Caring for Preemies with Dr. Crigler
Dr. Crigler explains the risk factors and prevention of premature birth at Northside Hospital Cherokee. Watch more OB videos below.
Why Are Cancer Screenings Important?
The doctors at Cherokee Women’s Health specialize in the prevention and early diagnosis of cancers specific to women, as explained by Dr. Litrel. Watch more GYN and Annual Exams videos below.
Perimenopause – A Real Woman’s Story
Perimenopausal symptoms can be confusing. Along with the usual hot flashes and night sweats, you may also experience some lesser-known symptoms such as extreme fatigue, anxiety, and racing heartbeat, along with a myriad of other symptoms. Traci understands this all too well since she entered menopause at an early age. As she entered perimenopause, she began to experience lesser-known symptoms. While she was familiar with the classic signs, Traci didn’t recognize her unusual physical and emotional fluctuations as being perimenopause-related. Traci Talks About Her Experience We talked to Traci about her experience with perimenopause and menopausal symptoms. She didn’t understand what was happening at the time and hopes by sharing her experience that women may better understand the signs of perimenopause. Q: Hold old were you when you began to experience perimenopausal symptoms and what were those symptoms? Traci: I was only 40 when I began to feel different. If I’d had hot flashes, night sweats or any of those universally-known symptoms, I would have recognized it as perimenopause right away. I was always a high-energy, laid back, and easy-going person. I never had any problems keeping up with my kids, aged 11 and 7 at the time. I could throw myself into their extracurricular activities, volunteer for different events, look after my home, attend family functions, play tennis, exercise, and still have enough stamina left over for more. I did it all cheerfully and enjoyed every second. The Symptoms Overtook Me Suddenly though, I found myself moody, snappish, and easily upset. I started having frequent heart palpitations, which terrified me. Was I having an anxiety attack, or worse, a heart attack? I was young and in peak physical health and couldn’t understand what was happening to me. At times, I felt like I was losing my mind, but I forced myself to act normally, especially since the anxiety and palpitations would eventually go away. I began to lose focus and interest in all the things that I loved doing before. I didn’t feel well. It was even difficult for me to get out of bed. “An overwhelming sense of exhaustion overtook me. At times, I could barely stay awake. I had no control over it. No matter how hard I tried, I would doze off, almost without warning.” One day, I was driving when that unusual fatigue came over me. I could feel my eyes closing against my will. I pulled into the first parking lot I saw and turned off the motor. I figured if I just rested my eyes for a minute I’d be okay. I woke up two hours later to the sound of my phone ringing. It hit me then just how perilous a situation I’d put myself in. Here I was, alone and sound asleep for hours in a strange, empty parking lot. Anything could have happened to me! Getting Tested I finally scheduled an appointment with Dr. James Haley of Cherokee Women’s Health. Tests were ordered and one of those tests checked for levels of estrogen and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). In perimenopause and menopause, estrogen levels fall and FSH levels rise, determining whether the body is either entering or has entered these life cycles. Though Dr. Haley was certain that I was in perimenopause despite my early age, we were both stunned to discover that my estrogen, progesterone, and FSH levels indicated that I was at the very cusp of full menopause. Hormone Replacement Therapy I was immediately placed on hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Women who no longer have ovaries, a uterus—or neither—are usually given estrogen only. Since my uterus and ovaries were still intact, I was given both estrogen and progesterone, the latter to prevent endometrial cancer. I began taking it regularly and within three days, I felt like myself again! “Within three days of taking estrogen and progesterone, I felt like myself again!” Q: There’s so much negativity and controversy regarding HRT. Weren’t you afraid? Traci: Not a bit! It gave me back my quality of life. I was monitored carefully. None of the risks I had prevented me from taking estrogen and progesterone, like a history of breast or ovarian cancer, blood clots, stroke, liver disease, or vaginal bleeding. I don’t smoke either, so I was a good candidate. Want to learn more? Check out Dr. Haley’s informative video about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Q: How long were you on HRT and isn’t it dangerous to use for extended periods? Traci: I’m still on it, and I’m still doing fine. I took synthetic hormone replacement in pill form for eight years. Three years ago, I switched to bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, which is a natural, plant-based formula made up of hormones that molecularly are nearly identical to the body’s own hormones. This type of therapy can be adapted to each woman’s individual needs. Though synthetic HRT is perfectly safe in the right dosage, and as long as you have no risk factors, bioidenticals are more natural, and therefore considered more compatible to a woman’s needs. In my case, the cream, which I apply to my arm daily, is made up of progesterone, estrogen and a bit of testosterone. Testosterone is necessary to maintain good muscle and bone health and it also helps regulate mood. HRT For Life I’ll most likely be on HRT for life. These hormones are necessary and must be replenished regularly. My mother is 76 and will also be taking HRT for life. She has never had any problems or side effects either. Without HRT, the body would eventually deplete its own resources and the symptoms I experienced would come back, possibly worse than ever, and possibly accompanied by even more dangerous ones. To me, the choice is obvious. Cherokee Women’s Health Can Help If you have questions about perimenopause or are experiencing symptoms, please call 770.720.7733 to make an appointment or simply schedule an appointment online with one of our double board-certified OB/GYNs.
