Women’s Health

Bethesda Immediate Care

Primary Care Physicians located in Bethesda, MD

 

Having a trusted, compassionate provider is important to a woman’s health and wellness throughout her lifetime. The providers at Bethesda Immediate Care, of Bethesda, Maryland, offer a variety of services that support female health, including well-woman exams, lactation support, and cancer screenings. For a consultation regarding women’s health and wellness, call or schedule an appointment online.

301-800-7000

What is women’s health?

Women’s health is an area of medicine dedicated to nurturing health and wellness of women from puberty to old age. Women have unique needs that change dramatically throughout their lifetime.

Women’s health provides holistic care during the many phases of female development, including:

  • Puberty
  • Menstruation
  • Conception and pregnancy
  • Postpartum
  • Breastfeeding
  • Premenopause
  • Menopause
  • Postmenopause

Throughout your lifetime, your body goes through dramatic changes that are primarily regulated by hormones and the reproductive system. Both natural changes and potential problems require focused care for a lifetime of health and wellness.

What changes can I expect as I age?

For women, hormonal fluctuations regulated by the reproductive system dictate natural changes from the onset of menses through the end of your life.

As you age, usually around 45 to 55, hormone production decreases dramatically and menstruation eventually ceases. Menopause, when your body no longer has a period, can take up to 10 years from start to finish.

Changes you can expect before, during, and after menopause include:

  • Estrogen and progesterone production diminishes
  • Changes in skin and hair
  • Changes in menstrual flow
  • Irregular menstruation and missed periods
  • Hot flashes
  • Mood swings
  • Changes in metabolism and energy level
  • Memory loss and difficulty concentrating
  • Decreased vaginal response
  • Decreased sexual drive

Your natural fluctuations in hormones can cause both physical and emotional symptoms that are difficult. Bethesda Immediate Care supports you in every stage of your female development, including during menopause.

How can a well-woman exam support my health?

A well-woman exam is an important part of every woman’s health care, regardless of her age. A well-woman exam is an annual physical assessment that is specific to the needs of the female body.

A well-woman exam includes:

  • Physical exam
  • Pelvic and breast exam
  • Bloodwork
  • Vital signs
  • Weight and height
  • Pap smear, to screen for cervical cancer
  • Breast exam, and education for self-exam
  • Medication review

Your provider may also order diagnostic testing, such as mammogram, hormone levels, or ultrasound, to screen for common women’s health issues, including cancer, or to explore any concerning symptoms.

Bethesda Immediate Care is proud to support women’s health and wellness by offering supportive services for every stage of your life. Some services include prenatal care, lactation management, weight-loss support, hormone replacement, and cancer screenings.

For a consultation regarding your women’s health and wellness concerns, call or schedule an appointment online.