Category: Greenville Women’s Clinic Blog

Endometriosis, like many women’s health issues, is surrounded by myths about its causes, effects, and treatments. Misinformation leads to confusion, and some may not realize they have endometriosis. This month, we’re here to clear up these myths and share reliable information.

Myth 1: Pain during your period is completely normal.

Many women have some pain, cramps, or nausea during their periods, but severe pain is not normal. Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside it, causing inflammation, scarring, and pain. While periods can be uncomfortable, intense pain should be checked by a provider. Talk to your provider about your symptoms to determine what’s normal or may need treatment.

Myth 2: Endometriosis is always painful.

Some women with endometriosis have no unusual symptoms. Even those with light or irregular periods can have the condition. While endometriosis can be painful, it doesn’t always cause discomfort and may go undiagnosed for years. It can also affect other parts of the body, so pain isn’t always a sign.

Myth 3: Endometriosis cannot be prevented or treated.

You can’t completely prevent endometriosis, but healthy habits that lower estrogen may slow its growth. If you’ve been diagnosed, treatment options are available, though they may not always be straightforward or fully effective. Be open with your provider about your symptoms so they can find the best solutions. Treatments may include minimally invasive surgery, medication, hormone therapy, lifestyle changes, or a combination.

Myth 4: Endometriosis only affects older women.

People once believed endometriosis affected only women in their 30s and 40s, but it’s common in teenagers, too. You may be more likely to develop endometriosis if it runs in your family, if you started your period before 11, have heavy periods, or have cycles shorter than 27 days. Some girls notice symptoms as soon as menstruation begins.

Myth 5: If you have endometriosis, you cannot get pregnant.

This is one of the most common myths. It was once believed that endometriosis caused infertility, but that’s not true for everyone. About half of women with endometriosis may have trouble getting pregnant, but it’s still possible. You might need extra help. If you have endometriosis and are struggling to conceive, talk to your doctor about treatment options. Sometimes surgery or laparoscopy is needed to remove tissue; if those don’t work, there are other options. If you’re planning a baby, we recommend speaking with your provider.

At Greenville Women’s Care, we’re dedicated to providing every patient with the best possible care. We understand that it can be hard to make sense of changes or new symptoms in your body. We’re here to listen, offer solutions, and support you. If you’re dealing with endometriosis symptoms, we can help. Call Greenville Women’s Care at 252-757-3131 to schedule an appointment.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, but many people don’t know it affects women differently than men. Learning about these differences can help protect your health.

Distinctive Risk Factors for Women

In addition to common risks like smoking, high cholesterol, obesity, and high blood pressure, women face some unique challenges. Pregnancy complications, early menopause, autoimmune diseases, breast cancer treatments, and family history can all increase risk. Talk with your doctor about each of these factors.

Pregnancy-Related Conditions

If you experienced preeclampsia, high blood pressure, or gestational diabetes during pregnancy, these are not just temporary issues. They signal a higher risk for future heart problems, diabetes, and ongoing high blood pressure. Be sure to share your pregnancy history with your doctor.

Diabetes

Many women are surprised to learn that diabetes affects women’s hearts more severely than men’s. You might even have a heart attack without the usual warning signs. Managing your blood sugar is essential for your heart health.

Premature Menopause

Going through menopause before age 40 is more serious than it may seem. Losing estrogen’s protective effects earlier makes your heart vulnerable sooner. Even typical menopause increases risk. Talk to your doctor about your heart health.

Autoimmune Diseases

Lupus, scleroderma, and other autoimmune diseases affect more than your immune system. They can also harm your heart by causing inflammation and damaging arteries. This means your heart needs extra care.

If you have survived breast cancer, that is a major achievement. However, treatments like radiation and some chemotherapy drugs can increase your risk of heart problems. Include heart health in your ongoing care plan.

Family History

If heart disease is common in your family, especially if relatives developed it at a young age, your risk is higher than a man with the same family history. Tell your doctor about this, as it may mean you need earlier screening and stronger prevention.

Beyond Classic Symptoms: Recognizing Heart Disease in Women

Heart attack symptoms in women are often different from what is shown in movies. Instead of dramatic chest pain, you might feel very tired, nauseous, or short of breath. Indigestion or jaw pain can also be signs. These subtle symptoms are often overlooked, so pay attention to how you feel.

·         Unusual fatigue or weakness

·         Shortness of breath

·         Indigestion or heartburn

·         Back, jaw, or neck pain

·         Dizziness or lightheadedness

·         Palpitations or irregular heartbeat

·         Anxiety or a sense of impending doom

Even if your symptoms are mild, speak up about them. If you notice something unusual and have risk factors, ask your doctor for thorough testing. Trust your instincts about your own health.

Empowering Women to Advocate for Heart Health

Take care of your heart by learning your personal risk factors and watching for symptoms. Talk openly with your doctor, eat healthy foods, stay active, manage stress, and keep up with regular checkups.

