What is women's health?
Women's health is a field of medicine that focuses on the unique needs of women, from puberty to older adulthood. The women's health experts at Family Medical Center are committed to nurturing your health through every stage of female development.
Family Medical Center offers holistic, compassionate care during:
- Puberty
- Menstruation
- Conception
- Infertility
- Premenopause
- Menopause
- Postmenopause
As a woman, your body goes through dramatic stages throughout your lifetime, and with each stage of life comes new challenges, health risks, and health care needs.
What are some changes I can expect as I age?
A natural part of the aging process involves a decrease in hormone production. These hormonal changes have profound effects on many systems of the body and not just the reproductive system.
Beginning at around the age of 45, hormone production diminishes dramatically, eventually causing menopause (when menstruation stops completely). Menopause can last up to 10 years and can affect your body in many ways, including:
- Hot flashes
- Mood swings, depression, and anxiety
- Slowing of metabolism and energy level
- Changes in skin and hair color and quality
- Changes in character and timing of menstruation
- Changes in temperature tolerance
- A decrease in vaginal and sexual responsiveness
- A decrease in sex drive
Having a compassionate, knowledgeable physician with expertise in women's health by your side can protect and support your health as you age.
What women's health services are available?
Family Medical Center offers a wide range of health care services to support women's health. These include:
- Well-woman exam
- Weight-loss support
- Routine laboratory testing
- Hormone testing
- Hormone replacement
- Pap smear testing
- Breast exam
- Breast exam education
- Specialist referrals
- Cancer screenings
- Osteoporosis screening
- Birth control management
- Mammogram or ultrasound referrals
Whatever your specific health needs, your provider manages your health care team so that your care is as comprehensive as possible no matter your stage of life.
What happens during a well-woman exam?
A well-woman exam is a complete physical assessment with an added layer of specialized care. Depending on your age and risk factors, a well-woman exam may include:
- Pelvic and cervical exam
- Pap smear
- STD testing
- Breast exam
- Laboratory testing
- Mammogram referral
Mammograms, Pap smears, and pelvic, breast, and cervical exams are for monitoring for signs of uterine, cervical, breast, and other female cancers. Early detection of cancer and other potential severe diseases can improve your outcomes and protect your health throughout your lifetime.
For excellent women's health, call or schedule an appointment online with Family Medical Center today.
