Wellstar Women's Health
Comprehensive Care for Every Life Stage
From adolescence to menopause and beyond, we offer advanced, specialty care tailored to your changing healthcare needs in every stage of life. We are committed to helping women live longer, healthier lives.
About
Women's Health at Wellstar
Wellstar women's health experts understand the conditions unique to women in all stages of life. Our comprehensive, compassionate team offers personalized care in a comfortable environment. We treat various health issues and life events, from gynecology and pregnancy to fertility and breast health. We also have extensive experience treating gynecologic cancers, as well as urogynecologic and other pelvic conditions.
Staying healthy is easier with convenient, state-of-the-art diagnostic, surgical and maternity services. Every woman should schedule an annual check-up at least once a year. As part of your well-woman exam, your provider will take your blood pressure, perform a Pap smear, pelvic exam and a breast exam. Depending on your age and medical history, your physician may recommend additional testing to catch potential health issues early.
Our Care Philosophy
Wellstar Women's Health understands that every woman is unique, and we know how to empower you to achieve optimal health. We are committed to caring for you with compassion and expertise.
Fertility
Deciding to have a family is a personal decision with many options. Based on your health, our team will help you achieve your goals and craft a plan tailored for you.
Obstetrics
Whether you need routine prenatal and delivery services or high-risk pregnancy care, we're here to ensure the health and wellness of you and your baby.
Gynecology
Healthcare needs change as you age. Get the most effective care for everything, from puberty and sexual health through menopause and hot flashes.
Breast Health
We use the latest screening technologies to monitor your breast health, which can help doctors diagnose abnormalities or breast cancers at the earliest stage.
Our Care Team
Our team partners with you to ensure you receive the comprehensive care you need and the experience you desire. For our expecting patients, we offer a variety of birth and care plans. Our gynecological team provides integrated care with other medical specialties, both medical and surgical, to determine the best possible treatment plan for you. Our team members collaborate with experts in other medical disciplines throughout Wellstar to provide you with personalized care tailored to your needs.
Comprehensive, specialized care
Medical specialists collaborate to create patient-centered care plans. Our multidisciplinary teams often include board-certified OB/Gyn’s and certified nurse-midwives who have the most advanced training and knowledge in their fields. They collaborate with specialists, including:
- Breast Surgeons
- Gyn-oncologists
- Maternal-fetal medicine specialists
- Reproductive endocrinologists
- Urogynecologists
Innovative technology, individualized treatment
You will experience the convenience and commitment of a dedicated team providing the highest quality care. We will develop a plan that is specific to you based on your needs and goals. Team members may include:
- Advanced nurse practitioners
- Genetic counselors
- Lactation and breastfeeding specialists
- Physical therapists
- Specialized imaging technicians
- Ultrasound professionals
Wellstar Foundation
As a not-for-profit, gifts to the Wellstar Foundation make it possible to provide patients with additional resources and amenities for a higher level of comfort and care. Every dollar donated supports Wellstar’s vision of delivering world-class healthcare, carried out through patient-centered programs, advancements in technology and making reliable healthcare available close to home. Your generosity also makes it possible to provide free screenings and diagnostic services to uninsured and underinsured patients every year. For more information about how to support our fight against disease, visit the Wellstar Foundation.
Services
- Gynecology
- Urogynecology
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Preventative Care and Contraception
- Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
- Robotic Gynecologic Surgery
- Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
- Menopause care
- Comprehensive Breast Health Program
- 3D Mammography
- Digital Mammography
- Breast MRI
- Breast Biopsy
- Breast Surgery
- Breast Reconstruction
- Early Detection
- Genetic Counseling
Locations
News
Related Articles
Highlights
Genetic Testing: A Critical Tool in Cancer Treatment
It's been over three decades since genetic testing was first introduced as a tool for patients at risk of hereditary cancer syndromes. In its early days, genetic testing was expensive and time-consuming (often taking up to eight weeks for results). Fast forward to today and genetic testing is now a routine part of cancer care. It’s more accessible, comprehensive and, perhaps most importantly, significantly impactful for patients and their families.
