Women's health

Family Medicine Doctors and Women’s Health: Beyond Routine Checkups

A family medicine doctor near you can transform your approach to women’s health care in ways you might not expect. Many women think family doctors only handle basic checkups and minor illnesses. This common belief limits the full potential of comprehensive family medicine.

In this article, we will look at how family medicine doctors help with women’s health.

Family Medicine Doctors and Women’s Health

Family doctors provide extensive women’s health services that go far beyond routine screenings. They offer personalized, continuous care that addresses the unique health challenges women face throughout their lives.

Women’s health needs change dramatically from adolescence through menopause and beyond.

A skilled family medicine physician understands these transitions. They provide coordinated care that connects all aspects of your health. This approach creates better outcomes than fragmented specialist visits alone.

1. Complete Reproductive Health Care

Family doctors support women’s reproductive health at every stage of life. They offer personalized advice for birth control options that fit each woman’s lifestyle and goals.

Planning for Pregnancy

Doctors help with planning by assessing health and identifying risks before pregnancy begins.

Care During and After Pregnancy

During pregnancy, family doctors will do regular checkups to observe the health of both mother and baby. They will then work with a specialist if there is a problem. After delivery, they support mothers with physical and emotional recovery.

Managing Common Health Issues

Family doctors treat issues like:

  • Irregular periods
  • Painful menstruation
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

They also guide women through menopause. Some treatment methods they might use are:

  • Hormone therapy
  • Lifestyle changes
  • Medication

The exact type of treatment will depend on what the individual needs. This all-in-one approach ensures women receive consistent care for their entire lives.

2. Preventive Care and Early Detection

Preventive care forms the foundation of family medicine.

Breast Health

Family doctors do regular breast exams and teach women how to check their breasts at home. They also arrange mammograms when needed and explain the results. Finding breast cancer early makes treatment more effective.

Cervical Cancer Screening

Preventive care includes Pap smears and HPV tests. Family doctors explain the results and provide follow-up care if needed. They also advise on the HPV vaccine and who should get it.

Bone Health

To prevent osteoporosis, family doctors start with bone density tests. They assess fracture risks and offer advice on:

  • Eating calcium-rich foods
  • Doing bone-strengthening exercises
  • Prescribing medications to keep bones healthy

3. Mental Health and Emotional Wellness

Family doctors know that mental and physical health are connected. Since women are twice as likely as men to experience depression, doctors check for it during regular visits. They offer initial care and refer to mental health specialists when needed.

Managing Anxiety

Anxiety is more common in women and can affect both the mind and body.

Family doctors will check for and identify these symptoms. They can then provide treatment or a referral. You may have to:

  • See a counselor
  • Take medication
  • Make lifestyle changes

Hormonal Changes and Mood

Hormonal changes during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause can impact mood and emotional health.

Family doctors offer support and treatment during these times. They also involve specialists if more advanced care is needed.

4. Chronic Disease Management

Women face unique challenges with chronic disease management.

Managing Diabetes

Diabetes affects women differently from men. Hormonal changes can impact blood sugar, and pregnancy adds unique risks.

Family doctors provide care designed to meet these specific needs.

Heart Health

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women. Family doctors assess heart health risks, including how estrogen plays a role. They offer lifestyle tips and manage medications to keep your heart healthy.

Autoimmune Conditions

Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are more common in women. Family doctors:

  • Diagnose and treat these conditions
  • Work with specialists
  • Address how they may affect pregnancy and reproductive health

5. Hormonal Health Throughout Life

Hormones play a big role in women’s overall health. Family doctors understand how hormones change over time. They can diagnose and treat thyroid problems, which often affect weight, energy, and mood.

PCOS

PCOS is a common condition in women of childbearing age. Family doctors diagnose it through symptoms and tests, offering treatments like lifestyle changes and medications. They also help manage related risks like diabetes and heart disease.

Menopause Support

Menopause can cause big hormonal changes that will affect daily life.

Family doctors provide hormone therapy when needed and suggest non-hormonal ways to ease symptoms. Their personalized care helps women navigate this life stage smoothly.

6. Integrated Care Coordination

Family doctors are great at working with specialists to manage your care. They keep detailed records of your health to avoid repeated tests and conflicting treatments. This is to make sure specialist advice fits your overall health needs.

Referrals and Specialist Support

When you need a specialist, family doctors provide referrals and share key information. They also keep managing your other health issues during specialist care, ensuring everything stays on track.

Teamwork for Better Care

Family doctors will work with other providers to make sure treatments work well together. This team approach improves results and reduces risks or side effects.

