More than three in four women ages 55 to 75 haven’t seen a gynecologist in the past year, according to a new Cleveland Clinic report, even though menopause can affect everything from heart and bone health to brain function. The same survey found that only 19% of women knew women face a higher lifetime risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, despite women accounting for nearly two-thirds of Alzheimer’s cases. Physicians say those knowledge gaps could delay preventive care at a stage of life when routine screenings and early intervention matter most.
“I want women at midlife and beyond to really prioritize themselves,” said Dr. Pelin Batur. “How you assess your risk factors during this phase of life really determines whether you’re going to transition into later life in a state of disease or a state of wellness.”
Routine Care Still Matters After Menopause
Many women mistakenly believe gynecological care ends when their reproductive years do. In reality, annual visits remain important for monitoring pelvic health, urinary issues, osteoporosis risk, and symptoms that could signal cancer or other conditions. Regular appointments also create opportunities to discuss heart health, menopause symptoms, sexual wellness, and mental health concerns.
Nearly one-third of women said they had not seen a primary care provider in the past two years because they felt healthy and didn’t think they needed to go. The Cleveland Clinic survey also found that more than two in five women were unaware that menopause affects far more than reproductive health, including the heart, brain, bones, and metabolism. Physicians say that misunderstanding may contribute to many women skipping follow-up care after menopause.
For women who feel healthy, these visits often catch problems before noticeable symptoms appear. That makes women’s preventive health an essential part of healthy aging rather than an optional extra.
Alzheimer’s Risk Deserves More Attention
The same Cleveland Clinic survey found that most women did not know they face a higher lifetime risk of Alzheimer’s disease than men. While women generally live longer, researchers say longevity alone does not explain the difference, and scientists continue studying biological and hormonal factors that may contribute.
Researchers estimate that up to 45% of Alzheimer’s cases may be linked to potentially modifiable risk factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes, physical inactivity, hearing loss, depression, and smoking. While no strategy can completely prevent dementia, addressing those risks earlier in life may help reduce the likelihood of developing the disease.
Experts recommend focusing on controllable risks such as blood pressure, physical activity, quality sleep, social engagement, and managing diabetes. “What’s good for the heart is good for the brain,” Dr. Batur said, explaining that controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, sleep, physical activity, and even depression may help lower dementia risk. A woman in her 60s who prioritizes these habits alongside routine medical care may lower her overall dementia risk while improving her quality of life.
“Women are at the epicenter of the Alzheimer’s crisis. That’s why we must be at the heart of the solution,” said Maria Shriver.
Small Steps Can Protect Long-Term Health
Busy schedules, caregiving responsibilities, and healthcare costs often push preventive appointments to the bottom of the list. Even so, delaying screenings can allow treatable conditions to progress unnoticed for years.
Preventive visits also give women an opportunity to update vaccinations, review medications, discuss changes in family medical history, address concerns like urinary incontinence or sexual health, and stay current on mammograms, bone density testing when appropriate, and cervical cancer screening based on personal history.
A Health Check Today Can Make Tomorrow Better
The latest findings are a reminder that preventive care remains valuable at every stage of life. Seeing a gynecologist is not only about reproductive health but also about identifying broader health concerns before they become serious. Combined with healthy lifestyle choices and greater awareness of Alzheimer’s risk, routine checkups can help women stay active and independent longer. Every appointment is an opportunity to ask questions, address new symptoms, and create a personalized prevention plan.
Your Future Health Starts With Today’s Choices
Nearly 45% of women surveyed said their biggest concern about aging was being unable to afford healthcare, exceeding concerns about conditions such as cancer, heart disease, or Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers say financial worries often influence whether women seek preventive care, but it is one of the most effective ways to protect their health as they age.
The Cleveland Clinic researchers say the findings point to an important opportunity: helping women understand that menopause isn’t the end of preventive care—it’s the beginning of a new phase of health that deserves just as much attention. Regular checkups, informed conversations, and healthy lifestyle choices can all play a role in helping women stay healthier and more independent as they age. For many women, the biggest health decision isn’t choosing a new treatment—it’s simply making time for the preventive care that helps catch problems before they become serious.
What preventive health appointment have you been putting off, and what finally motivated you to schedule it? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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The post Gen-X and Boomer Women Are Missing Critical Checkups: 3 in 4 Haven’t Seen a Gynecologist, and Most Don’t Know Alzheimer’s Hits Women Hardest appeared first on Budget and the Bees.