Bathroom Again – Gabrielle’s Story
By James Haley, MD, FACOG, FPMRS “As GYNs, we address bladder issues on a daily basis, so when we discovered that our longtime patient suffered from a prolapsed bladder, we asked her to share her story of life before — and after — bladder surgery”, says Dr. Haley. Living with a Prolapsed Bladder “I knew every bathroom in town,” recalls Gabrielle, a vibrant woman in her mid-50s, a common age for women to experience bladder problems. “I never leaked but I had to use the bathroom ALL the time,” she explained. “My husband used to complain, ‘I hate running errands with you because you have to go to the bathroom at every stop.’ “I knew every bathroom in town. I never leaked but I had to use the bathroom ALL the time,” Gabrielle discussing her bladder problems “It started in my late 40s, when I began getting this weird feeling that my bladder had ‘fallen’. It got worse and worse, and it just became this constant pressure. It affected everything. When I exercised it was never painful, but I felt this constant sensation of pressure. I finally talked to my GYN, and he said it was caused by a prolapsed bladder.” What is Prolapsed Bladder? Prolapsed bladder, also known as fallen bladder or cystocele, is a condition where the bladder drops down from lack of support. Pelvic floor muscles and tissues hold the bladder and other organs in place, but they can weaken over time. This causes the bladder to descend from its fixed position and slip downwards into the vagina. In more severe cases, the bladder may dangle completely outside of the vagina. What Causes Prolapsed Bladder? There are four main reasons a woman may develop a prolapsed bladder: Childbirth: A difficult delivery, long labor, a large baby or multiple births Strain: Heavy lifting, strained bowel movements, excessive coughing Menopause: Lack of estrogen, which is vital in maintaining the health of vaginal tissue Obesity: Excess weight, which puts undue strain on pelvic muscles and tissues What are the Symptoms? Sensation of pressure in the bladder or vagina Leakage of urine when coughing, sneezing, laughing, etc. Protrusion of tissue from the vagina A sensation that the bladder is not completely empty right after urinating Difficulty urinating Pelvic pain or discomfort Painful intercourse Life After Treatment Gabrielle relates that she was given multiple treatment options but ultimately chose a permanent treatment solution called a surgical bladder lift, which was a great success, even years later. “That surgery literally changed my life. It’s been five years, and I’ve never had a problem. AND no more crazy bathroom trips!” Gabrielle on life after treatment When Should You See Your Doctor? If you notice that you have any of these symptoms and you suspect a prolapsed bladder, you should see your doctor immediately. This is not a condition that repairs itself. It usually worsens over time. However, it can be fixed, thanks to many modern methods available today. Why Our FPMRS Specialists are Experts in Bladder Prolapse Our board-certified OB/GYNs Dr. Michael Litrel and Dr. James Haley have earned board certification in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. FPMRS is a surgical subspecialty addressing the problems women experience with the changes to their anatomy from having children and pelvic prolapse. FPMRS surgeons are also known as board-certified urogynecologists. Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists has unique surgical expertise in the Southeast United States as an OB/GYN practice with three double board-certified urogynecologists. To schedule an appointment, call our office today at 770.720.7733 or schedule an appointment online.