Family Medicine Doctor Near You in Wellington, FL

A trusted family medicine doctor near you will provide health care that extends far beyond routine checkups. They offer personalized care for reproductive health. They also provide preventive services, mental health support, and care for chronic conditions. Their coordinated care ensures all parts of your health are well-managed.

Advanced Medical understands the importance of comprehensive women’s health care. Our board-certified family nurse practitioner, Shariffa Gunawardene, is here for you. Contact Advanced Medical today for personalized primary care near you. Call us at (561) 434-1935 or use our online appointment request form to schedule an appointment. We can work together and begin your journey toward optimal health.

The family medicine doctor in Wellington looks forward to serving you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sources:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/community-care/depts/family

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/podcasts/meded-thread/women-centered-care-redefining-primary-health-for-every-stage-of-life

https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/family-medicine/sections/overview/ovc-20458326

Primary Care for Women’s Health: What You Need to Know

Taking care of your health as a woman is not just important—it is essential. Routine check-ups and addressing specific concerns empower you to live your best life. But did you know that a primary care provider can be the foundation of your overall health? Many women may feel overwhelmed figuring out where to start. Some are wondering if primary care is right for their unique needs.

This article will give you a better understanding of how primary care plays a vital role in women’s health. We will also look at why it should be a part of everyone’s wellness plan.

What Are Primary Care Services for Women?

Primary care helps keep you healthy. It is the first place to go for health checks, finding health problems, and getting treatment. Unlike doctors who focus on one area, primary care doctors look after your whole health.

For women, primary care covers general health and things like reproductive, hormonal, and bone health. They do not just treat issues one by one but look at your health overall, including your mind and body.

A big plus is getting to know your doctor well over time. They learn about your health, lifestyle, and goals. This helps them make a care plan that fits you. When your doctor knows you well, it is easier to catch problems early.

Benefits of Primary Care for Women

Regular check-ups can spot health problems early. For example, tests for breast and cervical cancer can find issues before they get worse. Also, you get advice that suits your needs, like how to handle menopause.

Seeing one doctor for most needs saves time and can lead to faster care. Lastly, regular visits help your doctor track changes in your health and adjust your care plan, as needed.

Why Is Preventive Care Key for Women?

Preventive care sits at the heart of primary care. Proactively addressing potential issues can lead to better outcomes long before conditions develop.

For women, this includes annual health exams and tests to monitor their body’s changes.

Routine screenings, such as mammograms and Pap smears, are vital for detecting breast and cervical cancer early. Bone density testing can also identify risks for osteoporosis, especially post-menopause.

Your doctor will recommend which assessments suit your age and unique health risks.

Vaccinations are another central part of preventive care. Keeping up with immunizations like the HPV vaccine can protect your overall health. Staying current with flu shots and other vaccines keeps your body strong year-round.

Managing Reproductive Health

A big part of women’s primary care is about reproductive health. This means helping with periods, birth control, and pregnancy care.

Your primary care doctor can help with family planning and choosing birth control. If you have painful periods or irregular cycles, they can give advice to help.

During pregnancy, regular visits make sure everything goes well. They check for things like high blood pressure and diabetes. After having a baby, doctors can help you stay healthy and adjust to being a mom.

Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being

Mental health is deeply connected to physical health. Women often face unique stressors affecting their emotional well-being.

This includes everything from juggling family responsibilities to managing work-life balance.

Primary care allows women to speak openly about anxiety, depression, or stress. Providers screen for symptoms during regular check-ups and recommend therapeutic support if needed.

They may also prescribe medication or suggest alternative approaches when appropriate.

Trusted primary care practitioners ensure that emotional health is not overlooked. They link mental health care with physical treatment to create a complete approach to wellness.

Addressing Menopause and Aging

Life changes like menopause bring challenges that require expert guidance. Primary care ensures women have the support they need when navigating this phase of life.

During menopause, symptoms like hot flashes and sleep disturbances are common. Your provider can recommend treatments, from lifestyle adjustments to hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Beyond these symptoms, menopause also introduces long-term health risks. This includes decreased bone density or cardiovascular changes.

Your physician near you can evaluate risks and offer support to ease this transition. Routine screenings and preventive care also detect potential age-related issues early.

Chronic Condition Management

Managing long-term health conditions is easier with regular primary care. Women with diabetes, high cholesterol, or autoimmune issues need regular check-ups.

Primary care doctors help by adjusting medications and treatment plans to keep them working well. They also suggest ways to change your lifestyle to reduce symptoms and avoid problems.

