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Author name: Diane

pelvic pain
GYN Problems

Endometriosis – Facts Every Woman Should Know

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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.

woman-with-pms-painful-period_201847138
Bleeding Education, Menopause and Hormone Therapy

PMS Explained

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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 Symptoms Chart_274562791
GYN Problems, PCOS Education

PCOS Explained (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

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– 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.

gspot happy woman photo
O-Shot Education, Vaginal Rejuvenation

O-Shot and the Positive Benefits for Women’s Relationships

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The O-Shot is a treatment available for women which can have a positive effect on her relationships and desire to be intimate. In the video, Dr. Litrel explains how the O-Shot works, and shares the stories of patients who have experienced changes in their relationships with the O-shot treatment. “I have one patient in her early 30’s with two children, ages 2 and 5, who experienced such a drop in her sex drive that she said it was affecting her marriage,” Dr. Litrel explains. Dr. Litrel shares how the O-Shot has helped his patients. “It’s quite common for women to have decreased sexual desire after having children! After meeting with my patient several times and trying different hormone approaches, and noting a normal exam, I recommended she consider the O-Shot. This is a treatment that injects platelet-rich plasma from a woman’s own blood into her genitalia to help with sexual satisfaction. It takes about five minutes for the procedure, performed right in the office, and only about 30 minutes total. How One Patient Got the Fireworks Back in Her Marriage “When she returned five or six months later to my office,  she let me know she was delighted with the changes she had experienced. She had the fireworks back in her marriage. She told me she “felt hope” that her children didn’t destroy her desire to be intimate with her husband.” Dr. Litrel concludes, “This is technology that was not available a few years ago. With such an easy procedure to perform, it’s very rewarding to be able to provide this now for our patients.” Download our Free O-Shot eBook to Learn More To schedule an appointment, call our Canton or Woodstock offices at 770.720.7733 or simply schedule an appointment.

perimenopausal woman with hot flash photo
Menopause and Hormone Therapy, Well Woman Patient Stories

Perimenopause – A Real Woman’s Story

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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. Lisa Haley, wife of Cherokee Women’s Dr. James Haley, understands this all too well since she entered menopause at an early age. As she entered perimenopause, she began to experience lesser known symptoms. Even married to an OB/GYN — and familiar with the classic signs — Lisa didn’t recognize her unusual physical and emotional fluctuations as being perimenopause-related. Lisa Talks About Her Experience We talked to Lisa 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? Lisa: I was only 40 when I began to feel different. If I’d had hot flashes, night sweats — 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. Then, 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’ll just rest my eyes for minute and I’ll be okay,’ I convinced myself. 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 That night, I finally told my husband Jim what was happening to me. He immediately recognized my symptoms as being perimenopausal. He arranged to have me tested to rule out any other conditions. 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 Jim 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! Q: There’s so much negativity and controversy regarding HRT. Weren’t you afraid? Lisa: 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. Dr. Haley tells you what you need to know in this informative video about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Q: How long were you on HRT and isn’t it dangerous to use for extended periods? Lisa: 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,

Gabrielle prolapsed bladder patient photo
Anterior and Posterior Repair Education, GYN Problems Patient Stories, Urogynecology Patient Stories

Bathroom Again – Gabrielle’s Story

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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.

Lauren O-Shot Patient Photo
O-Shot Education, Vaginal Rejuvenation Patient Stories

