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Essential Blood Tests Women Should Get After Age 35

PBTT

Private Blood Tests Team

Clinical Team

29 Dec 2025•10 min read

Your thirties mark a transition in health priorities. While you may still feel young and vibrant, subtle changes are occurring beneath the surface. Hormone levels begin shifting, metabolism gradually slows, and the foundations for future health conditions may be developing silently.

This is precisely why proactive health screening becomes increasingly important after 35. Blood tests can detect changes early — often years before symptoms appear — giving you the opportunity to intervene and protect your long-term health.

Why 35 Is a Key Age for Women's Health

Several significant changes begin around this age:

  • Fertility decline accelerates — Egg quality and quantity decrease more rapidly
  • Perimenopause may begin — Hormonal fluctuations can start years before menopause
  • Cardiovascular risk increases — The protective effect of oestrogen begins to diminish
  • Bone density peaks then declines — Osteoporosis prevention becomes relevant
  • Metabolic changes occur — Weight management often becomes more challenging
  • Chronic disease risk rises — Diabetes, thyroid disorders, and autoimmune conditions become more common

    • Regular blood testing allows you to track these changes and respond proactively.

    Essential Blood Tests for Women Over 35

    ### 1. Thyroid Function Panel

    Thyroid disorders affect women far more commonly than men, with risk increasing with age. An underactive thyroid can cause fatigue, weight gain, depression, and numerous other symptoms that are often attributed to "just getting older."

    Tests to include:

  • TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone)
  • Free T4
  • Free T3
  • Thyroid antibodies (TPO, TgAb)

    • Why it matters:

  • Hypothyroidism affects 1 in 50 women
  • Risk increases significantly after 35
  • Early detection allows treatment before significant symptoms develop
  • Thyroid dysfunction affects fertility, pregnancy, and long-term health

    • For comprehensive information, read our guide to private blood tests for thyroid problems.

    ### 2. Lipid Profile

    Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, yet cardiovascular health is often overlooked. Before menopause, oestrogen provides some protection, but this diminishes as hormone levels decline.

    Tests to include:

  • Total cholesterol
  • LDL cholesterol
  • HDL cholesterol
  • Triglycerides

    • Why it matters:

  • Cardiovascular risk increases after 35
  • Early detection allows lifestyle intervention
  • Knowing your baseline helps track changes over time

    • ### 3. Blood Sugar Tests

    Type 2 diabetes risk increases with age, and women with a history of gestational diabetes are at particularly high risk. Prediabetes often has no symptoms but can be detected through blood tests.

    Tests to include:

  • Fasting glucose
  • HbA1c
  • Fasting insulin (for more detailed assessment)

    • Why it matters:

  • Prediabetes is reversible with lifestyle changes
  • Diabetes significantly increases heart disease and other health risks
  • Early detection allows intervention before damage occurs

    • For detailed information, read our guide to understanding the A1C blood test.

    ### 4. Full Blood Count

    A full blood count provides valuable information about overall health, including:

  • Red blood cells (anaemia detection)
  • White blood cells (immune function)
  • Platelets (clotting)
  • Haemoglobin levels

    • Why it matters for women:

  • Women are at higher risk of iron deficiency anaemia due to menstruation
  • Anaemia causes fatigue often attributed to stress or busy lifestyles
  • Can reveal underlying health issues

    • ### 5. Iron Studies

    Iron deficiency is extremely common in women of reproductive age and can cause debilitating fatigue even before full anaemia develops.

    Tests to include:

  • Serum iron
  • Ferritin
  • Transferrin saturation
  • Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC)

    • Why it matters:

  • Heavy periods increase iron loss
  • Low ferritin causes fatigue, hair loss, and poor concentration
  • Easy to treat once identified

    • For more information, read our article on why you should not ignore tiredness.

    ### 6. Vitamin D

    Vitamin D deficiency is extremely common in the UK, affecting an estimated 1 in 5 adults. Women are particularly susceptible, and deficiency contributes to numerous health issues.

    Why it matters:

  • Essential for bone health (preventing osteoporosis)
  • Affects immune function
  • Linked to mood and energy levels
  • May affect fertility

    • ### 7. Vitamin B12 and Folate

    These vitamins are essential for energy, neurological function, and cell production.

    Why it matters:

  • Deficiency causes fatigue and neurological symptoms
  • Vegetarians and vegans are at higher risk
  • Absorption decreases with age
  • Crucial for women planning pregnancy

    • ### 8. Liver Function Tests

    The liver performs hundreds of essential functions and can be damaged silently over years.

    Tests to include:

  • ALT
  • AST
  • GGT
  • ALP
  • Bilirubin
  • Albumin

    • Why it matters:

  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is increasingly common
  • Early detection allows intervention before permanent damage
  • Provides baseline for monitoring medications

    • For comprehensive information, read our guide to decoding your liver function tests.

    ### 9. Kidney Function Tests

    Kidney health should be monitored regularly, particularly if you have risk factors such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

    Tests to include:

  • Creatinine
  • eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate)
  • Urea

    • ### 10. Hormone Panel (If Symptomatic)

    If you are experiencing symptoms that may be hormone-related, additional testing may be valuable:

  • FSH and LH — Assess ovarian function and menopausal status
  • Oestradiol — Primary oestrogen hormone
  • Progesterone — Important for cycle regularity and fertility
  • Testosterone — Affects libido, energy, and mood in women too
  • AMH — Ovarian reserve marker for those considering future fertility

    • For more information, read our article on the hidden role of blood tests in fertility and hormone health.

    Additional Tests to Consider

    Inflammatory markers:

  • CRP or hs-CRP — Measures inflammation linked to chronic disease. Learn more in our overview of the C-reactive protein test.

    • Bone health:

  • Calcium
  • Phosphate
  • Bone profile

    • How Often Should You Test?

  • Baseline testing: Establish your personal baseline at 35
  • Annual screening: Most tests should be repeated yearly
  • More frequently: If abnormalities are found or you have risk factors

    • Taking Control of Your Health

    Proactive health screening is not about looking for problems — it is about taking control of your wellbeing. Knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions about your lifestyle and healthcare.

    For a complete overview of comprehensive testing, read our guide to what's included in a comprehensive health check.

    Women's Health Testing in London

    At Private Blood Tests London, we offer comprehensive women's health panels at our CQC-registered clinic in South Kensington. Our tests are tailored to the unique health needs of women over 35, providing you with actionable information to protect your long-term health.

    Explore our [thyroid testing options](/thyroid-test), [full blood count tests](/full-blood-count-test), and [comprehensive health screening packages](/health-screening).

    Your future health is shaped by decisions you make today. Book your blood test and take the first step toward proactive health management.

    Ready to Book Your Test?

    Visit our CQC-registered clinic in South Kensington for professional blood testing services.

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