FAQ

Yes, BUT it is very important to include progesterone therapy as well. Progesterone is the hormone that will reduce bleeding but also avoid unopposed estrogen exposure which can result in the risk of uterine cancer.

No. Most insurances will cover certain generic brands of hormone replacement and often will partially cover hormone injections. We do provide injection therapy in the office and would be happy to advise which treatment is best for you.

Our greatest concern is that oral hormones pass through the liver in the metabolic process. As a result, the liver increases the production of blood clotting factors that increase the risks of strokes and heart attacks. While trans-dermal routes (patches and gels) also avoid these risks, some women do not get the relief from their symptoms. Making Pellet Therapy a game changer.

Dysplasia is one of the abnormal cell changes that are diagnosed by pap smear. Although it is not a cancer of the cervix, it can represent an increased risk of pre-cancer when the dysplasia is moderate to severe. Usually a biopsy (colposcopy) of the cervix is needed to accurately diagnose cervical dysplasia. Women with a history of abnormal pap smears should always have regular pap screening.

Abnormal pap smears can reveal changes in the cervical cells ranging from infection/inflammation to cancer. Most abnormal pap smears do not show cancer cells; however, all women with abnormal results should have regular follow-up appointments.

Yes. Many women successfully treat the symptoms of PMS with nonsteroidals (ibuprofen or Naproxen products), calcium supplementation, reduction in caffeine, and regular exercise. If these are not beneficial then it is best to talk with your healthcare provider. Other treatments include birth control pills and/ or mild antidepressants.

PMS is a group of symptoms that include physical (cramps, breast pain), emotional (tearful, mood swings) and behavioral (food cravings, fatigue) changes. These tend to occur prior to and during monthly menstruation. Although 80% of women have some changes during their cycle, as many as 10-20% of women find that these symptoms affect their lives, work, and relationships. If so, it is recommended to discuss these changes with your healthcare provider.

Many women suffer from painful intercourse (dyspareunia). Often times correcting for vaginal dryness with lubricants such as k-y or astroglide can reduce discomfort. It is best to discuss persistent pain with your gynecologist in order to rule out infection or pelvic abnormalities.

Most likely the answer is yes; however it is recommended that women consult with a gynecologist to review individual risks and indications for hormone replacement. Absolute contraindications for hormone use include an active breast cancer or active blood clots. Many other treatment options are available for those who are not candidates for hormone supplementation.

Menopause is the life stage where estrogen production decreases and women are no longer fertile. During the years before menopause women often experience a transitional phase during which symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and vaginal dryness often occur despite monthly periods. This perimenopausal phase can last years and often affect women in many different ways. It is best to discuss these changes with your gynecologist.

Contraceptive management includes many options from oral pills, vaginal rings, or patches to long term options such as intrauterine devices or Depo-Provera injection.  Barrier methods including condoms or diaphragms are also great non-hormonal options.  For all of your contraceptive needs book an appointment with our GYN providers.

It is estimated that nearly 10 million women suffer from menorrhagia (excessive monthly bleeding). This often results in anemia (low blood count), fatigue and cramping, missed days at work, and social embarrassment due to soiling clothes. Treatment options range from medication to surgical intervention. Endometrial ablation (novasure) is one surgical option that is an outpatient procedure resulting in the destruction of the uterine lining. Over 90% of women successfully control their monthly bleeding without hysterectomy. Contact your healthcare provider to discuss individual treatment options today.

Weakened or damaged pelvic muscles result in decrease control of bladder when there is increased abdominal pressure such as with coughing, laughing, or simple lifting. This results in accidental leakage of urine and significantly limits physical activity for millions of women. Treatment options include both surgical and nonsurgical procedures to correct the pelvic muscle weakness. Ask your gynecologist about available options for you.

Overactive bladder results in urgency, frequency and often leakage of urine. Women tend to wake up often during the night to urinate. It is the result of bladder muscular spasm and best treated with bladder training and medication.

Millions of women suffer from incontinence (leakage) of urine. Because treatment is directly related to the cause of the leakage it is best to discuss this with a gynecologist or urologist. Both medication and surgery can be effective in controlling leakage.

Gardasil is a vaccination for prevention of cervical cancer and human papilloma virus (hpv) infection. It is a series of 3 injections and is recommended between the ages of 9-26. Nearly 80% of all cervical cancers are caused by this hpv virus which is the most common std infection affecting teens today. Hpv infection also causes over 90% of genital warts.

It is recommended that girls ages 13-18 have an introductory visit with a gynecologist. A pelvic exam is not recommended at this time unless the teen is having menstrual abnormalities or is sexually active. This visit allows opportunity for abstinent-based sex education, std prevention, contraceptive management if needed, and establishing a physician-patient relationship for young girls.

First of all it is quite common for women to have changes in the breast tissue especially related to menstruation. Women who are not menopausal are encouraged to repeat an exam after their next period. If the lump persists or exam remains different, one should see their healthcare provider. Those women who are menopausal, it is best to be evaluated by their healthcare provider anytime that a lump is suspected. In addition to mammogram a breast ultrasound is often performed and a consultation with a surgeon will likely be recommended.
•• Remember- most changes and/or lumps found on exam are not cancer.

It is recommended that women have a baseline mammogram around the age of 35 followed by yearly mammograms at age 40. There is really no age limit to mammogram screening.

All women over the age of 65 or who have risk factors need to be screened for osteoporosis. Risk factors include estrogen deficiency, smoking, family history, personal history of fracture, conditions that affect absorption of calcium, and history of steroid use. It is best to discuss your individual risks with your health care provider.

The most important screening tool for breast disease includes three steps: annual mammogram screening, annual breast exam, and self breast exams monthly. It is also recommended that women avoid smoking, maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and discuss individual risk factors with their healthcare provider.

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens the bone structure making the bone fragile and at risk for fracture. Tips for maintaining healthy bones include adequate intake of calcium, regular exercise, avoiding smoking, and early screening for menopausal women.

Most women ages 18 to 50 need 1000mg of calcium daily. Menopausal women need 1200mg of calcium plus vitamin d daily. Those who are not on hormone therapy should increase to 1500mg daily.

**Calcium is necessary for healthy bone development and fracture prevention. It also maintains healthy nerve, teeth, and heart tissue.

Hormone Replacement Therapy is key to Menopausal Management and can play a major role in maintaining quality of life, reduction of cardio-vascular events, reduction in Colon Ca, prevention of Osteoporosis, and alleviating the hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and vaginal dryness that so many women experience. Menopause is heralded by the absence of menstrual cycles for a full 12 months, surgical removal of ovaries, chemotherapy/radiation ablation of ovarian function, or blood hormone level abnormalities. Peri-Menopause often precedes menopause and can result in extreme symptoms, mood changes, loss of concentration, weight changes, and often irregular bleeding. At Baldwin GYN & Aesthetics we are committed to Excellence in Women’s Health and have been a leader in Menopausal Management. We are now providing Traditional Hormone Replacement, Alternative Menopausal Treatment, Bio-identical Hormone Therapy, Comprehensive Hormonal Testing, and Hormone Pellet Therapy. Hormone replacement is a complex decision involving both you and your health professional. Call us today for more information or a consultation.