Category Archives: Women’s Health

Do your bones deserve a density screening?

New update!  Federal recommendations provide more detail on when to screen women UNDER age 65 for osteoporosis.    Osteoporosis is when bones are less dense and therefore, are more likely to break, or fracture. White people are at higher risk of … Continue reading

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Does taking hormones make you feel “hormonal?”

Imagine that taking hormones is like a cavemen getting clubbed over the head. . . . the hormones have to take over the body’s hormone system.  Here are some side effects to expect. . .and a hint of how long to … Continue reading

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Mammograms. No big deal. Just get one.

There is no controversy that women aged 50 to 69 need screening mammography.  The question is whether women older and younger benefit. Studies have estimated that mammography detects about 75% of breast cancers in women in their 40s, compared to … Continue reading

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Menopause

I went to a ‘Menopause The Musical’  a few years ago: utterly hysterical. It may only be funny onstage. I have seen two patients this week in their 40s who have all the symptoms. . . including a little denial. … Continue reading

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When should women have their first pap?

Common question. New guidelines. Let me share. . .ACOG (The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecology)  released a position statement delaying pap screening in adolescents. A pap is now suggested at age 21 unless the patient has HIV or a weak immune system … Continue reading

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Vaginal bleeding. . . not routine dinner conversation. . .

I am asked routinely how to help decrease vaginal bleeding.   Every woman bleeds a different amount.  It is only concerning when it becomes a social problem or when the amount changes significantly.    When a teen starts to have a … Continue reading

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Pelvic pain in women

I care for a lot of women.  Many present with pelvic pain.  This is a challenging diagnosis because symptoms and signs are vague and hard to tease out.  I was taught to always rule out the urgent life-threatening conditions first. Ectopic … Continue reading

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Reasons to be taking hormonal contraception. . . .other than contraception.

I had a patient today who has menstrual migraines. . . and has had her tubes tied. We discussed starting her on hormonal contraception for noncontraceptives reasons. I reviewed the ACOG (American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology) 2010 bulletin on noncontraceptive … Continue reading

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