For women with endometriosis, PCOS, or thyroid problems, having a doctor near you is important. These conditions often connect with other health issues, so they need a complete approach to manage them well.

Trusted Primary Care Near You in Wellington, FL

Investing in primary care also means joining a community dedicated to supporting your health. At Advanced Medical, Dr. Ishan Gunawardene and nurse practitioner Shariffa Gunawardene are here for you. We make it our mission to provide compassionate, high-quality care for every woman. Our practice carefully listens to your needs and walks with you through all stages of life. Whether you are proactive about prevention or need guidance for a condition, we are here to help.

Navigating life as a woman comes with unique health needs at every turn. Having a trusted primary care doctor near you simplifies that path while safeguarding your overall well-being.

If you are ready to prioritize your health, Advanced Medical offers personalized solutions close to home. Call us at (561) 434-1935 or book a consultation online to support your lifelong care today.

We look forward to helping you benefit from top-notch primary care in Wellington!

How Hypertension Affects Women

Hypertension Define

If there is one cardiovascular risk every woman needs to be aware of it is hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. Up until age 65, men and women are equally likely to have high blood pressure—but as we age the risk of high blood pressure in women increases dramatically. High blood pressure occurs when a high rate of blood is forced against the artery walls. Over time the high force of blood within the artery walls will result in health problems associated with high blood pressure. Blood pressure grows higher when the heart pumps excessive amounts of blood at a quick rate into narrow blood vessels.

Hypertension affects people differently. Symptoms vary, but by the time symptoms appear, it may be too late to avoid additional health problem; such as heart disease, stroke, dementia, blindness, heart failure and kidney disease.

Understanding your blood pressure reading is the first step in controlling high blood pressure. Two numbers measure blood pressure; the systolic is the upper number, and diastolic is the lower. Systolic measures the amount of blood in your arteries when the heart contracts. Diastolic measures the amount of blood in the arteries when the heart is between beats.

The American Heart Association places a normal blood pressure as less than 120 over 80.

Stages of Hypertension

If either the systolic or diastolic numbers are above the normal range, it is an indication that blood pressure is too high.

Hypertension Stage 1

  • 130-139 over 80-89.

Hypertension Stage 2

  • 140 or higher over 90 or higher

Hypertension Stage 3

  • More than 180 over higher than 120

Hypertension is bad news for anyone, but the negative effects on women are cause for concern. The American Heart Association claims that women account for nearly half of adults with high blood pressure. The fact that high blood pressure isn’t gender related doesn’t change the fact that women 65 years of age and older contract high blood pressure at a higher rate than men.

From pregnancy, right through menopause, women should take special care to know their blood pressure numbers so they can eliminate problems related to hypertension.

Family Planning

Women who take birth control pills are at risk of high blood pressure, especially if there’s a family history or if she had high blood pressure during a previous pregnancy. Weight is also a factor. This is true at any stage. There is a link between obesity and high blood pressure. High blood pressure doesn’t occur for all women taking birth control pills, but women who take birth control should definitely monitor their blood pressure. Before prescribing oral contraceptives, your family medicine provider should take your blood pressure. He or she should then apprise their patient of the risk.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, women are susceptible to gestational hypertension, which occurs for some women after 20-weeks. Hypertension may have never been an issue prior to pregnancy, but this secondary condition of hypertension is actually caused by the pregnancy. Even though the condition will disappear after delivery, it is imperative that the mom is treated so that the danger is eliminated for her and her child. Gestational hypertension can trigger another dangerous illness related to pregnancy, pre-eclampsia or toxemia. Like hypertension, it begins about 20 weeks post baby delivery. The only cure for preeclampsia is for the baby to be born.

By the way, ACE inhibitors, drugs that fight high blood pressure, don’t mix well with pregnancy. Women should not take ACE inhibitors during pregnancy. Speak to your health professional about maintaining normal blood pressure during pregnancy.

Menopause

The chances of increasing normal blood pressure are likely with age, even if your blood pressure has always been normal. Menopausal women should monitor their blood pressure. Get your family medicine provider involved. Make regular visits, once every six months to have your pressure checked.

Monitoring blood pressure is crucial. Women who wish to stay healthy throughout their lives will do everything within their power to get and keep their blood pressure under control.

At Advanced Medical, PA, we pride ourselves in providing quality healthcare in both internal medicine and primary care. To learn more about us and the services we offer, or to schedule a visit, call us at (561) 434-1935 to request an appointment.