Diane, Author at Cherokee Women's Health

Preemies Run in the Family

Premature birth, also known as preterm birth, occurs in roughly 12% of women in the United States. Any birth before 37 weeks is considered premature. The earlier the delivery, the higher the risk for the baby. Though now, with modern information and technology, babies born as early as 23 weeks and weighing just one pound, one ounce have been successfully saved. Krystina, a patient of Cherokee Women’s Health, was all too familiar with premature birth. Two of her grandparents were born premature, as well as multiple family members. Her own mother was also a preemie. And yes, Krystina herself was born premature. Krystina’s mom delivered her 7 weeks early and almost died in the process. Krystina weighed in at only 3 lbs. 3 ounces. She burst both of her lungs immediately following delivery and spent a couple of months in the NICU (neonatal intensive care). At 11 months old, Krystina only weighed 11 pounds. Preemie Mom Gives Birth to Preemie Babies Fast forward over 30 years and Krystina is a healthy adult who now has had two preemies of her own. Her first baby, her son Augustus, who is now 4 ½ years old, was delivered by Cherokee Women’s Health He was 4 weeks early and delivered via emergency C-section. Her most recent birth of her daughter, Aurelia, happened even earlier. Krystina had a textbook pregnancy with her son up until the last trimester, when she developed high blood pressure. Because of this, she began monitoring her blood pressure at home while pregnant with Aurelia. Once again, all was fine—until the 3rd trimester when her blood pressure started rising again. Developing Preeclampsia Krystina woke up early one morning feeling strangely so she took her blood pressure. It was much higher than before. She called Cherokee Women’s Health, who of course had been monitoring her closely as well, and was told to go to the hospital. Once there, she was diagnosed with preeclampsia (a condition that only occurs during pregnancy, and usually after 20 weeks, and can be very dangerous for the mom and baby. High blood pressure is one of the signs). It was decided that she should be admitted but the hospital’s NICU was full, so she was transferred to a different hospital in anticipation of the baby coming early. The next 9 days were very hard on Krystina. She was in a hospital further from home, she hadn’t gotten to say goodbye to her son, and she was very worried about her new baby making an early entrance. Thankfully, the doctors were able to stabilize her blood pressure and after a few days, she was sent back to her local hospital. But once there, her blood pressure elevated again so the decision was made to deliver her baby. Going Home Without Her Baby Her doctor of Cherokee Women’s Health performed a C-section and Aurelia was born 7 weeks early and weighed only 3 lbs. 8 oz., just 5 ounces more than Krystina had weighed when she was born. Aurelia spent the next 13 days in the NICU due to needing oxygen and being a little jaundiced. Overall though, she was strong and doing well. Krystina was also doing well and was released after 2 days. Going home without her baby was one of the hardest things she has ever done. Baby is Home and Healthy! Today Aurelia is a beautiful and healthy 10-month-old daddy’s girl. She is a great eater and has quickly grown to almost 20 pounds. “My doctors played such a crucial role in making sure my babies were fine. They are both fantastic. Their calm demeanors and support really helped me to relax.” – Krystina shares about her experience at Cherokee Women’s Health Krystina and her husband are so grateful that both of their preemies are doing so well. Those babies, and Krystina herself, are great examples of how premature babies can go on to live happy, healthy lives.

Miscarriage – You Are Not Alone

A miscarriage often makes women feel alone and as though no one else understands. Janie, a medical assistant here at Cherokee Women’s Health, understands this feeling all too well. A Miscarriage at 6-1/2 Weeks Janie and her husband starting dating in high school and were married in November of 2015. They always knew they wanted children, so they tried to conceive after only a year of marriage. One year later, Janie was pregnant. Their excitement was short-lived, however, when Janie suffered a miscarriage at 6-1/2 weeks. Like so many couples, Janie and her husband were devasted. Along with the physical pain, Janie also dealt with the emotional pain of feeling “like a failure” as a woman, which is also a common reaction after a miscarriage. A few months later, Janie and her husband found out she was pregnant again. When she first saw the two lines on the pregnancy test she was terrified. She wanted to be excited but she and her husband both were so nervous and scared Janie wasn’t sure if they could handle it if they experienced another loss. Leaving it in God’s Hands They decided not to do early bloodwork or ultrasounds, but to leave it in God’s hands. They had their first ultrasound at 7 – 8 weeks and were amazed when that saw the heartbeat, although they were still nervous. After a few more weeks and a few more scans, they were finally ready to share the news. Janie’s pregnancy and delivery went smoothly with no complications. She and her husband now have Carter, their beautiful baby girl — their rainbow baby. (A rainbow baby is a baby born after miscarriage or early loss of a child). Support Meant Everything After suffering the loss of her first baby, Janie now realizes many women have gone through what she has and that she was not alone. Janie’s OB/GYN was a huge support for both her and her husband and was there to deliver their little miracle. She feels that she may never completely heal from that loss, but having faith, family, and Carter makes it easier. You Are Not Alone Though miscarriage is a painful topic, Janie now knows that talking about it can help. She hopes other women can find someone to confide in if they experience this type of loss. As a medical assistant, she hopes to be that person for all the patients that come through the office, even on their worst day. She wants to share her experience and let them know they are not alone.

