Perimenopause – the transition from regular monthly menses with ovulatory cycles to menopause. It occurs in the 40’s and can last from months to years. Usually the menstrual cycles become irregular, hot flashes, and night sweats begin.
Postmenopausal Bleeding – any vaginal bleeding that occurs more than one year after last menses.
Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and Trichamonas, can be tested via a cervical swab. Testing for hepatitis, HIV, and syphilis require blood draws. Herpes can be tested by blood and culture if an ulceration is present.
Normal menses occur every 21 – 35 days and last 7 days or less.
Gynecology: Pelvic infection, pelvic mass, ovarian cyst, adhesions, and endometriosis.
Urologic: urinary tract infection, interstitial cystitis, kidney stone.
Gastrointestinal: colitis, bowel obstruction, appendicitis, diverticulitis, colon polyps, or rarely cancer.
No menses for a year, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, short term memory loss, headaches, weight gain, decreased energy, pelvic pain, pain with intercourse, frequent urinary tract infections, moodiness, and hair thinning.
We counsel women on the safety and efficacy of hormone replacement therapy and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Each women’s symptoms and medical history and physical exam are evaluated and therapy is individualized. Both Dr. Wood and Dr. Parker have received additional training in BHRT and individualized therapy.
Bioidentical hormones are plant derived. Hormones that are chemically similar to the hormones that the ovary naturally produces.
Hormone levels are checked when indicated by a blood test.
A screening test used to detect the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix. A speculum is placed in the vagina and cervical cells are obtained using a cervical brush.
A microscopic evaluation of the cervix to determine if precancerous or cancerous cells are present. Colposcopy is recommended when the PAP Smear is abnormal. A visual inspection is performed and biopsies taken if indicated. The procedure takes about 5 – 10 minutes to complete. Any cramping experienced can be decreased by taking an anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen prior to the exam. Biopsy results are usually ready within 5 days of procedure.