A “midlife MOT” isn’t about hunting for problems – it’s about staying one step ahead of them. Here, Dr Bahar Maybrey from Surrey’s Well Life Clinic, shares the five essential checks every woman should consider protecting her health, energy, and wellbeing for the decades ahead.

1. Hormone health check

Hormones begin to shift in your 40s, and the effects can be surprisingly disruptive: irregular periods, sleep issues, mood changes, weight fluctuations, or a drop in libido. A hormone health check helps you understand where you are in the perimenopause/menopause transition and whether your symptoms match what’s happening biologically.

This may include:

FSH and oestradiol tests (in selected cases)
Thyroid testing (symptoms often overlap)
A full review of symptoms and treatment options, including lifestyle strategies and HRT

Balanced hormones don’t just improve how you feel – oestrogen also supports bone, brain, and heart health.

When to book: Any time after 40, especially if symptoms are affecting daily life. Or before if you are concerned.

2. Bone density (DEXA Scan)

Bone loss accelerates after 40, and more sharply around menopause. Osteoporosis is known as a “silent” condition because you often won’t notice issues until a fracture occurs. A baseline DEXA scan gives you an early snapshot of bone strength so you can take steps to protect it.

If results show osteopenia (when the bone density is lower than normal but not low as osteoporosis) or early thinning, lifestyle strategies – such as strength training, vitamin D optimisation, adequate calcium, or HRT – can significantly slow bone loss.

When to book:

Over 45
Earlier if there’s a family history of osteoporosis
If you’ve had premature or early menopause

3. Heart health check

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, and risk rises as oestrogen levels fall. Knowing your numbers now can help prevent problems later.

A heart check usually includes:

Blood pressure
Full cholesterol profile
Blood sugar (HbA1c)

Small changes made early – diet tweaks, regular exercise, stress management, or medication where appropriate – can dramatically reduce long-term risk.

When to book: Every 1–2 years after 40.

4. Thyroid function test

Fatigue, weight gain, anxiety, hair thinning, low mood, dry skin, and irregular periods can all be caused by thyroid dysfunction. Women are far more likely than men to experience thyroid issues, especially during midlife.

A simple blood test (TSH, FT4, and sometimes FT3) can identify underactive or overactive thyroid function.

When to book: With symptoms – or routinely every 1–2 years as part of a midlife health review.

5. Cancer screening essentials

Your 40s are the time to ensure you’re up to date with essential screenings:

Breast screening (earlier if high risk)
Cervical screening
Skin checks for changing moles
Bowel screening once eligible (from 50)

Early detection remains one of the most powerful tools in protecting long-term health.

The bottom line

A midlife MOT is a proactive way to understand your body, protect your long-term health, and ensure you feel your best through midlife and beyond. It’s not about expecting problems – it’s about investing in prevention so you can move forward with confidence, clarity, and strength.

Dr Bahar Maybrey from Surrey's Well Life Clinic.

Dr Bahar Maybrey is an experienced GP and women’s health specialist with a background in acute medicine and over a decade of clinical practice. She trained as a GP in the East of England Deanery before becoming a partner in a large Surrey practice in 2015. Dr Maybrey has worked as a Menopause Specialist at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital under Professor Janice Rymer and is a member of the RCGP, FSRH and the Institute of Psychosexual Medicine. She also has specialised training in adult ADHD assessment. With expertise in menopause care, family planning and psychosexual health, she offers a patient-centred, compassionate approach to every consultation.

Well Life Clinic, with locations in Oxted and Cobham, offers comprehensive healthcare for the whole family. Run by experienced GPs, the clinic provides private appointments, health checks, on-site blood tests, women’s and men’s health services, mental health support, minor surgery, and same-day appointments. Membership options are also available.

If you’re considering a personalised midlife MOT, Well Life Clinics in Cobham and Oxted offer hormone testing, women’s health consultations, and midlife wellbeing assessments.

Well Life Clinic
125-131 Station Road East, Oxted, RH8 0QE. Tel: 01883 338336
5 Between Streets, Cobham, KT11 1AA. Tel: 01932 391883

The midlife MOT: five checks every woman over 40 should book

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