Women’s Health at Every Stage: Screenings, Nutrition and Wellness

March 13, 2026

Women’s health evolves through every stage of life, from early adulthood to menopause and beyond. Understanding the right screenings, nutrition and preventive care can play a key role in maintaining overall well-being.

We spoke with Fatima Vergara, APRN, an advanced practice provider at UF Health Family Medicine – Nocatee, to answer common questions about women’s health, including vitamins, mammograms, menopause and other important preventive screenings.

Can taking a daily multivitamin support overall health?

A daily multivitamin can be helpful for some women, but it’s not a substitute for a balanced diet. People who may benefit most include those with limited dietary variety, restrictive diets, or increased nutrient needs. Pregnant women or those trying to conceive should take a prenatal vitamin with folic acid. Women with heavy menstrual cycles may need iron. Those with limited sun exposure or darker skin tones may benefit from vitamin D. Vegetarians or vegans may need B12 supplementation.

When should a woman get her first mammogram, and what should she know before her first screening?

Most guidelines recommend routine mammograms beginning at age 40. However, this can vary depending on family history or personal risk factors. Before the first screening, women should know that the test is quick — usually taking about 20 minutes — and the exam typically includes some pressure or discomfort, which is normal but brief. Patients should avoid using deodorant or lotions on the day of the exam and return visits for additional imaging are common and do not automatically mean something is wrong.

Perimenopause and menopause are often talked about together. Can you help explain the difference and what women may experience during each stage?

Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause. Hormone levels, especially estrogen, fluctuate. Women may experience irregular periods, mood changes, sleep disturbances, hot flashes, brain fog, and changes in metabolism, which can begin several years before menopause.

Menopause is officially diagnosed after a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. At this stage, estrogen levels remain consistently lower, and symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness may continue. However, these stages are natural parts of aging, and symptoms can vary widely.

Aside from annual mammograms and pap smears, what other preventive health screenings should women consider having?

Important screenings include: