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.
Helpful Links
Services
- Labor and Delivery
- Obstetrics
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
- Certified Nurse Midwifery
- Expectant Mother and Family Education Classes
- Gynecology
- Urogynecology
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Preventative Care and Contraception
- Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
- Robotic Gynecologic Surgery
- Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
- Comprehensive Breast Health Program
- 3D Mammography
- Digital Mammography
- Breast MRI
- Breast Biopsy
- Breast Surgery
- Breast Reconstruction
- Genetic Counseling
Take the Mystery Out of Menopause
At Wellstar, our compassionate women’s health team provides individualized care to help women navigate this stage of life.
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Learn moreThe Importance of Regular Mammograms
Wellstar uses state-of-the-art imaging technology to help identify cancer sooner, so we can treat it faster. Getting a screening mammogram can save your life, so don’t delay.
Learn moreA Candid Talk About Your Breasts
A panel of women’s health experts discuss the latest on breast self-exams, breast cancer screenings and what you should be doing to be your healthiest.
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Highlights
Wellstar Helps Women Stay Healthy at Every Age
From adolescence through adulthood, Wellstar Women’s Health cares for women at every stage of life and encourages patients to stay up to date on essential screenings.
Building a foundation in your 20s
You may feel invincible in your 20s, but it’s important to start healthy, lifelong habits now. Schedule an annual physical exam with your primary care team so they can check important indicators of health over time, like blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol levels. Taking charge of your health early on lays the groundwork for a lifetime of well-being.
Find a women’s health clinician near you.
Reproductive health in your 20s and 30s
By age 21, women should get an annual pelvic exam and Pap smear with an OB/GYN. Depending on your results, you may not need another Pap smear for three years. You may also want to test for human papillomavirus, or HPV. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection and can cause several types of cancer, even though you may not have any symptoms. Your OB/GYN may also recommend monthly self-breast exams.
Be attentive in your 40s
Adding a yearly mammogram at this stage (or sooner, if advised) is important. You can schedule your mammogram through either an OB/GYN or a primary care clinician. Modern mammography programs can reduce breast cancer mortality by more than 40%. Wellstar has several mammography locations and offers 3D mammograms, which can help detect breast cancer at early stages when it’s easier to treat.
Starting at age 45, you should talk to your primary care team about a screening test for colon cancer. Colonoscopies are the most common procedure to detect precancerous polyps and should be repeated every 10 years or sooner, depending on your personal and family history.
Maintain your health and wellness in your 50s and beyond
In your 50s, it’s important to maintain your relationship with your care team. Ask if you need a heart screening (coronary artery calcium scoring). Individuals with a history of smoking should inquire about lung cancer screenings. Since hormone changes can lead to osteoporosis, post-menopausal women should also consider a bone mineral density test.
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
In addition to in-person primary care visits, Wellstar also offers virtual care options. Connect with your Wellstar clinician over the phone or with video on a computer, smartphone or tablet.
“While primary care physicians help patients meet long-term wellness goals, we’re also here for you when you’re sick,” said Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Georgia Forrest. “Your primary care provider is already familiar with your background and health needs, so we can seamlessly continue that care and help you get back on track when you’re ill.”
If you need to see a specialist such as a cardiologist, pulmonologist or neurologist, your primary care team will refer you for that specialized care while continuing to help you manage your overall wellness.
“Through our patient portal MyChart, specialists and primary care physicians can see test results and visit summaries and stay updated on how each of us is working with the patient,” Dr. Forrest said.
Accessing care online
If you’re a MyChart user, E-visits are a convenient way for you to receive care from a Wellstar clinician without needing to schedule an appointment or come to the clinic. Through MyChart, tell us about your health concern by answering a few questions about yourself and your symptoms, then a primary care expert will respond in MyChart with your care plan.
Conditions that can be treated with an E-visit include:
- cough
- sinus problems
- urinary tract infection
- conjunctivitis
- back pain
- diarrhea
- vaginal discharge
- heartburn
Log on to MyChart and click “Symptom Checker” from the menu in the top left of the screen to start an E-visit.
For more immediate healthcare needs that are not life-threatening, you can talk to a clinician with WellstarON, our virtual urgent care.
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.
