“Let’s face it. Being a girl can be rough. From raging hormones pre-puberty — all the way through hot flashes and night sweats in the 50’s — good old Mother Nature can sure throw a lot of curve balls along the way, said Kim McCulloch, an OB/GYN at Intermountain Health.
“Luckily there are physicians and other specialized providers to guide the way through all these challenges in a woman’s life. But a few pointers might help you navigate the healthcare system to best care for your amazing female body,” she added.
Pediatricians specialize in the care of newborns up to about age 18. Most pediatricians are very capable of handling painful period complaints and mood changes, but more significant problems with the transition into womanhood can be managed by an obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN) or women’s health nurse practitioner or certified nurse midwife (CNM). Also, many family practice providers can treat girls of this age.
“Young women are often very nervous to visit with an OB/GYN because of a fear they will need to undress and undergo an uncomfortable exam. Most of the time this is unnecessary, and we can just talk about symptoms and come to a treatment plan without any of the anticipated discomfort,” said Dr. McCulloch.
OB/GYNs can see patients who are struggling with puberty, periods or want to discuss birth control.
“Next is often the fun part, but also can be a difficult time in life if reproductive plans don’t go as anticipated. This is a good time to establish care with a trusted OB/GYN or women’s health provider. Whether you are having babies or chose not to reproduce, or are having problems with miscarriages or infertility, we are here to help,” said Dr. McCulloch.
Find a provider who listens to your concerns and can refer you to other providers or resources to help.
“Many Intermountain clinics offer certified nurse midwives who can also provide excellent prenatal care and a safe birth in the hospital with many natural features including a laboring tub and soon, nitrous oxide, or other alternatives for pain management, instead of an epidural or to help with a more natural, low-intervention birth,” said McCulloch.
In general, prenatal care is all included in one global fee. Check with your insurance plan to see if there are any additional costs.
“After the reproductive phase of life, many women have issues that may require a surgical specialist for issues like heavy bleeding, bladder control problems or permanent sterilization. Most OB/GYNs provide all of these surgical options, but some specialize a bit more than others,” said Dr. McCulloch.
Your trusted provider can tell you who to see for different issues if they can’t provide the service themselves. There are usually a range of treatment options including pelvic floor physical therapy, in-office procedures, or surgery, including some surgical options that are robotically assisted.
“Hormones are currently the trendiest topic in town! Many women feel like their hormones are “out of whack.” This is a very complex discussion to have with a provider you know and trust. Be cautious about spending too much money on excessive lab work, and remember you are your own best advocate,” said Dr. McCulloch.
“Menopause is the grand finale of a woman’s reproductive life. Heavy bleeding, hot flashes, night sweats, and/or insomnia may be a part of this transition, but often it is a smoother, easier process. There are safe hormonal and non-hormonal treatment options to ease women through this occasionally turbulent phase, she added.
According to Dr. McCulloch, throughout all of life’s stages and perhaps even more so after menopause, it’s extremely important to do the simple things in life that will make you feel better and live your best life. This includes eating a healthy diet with minimal processed foods, and mostly whole foods. Exercise at least 3-5 days a week with special attention to core and upper body fitness to minimize the impact of osteoporosis. Prioritize good sleep. Turn off screens of all kinds at least one hour before trying to go to sleep, and if you wake up at night, don’t turn on a screen.
The female body is an amazing creation and taking care of it throughout your life can be complex, but it’s easier to navigate with your trusted OB/GYN or women’s health specialist.
For more information or to find a women’s health provider, visit the women’s health page on intermountainhealth.org
