The use of binary terms such as “male” and “female” or “men” and “women” in this article reflects the language of the sources we’ve used. Unless otherwise noted, it’s unclear whether the research we reference included participants with expansive gender identities.

According to the 2020 census, 1 in 6 people in the United States was over the age of 65. Estimates indicate that this population will increase by 42% by 2050.

According to a 2024 article, research indicates that older women make up the majority of the global population. However, research into medications that included women, especially older women, has typically been lacking. For example, it wasn’t until the 1990s that drug companies funded research that included women, despite them being more likely to have adverse reactions.

Certain conditions can affect women uniquely, disproportionately, and in different ways. Aging accounts for some of these conditions, and some become a greater risk as you age.

Conditions that affect women uniquely

The 2024 article highlights certain conditions that only affect women. These include:

  • Osteoporosis: Women going through menopause are at greater risk of osteoporosis because falling estrogen levels reduce bone protection. During this stage, up to 20% of bone loss can occur, and worldwide, 1 in 10 women over 60 is affected by osteoporosis.
  • Cervical cancer: Cervical cancer is a cancer of the female reproductive system that begins in the lower uterus. The average age of diagnosis is 50 years old, and more than 20% of cervical cancers develop in women over the age of 65.
  • Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a chronic condition that is dependent on estrogen. It affects around 10% of girls and women of reproductive age (ages 15 to 49).

Conditions that affect women disproportionately

Certain conditions can also affect women disproportionately. These include:

  • Migraine: Globally, migraine affects roughly 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men. In women, it’s likely linked to hormonal factors. Women may also experience more frequent, longer-lasting, and more disabling migraine episodes.
  • Breast cancer: Each year, breast cancer accounts for about 1 in 3 new cancer cases among women, a far higher rate than in men.
  • Dementia: Among adults over 65 worldwide, dementia affects about 80 per 1,000 women compared to about 55 per 1,000 men, making it more common in women.

Conditions that affect women differently

The 2024 article also highlights certain conditions that can affect women differently from men:

  • Heart attack: The symptoms of a heart attack may present differently in women. For example, women may be more likely to experience anxiety, shortness of breath, and unusual tiredness or weakness during a heart attack. According to the National Heart, Blood ,and Lung Institute, heart disease is also the leading cause of death in women in the United States.
  • Stroke: Women may be more likely to experience stroke than men. The American Heart Institute indicates that around 1 in 5 women will have a stroke at some time in their lives. Women may also experience reduced functional outcomes and lower quality of life following a stroke.
  • Alzheimer’s disease: Women may be more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that around two-thirds of people in the United States who have Alzheimer’s disease are women. Women in their 60s are also twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease during their lifetime as they are breast cancer.

Regular screenings are an important part of early diagnosis for conditions like breast cancer and cervical cancer. Early diagnosis can make these serious conditions easier to treat.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) defines screenings as tests that help identify a disease in people who are not experiencing symptoms. Two common screening tests for women are mammograms and Pap smears.

Breast cancer

The ACS recommends that regular breast cancer screenings begin around the age of 40. The ACS also recommends the following screen guidelines for women with an average risk of breast cancer:

  • Between ages 40 and 44: Optional to begin screening with yearly mammograms
  • Ages 45 to 54: Recommended to get mammograms every year
  • Ages 55 and older: Can choose to switch to mammograms every other year, or choose to continue yearly mammograms. Screenings should continue as long as a person is in good health and has a life expectancy of at least 10 more years.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that women between the ages of 40 and 74 get a mammogram every 2 years.

Work with your healthcare professional to set a regular screening schedule based on your individual risk.

Cervical cancer screening

Cervical cancer screenings identify precancerous cervical cells at a time when treatment is still possible. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) notes three types of screenings for cervical cancer:

  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) test: Checks for infection with high risk HPV types that can cause cervical cancer.
  • Pap test (pap smear): Collects cervical cells to be checked for HPV, precancerous cells, and even infection or inflammation.
  • HPV/Pap cotest: Combines the HPV and the pap test to check for both high risk HPV and cervical cell changes.

The USPSTF and the ACS typically give recommendations for screening guidelines:

  • Ages 21 to 29: First pap test at 21 years old, followed by a pap test every 3 years after
  • Ages 30 to 65: Recommendations are for one of the following:
    • HPV test every 5 years
    • HPV/Pap test every 5 years
    • Pap test every 3 years
  • Over the age of 65: Screenings may no longer be needed. Speak to your healthcare professional for personal recommendations.

Menopause is a natural part of the female aging process. It is the time when your body changes, your periods stop, and you can no longer become pregnant. The time leading up to menopause is called perimenopause, or menopausal transition.

Not everyone experiences menopause the same way. Some individuals may experience severe symptoms that significantly impact every aspect of their lives. Others may have mild or no symptoms.

Speaking with a healthcare professional about the transition into menopause, the menopause period itself, and life after menopause can help you understand it more. Healthcare professionals can also offer medical advice and potential treatments for some of the symptoms you may experience.

Perimenopause

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) states that, on average, perimenopause begins sometime between the ages of 45 and 55. However, it is possible to enter this stage earlier.

Symptoms may include:

  • irregular or lighter periods
  • hot flashes, night sweats, and difficulty sleeping
  • mood changes and irritability
  • vaginal dryness, which may cause uncomfortable or painful sex
  • lower interest in sex

The Office on Women’s Health (OASH) indicates that perimenopause can last anywhere from 2 to 8 years.

Menopause

Menopause is the time when your period stops completely. You reach menopause when you have not had a period, or bleeding of any kind, including spotting, for 12 months, according to OASH.

According to NIA, you may continue to experience symptoms and may experience additional ones as well, including:

  • loss of bladder control
  • body changes like a larger waist, a loss of muscle, and an increase in fat
  • thinner and drier skin
  • stiff, weak, and achy joints and muscles
  • memory issues or difficulty focusing

The average age for menopause in the United States is 52. However, it generally occurs between the ages of 45 and 58.

A 2023 article notes that treatment options for menopause may include hormone therapy, antidepressants, and supplements. You can speak to your healthcare professional about the best options for your circumstances.

Postmenopause

After menopause, you may notice that many of your symptoms begin to lessen. However, it is common for people to experience things like hot flashes for between 9 and 14 years after postmenopause. Some people may also experience vaginal dryness more often after menopause.

The reduced hormone levels that occur following menopause may also increase your risk of certain health conditions, such as osteoporosis, heart disease, and stroke. Speak with your healthcare professional for treatment options and ways to lower your risks.

Other ways you can help yourself to age in a healthy way include:

Aging can affect women differently from men in various ways. This includes menopause and its stages. Getting regular screenings for breast and cervical cancer can help you age well.

You can also speak to your healthcare professional about treating menopause symptoms and lowering your risks for conditions like osteoporosis, heart disease, and stroke.