Recommended Health Screenings in Your 20s
by: Dr. Paul Chang, General Practitioner, Regis Medical
Last updated: December 3, 2025
Start Early on Your Preventive Care Journey
Your 20s often feel like the peak of health, high energy, fast recovery, and few medical concerns. But this decade is also the best time to build a strong health baseline. Many chronic conditions, like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, fertility issues, and nutritional deficiencies, begin developing silently years before symptoms appear.
The statistics below highlight why starting health screening early is a smart investment in your 20s.
- According to the latest Health Promotion Board / Ministry of Health Singapore (MOH) survey (2021–2022), 9.6% of adults age 18–29 have high blood cholesterol (“hyperlipidaemia”).
- Obesity: about 9.0% of 18–29-year-olds are categorised as obese.
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)—while lower in younger people compared to older—was still present: in 2019–2020, among Singapore residents aged 18–39, 3.4% had CKD. Isomer User Content
- Mental health: according to the 2022 survey, poor mental health (as per GHQ-12) was highest among 18–29 at 25.3%.
Why these matter for screening in 20s: Even though many 20-somethings feel healthy, a non-trivial proportion already show early signs of risk (high cholesterol, obesity, kidney issues, stress/mental health). Early detection via screening can allow timely lifestyle changes.
Starting early with the right blood tests and screenings helps you:
- Detect problems early
- Build baseline health records
- Understand your body better
- Make informed lifestyle choices
- Prevent long-term complications
Below is a comprehensive guide to the recommended tests for individuals in their 20s in Singapore.
Source: Health Promotion Board
Health Screening at Regis Medical
Patient-first, Holistic, Dedicated Healthcare
General Baseline Tests Every Young Adult Should Do
Full Blood Count (FBC) - A foundational test that assesses:
- Red blood cells (anaemia)
- White blood cells (infection or immunity issues)
- Platelets (clotting health)
Why it matters:
Anaemia and viral infections are common in young adults, especially those with heavy workloads, irregular sleep, or poor diet.
Metabolic & Organ Health Screening
Kidney Function Test – Checks creatinine, urea, and electrolytes.
Why it matters: Early kidney stress can occur due to:
- Dehydration
- High-protein diets
- Excessive supplements
- Long-term painkiller use
Liver Function Test – Evaluates liver enzymes like ALT, AST & bilirubin.
Why it matters:
Fatty liver is increasingly common even in young adults due to diet, alcohol, and sedentary lifestyle.
Diabetes Tests (Fasting Blood Glucose / HbA1c) – Screens for diabetes risk.
Why it matters:
Singapore has one of the highest diabetes rates in the world, and it can develop silently.
Heart Screening
Lipid Profile (Cholesterol Test)
Measures:
- LDL (“bad” cholesterol)
- HDL (“good” cholesterol)
- Triglycerides
Why it matters:
High cholesterol often begins in the 20s due to diet, stress, and genetics. Early detection helps prevent heart disease later.
Nutritional & Vitamin Deficiency Tests
Nutritional & Vitamin Deficiency Tests help detect common deficiencies in Singapore, including:
Low levels can affect:
- Immunity
- Hormones
- Mood
- Bone health
Vitamin B12 / Folate
Important for:
- Energy
- Mood regulation
- Nerve function
Iron Studies and Ferritin
Especially important for:
- Women with heavy periods
- Vegetarians / vegans
- Individuals with fatigue
Hormonal & Reproductive Health Tests
Thyroid Function Tests (TSH, Free T4)
Thyroid imbalances can cause:
- Weight changes
- Hair loss
- Fatigue
- Menstrual irregularities (in women)
Female Hormonal Panel (Optional but recommended for certain symptoms)
Includes: LH, FSH, estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin.
Helpful for those with:
- Irregular periods
- Acne
- Fertility concerns
- PCOS symptoms
Male Testosterone Tests (If symptomatic)
Includes total and free testosterone levels.
Useful for:
- Fatigue
- Low energy
- Hair thinning
- Weight gain
Sexual Health Screening
Common recommended tests:
- HIV
- Syphilis
- Hepatitis B & C
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhoea
Why it matters:
STIs often show no symptoms but can impact long-term health and fertility. Screening is routine, confidential, and responsible.
Cancer Screening for Your 20s
Although cancer screening is more crucial at older ages, certain tests still apply:
Cervical Cancer Screening (Females)
Pap smear or HPV screening starting from age 25.
Why it matters:
HPV is common, and early cervical changes are highly treatable when detected early.