Treating Pelvic Health Problems

Our OB/GYN practice boasts two urogynecologists who are double board-certified in female pelvic medicine. Women have traveled from 44 states to seek treatment at Cherokee Women’s Health. Cherokee Women’s is the resource in the Southeast for women with pelvic health issues—before, during, and long past the child-bearing years. Pelvic health problems affect almost one-quarter of women, and the incidence increases with age. Most women leave pelvic health issues to their general OB/GYN. But in fact, complete diagnosis of these issues is complex, and sometimes can only be fully addressed by a specialist known as a urogynecologist: an OB/GYN who is certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology as well as Female Pelvic Medicine and Reproductive Medicine (FPMRS). What is Pelvic Health? Pelvic health includes the functioning of every organ and structure in the pelvis, and encompasses four broad categories: The key foundation for pelvic health is the “pelvic floor” — a versatile set of muscles that works 24/7, supporting the uterus, cervix, vagina, bladder and rectum. Almost one-quarter of women face pelvic floor disorders. Certain risk factors indicate that a woman should be on the lookout for needing further diagnosis and treatment. Pelvic Health Risk Factors Other Risk Factors Include: Treatment Treatments can include medications, lifestyle changes, physical therapy, noninvasive procedures or pelvic reconstructive surgery. If you experience problems with bladder or fecal leakage, pelvic pain, the sensation of your insides ”falling down,” or impaired sexual function, seek treatment from one of our board-certified urogynecologists. Call us today at 770.720.7733 or schedule an appointment online.

