Women's symptoms are statistically more likely to be attributed to stress or anxiety before anyone orders a blood test — which is how iron deficiency, thyroid disease and perimenopause routinely go years undiagnosed. A well woman check flips that: measure first, then explain. Here's what a good check includes at each life stage, and what it costs at The Vesey in Sutton Coldfield — from £99, with a GP who has time to listen, 7 days a week.
The Core Checks for Every Woman
Regardless of age: blood pressure, cholesterol and HbA1c (heart disease is the biggest killer of women, and risk is under-assessed), full blood count and ferritin — iron deficiency affects up to 1 in 4 menstruating women and is the most commonly missed cause of fatigue, hair shedding and brain fog — thyroid function (women are six times more likely than men to have thyroid disease), vitamin D and B12, kidney and liver function, and BMI/waist with a cardiovascular risk score.
Just as important is what the appointment makes room for: periods (heaviness is treatable, not a personality trait), contraception review, mood, sleep, bladder symptoms, breast awareness, and making sure NHS screening — cervical from 25, breast from 50, bowel from 50 — is up to date rather than quietly lapsed.
What Changes by Decade
In your 20s–30s: the priorities are iron (periods plus low intake is the classic combination), thyroid, contraception fit, cervical screening attendance, and — if pregnancy is on the horizon — folate, rubella immunity and a preconception review. Hormone testing (including AMH for ovarian reserve) enters the conversation if cycles are irregular or fertility is a question.
In your 40s: perimenopause becomes the central theme — fluctuating hormones can cause anxiety, insomnia, brain fog and joint pain years before periods change, and are routinely misdiagnosed. Cardiovascular risk also starts rising and deserves real attention, not an afterthought. Thyroid, ferritin and HbA1c remain key because their symptoms overlap perimenopause almost perfectly.
50s and beyond: post-menopause, cardiovascular risk accelerates (oestrogen's protection is gone), bone health enters the picture — a fracture-risk conversation and, where indicated, a DEXA scan — HRT reviews if relevant, plus diabetes, blood pressure and screening attendance. Any postmenopausal bleeding needs prompt assessment, always.
Costs and Booking
The Vesey's Essential Health Assessment (£99) covers the core bloods, blood pressure and GP review. The Advance (£275) adds broader panels including hormone and vitamin profiles — usually the best fit for women with fatigue or perimenopausal symptoms to untangle. The Executive (£499) is fully comprehensive with extended consultation time. Individual tests from £32 if you want specific answers.
Every assessment ends with a GP consultation — 30 minutes as standard — and on-site follow-up if anything needs action: gynaecology, ultrasound, cardiology and endocrinology are all in the building, usually within the week. Same-week booking, open 7 days 8am–8pm, free parking. Book online or call 0121 387 3727.
Measured first, explained properly — from £99
CQC-regulated · Rated 4.87/5 on Doctify · Open 7 days 8am–8pm · No referral needed
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in a well woman check?
Core tests: blood pressure, cholesterol, HbA1c, full blood count, ferritin, thyroid function, vitamin D/B12, kidney and liver function, and BMI with a cardiovascular risk score — plus a GP consultation covering periods, contraception, menopause, mood and screening attendance. From £99 at The Vesey.
Does a well woman check include a smear test?
Cervical screening runs on the NHS programme from age 25 and isn't automatically part of a private check, but The Vesey can provide private cervical screening alongside your assessment if you prefer or have missed NHS invitations. Your GP will check you're up to date either way.
Which blood tests help with female fatigue?
Ferritin (iron stores), full blood count, thyroid function, HbA1c, vitamin D and B12 catch the most common causes; hormone profiles help where perimenopause is suspected. The pattern matters more than any single result, which is why GP interpretation is included.
How much is a well woman check in Birmingham?
£99 for the Essential assessment, £275 for the Advance (with hormone and vitamin panels), £499 for the Executive, all including GP-reviewed results at The Vesey in Sutton Coldfield — with same-week availability, 7 days a week, and no referral needed.