Women's Primary Care FAQ

Q--Are over-the-counter "natural" or herbal medications safe?

A-- Although there a few over the counter herbs used in medical practice, our knowledge about most of them is still limited. The future has unlimited potential and promise, but for now, care must be taken when taking unstudied medications. Because some herbal remedies react with prescription medications, be sure to discuss with your heath care provider any herbal or natural medication you are taking.

Q-- What is blood pressure?

A-- Blood pressure refers to the force of blood pushing against artery walls as it flows through your body. Blood pressure is reported as 2 numbers, one on top of the other. The top number, systolic, is the peak pressure when your heart beats. The bottom number, diastolic, is the pressure when your heart relaxes between beats. High blood pressure directly increases the risk of heart disease which can lead to a heart attack and stroke.

Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80. Pre-hypertension in 120-139 / 80/89. This blood pressure range should be monitored carefully and in many instances can be controlled with diet and weight loss. Stage one hypertension is 140-159 / 90/99 and stage two hypertension is 160 or higher / 100 or higher. Both stage one and stage two hypertension require close monitoring by your provider, diet and exercise modifications and medication. The primary care nurse practitioners at Advanced Women's Health, along with our nutritionist, can help you monitor and control your blood pressure.

Gynecological

Q-- What are Kegels?

A-- A Kegel is an exercise that increases the strength of your pelvic floor muscles by tightening and relaxing the vagina. When done properly everyday, Kegels can make birth easier, prevent prolapse (falling down or out) of pelvic organs like the uterus and bladder, and prevent leaking urine when you laugh, cough, lift, or sneeze. During your annual exam, your GYN provider can teach you the proper way to perform a Kegel.

Women's Health

Q-- What is Osteoporosis?

A-- Osteoporosis which means "porous bones" causes bones to become weak and brittle--so brittle that even mild stresses like bending over, lifting a vacuum, or coughing can cause a fracture in your spine or hip.  In most cases, bones weaken when you have low levels or calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, an other mineral in your bones. Osteoporosis can also result from endocrine disorders. You reach your peak bone mass in your mid-thirties. After that you lose slightly more than you gain.

At menopause, when estrogen levels drop, bone loss accelerates to 1-3% per year. During this time in a women's life, it is possible to lose as much as 35-50% of bone mass. Other risk factors for osteoporosis are family history, tobacco, alcohol & caffeine use, sedentary life style, previous fracture, and depression. At Advanced Women's Health, we can screen you in our office for osteoporosis, with an ultrasound heel scan, advise you of your potential risk of osteoporosis, and formulate a plan of care to keep your bones as healthy as possible.