Miscarriage: A Father’s Grief

A father’s grief after a miscarriage is often overlooked. Miscarriage and subsequent pregnancies often center on the emotions of the mother only: the grieving and anxiety of losing a baby, and the nerve-racking experience of becoming pregnant again with a “Rainbow Baby”. A rainbow baby is a baby born after a miscarriage, thus becoming the “rainbow after the storm.” Sharing Grief With the Husband and Learning To Live With Grief and Joy Fathers often feel they have to be “strong for the mother,” so they may put their grief on the back burner, all while silently suffering alone. But solitary grieving can take a toll on a marriage, especially during stressful times, like losing a baby. “Rainbow Mom” Mariah Foster and her husband lost their unborn daughter, Raelynn, late in Mariah’s pregnancy, from a cord accident. She shares their experience and the words of advice from their doctor, who told her to pay attention to how the experience affected not only her, but also her husband and their relationship as a married couple. “After I lost my daughter, Dr. Litrel asked to see us so he could see how we were doing. His advice was not to try to cover up our grief with antidepressants. He told us to go ahead and scream, yell, even be mad at God – but especially to learn how each other grieves.” Mom Mariah shares how she coped with the devastation of miscarriage Miscarriage is Hard on Men Too Mariah said Dr. Litrel told them that the father’s grief is often overlooked, and that he had seen couples divorce after losing a baby because neither understood how the other grieves. “He told me to pay attention to my husband during this time of being sad. He said it’s hard for the man, too – and they grieve in a different way from the woman. “That conversation opened our eyes. And honestly, the grieving process built on our communication and compromise skills.” Mariah shares that Dr. Litrel also advised them to ‘talk about our daughter and use her name’, telling us to take time to enjoy each other, so we could accept the loss better and go on with the marriage. He didn’t want us to lose what we had. He also didn’t want us to try to have another, but just to ‘let it happen’, so he did not prescribe birth control for me. Smiling at the baby beside her in the stroller, Mariah says, “Eleven months later we ended up having our wonderful Rainbow Baby, Cayson Charles. Cayson means ‘Healer’ in Gaelic,” she explains. Getting Pregnant Again is Scary Mariah comments that becoming pregnant after a miscarriage is not the purely joyful experience everyone assumes it will be. “You know, everyone’s excited when you’re pregnant with a rainbow baby, but it’s a lot harder. I was nervous. When I hit nine months and said, “I need to be induced!” I finally ended up having a C-section — and the most beautiful rainbow baby. “During the pregnancy, Dr. Litrel had us on a strict schedule of seeing doctors and also the specialist. By 29-30 weeks, we were going to the doctor every week. “Pregnancy with a Rainbow Baby is nerve-racking. You want to feel him every second of the day. When he’s not moving, you’re panicking.” “The scariest time was at one point, when I slipped and fell at work. I thought at that point I was going to lose him. Dr. Litrel and really, all the medical staff, did everything for us. “They gave me a Doppler (a hand-held monitor) so I could check on Cayson, and seeing him on the screen helped me so much with my anxiety. “Pregnancy with a rainbow baby is nerve-racking. You want to feel him every second of the day. When he’s not moving, you’re panicking. You lay on your left side, you drink ice water, you try all the tricks the doctors tell you. There were times I went to Northside Hospital and just said, ‘Hey, I just need you to do an ultrasound. I can’t find my baby on the Doppler.’ They were great and really supportive during the entire pregnancy.” The Grieving Process “Losing Raelynn was hard for my husband, and sometimes it still is. He’ll take a picture of Cayson, which is his way of grieving. He’ll say, ‘I want to be with him so much, because sometimes he fills that void.’ When Cayson was crawling at six months, my husband was excited to see him, and he’d say, ‘Wow, Raelynn, look what your little brother is doing!’ Mariah wipes away a tear. “It’s hard to explain how it feels because the grieving never stops. “We actually planted a tree for my daughter, and we watch it grow, and talk about it all the time. We got a bird feeder and all the birds come so we can feed them. It’s really sweet. Getting Support “The grievance counselors at Northside are really great and so supportive. On Facebook, there’s a group called Rainbows of Atlanta. When you’re having a hard time — when that anniversary comes up and it’s the week you lost your baby — you can get on that group and post at 4 a.m., and you know someone is going to comment. Someone will be there. It’s so rewarding to see women back each other up. They give advice, and they’re just there.” Mariah smiles and gives her rainbow baby Cayson (aka the Healer), a kiss. Her eyes glisten, but there is happiness there, too. After Miscarriage – Stories of Hope Reading stories of hope from others who have experienced what you’re going through can help you feel not so alone. Here, we share stories from patients who suffered from miscarriage and how they got through it. Sheila suffered many miscarriages so we sat down with her to get her story and learn what she had to overcome to eventually have three Rainbow Babies. Jamie shares her story of