Highlights
Take the Mystery Out of Menopause with Wellstar
From sleepless nights to hot flashes and brain fog to vaginal symptoms, many women feel isolated or embarrassed about discussing what they go through during menopause. At Wellstar, our compassionate women’s health team provides individualized care to help women navigate this stage of life, demystify menopause and give women back their confidence during this stage of life.
Menopause means no more periods. Period.
Menopause is defined as the permanent absence of a period for 12 consecutive months. The average age of menopause in the U.S is 52, but generally, women will experience menopause between ages 45 to 55.
Perimenopause is the four- to seven-year period prior to menopause when women are having menopausal symptoms.
“During perimenopause, cycle lengths will vary. Many women experience their periods coming closer together. Hot flashes and night sweats are also common during this transition,” said Wellstar Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Karin Hulon.
Women may also experience brain fog, mood swings, fatigue, trouble sleeping, skin and hair changes, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, painful sex, joint pain or inability to lose weight. Every woman is unique and may not experience the same severity of symptoms. The menopause experience may be influenced by genetics, race or environmental factors.
Many symptoms can be explained by a decrease in estrogen.
The ovaries are the main producers of estrogen. As women age, ovarian follicular function decreases, leading to decreasing levels of estrogen. These levels can also radically decrease due to surgery, infection, medications or radiation.
“Estrogen receptors are found all over our bodies. A decrease in estrogen can affect the part of the brain involved in thermoregulation, resulting in hot flashes and night sweats,” said Wellstar Chief of Women’s Health Dr. Paula Greaves. “Research suggests that women who have hot flashes may be at higher risk for developing heart disease. Additionally, research shows that African American women experience more intense and more frequent hot flashes for a longer duration.”
Estrogen receptors are located in the vagina, vulva, bladder and urethra, helping to maintain blood flow, tissue turgor and microbial balance. Therefore, a decrease in estrogen can lead to vaginal dryness and atrophy, making intercourse painful. The pH of the vagina also changes with decreased estrogen, increasing the risk of infections or urinary leakage.
These are only some examples of how menopause can impact women’s health and quality of life, and it’s important to treat menopausal symptoms as soon as possible.
Hormonal and non-hormonal treatments are available and can be beneficial—regardless of symptoms.
Your care team will discuss your concerns and health history to tailor a safe, personalized plan that fits your needs. The choice should be guided by symptoms, medical history, contraindications and shared decision making. There are FDA-approved hormonal as well as non-hormonal options for treatment of hot flashes, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse and even decreased libido.
“We must promote lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation, weight loss and cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help decrease symptoms,” said Dr. Greaves.
Even if you no longer have periods, you should still see your OB/GYN.
“Women: You need your mammograms and your health and cancer screenings, including Pap smears until age 65. Women who have had abnormal Pap smears in the past may need to continue Pap smears beyond age 65,” Hulon said. “Even if you’ve had a hysterectomy and you no longer have a uterus, you still need to ensure pelvic floor health.”
If you experience vaginal bleeding after menopause, schedule an appointment with your women’s health care team.
“The cause of bleeding could be something as simple as vaginal tearing due to dryness or as serious as endometrial cancer,” Hulon said.
Whatever your health concerns may be, Wellstar will partner with you to help you stay healthy. Other diseases can masquerade as menopause, so if something is worrying you or stopping you from feeling your best, mention it to your clinician.
“For example, if you start having joint pain, that may not be menopause. That may be arthritis. Fatigue, weight gain or night sweats may be a sign of thyroid disease, not menopause,” Dr. Greaves said. “Trust and open communication have been instrumental in aiding gynecologists to uncover other diseases affecting our patients who assumed they were menopausal.”
Wellstar OB/GYN clinicians specialize in addressing the health needs of women and are experienced in caring for people going through menopause.
“It is important when you’re looking for a clinician to find someone who specializes in women’s health and who has a passion for treating women entering the menopause transition,” Hulon said. “Find someone who will listen to you, not dismiss you, will make you feel comfortable and treat you as an individual.”
While troubling symptoms of menopause may be common, you don’t have to go through it alone.
“With increasing life expectancy, women will spend more than 40% of their life in this life stage. Therefore, we need to focus our efforts in providing a smooth transition for every woman into menopause so she can enjoy her best years yet,” Dr. Greaves stated.
Wellstar Women’s Health offers compassionate care through menopause, answering your questions and helping to manage your symptoms. Many of our clinicians are certified menopause practitioners. Find a Wellstar OB/GYN location near you.
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