Testicular Self-Check (Males)
Simple monthly self-check for lumps or changes.
Lifestyle & Risk-Based Screenings
ECG (Electrocardiogram)
Recommended if you:
- Exercise heavily
- Have palpitations
- Have a family history of heart disease
Allergy Testing
Helpful for:
- Sinus issues
- Skin flare-ups
- Food sensitivities
Many people assume they’re vaccinated, some are not.
Other Tests to consider
Urea Breath Test (UBT) – For Detecting Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
The Urea Breath Test is a highly accurate, non-invasive test used to detect H. pylori, a common bacteria that can infect the stomach lining.
H. pylori infection is associated with:
- Chronic gastritis
- Stomach ulcers
- Indigestion and bloating
- Increased long-term risk of stomach cancer
Who Should Consider It
- Individuals with persistent stomach discomfort, reflux, bloating, or indigestion
- Those with a family history of gastric cancer
- Anyone previously treated for H. pylori who needs confirmation of eradication
- Early detection allows doctors to treat the infection before it causes long-term damage.
Gut Microbiome Test - Understanding Your Digestive and Immune Health
A gut microbiome analysis examines the population of bacteria, fungi, and microorganisms living in your digestive tract.
Using advanced sequencing techniques, this test measures:
- The diversity of your gut bacteria
- Levels of beneficial vs. harmful microbes
- Markers linked to digestion, metabolism, inflammation, and immunity
Your gut microbiome influences:
- Digestion & nutrient absorption
- Weight regulation & metabolism
- Immune system strength (over 70% of immunity sits in the gut)
- Inflammation levels
- Mood and brain function (gut-brain axis)
- An imbalanced microbiome (dysbiosis) can contribute to:
- Bloating, constipation, IBS, acid reflux
- Low energy or brain fog
- Skin issues (acne, eczema)
- Poor immunity
- Weight fluctuations
Who Should Consider It
- Individuals with persistent digestive symptoms
- People seeking personalised diet or lifestyle advice
- Anyone with chronic inflammation, allergies, or autoimmune tendencies
- Those wanting to optimise long-term wellness
IgG Food Intolerance Test – Identifying Delayed Food Sensitivities
Unlike food allergies (immediate reactions), IgG food intolerance involves a delayed immune response, often appearing hours or days after eating certain foods.
The test measures your body’s IgG antibody levels to a wide variety of foods, commonly dairy, eggs, wheat, soy, nuts, shellfish, gluten-containing grains, and more.
Food intolerances often cause subtle, chronic symptoms such as:
- Bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhoea
- Headaches or migraines
- Fatigue
- Eczema or acne
- Joint pains
- Brain fog
- Mood fluctuations
Because delayed reactions are hard to link to specific foods, the IgG test provides objective data to guide an elimination or rotation diet.
Who Should Consider It
- Individuals with chronic digestive discomfort
- Anyone experiencing unexplained fatigue, skin issues, or migraines
- People wanting a personalised nutrition plan
- Those who suspect certain foods worsen their symptoms
This test helps reduce inflammation and improve daily wellbeing by identifying problem foods.
Cortisol Level Test – Assessing Stress & Adrenal Function
Cortisol is your body’s primary stress hormone, produced by the adrenal glands. It follows a daily rhythm: highest in the morning, lowest at night.
This test measures:
- Total cortisol levels
- Daily cortisol pattern (morning peak, evening decline)
- Potential adrenal fatigue or overactivity
Abnormal cortisol levels can contribute to:
- Persistent fatigue
- Difficulty losing weight
- Sleep problems
- Anxiety or mood issues
- High blood pressure
- Blood sugar imbalances
- Weakened immunity
Chronically high cortisol (due to prolonged stress) may increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and burnout. Very low cortisol could signal adrenal insufficiency.
Who Should Consider It
- Individuals with ongoing stress or burnout symptoms
- Those with sleep difficulties, low energy, or frequent infections
- People with stubborn belly fat or slow metabolism
- Anyone wanting a deeper look at stress-related health patterns
A cortisol test provides important information for personalised lifestyle, sleep, and stress-management plans.
How Often Should People in Their 20s Screen?
Start Early, Stay Healthy
Investing in preventive care in your 20s is one of the smartest long-term decisions you can make. Regular screenings help you understand your body, detect problems early, and build a strong foundation for your 30s and beyond.
Health Screening at Regis Medical
Patient-first, Holistic, Dedicated Healthcare
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