A Rainbow Baby Story: After the Storm

A rainbow baby is a baby born after a miscarriage, stillborn birth, or early infant death. With the latest statistics showing that one in four pregnancies will end in miscarriage, rainbow babies are more common than many realize. And in some cases, unfortunately, those statistics are even higher. Some women experience multiple miscarriages before they are finally able to have a baby, or even have a miscarriage between healthy pregnancies. Sheila Shares Her Story Sheila, a patient of Cherokee Women’s Health, suffered multiple miscarriages so we recently sat down with her to get her story. Q: Tell us about your miscarriages before you gave birth to your recent rainbow baby, Samuel. Sheila: I have had seven total miscarriages, five consecutively before Samuel. I have three children – a daughter, 20; and two sons, 14 and 12. After our youngest, we tried for six years for Samuel, who is now six weeks old. So, I really have three rainbow babies. Q: How far along were you with each miscarriage? Sheila: I lost one at 8 weeks. It was discovered at the ultrasound that the baby had not grown or progressed. I lost one at 18 weeks , also discovered at the ultrasound, that there was no longer a heartbeat. The next five were before Samuel. I lost one at 10 weeks, where it was discovered at the ultrasound that there was an empty sac, a blighted ovum. Then I had one where I went into labor at 16 weeks and delivered him, (Caleb), in the emergency room. I then had Josiah who I went into early labor with at 22 weeks and 6 days. He was born alive and died 4 ½ days later. After Josiah, I miscarried Thomas at 18 weeks. Then I had another pregnancy that, at 10 weeks, we also discovered it hadn’t progressed. Q: It’s difficult enough to suffer through one miscarriage. What were your emotions like having been through seven? Sheila: I was affect the same, and differently, by each one. At that moment in time the pain is real and the same for all. But looking back, the later ones were even more difficult. It was that the pregnancy “took”, and yet my body was rejecting them. I felt like the one thing that should be easy for a woman to do, I was having such difficulty with. I felt guilt, sadness, anger, all the expected emotions. But losing Josiah really destroyed me since he died in my arms at four days old. Q: What was the pregnancy like with Samuel? Sheila: I went into active labor with him at 24 weeks. My doctor gave me the medicines needed to try and stop labor. Since I was still contracting, he eventually had to transfer me to the Northside Atlanta Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in case I delivered. I was there for three days and it finally stopped so I was sent home with continued medicine, care of a specialist, and put on full bedrest for the remainder of the pregnancy. Q: At what point were you able to relax? Sheila: Never. Not until they put him in my arms. Seeking Help Q: Where did you turn for comfort or support through all of this? Sheila: One of my best friends had a daughter stillborn at 40 weeks. I leaned on her a lot for support. I got comfort just talking about it with family and friends, so I also joined online support groups where everyone shares their stories. What also helps me is remembering each one, knowing their due dates/birthdates, saying their names — honoring them. Q: What advice or words of wisdom can you share with others who may be going through the pain of miscarriage? Sheila: Don’t give up and keep your faith, because even though I had those dark days when I was angry and questioning God, I knew that without my faith that I wouldn’t have gotten through, and I wouldn’t have my rainbow baby. I had to take it one day at a time. Again, don’t give up, look at me! Her Rainbow Baby and Cherokee Women’s Health Q: Were you with Cherokee Women’s Health through all of your miscarriages? Sheila: I was with Cherokee Women’s through the five consecutive ones prior to Samuel, so I saw all of your physicians and advanced practice providers. We live about two hours away so I started seeing a local doctor when I got pregnant with Samuel. However, I didn’t feel like he was taking my history seriously enough though, so I decided to make the drive and come back to Cherokee Women’s Health at 18 weeks. My doctor was wonderful at my first visit, and because of my history, she made sure to get a specialist involved right away and even made the appointment for me while I was still in the exam room. All of the doctors at Cherokee Women’s were on top of everything and very caring and supportive. Three Rainbow Babies Sheila says that after 11 pregnancies and four children, three of which are rainbow babies, she and her family are grateful for all their blessings. She hopes that by sharing her story, as painful as much of it still is, that she can offer hope to another. As we know, the rainbow can’t come until after there is a storm. Miscarriage Resources You may find the following resources helpful in your recovery process: H.E.A.R.T. Strings Support Group – Hope, Empathy, Alliance, Resources and Teamwork Perinatal Bereavement of Palliative Care. Email them at northsidepnl@gmail.com or call them at 770.224.1817.