Physicians help identify patients who could benefit from genetic testing, especially when someone has a personal or family history of cancer. Genetic testing can improve treatment outcomes, guide preventive care and provide vital information for the patient's family.
Benefits of genetic testing
1. Understanding the cause of cancer
One of the most common questions from patients newly diagnosed with cancer is, "Why did this happen to me?" While many cancers are the result of environmental factors, aging and sporadic mutations, genetic testing can offer a more definitive answer. For patients with hereditary cancer, knowing their cancer is genetically driven can help ease feelings of uncertainty and guilt.
For many, this knowledge brings a sense of empowerment, as they now have the opportunity to make informed decisions regarding their treatment and potential preventive measures for the future. This hereditary cancer risk was present since birth, and there was very little if anything the patient could have done differently throughout their life to prevent their diagnosis.
2. Personalized treatment options
For patients with cancers like breast, ovarian, pancreatic and prostate, identifying genetic mutations (like BRCA mutations) can open the door to personalized therapies. The earlier in the diagnostic process the genetic test is ordered, the quicker the patient can be matched with appropriate treatments.
Knowledge of genetic mutations can also guide surgical decisions. Patients with BRCA-positive breast cancer may be candidates for risk-reducing mastectomy or salpingo-oophorectomy—both of which can lower the risk of future cancers. These decisions are most effective when genetic results are available before surgery.
3. Identification of additional cancer risks
Cancer does not always occur in isolation, especially in patients with hereditary cancer syndromes. For instance, patients with Lynch syndrome, a leading cause of colorectal cancer, are also at increased risk for uterine cancer—up to 60%. If identified before a colon resection, this knowledge could allow a hysterectomy at the same time if necessary, minimizing the risk of a second cancer and optimizing care.
Beyond immediate cancer treatment, genetic testing can also lead to additional screenings that might otherwise be missed. For example, the ATM gene is a known contributor to prostate and breast cancer. But patients with an ATM gene mutation are also at elevated risk for pancreatic cancer. While general population screening is not typically recommended, high-risk patients should begin annual imaging and/or endoscopic ultrasounds as early as age 50 or 10 years before the earliest known pancreatic cancer in their family.
4. Informed decisions for family members
A cancer diagnosis doesn’t only affect the patient—it impacts their entire family. Once a genetic mutation is identified, relatives can undergo testing to assess their own cancer risk and talk to their care teams about screenings.
Testing the affected patient first is the most informative strategy for relatives. Patients with negative genetic test results can be reassured that relatives are not at significant risk for the same diagnosis.
The role of genetic counseling in cancer care
Genetic counselors provide the expertise necessary to interpret complex genetic results, discuss the implications for patients and their families, and offer psychological support throughout the process. Genetic counseling not only helps patients make sense of their genetic test results, but also provides them with the tools to make informed decisions about their health.
Counseling also helps address the emotional and psychological aspects of genetic testing, from potential feelings of anxiety to guilt and even empowerment. Research shows that genetic counseling has a positive impact on patient knowledge, reduces anxiety and can improve overall psychological well-being during a cancer journey.
