5 Health Screenings LGBTQ+ Adults Should Know About

Pride is about celebrating who you are, which includes feeling seen, respected, and supported in your healthcare. It also means having access to preventive care that reflects your real life, your relationships, and your anatomy without assumptions. This Pride Month, we’re sharing five important health screenings LGBTQ+ adults should be aware of that may not always come up during a typical doctor's visit. Keep these in mind for your next appointment.

1. Cardiovascular Health

LGBTQ+ adults may face elevated cardiovascular risk, which can be related to a mix of factors, including stress exposure over time, higher rates of smoking within some communities, and, for some people, hormone-related changes affecting cholesterol, blood pressure, or blood clot risk. Ask your doctor about lipid panels and blood pressure monitoring, and consider discussing family history and lifestyle factors so your care is tailored to your unique situation.

2. HIV & STI Screening

Routine HIV testing is recommended at least annually for sexually active LGBTQ+ adults. Depending on your partners and sexual practices, your provider may recommend more frequent testing, such as every 3 to 6 months, and screening at all relevant sites (throat, rectum, urine/genital) rather than only a blood test. PrEP is also highly effective for HIV prevention. Ask your provider if it’s right for you! If you’re already on PrEP, talk about the routine lab schedule that keeps you safe while taking it.

3. Mental Health Check-In

LGBTQ+ adults can experience higher rates of anxiety and depression, often linked to minority stress. Mental health concerns do not just appear as “feeling sad”. They can also show up as:

Sleep problems
Changes in appetite
Irritability
Difficulty concentrating

A routine mental health screening should be part of every annual exam. You can also ask your provider about supportive options like therapy referrals, medication when appropriate, and practical stress-management tools.

4. Bone Density

Hormone therapy (estrogen/progesterone/testosterone) can affect bone density over time, but bone health can also be influenced by factors like:

Low vitamin D
Low calcium intake
Smoking
Heavy alcohol use
Low body weight
Limited strength training
Periods of low/no sex hormones (for example, after gonad removal without adequate hormone support)

If you have been on hormone therapy for over 2-3 years, a DEXA scan conversation with your provider is worthwhile, especially if you have additional risk factors or a history of fractures.

5. Cancer Screenings Tailored to Your Anatomy

Screenings should be based on your anatomy, not just your gender marker. This includes cervical, breast/chest, prostate, and colorectal screenings. Your provider can help determine what applies to you based on your organs, your age, your family history, and any medications you may be taking, including hormones. Always tell your provider your full history, and know that your care team approaches these screenings with respect, privacy, patient-centered pacing, and clear communication, especially during more sensitive exams.

You deserve a care team that sees the whole you. Book your visit at PMA Health today.