After a Miscarriage: Seeking Support

Miscarriages may affect women very differently, but the one thing that most have in common is the need for support. Seeking support after a miscarriage was very important for Cherokee Women’s Health patient, Sachiko. Our Patient Suffers a Miscarriage Sachiko knew since she was 16 years old that she had endometriosis, (the development of uterine-lining tissue outside the uterus), and that it could one day affect her chances of getting pregnant. Once married and beginning to think about having children, she decided to seek help from Dr. Litrel of Cherokee Women’s Health. After Dr. Litrel performed surgery to remove the endometriosis, he gave her his approval to start trying to get pregnant. Sachiko got pregnant immediately. She and her husband were both thrilled and had no reason to expect any problems. Sadly, Sachiko had a miscarriage late into her first trimester. It started with signs at 8 ½ weeks and lasted a few weeks before she lost the baby. Their excitement turned to devastation and Sachiko felt emotionally broken. The Power of Sharing Her Story Like many couples, Sachiko and her husband had chosen not to make a public announcement about their pregnancy until they were past the first trimester. Because that never happened, Sachiko felt alone and recalls that the hardest part was suffering, without anyone knowing why. That’s when Sachiko decided to post her story on Facebook. She typed a very long post telling everyone what she had been going through and how it had been so hard to grieve in silence. She explained why she had been avoiding friends and that pretending everything was perfectly fine when it wasn’t, had only made matters worse. She had originally thought that keeping her miscarriage a secret would protect herself from having to continually open that wound. But that day, she decided it was time to “rip the band-aid off” and stop hiding so she could begin to focus on healing and moving forward. “The only thing worse than losing something that meant the world to you is pretending that you lost nothing.” She shared the details and timeline of all the pain she and her husband had been going through. She also shared the physical and emotional pain, and the loss of loving the life growing inside of her. She shared how one quote she read had described perfectly what she was feeling. It read, “The only thing worse than losing something that meant the world to you is pretending that you lost nothing.” Sachiko didn’t ask for or want any pity. She just wanted understanding and patience, and thanked the few that she had confided in for their love, prayers and support. Finding Unexpected Support She certainly didn’t expect what happened as a result of her opening up. Not only did she receive an overwhelming amount of support from her loved ones, but friends and acquaintances started reaching out to her to share their own miscarriage experiences. Many of Sachiko’s large network of sorority sisters contacted her to say that by sharing her experience, they realized that they weren’t alone, and that was very helpful to them. By sharing her story, Sachiko didn’t just help others – she helped herself. She found that connecting with others gave her comfort and hope. “It was a very cathartic experience and the support helped me to begin the long process of healing,” she recalls. Sachiko also found music to be very therapeutic. She created a large playlist of songs that spoke about loss and hope. She entitled it Broken. The music was a source of true comfort to her. And then, not quite a year later, Sachiko found another source of support and comfort – her rainbow baby Killian. Though she had a few scary moments during her pregnancy with Killian, he was born a healthy baby and she and her husband were ecstatic and grateful. Advice After Miscarriage Through the whole process Sachiko has continued to share her story as a source of support, hope and comfort to others. Her advice to others who have suffered through the pain of a miscarriage is to talk about it with others, especially those who have also been through it. She says, “Let people into your true feelings and don’t fake that you’re okay. If people don’t know, they can’t try to understand”. Getting support from loved ones or even those outside of your inner circle is an important, and often necessary, step to help in the grieving process. Many communities offer more structured support systems, such as counselors, literature or support groups, which are often free of charge. Your local hospital may also offer information and support. Wherever you seek support, just know that you’re not alone. Miscarriage Resources Following are resources you may find helpful for your recovery process: H.E.A.R.T. Strings Support Group – Hope, Empathy, Alliance, Resources and Teamwork Perinatal Bereavement of Palliative Care. Email them at northsidepnl@gmail.com or call them at 770.224.1817.

Hope After Miscarriage

One in four women experience miscarriage. Hope often helps women cope with the loss of miscarriage. Though that hope may ebb and flow on any given day, it’s always there below the surface waiting to rise again. That’s what happened with one of our patients at Cherokee Women’s Health. Jamie Shares Her Miscarriage Story Jamie and her husband had been trying to have a baby for nine years. During that time, she had three miscarriages, two of which were tubular pregnancies. She had also been experiencing a significant amount of pain. Jamie had been to four or five different OB/GYNs, and all of them told her there was nothing wrong. One doctor even suggested that the pain was probably bowel-related and that she just needed more fiber in her diet. Jamie was feeling sadness, guilt, doubt — and yes — loss of hope, not unlike many women who have experienced similar situations. She and her husband started discussing adoption as an option. She thought that may be the path she would take to motherhood, because Jamie knew in her heart that her purpose on earth was to be a mother, one way or another. She relied on her strong faith during the dark times and that’s how her hope resurfaced again. “Even when things seem hopeless, don’t give up hope. Hold on to your faith.” It was in August of 2017 that she decided to try yet another OB/GYN. That’s when she found Dr. James Haley at Cherokee Women’s Health. From her very first appointment, she knew he was the right doctor for her. He listened to her and most importantly, believed her when she told him about her constant pain and how she thought something was wrong. Dr. Haley recommended a laparoscopic procedure to explore what could be the issue. During the procedure, he discovered that one of her fallopian tubes was all “chewed up”, as she put it. Dr. Haley said it was due to the tubular pregnancies. Within four weeks, he performed the procedure to remove that tube, during which time, he also discovered that she had endometriosis, which was the cause of her pain. He removed that as well. Daring to Hope Though no promises were made, Jamie felt hope once again. And then, three months later, she found out she was pregnant! Jamie shared, “I love Dr. Haley. He is my hero! He believed me and did all he could to help me.” Like many moms who have been through a miscarriage, or multiple ones, Jamie was apprehensive. It wasn’t until about 20 weeks into the pregnancy that she finally thought, “This may actually happen!” Her pregnancy did have a few complications. She had high blood pressure and gestational diabetes, but on August 19, 2018 — 11 months after her procedure and after 36 hours of labor — Dr. Haley performed a C-section and Jamie’s precious, healthy rainbow baby, Bella Klaire, was born. When asked to share any advice she has for other women traveling this difficult road, Jamie says, “Even when things seem hopeless, don’t give up hope. Hold on to your faith.” Miscarriage Resources Following are resources you may find helpful in your recovery process: H.E.A.R.T. Strings Support Group – Hope, Empathy, Alliance, Resources and Teamwork Perinatal Bereavement of Palliative Care. Email them at northsidepnl@gmail.com or call them at 770.224.1817.