The more you know about how heart disease affects women, the better you can protect your health.

Life gets busy — between work, family, and everything in between, it’s easy to let routine healthcare slide down the list. But when it comes to women’s health, your annual OB-GYN visit is one appointment you should never skip. These yearly checkups are about so much more than Pap smears or birth control refills — they’re a cornerstone of preventive care, early detection, and lifelong wellness.

Here are some of the many reasons why your annual appointments and exams really matter.

1. Early Detection Saves Lives

One of the most important reasons to see your OB-GYN annually is early detection. Conditions like cervical cancer, breast cancer, and ovarian cysts often don’t show symptoms in their early stages. Through pelvic exams, Pap tests, and breast exams, your provider can catch potential issues before they become serious. Your regular screenings can literally save your life — and the earlier something is found, the easier it is to treat.

2. Staying in Tune with Your Body

Your body changes over time, and your OB-GYN visits help you understand those changes. Whether you’re in your teens, your 20s, pregnant, postpartum, perimenopausal, or beyond, each phase comes with its own challenges and health considerations. Your annual visit gives you the chance to talk about:

• Menstrual irregularities or painful periods
• Birth control options and family planning
• Changes in libido, vaginal health, or mood
• Menopause symptoms and hormone changes

These conversations might feel personal, but they’re exactly what your OB-GYN is there for — to listen, support, and guide you.

3. Preventive Care Is Powerful

Annual OB-GYN appointments include preventive screenings that go beyond reproductive health. Your provider may check your blood pressure, discuss your mental health, and assess risks for conditions like osteoporosis, heart disease, or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Preventive care helps you take control of your health before problems arise — it’s about being proactive, not reactive.

4. Building a Relationship with Your Provider

When you see your OB-GYN regularly, you’re building a trust-based relationship. This continuity of care means your provider knows your medical history, understands your concerns, and can better notice when something seems off. It also makes it easier to have open, honest conversations — whether it’s about sexual health, fertility, or emotional well-being.

5. Because You Deserve to Feel Your Best

Your annual OB-GYN visit isn’t just about checking boxes — it’s about investing in yourself. It’s time each year devoted entirely to your body, your health, and your peace of mind. You deserve that care and attention every single year, so don’t put off your annual exams.

Schedule Your Annual Exams Today

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear before making an appointment. Regular OB-GYN visits are one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect your health and catch potential issues early. Think of it as an act of self-care with a lifelong impact.

If it’s been more than a year since your last visit, consider this your reminder: schedule your annual OB-GYN appointment with Greenville Women’s Care today, 252-757-3131.

As women, our bodies give us insight to our health, and changes in our menstrual cycle can indicate a change in our health and wellness. Irregularities that disrupt your cycle should be addressed quickly. So – how do you manage irregular period symptoms, and when should you contact a professional about changes in your menstrual cycle? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about irregular periods!

What are irregular periods?

Most menstrual cycles last between four and seven days, typically occurring every 28 days. Menstrual cycles are affected by a variety of both physical and emotional factors. Periods are different for every woman, and “normal” for one person can be different from someone else, and slight changes from cycle to cycle are not generally cause for concern. So, when should you consider your period irregular? When you have missed your period more than three times in a row, you are having a much heavier or much lighter flow, your period is lasting longer than seven days, or you are having major, abnormal symptoms like severe pain, cramping, or nausea and vomiting, your periods may be irregular and you should speak with a provider. Though you may not be able to exactly predict your period every month, or your symptoms may vary month to month, severe changes in your cycle should be evaluated by a professional to help give you peace of mind and answers to any questions you may have about your cycle and your body.

What causes irregular period?

Menstrual cycles in general are affected by many things, including your lifestyle, underlying diseases, stress and hormone levels, and medications. Many people do not realize how much their exercise levels, sleep patterns, and stress levels affect their hormones and cycle. Hormone imbalances and medications like antidepressants and antipsychotics can cause irregular bleeding. Other factors like endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, and hyperthyroidism can cause changes to your body and to your menstrual cycle. It’s important to understand your body and know what factors affect your cycle, so you can better manage your period.

Management and Treatments

The first step to management and treatment of irregular periods is understanding what is causing those abnormalities. In some cases, medications are the first step to managing and treating irregular periods. Hormonal birth control and pain relievers can bring relief and help to regulate your cycle. If irregular bleeding is being caused by an infection, antibiotics may be the solution. When irregular periods are caused by perimenopause, hormone therapy can help with these symptoms. Sometimes, lifestyle changes can be the easiest way to regulate your periods, so try adjusting your exercise routine, working on ways to lower stress, and eating a balanced diet to maintain a healthy weight.

