Your 40s can feel like a decade of contrast. You may be more confident in who you are, yet also more aware of your body’s shifting rhythm. For many women, this is a time of caring for others while beginning to take their own health more seriously.
But staying well in your 40s isn’t about doing everything. It’s about checking in with where you are now and making choices that help protect your future self.
At Bloom Women’s Health, our gynaecologists and other health professionals can work along with your GP to support you through each transition. Whether you’re managing period changes, preparing for menopause or navigating complex symptoms, our team offers specialist care with clarity, compassion and clinical expertise.
Cervical Screening: Keep the Five-Year Regime Going
If you’re on track with your Cervical Screening Tests (CSTs), you’ll know the regime of once every five years from the age of 25 until you’re 74 well. If it’s been five years since your last test, or you’re unsure, now’s the time to check in with your GP.
Even if you feel well and had the HPV vaccine, regular screening is essential. Cervical cancer is rare, but it develops slowly, and screening helps catch potential changes before they become serious.
If your results show anything unusual, your GP may refer you for a colposcopy or further investigation with a gynaecologist. That’s where Bloom can support your next step with care that’s informed, respectful and never rushed.
Breast Awareness and Screening: Building Confidence Through Clarity
Your 40s mark the beginning of recommended mammogram screening in Australia. BreastScreen services are available every two years from age 40 and are strongly encouraged from age 50. If you’ve never had one, your GP can help you decide when to begin.
In the meantime, continuing monthly breast checks remains important. Knowing what’s normal for your breasts, and what isn’t, can help you feel more confident, not more anxious.
If you notice a change in shape, texture, or sensation, or if you’re simply unsure, don’t wait for a scheduled screen. Your GP can assess and, if needed, refer you to a specialist for imaging or further care.
Heart and Metabolic Health: Quiet Risks Deserve Early Attention
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death for Australian women, and risk often starts rising in this decade. That doesn’t mean there’s cause for panic. But it is time to check in with your GP about your baseline.
You might discuss:
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol and triglyceride levels
- Blood glucose or HbA1c (especially if you’ve had gestational diabetes or PCOS)
If results are outside the healthy range, your GP may support you with lifestyle guidance, monitoring, or referral to a specialist. The earlier risks are detected, the more opportunity there is to make small changes that pay off later.
Menstrual and Hormonal Shifts: A Time of Transition
Period changes in your 40s can feel frustrating. They may be heavier, longer, more irregular, or they can sneak in subtly, with mood swings, poor sleep, and a sense that something just feels “off.”
For some women, this can be the early beginning of perimenopause, even if your cycles haven’t stopped yet. While this transition is natural, that doesn’t mean you have to manage it alone. If symptoms are affecting your daily life or relationships, talk to your GP. They may recommend hormonal blood tests or refer you to a gynaecologist for further support.
At Bloom, our gynaecologists offer guidance on navigating perimenopause from contraceptive changes to hormone therapy and or symptom management — all grounded in evidence and tailored to your needs.
Pelvic Health: The Things Women Often Don’t Mention
In your 40s, you might start to notice subtle changes in how your body feels. Heavier bleeding, a sense of pressure or dragging in the pelvis, or discomfort during sex can all be early signs of something worth investigating.
These symptoms are commonly linked to pelvic floor dysfunction or pelvic organ prolapse. While they’re very common, particularly in women who’ve given birth, they’re also often under-reported or dismissed.
If you’ve noticed changes or something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and speak with your GP. They can perform an initial assessment and, if needed, refer you to a gynaecologist for further care. At Bloom Women’s Health, we support women experiencing prolapse, fibroids, polyps, endometriosis and other conditions that affect the way you feel day to day, with care that helps you feel informed, reassured and heard.
Bone Health: What to Know Before You’re 50
You may not need a bone density scan in your 40s, but some women do, especially if you’ve experienced early menopause, low BMI, eating disorders or long-term steroid use.
Bone health starts with strong oestrogen levels and adequate calcium and vitamin D. If you’re at risk of osteoporosis, or have had fractures or family history, speak to your GP. Screening earlier can offer peace of mind or prompt action where needed.
Mental Health: Mood, Motivation and Midlife Load
This decade often brings an emotional load that’s easy to underestimate. You might be juggling children and ageing parents, workplace demands or simply feeling the weight of responsibility.
If you’re feeling flat, anxious or overwhelmed, a conversation with your GP is a good place to start. They can offer support, screening tools, or referrals under a Mental Health Care Plan.
And if your emotional health is linked to hormonal change, fertility issues or past loss, a women’s health specialised GP or gynaecologist may play a role in your broader care.
Skin Checks: Making It a Habit Before It’s Urgent
Your 40s are a smart time to start prioritising skin checks, especially if you’ve spent time outdoors, have fair skin, or a family history of melanoma. Monthly at-home checks and a yearly review with your GP can help catch changes early, when treatment is most effective.
It’s about prevention, not paranoia, and building habits that support you well into later life.
Why It’s Worth Staying Connected with Your GP — and a Specialist Team
Most of the checks we’ve covered begin with your GP. They’re your best ally in managing health changes, ordering tests and knowing when to act.
But when issues become more complex, or don’t resolve with first-line care, a referral to a gynaecologist can provide clarity, coordination and reassurance.
At Bloom Women’s Health, we offer expert support for:
- Heavy or irregular periods
- Pelvic pain and endometriosis
- Perimenopause and menopause care
- Contraception in your 40s
- Fertility assessment and family planning
- Pelvic floor dysfunction and prolapse
With a referral, our team will work closely with your GP to ensure your care is cohesive, respectful and matched to your stage of life.
Further Reading on Women's Health
- What to Know About Perimenopause
- Do I have Heavy Menstrual Bleeding? What treatments are Available?
- Persistent Pelvic Pain
- Understanding Hormone Replacement Therapy