O-Shot – I’ll Have What She’s Having

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Following is a patient’s real account of her O-Shot Experience with Dr. James Haley at Cherokee Women’s Health. As I sat in the stirrups waiting for my doctor to come in and give me an O-Shot, in other words, to inject my vagina with a shot of my own blood (PRP), I had to remind myself of why I was there in the first place. I was a bit nervous, but confident that what I was about to endure was the right decision for me. How it All Started Last February, I was having one of those days where I just wanted to cuddle up in bed and watch old movies all day. It was rainy, cold, it had been an exhausting week at work, and my kids and husband were getting on my last nerve. I just wanted some “me” time, and quite frankly, I was long overdue for a day to myself. Cuddling up in my spot in bed, I began flipping the channels. Much to my amazement, I came across one of my all-time faves from the 80s, When Harry Met Sally. Classic love stories never get old and I smiled to myself as I started watching, knowing that it was just what I needed. Learn more. Download your FREE O-Shot eBook. Even if you haven’t seen the movie, you’ve probably heard of the famous scene where Sally (played by Meg Ryan) graphically acts out a fake orgasm in a restaurant. The room gets deathly quiet as all eyes are on Sally, then another woman promptly tells her waiter, “I’ll have what she’s having!” The movie came out in the late 80s, and at that time, acting out an orgasm was a bit progressive. Boy have times changed. But after thinking about it for a few minutes, I found myself feeling sad. I realized that I used to have real orgasms just like that. Really. No acting required. What’s happened to me? Why has it changed over the years? This isn’t fair! Time for a Change Suddenly my afternoon of movie bingeing became an afternoon of self-reflection. As I’ve gotten older, it’s been rough facing all the shocking truths about my aging body. Health problems here and there, loss of eyesight, aging face, gray hair, menopause, and the ever-increasing weight gain. None of it is easy to face, and aging is not for sissies. It really sucks. But I haven’t really stopped to think about how sex has changed over the years, how it once was, and what it has become for me. I have a fantastic marriage and husband, so it’s not really about that. It’s more about the feeling during sex — at one time, being practically “earth-shattering,” and then progressing to just being okay or ho-hum. It’s been a slow, gradual decline in pleasure. I can read about it and explain all the medical reasons why, but it’s sad to think that it will most likely continue to get even worse. I Decided: “I’ll Have What She’s Having!” The facts are that I’m over 50 and I’ve had three children. I love where I’m at in life and am honestly very grateful. But wouldn’t it be nice if something could bring back that feeling that was once there? I heard about the O-Shot procedure from a friend who had great results and recommended her doctor to me. I read up on the procedure and scheduled an appointment with Dr. James Haley at Cherokee Women’s Health in Woodstock, GA. Three of the MDs at their office, including Dr. Haley, are double board-certified in OB-GYN and Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. I knew if I was going to get a shot in the vagina, I was going to a vagina expert! In and Out in 35 Minutes When I first went in the exam room, the nurse drew my blood, and then my doctor placed numbing cream inside my vagina. This cream was left in place for 20-25 minutes, while they spun my blood in a centrifuge. They then injected my platelet-rich plasma into my clitoris and vaginal wall. Although I slightly felt the shot, it was not painful. I was in and out of the office in 35 minutes. It wasn’t a big ordeal at all, and I had no problem driving myself back to work. Request more O-Shot information now! Amazing Results I could hardly wait to test it. The next day, I positively noticed more feeling in my vagina. It was a warm feeling, as if more blood was circulating, a feeling I recognized from ages ago, but had been reduced over time. When we were finally alone, I practically jumped on my husband. I can honestly say that it was incredible. I hadn’t felt that intense of a feeling during sex for a very long time. And the orgasm was much stronger and longer lasting than it had been in decades. I was blown away, literally, and so thankful to get that feeling back. 5 Months After the O-Shot Does it stand the test of time? So far so good. It’s been five months, and it’s still doing the trick. It was a bit more intense the first couple of weeks, but it’s still incredibly better than it was before the shot. Dr. Haley has told me that I can expect it to typically last for a year and possibly longer. As soon as it starts to wear off, I will absolutely be getting another one. It is completely worth it to me. I Highly Recommend For me, I think I could do my own personal restaurant scene from When Harry Met Sally now, but just for my husband — who by the way, is one very happy guy. Would I recommend the O-Shot to my friends? Definitely. I know some women who have had the procedure and all have reported positive results. A couple of women have told me they have more intense orgasms, and one has told me

healthy woman
Well Woman

12 Tips to Change Your Mind and Get Healthy

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“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.

Menopause and Hormone Therapy

How Long Should You Take HRT?

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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.

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