12 Tips to Change Your Mind and Get Healthy
“Exercise. Eat right. Move more. Don’t snack.” Sure, we’ve all heard these things a million times when we’re trying to get healthy, lose weight or feel better. And sure, they make perfect sense. But when you’re feeling bad about yourself, or keep the same negative thoughts keep looping in your brain or you’re surrounded by negative people, getting motivated to actually do these things can be nearly impossible. Change Starts with Positive Thinking These 12 tips will help you get on the path to healthy living today! Our OB/GYNs Can Help Being proactive is important when it comes to taking good care of your health. That’s why we highly recommend making an appointment with one of our OB/GYNs. Call us today to schedule an exam at 770.720.7733 or simply schedule an appointment online.
How Long Should You Take HRT?
HRT, which stands for hormone replacement therapy, is exactly as the name implies — a treatment to replenish flagging hormones within the body, specifically during menopause. Why and When is HRT Used? HRT is usually administered for women between the ages of 40 to 65, and sometimes earlier, when menopause begins and whose lives are severely affected by menopause. Still, you should always be made aware any potential health hazards. If you have entered this midlife stage, you may be experiencing some of the many physical and emotional changes, such as menstrual cessation, mood swings, night sweats, sleep problems, and vaginal dryness, to name only a few of the more common disruptions. These are due to the decline of the hormones, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Estrogen and progesterone are the hormones that keep your reproductive system in good running order throughout life, especially during your childbearing years. Testosterone contributes to good bone and muscle maintenance, energy, mood, and sexual interest (libido). What are the Different Blends and Kinds of HRT? There are several different formats and types: Depending on a woman’s individual needs, HRT comes in several forms: Dr. Litrel discusses menopause and hormone therapy in this video. What Are the Risks Associated with HRT? In the past, HRT was provided to compensate for hormonal dissipation and to ease the transitional effects of menopause. It made medical sense to replenish the diminishing hormones, thus staving off the unpleasant repercussions this waning had on women. Mother Nature, unfortunately, did not always agree, and, though HRT helped many women, others had adverse effects such as: Dr. Haley discusses bioidentical hormone therapy in this video. What are the Advantages of HRT? Hormone replacement therapy can be beneficial for many menopausal symptoms caused by a woman’s natural depletion of estrogen and progesterone. Minor symptoms may be alleviated, such as: More severe complications of menopause can also be mitigated with HRT, such as: Am I a Good Candidate for HRT? As long as you do not have any risk factors, but find that your symptoms are impacting you negatively, you should discuss if HRT is right for you with your doctor. Additionally, if there is a history of osteoporosis in your family, HRT may be advantageous for you. There are also many lesser known symptoms attributable to menopause, so you should always be forthcoming about any emotional or physical changes that are occurring during midlife to rule out other disorders. Your health care provider is the best judge of whether HRT can help you. They’ll also decide if you need it short -or long-term. How Long Can I Take HRT? Doctors are now initially prescribing HRT in the lowest dose possible, making modifications as necessary until effectiveness is achieved. All potential risks must be taken into consideration based on thorough disclosure of your symptoms, medical history, family history, and lifestyle. This is vital to insure the best outcome for your individual needs, and whether the benefits outweigh the risks. At one time, it was thought that taking HRT for five years or less posed no danger, but recent findings proved that, depending on the individual, there can be problems even during this short time span. Other women may not be negatively affected at all. Today, women using HRT are being prescribed lower doses than before. There are also different methods available besides the past standard oral prescriptions. Vigilant and regular monitoring can alert us to any issues that may arise so that you can receive immediate intervention. Who Should Avoid HRT? Women with a history of the following issues are cautioned against using HRT: Are There Other Options to HRT? If you wish to avoid HRT, or are not a good candidate for it, there are several other medical and natural remedies you can try. These include: To book an appointment to discuss your menopausal issues and obtain information about HRT, call 770.720.7733.
Preconception Counseling: What is It?
Dr. Britton Crigler discusses the benefits of preconception counseling for women trying to get pregnant. Watch more OB videos below.
Hormone Replacement Therapy: What You Need to Know
Dr. Haley discusses the difference between synthetic hormones and bioidentical HRT.