Healing After Miscarriage

A miscarriage is a deeply personal and traumatic experience so healing after miscarriage can be difficult, but it is possible. Miscarriage often happens without warning and since every woman is unique, your timeline for healing may vary greatly from another woman’s. Knowing you’re not alone may help with your recovery process. The 5 Stages of Grief The wonderfully positive statistic is that you have an 85% chance of safely carrying another pregnancy to full term. How to Cope After a Miscarriage Our Patients Share Their Stories of Hope Sheila shares her story of multiple miscarriages – and finally, Samuel, her miracle rainbow baby. Jamie shares her story of loss and love. Cherokee Women’s Health Can Help The wonderfully positive statistic is that you have an 85% chance of safely carrying another pregnancy to full term. Our board-certified OB/GYNs will use their extensive experience to evaluate you to help prevent any such further loss in the future. Our vast experience in women’s health and our up-to-date knowledge gives us the skill to approach your situation with individual attention. We’ll begin with your medical history, genetic and other testing to ascertain any risk factors that may hinder or threaten your baby’s development and birth. We’ll constantly monitor you throughout the gestational period, delivery and beyond. We’ll also provide guidelines to prepare yourself for the healthiest possible pregnancy. Miscarriage Resources We recommend the following resources to help you in your recovery process: H.E.A.R.T. Strings Support Group – Hope, Empathy, Alliance, Resources and Teamwork Perinatal Bereavement of Palliative Care. Email them at northsidepnl@gmail.com or call them at 770.224.1817.

Hormone Replacement Therapy for Menopausal Symptoms

A Q&A with Dr. Litrel about menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Endometriosis – Facts Every Woman Should Know

Endometriosis is the third leading cause of infertility in women of childbearing age. This disease affects 1 in 10 females from the ages of 15 to 44. It impacts more than 11% of women in the U.S. alone and is often times not diagnosed until a woman is in her 30’s or 40’s, so they may have it and not even know. The inside of your uterus (womb) has a lining of tissue called the endometrium. This is similar to that thin layer of skin-type material attached to the shell you sometimes see when you peel a hard-boiled egg. When you have a normal menstrual cycle, this uterine lining thickens to get your uterus ready to house a baby. Its purpose, if fertilization occurs, is to keep an embryo latched on to itself for nine weeks, providing nourishment until the mother’s blood supply through the placenta can take over the job. If pregnancy doesn’t happen that month, menstrual blood sloughs away that barrier and your body begins to rebuild a new one in preparation for the possibility of pregnancy the next time. With endometriosis, endometrial tissue grows and attaches itself in different places outside of your uterus where it doesn’t belong. Like the one in your womb, this tissue is stimulated during the menstrual cycle, but it doesn’t break down. Instead, it remains, causing pain, irritation, and possible scarring which can eventually lead to adhesions, a type of scarring that can cause different organs to fuse together. Endometrial tissue can be found in: In very rare cases, it has even been found on skin, and in the lungs and brain. What are the Symptoms of Endometriosis? Many women have none. Others may suffer a little discomfort, while yet others may experience extreme, debilitating effects. Symptoms include: What Are the Health Risks of Endometriosis? Although endometriosis is neither contagious nor cancerous, left alone it can continue to expand in places where growths should not appear. Unchecked, this may lead to the following problems: Who Can Get Endometriosis? Any female who has begun to menstruate can get endometriosis. In the past, women were often not diagnosed until 30 or 40 years old. Now, doctors know to be on the lookout much earlier, starting in the teens to 20’s. Although endometriosis is not overly picky about which woman’s body it chooses to inhabit, you have a greater likelihood of suffering from it if you have: What Causes Endometriosis? No one really knows although research is intense and ongoing. Some theories include: How is it Diagnosed? The only way endometriosis is diagnosed is that it must be seen at the time of surgery. When someone presents with symptoms of endometriosis, initial workup may entail: Surgery is then performed as necessary. Is There a Cure? There is no cure, but endometriosis can be treated and managed. Options depend on your particular issues and symptoms, and whether you still want to become pregnant. They range from medication to surgery. What Are the Treatments? Your doctor will most likely try the following: How Can I Make Sure I Don’t Get Endometriosis? There is no way to prevent endometriosis, but there is a possibility of reducing your odds by using estrogen-lowering birth control, limiting caffeine and alcohol which raise estrogen, exercising regularly, and maintaining ideal body weight. How Can Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists Help Me? Our entire practice focuses solely on women and their unique biology. We are trained in every aspect of women’s health care and have three board–certified, doubly accredited urogynecologists holding certification in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS). This means that we can diagnose, understand, and treat all feminine problems with the most up-to-date knowledge and innovations known to modern medicine. To further discuss endometriosis, call us at 770.720.7733 or schedule an appointment online.

