Just because National Women’s Health Week has passed, it’s still important to remember the significance of regular preventive healthcare for women of all ages. DispatchHealth encourages women to continue prioritizing their health and well-being as they grow older. That’s why we’re taking a moment to review the many reasons why women should regularly see their obstetrician/gynecologist (OB-GYN), even after menopause.
The Importance of Post-Menopausal Care
Menopause is the natural biological process that signals the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles. It takes place when a woman has missed 12 consecutive periods, typically in her 40s or 50s, and can no longer become pregnant. While a postmenopausal woman doesn’t have to contend with period cramps or pregnancy side effects, her estrogen levels lower and the risk for several medical conditions increases, including:
- Osteoporosis
- Vaginal dryness and other sexual health issues
- Cardiovascular disease
- Mental health conditions such as depression
- Ovarian cancer
An OB-GYN is a medical doctor who can identify signs of these conditions and provide the specialized gynecological care that is still necessary for post-menopausal women. Older women are also particularly susceptible to gynecological issues such as pelvic organ prolapse and what the North American Menopause Society refers to as “genitourinary syndrome of menopause” (GSM)—a combination of symptoms that may include vulvar or vaginal irritation and urinary urgency or incontinence.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists currently recommends annual pelvic exams for women of all ages, including individuals who have undergone a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). PAP smears are recommended for older women every three years up until age 65. Women older than 65 with a history of normal pap smears may skip this test.
Consider implementing healthy lifestyle habits, such as prioritizing sleep, staying active, and scheduling regular preventive care visits with your primary care physician and OB-GYN. If you have a medical concern, promptly speak with a healthcare professional and don’t delay the care you deserve.
On-Demand, In-Home Medical Treatment
As the healthcare landscape changes, DispatchHealth is committed to providing safe, affordable, and convenient healthcare services to patients of all ages, including older adults with chronic health conditions such as COPD and congestive heart failure. We deliver on-demand, in-home medical care 365 days a year to patients with medical concerns that are not time-sensitive or life-threatening. This means you can call on us to provide same-day in-home treatment for conditions like dehydration, pneumonia, skin infections, urinary tract infections,
COPD exacerbations, and more. Following our visit, we’ll send a detailed medical report to your regular healthcare team to keep them in the loop and call in any necessary prescriptions to your pharmacy of choice.
Requesting in-home medical care from Dispatch Health is simple. Just give us a call, go on our website, or use our app. A fully equipped medical team will arrive at your doorstep to assist you in a matter of hours. We accept most health insurances (including Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans) and offer affordable rates—contact our friendly professionals today to learn more.
Sources
DispatchHealth relies only on authoritative sources, including medical associations, research institutions, and peer-reviewed medical studies.
Sources referenced in this article:
