Bleeding after menopause accounts for two-thirds of gynecological visits during this period and affects at least 10% of women. Known as postmenopausal bleeding, it affects the majority of this demographic and usually stems from benign causes that are easily manageable. For a few women, however, postmenopausal bleeding could be a sign of a more serious […]
Perimenopause vs. Menopause: What’s the Difference?
Two common stages in a woman’s reproductive life are perimenopause and menopause. These phases, often shrouded in uncertainty, mark pivotal transitions in a woman’s life. Our aim is to shed light on the distinctions between these two stages, providing a thorough understanding of the symptoms, health implications, and management approaches. This article serves as a […]
The Menopause Transition: Age, Duration, and What to Expect
Menopause is a pivotal phase in a woman’s life, symbolizing not just significant biological — but emotional transformations. This comprehensive blog explores the intricacies of the menopause transition, including its onset, duration, symptoms, and the overall impact on health and well-being. It is important for women to get guidance and support from a professional gynecologist, […]
How to lower your risk for breast cancer
by Rachel Burt, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner at Roswell OB/GYN………………………………… Caucasian women are at higher risk for developing breast cancer over their lifetime in comparison to Asian and Black women. Researchers in the United Kingdom designed The Million Woman study to investigate the factors that increased Caucasian women’s risk for breast cancer. The study enrolled […]
When to start mammograms?
by Rachel Burt, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner at Roswell OB/GYN………………………………… A new study released last week in the Journal Cancer suggests early screening mammograms may save lives. The study analyzed 7301 women diagnosed with breast cancer between 1990 and 1999. There were 609 documented deaths from breast cancer. Of those who died from breast cancer, 71 percent […]
CA 125 – Does it really help us detect ovarian cancer?
by Rachel Burt, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner at Roswell OB/GYN………………………………… A new study released by MD Andersen suggests we should take a second look at drawing CA 125 levels in postmenopausal women to help predict the development of ovarian cancer. Until the release of this new data yesterday, studies suggested we should avoid drawing CA 125 levels […]
I’m having hot flashes. Does it mean I’m starting menopause?
by Rachel Burt, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner at Roswell OB/GYN………………………………… We all know hot flashes and night sweats are very common symptoms of menopause. But, a new study by The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) suggests many young premenopausal women have hot flashes too. I often have women in the thirties and forties complain of night sweats or hot […]
Do you feel your baby clock ticking? Can we buy more time? Egg freezing – is it really an option?
by Rachel Burt, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner at Roswell OB/GYN………………………………… I recently read the Wall Street Journal article written by Sarah Elizabeth Richards who explains why she decided to freeze her eggs. I thought it was excellent for several reasons. As a women’s health care provider, I am acutely aware of women’s ticking fertility clocks. As we […]
Should I get tested for the breast cancer gene?
by Rachel Burt, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner at Roswell OB/GYN………………………………… I cannot thank Angelina Jolie enough for going public with her decision to have a double mastectomy after discovering she carries the BRCA1 gene. I can only hope that greater awareness helps us to identify women at greatest risk for breast and ovarian cancer. However, […]
Do I still need birth control in my 40s?
by Rachel Burt, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner at Roswell OB/GYN…………………………………. Although you may think you are too old to have babies, your body may not agree. As an Alpharetta gynecology specialist, I often have women in their 40s tell me they do not need birth control because they are too old to have babies. Their […]