PMS Explained

PMS (premenstrual syndrome) affects most women at one time or another. In fact, it’s estimated that three out of four women suffer from PMS regularly. What is PMS? Premenstrual syndrome refers to a cluster of physical and emotional changes a woman undergoes during the two weeks before bleeding actually occurs. This time frame is referred to as the ‘luteal cycle’. At the onset of her period, symptoms usually disappear. What Are the Symptoms of PMS? Symptoms of PMS are numerous and may include any or all of the following: What Causes PMS? The exact cause has not been pinpointed, but lowering levels of the sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone are believed to be key factors. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of well-being and happiness, also drops. Though this is a natural process, and necessary to prepare the body for reproduction, the monthly depletion can cause a hormonal imbalance, wreaking havoc on women physically and emotionally. If you are experiencing extreme discomfort and PMS is negatively affecting you physically and psychologically, do not hesitate to see your doctor. What is Dysphoric Menstrual Syndrome? Most women have mild to moderate cases of PMS which can be annoying, or at most, uncomfortable. These symptoms cause little or no disruption in their daily routines, and usually does not warrant medical help. However, about 5% of women with PMS suffer from what is categorised as dysphoric menstrual syndrome (PMDD), which is a far more severe and negatively impacts their lives. These women require more aggressive psychological or medicinal intervention. The criteria to meet the diagnosis of PMDD is that the patient has at least five of the emotional symptoms mentioned above during their luteal cycle. The presence of these symptoms is usually more exaggerated. These are a few that we look for: Approximately another 20% meet the definition of ‘subthreshold’ PMDD, meaning that they may be monitored diligently to avoid full-blown PMDD. This particular disorder is classified as ‘menstrually related mood disorder’ (MRMD) and may also need some medicinal or psychological treatment. Like PMS, hormone dissipation during the menstrual cycle may be the underlying cause. Are There Any Tests That Accurately Diagnose PMS? There are no specific lab tests to diagnose premenstrual syndrome. Instead, we’ll need to study your medical history to establish if you are suffering from it. It is very important to be completely truthful so that we can help you. We know that some of these symptoms may be frightening to you, and perhaps, at times, embarrassing to discuss, but getting the full picture allows us to give you the best and most effective advice and care. Keeping a diary of your symptoms for a few months helps. Three of the main things we look for are: Even jotting down specific odd thoughts and ideas, levels of fatigue, etc., can be helpful. This allows us to properly determine which hormonal imbalance is affecting you more and enable us to deal with the more troublesome symptoms accordingly. Remember to list the dates as these symptoms occurred, and exactly when menstruation itself began and ended. Can PMS be Treated? Mild to moderate PMS can be fairly easily managed with a few lifestyle changes and over-the-counter pain relievers. Heating pads or warm baths may help with pain, and ice packs with headaches. Topical rubs and ointments can reduce inflammation and joint pain. You may be advised to limit or completely eliminate salt, alcohol, caffeine, sugar and any artificial sweeteners as they contribute to many sleep and anxiety issues. Other recommendations to help alleviate PMS symptoms are: Some herbs and supplements may counteract PMS symptoms, although some have not been studied fully so it’s always best to get these from a healthy diet instead. Before taking them, it is recommended that you speak to your physician. Though they may help, the medications you already take may interact with them and cause adverse, sometimes dangerous interactions. Here is a list of the vitamins, herbs and supplements and the symptoms they may alleviate: For more severe PMS, your doctor may prescribe one or more of the following: How Can Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists Help Me? Because we deal with women’s health issues daily, we are aware of the debilitating effects of PMS. We would never minimize the detrimental influence it can have on you and yours. We are here to offer counsel, diagnosis, empathy, and treatment, using all our expertise and knowledge of the most up-to-date information medical science has to offer. Our staff includes three doubly accredited urogynecologists with the outstanding certification in OB/GYN and Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS). This qualifies us to diagnose and treat all your female-related problems. Additionally, our staff includes specialists in other fields related to a women’s unique needs. To book an appointment to further discuss your PMS symptoms, call 770.720.7733.