When to See a Professional

A few minor changes in your period overtime is not a huge deal, so when is the right time to contact a professional? When your periods become significantly painful, are unusually heavy, you are experiencing pelvic pain, or when you have had an extremely long cycle, you should contact your provider and schedule a visit as soon as possible. Consulting with your doctor can give you insight on your body and health and help you determine what is normal for you.

At Greenville Women’s Care, your health is our number 1 priority. Our team understands the challenges you may face with abnormal or irregular periods, and the frustration that may come with trying to find solutions to your pain. If you are struggling with your menstrual cycle, or have questions about irregular periods, give us a call today to schedule a visit. 252-757-3131

This month, we honor and support the women who are battling breast cancer, survivors, and the families and loved ones who are affected by cancer. Breast cancer is typically slow growing, so early detection is essential, which is why we encourage self-breast exams as well as professional screenings. Please keep reading to find out more about self-breast exams and how to perform them, the importance of knowing your body, and how screenings can save your life!

Most women begin getting mammograms at the age of 40. But cancer does not discriminate, and can affect women younger than 40, well before they start getting annual mammograms. This is why it is crucial to perform regular self-breast exams, typically once a month. When you perform these checks, it helps you understand what’s normal for your body, which in turn enables you to determine when something has changed or feels different. To accurately perform a self-breast exam, here are a few tips to follow:

Start off standing in front of a mirror. Check your breasts for anything abnormal, including any changes to the skin, redness, rashes, or dimpling. Then, raise your arms above your head and check for the same abnormalities. Lie down and take the pointer and middle fingers of the hand opposite the breast you are examining, and gently press down and move your fingers in little circles around the entire breast, from your armpit to the middle of your chest. Then repeat on the other side. Finally, do the same thing while standing up. Take note of any lumps that feel hard and solid. Many women perform these exams in the shower, before bed, or while getting dressed.

Although self-breast exams cannot identify cancerous lumps with 100% accuracy, they can certainly help you become familiar with your body and recognize when changes occur or new lumps appear. Studies have shown that up to 40% of breast cancers are detected by a woman who found a lump during a self-exam. It is important to remember that sometimes, breasts are naturally dense, and some lumps and bumps are normal. That’s why it is crucial to know what your breasts usually look and feel like.

While we encourage you to perform self-breast exams regularly, we do not recommend self-exams as your primary screening tool. Instead, we recommend annual mammograms or mammography for the most accurate screening. These types of screenings allow for imaging to be taken of the breast tissue that can detect any changes or abnormalities.

It can be scary and nerve-racking to perform these exams or to go to the doctor for a screening, and many women may put it off. The fear of finding or feeling something can cause significant anxiety. To reduce this feeling, remind yourself that early detection is the key to finding and beating cancer. The more you practice self-exams, the more comfortable you will feel over time. It’s also important to talk with your friends and with a medical professional about these exams. Hearing about other people’s experiences and getting your doctor’s recommendations can make it much easier to overcome your fears.

Incorporating regular self-breast exams and annual screenings into your routine is crucial to your health. Familiarizing yourself with your body can help you catch any changes or abnormalities quickly and efficiently. Remember – the more informed you are, the more you can advocate for yourself. The team at Greenville Women’s Care is here for you through every moment. Please schedule an appointment with your provider for a demonstration on how to perform a self-breast exam, more information on what is normal and what is not, or to discuss any concerns or questions. Contact us today, 252-757-3131.

Ovarian cancer affects hundreds of thousands of women each year. But, if more people knew the signs, symptoms, and risk factors to look out for, these cases could potentially be caught at earlier stages, making them easier to treat and beat. So, in order to raise awareness, we put together everything you need to know to understand ovarian cancer. Keep reading to find out what ovarian cancer is, what the signs and symptoms are, and what potential risks you might face and how to lower them.

What is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer occurs when cancerous cells develop in the ovaries and grow. This kind of cancer has different grades, depending on how abnormal the cells are. Grade 1 means the cells look semi-normal and grow slowly, Grade 2 means the cells look more abnormal and grow fast, and Grade 3 means the cancer cells look completely different from normal cells and grow extremely quick. Ovarian cancer is broken down into four stages:

• Stage I: the cancer is in one or both ovaries or fallopian tubes.
• Stage II: the cancer has spread to other areas of the pelvis, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, or nearby organs.
• Stage III: the cancer has spread to the abdomen or lymph nodes.
• Stage IV: the cancer has spread to other, distant organs, like the lungs or liver.

Signs & Symptoms

Ovarian cancer may not cause any pain or symptoms in the early stages, and most people do not experience any signs until the cancer is more advanced. Like any disease, the symptoms can vary per person and will not always show up the same. It’s important to speak with a provider as soon as you notice any symptoms. The sooner your doctor can diagnose you, the sooner they can come up with a treatment plan, boosting your odds of beating the cancer.