How Sherene Became an Ovarian Cancer Survivor
Sherene is an ovarian cancer survivor. She was diagnosed in 2014 after getting a second opinion for her PCOS. She felt the doctor she was seeing at the time didn’t take her concerns about her symptoms seriously. When she saw a new doctor she mentioned her symptoms again. This time the doctor recommended an ultrasound. During the ultrasound they identified a mass. Sherene had just graduated from college and didn’t fit the demographics of the women who usually develop ovarian cancer, so her doctor wanted to keep an eye on the mass. It would have been easy for her to sweep it under the rug, but her doctor followed up, and Sherene kept all of her appointments. Sherene lost one of her ovaries, but they caught the cancer early. After completing her treatment, including chemotherapy, Sherene is cancer-free. Sherene sticks to her follow-up appointments to make sure she remains healthy. Sherene’s Take Home Message Sherene’s biggest message? Listen to your body! If you think something isn’t right, talk to your doctor. It’s okay to get a second opinion, especially if you think you aren’t being heard. Now Sherene is dedicated to spreading the message about ovarian cancer. Every year she participates in the Teal Trot 5k in Atlanta. She raises money and awareness and has fun in the park with her friends and family. Learn more or help Sherene on her mission to spread awareness by visiting the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance site.
Lesser Known Menopause Symptoms
You always knew menopause would happen. You may have even looked forward to getting rid of those bulky pads, contraceptive devices, and tampons you’ve been using. You expected some hot flashes and maybe a few cranky days, but assumed those probably wouldn’t be much worse than getting through a long summer heat wave and then it would be all over. What you possibly didn’t know is that there are countless other symptoms that science is constantly learning about regarding the menopausal process. If you’re between the ages of 40 and 65 — and in some cases even a bit younger — you may be suffering with those very symptoms right now. Your body begins to change several years before menopause actually takes place, during the period known as perimenopause. This is the time when periods start to become irregular, along with some other unwelcome physical and emotional developments that you never anticipated. Lesser Known Menopause Symptoms Menopause comes with many minor and major changes. Some women manage to get through the process with only a little discomfort. Others may be slammed with multiple symptoms, many of which occur gradually over time so that they may not even notice that they’re happening, or that one may be linked to the other. Most menopausal changes are caused by the decline of three hormones; estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Progesterone and estrogen, produced by the ovaries, not only prepare a woman for reproduction during her childbearing years, but they impact the rest of her body’s health, both physically and emotionally. During menopause, the adrenal glands continue to produce testosterone, but those levels also decrease with age. Some of the most common symptoms of menopause are: The following menopausal symptoms are not as common, but are also usually caused by the same hormonal shifts: Serious conditions due to hormonal changes during menopause include: How Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists Help? Many menopausal symptoms are of little concern and often correct themselves given time. Others can be easily remedied through diet, exercise, hormone therapy and/or other medications. However, all unusual symptoms that arise should always be assessed by a physician to rule out other causes. Our broad-based practice consists of three board-certified, doubly-accredited urogynecologists who hold certification in OB/GYN and Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS). Our staff also includes obstetricians, gynecologists and experts in holistic medicine and diet, and other specialists who, combined, have decades of accumulated expertise in the unique field of women’s health care. Call 770.720.7733 or schedule an appointment online today. Help is available.
Get to Know Dr. Haley
Dr. James Haley explains why he chose to become an OB/GYN and surgeon. Read Dr. Haley’s accompanying article. Watch more GYN and Annual Exams videos below.
Hysteroscopy
What is a Hysteroscopy? A hysteroscopy is used to diagnose and treat problems of the uterus. A hysteroscopy is performed by inserting a speculum to open the walls of the vagina. The hysteroscope is gently placed into the uterus through the cervix and sterile salt water is used to dilate the uterus so the surgeon can visualize your anatomy. Small instruments are used to take biopsies when indicated. Why is it Used? A hysteroscopy is used to find the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding, changes in bleeding or an abnormal ultrasound finding. A hysteroscopy is performed to determine the best treatment plan.Hysteroscopy are also used to: remove scarring in the uterus diagnose the cause of repeated miscarriages locate an intrauterine device (IUD) perform a method of permanent birth control How and Why is a Hysteroscopy Done? Dr. Litrel uses the Operation game to show the camera and microscope used in a hysteroscopy. What Can I Expect? Hysteroscopy is performed in our Canton office under IV sedation. You will not experience discomfort during the procedure, but you will need someone to drive you from our office. You will go home shortly after the procedure. It is normal to have some mild cramping or a little bloody discharge for a few days. You can take Ibuprofen or Tylenol for any discomfort. If you have a fever, chills, or heavy bleeding, call your healthcare provider right away. If you have any additional questions, please contact Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists at 770.720.7733.
