Gynecologists offer specialized medical care for the female reproductive system. From an early age - and throughout the physical and hormonal changes of life - many women require specialized, gynecologic care. Board-certified gynecology providers at Northwest Physicians offer many services from routine wellness checks to contraception and family planning, pregnancy, childbirth, menopause and beyond.
Our gynecologic services include:
For many women, the symptoms that come along with the menstrual cycle can be nonexistent or bearable, but for others, they can become excruciating or life-disrupting. Many side effects are normal, depending on severity, and can include mood swings, muscle cramps, bloating, aching and nausea. However, when some of those symptoms seem to be out of the normal, it could be time to schedule an appointment with your gynecologist.
Abnormal bleeding could be more spotting than normal in between cycles or longer or heavier periods than normal. It is more common in younger or pre-menopausal women. If you're suffering from painful or irregular periods, it could point to more serious conditions. There is a chance you just suffer from more symptomatic periods than other women, but it also can indicate endometriosis, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), ovarian cysts or uterine fibroids.
Endometriosis could be behind painful periods if it's coupled with additional symptoms, such as constant or chronic pelvic pain, struggles with infertility, ovarian cysts or painful intercourse. If you have more than one of these symptoms, contact your gynecologist. The doctor can perform a laparoscopy (a minimally invasive surgery) and a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
Irregular periods can point to a condition such as PCOS. There could be more bleeding in between cycles, a shorter menstrual cycle or even periods becoming less frequent or stopping altogether. Other symptoms can include unusual hair growth or thinning, skin tags, acne and weight gain. It also can cause issues with pregnancy. PCOS can be diagnosed by blood tests, a pelvic exam or an ultrasound.
Painful periods and abnormal bleeding can be symptoms of uterine fibroids. Fibroids are benign tumors that can often present no symptoms, but, in addition to difficult periods, could cause a full or bloated sensation in the abdomen, fertility issues and frequent urination. Fibroids can be diagnosed during a standard pap smear and well-woman gynecological exam.
Abnormal periods also can indicate perimenopause. This transition can begin for women in their 30s or 40s. Perimenopause (the time around menopause) is when hormones are changing and the body is adjusting. Symptoms can include hot flashes, mood changes, bladder issues and difficulty sleeping. Once you've gone through a full year without a regular period, the body has fully crossed over into menopause.
See a medical provider if you notice any major changes to your period symptoms or are having irregular pain or bleeding. Mention any concerns about health issues you may have during your yearly gynecologic exam.
Many gynecological surgeries can now be performed using minimally invasive techniques. Robot-assisted procedures can result in less scarring, less pain and a quicker recovery time than traditional "open" procedures.
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