PCOS Explained (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

– by James P. Haley, MD, FACOG, FPMRS Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal endocrine disorder that disrupts the menstrual cycle often resulting in anovulation (not ovulating) during a women’s childbearing years. Women suffering from PCOS will have disruption of normal female hormones and produce higher than normal levels of the male hormone, testosterone, (hyperandrogenism). This imbalance can cause a growth of numerous small cysts filled inside the ovaries, (hence the name “polycystic.”) The ovaries are often enlarged. These cysts are follicles that house eggs that have never matured due to the glut of male hormones inhibiting ovulation. Most PCOS sufferers (possibly all) are also more resistant to insulin. This leads to further problems, including weight gain and susceptibility to developing diabetes. PCOS Symptoms Polycystic ovary syndrome can begin in utero, but symptoms only usually begin to occur when a female begins puberty. These include: What Causes PCOS? There are varying theories as to what causes PCOS. Poor nutrition and diet at a young age can be a contributing factor. Insulin is produced by the pancreas to extract food sugars for energy. PCOS causes women to produce too much insulin. As a result of insulin resistance which, in turn, stimulates more over-production of androgens. These male hormones interfere with ovulation, impacting fertility. Male hormones then dominate female ones, resulting in some of the masculine characteristics mentioned earlier. Since other factors can also contribute to surplus androgen development, medical science is still trying to pinpoint the exact cause of PCOS. How is PCOS Diagnosed? There is no actual test to diagnose PCOS. It is a matter of eliminating other disorder possibilities until the diagnosis of PCOS is reached. Two primary contributing factors of PCOS 1) A history of skipping periods 2) Elevated androgen hormone levels (hyperandrogenic effect) alert physicians to suspect that a woman may have PCOS. Being overweight or obese strengthens the possibility, especially in females with more upper body fat. Weight gain in this area is more male-related, thus indicating the existence of higher testosterone levels. This diagnosis is derived through What are the Risks of PCOS? Overweight and obesity alone can cause severe health problems. Compounded with PCOS, the following risks are elevated: Can Being Overweight Lead to PCOS? Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, has recently received a great deal of exposure in the media. 5 to 10% of women in the United States suffer from this condition. It is one of the leading causes of infertility, yet fewer than 50% of those women are diagnosed correctly. That amounts to a staggering 5 million women! Not every woman diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome is overweight, but approximately 80% are. Other female family members tend to be overweight or obese as well. Realize, however, that PCOS causes weight gain for most patients, but being overweight or obese does not “cause” PCOS. Can PCOS be Controlled? Though it is a lifelong condition and a leading cause of infertility in women, PCOS can be controlled, especially if treated early. What are the Treatments? Once it is established that you have PCOS, your physician may recommend some or all of the following: PCOS-prescribed medications may have strong side effects, or become more potent with steady, consistent weight loss. You will have to be monitored and tested regularly to insure proper dosage for your continuing good health. If You Have PCOS, We Can Help Our broad-based establishment has specialists at your disposal to deal with all PCOS irregularities. Doubly accredited, board-certified urogynecologists holding enviable degrees in OB/GYN and Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS), nutritionists, and more professionals are available. We are trained to diagnose, treat, and encourage you throughout your struggles with polycystic ovary syndrome until and after a healthy and manageable level is reached. You are the best judge of any bodily changes that might be of concern. By seeing a physician immediately when you suspect something is wrong, you stand an excellent chance of correcting troublesome symptoms of PCOS before they become detrimental to your reproductive health. To schedule an appointment at either our Woodstock or Canton location, call us today at 770.720.7733 or simply Schedule an appointment online.

Author name: Diane

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Healing After Miscarriage

Hormone Replacement Therapy for Menopausal Symptoms

Endometriosis – Facts Every Woman Should Know

PMS Explained

PCOS Explained (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

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