Posts for category: OBGYN
While menopause is something that happens to all women, we also know that the symptoms that come along with it vary from woman to woman. Some women breeze through menopause with nothing more than a single, minor hot flash; however, for many women, menopause is full of bothersome symptoms that make it challenging to sleep or get through the day. If this is something that you’re dealing with then you may want to consult with your OBGYN for menopause counseling to discuss treatment options.Why Seek Menopause Counseling?
- Vaginal dryness
- Sleep disturbances
- Hair loss
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Weakening bones (a sign of osteoporosis)
- Memory and concentration issues
- Hot flashes
- Mood swings
Lifestyle changes: One way that women can improve their symptoms is by changing their lifestyle around to ensure that they are practicing good self-care. This includes everything from getting regular exercise to stress management and deep breathing to healthy eating and meditation.
Counseling or therapy: We understand that for many women, menopause brings a lot of changes, some of which are emotional. If you are feeling anxious, depressed, or irritable you may find therapy to be particularly helpful for talking through your feelings and learning new and more effective strategies to help you cope with these stressors.
Hormone therapy: As women transition into menopause, certain hormones are not being produced by the body. These hormone fluctuations are why women deal with everything from vaginal dryness to hot flashes. Based on the symptoms you are experiencing your OBGYN can determine the best type of hormone therapy for you. This may come in the form of a cream, patch, pill, or injection. You must talk to your doctor about the pros and cons associated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Osteoporosis treatment: Many women going through menopause also develop osteoporosis, a weakening of the bones. This can increase a woman’s risk for fractures or serious bone injuries. This is why menopausal women should have a bone density scan done. By catching osteoporosis early, we can provide you with the proper treatment as well as exercises and diet to slow the progression of the disease.
Don’t let hot flashes, mood swings, and weight gain dictate your life or your happiness. Talk with your OBGYN today to find ways to help alleviate your menopause symptoms.
Birth control is important if you’re a sexually active female. It keeps you safe from pregnancy while also providing other health benefits. Just like there are many different types of people, there are a variety of birth control options. It’s important to talk to your OBGYN to discover what works best for you. There is a birth control type that matches every female's preferences and lifestyle. 
A colposcopy is an OBGYN procedure performed after abnormal test results for cervical cancer or unusual areas are detected on the vulva, vagina, or cervix. Pap smear results come back flagged if there’s a chance the cervix is infected with human papillomavirus (HPV). The entire exam takes between 5-15 minutes. The only difference between colposcopy and a Pap smear is that your OBGYN uses an instrument called a colposcope. Your OBGYN will walk you through the entire procedure. - Genital warts
- Precancerous changes to the vagina, vulva, or cervix
- Vulvar, cervical, or vaginal cancer
- Cervicitis
Did you know that cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer for women worldwide? While this statistic can be startling the good news is that it is one of the most preventable cancers. A cervical cancer screening is one of the best and most reliable tools our OBGYN has to detect cancerous and precancerous cells within the cervix. This screening is most often referred to as a Pap test.
What is a Pap test?
Women as young as 21 years old should start getting routine cervical cancer screenings from their OBGYN. If results from the first Pap smear are normal then women between the ages of 21 to 29 will only need to get a Pap test every three years. Women with an abnormal Pap will require a repeat Pap test to look for the presence of precancerous cells.
Women between the ages of 30 to 65 should get a cervical cancer screening every 5 years. Once a woman reaches 65 years old, she usually won’t need to undergo cervical cancer screenings any longer. Women at high risk for cervical cancer may need to come in more often for screenings. This is something that you can discuss with your gynecologist during your first screening or next annual wellness exam.
Are there other ways to prevent cervical cancer?
Along with getting routine cervical cancer screenings your OBGYN can also provide a way to protect young women from contracting HPV, a common STI that is also the leading cause of cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is often recommended for young women around the age of 11 or 12.
This vaccine can be administered to women between the ages of 13 and 26 who have not contracted HPV. The vaccine comes in three doses and it protects against the strains of HPV that are most likely to cause cervical cancer. Even if women have received the HPV vaccine they should still come in for routine screenings and checkups.
Whether you want to learn more about the HPV vaccine or you need to schedule your annual checkup and Pap smear, turn to your OBGYN today to take an active interest in your reproductive health.
The Office on Women’s Health states that, on average, menopause starts at age 52. All throughout menopause, your progesterone and estrogen levels will fluctuate while your ovaries struggle to maintain your normal production of hormones. It’s this fluctuation that causes the most common menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep issues, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and bone loss. Here at the office of gynecologist Dr. J. Gabriel Guajardo in Brownsville, TX, we can help you figure out the most suitable treatments for managing these menopause symptoms. These treatments can include a combination of the following.
Hot Flashes
Certain plant-derived hormones or phytoestrogens, found commonly in soy-based food items, could partially reverse some hormonal changes resulting from menopause. Other supplements that contain phytoestrogens include wild yam, black cohosh, licorice, dong quai, and red clover. However, it’s immensely vital to note that these supplements could interfere with certain medications so you need to speak with your gynecologist in Brownsville, TX, before taking any of these supplements.
Regular exercise, at least 20 minutes three times weekly, could likewise relieve hot flashes by reducing the amount of LH or luteinizing hormone and FSH or follicle-stimulating hormone. It’s also best to avoid triggers such as alcohol, spicy foods, and hot beverages. You should also drink plenty of water and dress in layers that you could easily take off when you become too hot.
Vaginal Dryness
This could greatly affect your sex life. You can try OTC lubricants like KY Jelly before having intercourse or Replens that should be applied daily. You can likewise talk to your doctor about vaginal estrogen rings and vaginal estrogen creams that provide low estrogen doses inside the vagina.
Mood Shifts
Hormonal changes could significantly impact your mood. You could try exercising every day, doing yoga, practicing meditation, avoiding alcohol, restricting your caffeine intake, and eating more veggies and fruits to help boost your mood and overall health. If these strategies fail, you might need therapy and medication.
Urinary Incontinence
Doing Kegel exercises could help make your pelvic floor muscles stronger and improve control over your urethra. You should also limit your consumption of spicy foods and caffeinated or alcoholic drinks to avoid over-stimulating your bladder. Ask your gynecologist about prescription meds for urinary incontinence as well.
A Very Crucial Note on Hormone Replacement Therapy
HRT or hormone replacement therapy basically involves medications that contain female hormones. They work by replacing hormones that your body will stop producing following menopause and are extremely effective are relieving practically all menopause symptoms. However, these meds should only be taken under the care of your gynecologist.
Need Relief from Your Menopause Symptoms?
Visit the office of Dr. J. Gabriel Guajardo, here at Brownsville, TX, or dial (956) 350-4821 to arrange an appointment with your gynecologist.