When to Talk to Your Doctor: Taking Action for Your Kidney Health
Reading this list might make you feel a bit anxious, and that’s perfectly understandable. The goal here is not to cause alarm, but to foster awareness. So, when to worry about kidney function after 60? The answer is not to spend your time worrying, but rather to be proactive.
If you’ve noticed one or more of these symptoms consistently over a few weeks, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with your doctor. Most of these symptoms can be caused by other conditions, but it’s important to rule out or confirm a kidney issue.
To make your appointment as productive as possible, consider keeping a simple journal for a week or two. Note which symptoms you’re experiencing, when they happen, and how severe they are. This information can provide your doctor with valuable clues.
Your doctor can check your kidney health with two simple tests:
- A blood test to check for creatinine, a waste product. The level of creatinine in your blood helps your doctor calculate your glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which is the best measure of your kidney function.
- A urine test to check for albumin, a type of protein. As we discussed, protein in the urine is a sign of kidney damage.
These tests are straightforward, common, and give a clear picture of how well your kidneys are working.