Highlights
Turn Down the Heat: How Food Can Help With Hot Flashes
Helpful foods
A balanced, plant-rich plate can support your body’s natural regulation and may ease symptoms. “Soy is a phytoestrogen that mimics estrogen in our bodies and helps to reduce hot flashes,” Hulon said. “Foods high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, such as seafood and green leafy vegetables, are also beneficial.” Options include:- Mediterranean-style eating: plant-based foods, healthy fats
- Soy-based foods: tofu, edamame, soy milk, tempeh
- Phytoestrogen-rich foods: whole grains, seeds, legumes, berries
- Omega-3: salmon, chia seeds, avocados, flaxseeds
- Naturally cooling foods: apples, bananas, carrots, cucumbers, watermelon, pears, romaine lettuce
Foods to limit or avoid
Certain foods and drinks can trigger or worsen hot flashes, including:- Caffeine: coffee, energy drinks
- Ultra-processed foods: baked goods, sugary drinks, fast food, fried foods
- Alcohol: wine (especially red wine), beer, liquor
- Spicy foods: hot peppers, jalapeños, cayenne pepper, hot sauces
- Nicotine: cigarettes, vaping, smokeless tobacco
Supporting your well-being
Choosing nourishing foods, staying hydrated and noticing your personal triggers can help your body feel more balanced and comfortable. Nutrition matters, but it is only one part of your overall health. “Lifestyle changes include smoking cessation, decreased alcohol consumption, exercise, dietary changes and weight loss,” Hulon said. “Decrease inflammation by eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables, increasing sleep to seven to nine hours per night and reducing stress. Despite good lifestyle modifications, many women may still need menopause hormone therapy support.” Wellstar offers resources to guide women through this transition. “At Wellstar, refer to the Center for Best Health, where practitioners are trained in helping patients achieve healthy goals and offer behavioral, exercise and nutrition counseling,” Hulon advised. “Additionally, a certified menopause practitioner can help patients navigate menopause hormone therapy.” Our women’s health experts are here to support you with guidance, compassion and whole-person care. To learn more about menopause care at Wellstar, visit wellstar.org/menopause.
Highlights
Make Health Your Habit
The start of a new year is a great time to focus on your health. For many of us, that means setting resolutions to live a healthy, full life. While many people like to reset their health goals in January, Wellstar partners with patients year-round to help them feel their best.
By following tips from Wellstar health experts, you can create realistic resolutions and better your health—making healthy choices a lifelong habit rather than a short-term goal.
Partner with your Wellstar care team
When it comes to your wellness goals, staying healthy starts with a visit to your Wellstar primary care team.
“Your primary care provider will collaborate with you to create a customized care plan and recommend screenings based on factors such as your age, gender and family history,” said Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Cristina Dasoveanu. “Regular screenings can help you stay ahead of issues and catch any health concerns early.”
Know Your Foundational 4
To check your health status and screen for potential medical issues, your clinician will take your Foundational 4 numbers, a few screenings that identify risk factors for some health conditions such as heart disease.
Blood pressure
A blood pressure test helps diagnose hypertension (high blood pressure), hypotension (low blood pressure), heart disease and other conditions.
Blood glucose level
The amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood can indicate the onset of diabetes or risk of heart disease, heart attack or stroke.
Blood cholesterol
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often called “bad” cholesterol, can indicate clogged arteries, which may lead to heart disease, heart attack or stroke.
Body mass index (BMI)
A higher level of body fat may indicate an increased risk for heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes.
Personalized OB/GYN care for women
“Gynecologists partner with women in their healthcare across the lifespan,” said Dr. LeThenia “Joy” Baker, a Wellstar obstetrician and gynecologist. “The first gynecologic visit is recommended between 13 and 15, and the first exam between 18 and 21.”
Gynecologists are uniquely positioned to care for women from adolescence through menopause and beyond.
“We’ll make sure you are up to date on screenings like mammograms and Pap smears, help you make informed decisions about family planning and fertility, and provide medical and surgical treatment for a variety of conditions affecting the female reproductive system,” Dr. Baker said.
Primary care, anywhere
Virtual care made easy with Wellstar Care Now
- Upper respiratory infections (cough, cold or flu-like symptoms, sinus, ear issues)
- Bladder infections or urinary tract infections
- Minor burns, bites and cuts
- Skin conditions
- STD testing, prevention, treatment and counseling
- Contraception and menstrual health
- Mental and emotional health (depression, anxiety and stress management)
- General questions and more
In an emergency, such as if you are having trouble breathing or experiencing chest pain, call 911.
Learn more about the different types of care Wellstar offers and where to go if you’re not feeling well.