These symptoms can include:

• Pain or swelling in the abdomen
• Irregular or heavy vaginal bleeding
• Lump in the pelvic area
• Gastrointestinal issues like gas, bloating, constipation, or other bowel changes
• Changes in eating habits, like getting full earlier than usual, or losing your appetite
• Frequent urination
• Swelling from fluid retention in the feet, ankles, or lower legs

Risks & How to Lower Them

Many people can be at risk for developing ovarian cancer without knowing it. These risk factors increase the chance of developing ovarian cancer. Potential risk factors include age, family history of ovarian cancer, reproductive history, hormone replacement, and endometriosis. Though there are no current ways to prevent cancer, there are certain lifestyle changes and behaviors that will help to reduce your risk, including:

• Giving birth and breastfeeding
• Taking birth control pills
• Having your ovaries and fallopian tubes removed

Whether you are at risk of developing ovarian cancer, or want more information, the Greenville Women’s Care team is here to support you in any way we can. Our goal is to educate, advocate, and provide quality service to each and every patient. We know that cancer is scary and unpredictable, but our staff is here for you every step of the way. To schedule an appointment with our provider, give us a call at 252-757-3131.

Breastfeeding can be a wonderful experience between mother and baby, but it can also be complicated and intimidating. With so many experiences and stories surrounding breastfeeding, you may not know where to start. We’ve put together a few of the most common breastfeeding myths and facts to give you some insight into the ins and outs of breastfeeding. Keep reading to find out more!

“Breastfeeding is easy.”

There are many myths around breastfeeding, and there is a stigma that every woman should be able to breastfeed. The truth is, although babies naturally have a reflex to breastfeed, it can take many attempts to establish breastfeeding successfully. Breastfeeding is tough, time-consuming, and takes a lot of practice to find what works best for you and your baby. Furthermore, many people believe breastfeeding is always uncomfortable and that there is nothing you can do about it. In reality, breastfeeding may cause discomfort from time to time, especially in the beginning as your body adjusts to nursing, but it should not be painful. We encourage you to consult with a lactation consultant to receive guidance and support throughout your breastfeeding journey.

“If you eat flavorful food while breastfeeding, your baby will experience those flavors.”

Believe it or not, this is true! Eating the food that you enjoy while breastfeeding not only benefits you but is also a great way to introduce your baby to new and different foods. Additionally, it can make it easier to introduce solid foods later on. We recommend trying to eat a balanced diet to stay healthy, but don’t worry about completely changing your food habits while you breastfeed, as your baby has been exposed to what you eat since they were in the womb.

“You shouldn’t breastfeed if you are sick or on any medication.”

For the most part, being sick or taking your medication does not affect your breastmilk. When you are ill, your body is actively making antibodies to fight off the virus. The bacteria and illness do not pass through your breastmilk, but the antibodies do! In fact, this is a great way to protect your baby from getting sick. You should discuss your medications with your provider and let them know that you breastfeed to ensure it is safe. They may recommend that you take your dosage at a particular time or switch to an alternative medication.

“You can feed your baby both breastmilk and formula.”

This is also true! Though some women would prefer to breastfeed exclusively, there can be many bumps in the road, trials and errors, and difficulties. Adding formula to your baby’s diet does not mean you must stop breastfeeding. It may, however, affect your milk supply and even cause an upset stomach for your baby. If you notice your baby prefers one option over the other, consult a healthcare provider or lactation specialist to determine the next steps.

“If you are breastfeeding, you will not get pregnant.”

Though breastfeeding has an impact on your fertility, hormones, and ovulation, it is not considered birth control. Even if your menstrual cycle starts up, your ovulation cycle may be inconsistent. You should discuss contraception options with your provider to determine which ones may be right for you during this time.

Breastfeeding can look different for everyone, and with so many inconsistencies and myths around breastfeeding, it can be scary and confusing. Greenville Women’s Care is here to help you walk through every season of life. If you have concerns about breastfeeding or would like to learn more, our team is here to help. Please call us at 252-757-3131 to schedule an appointment with one of our providers today.

You’ve heard of strep throat, but have you heard of Group B Strep? GBS is a natural bacterium that’s found in 1 of 4 women, and while it isn’t a big deal to an adult, it can be harmful for your baby. Testing for GBS is a standard part of prenatal care in the US.

What is Group B Strep?

GBS is a bacterium found in women that lives in the vagina and rectum, however it rarely effects the women who have it. Most people don’t know they have GBS until they’re tested for it. GBS isn’t contagious for adults, it’s just something that’s there. You can’t contract it from food, the air, sex, or anything else.

Group B Strep and Your Baby.

Though GBS can’t pass from adult to adult, it can pass to your baby during birth. Though rare (only happening 1 – 2% of the time), it’s recommended that carriers of GBS take antibiotics to prevent possible spread to the baby. GBS can be dire for babies.

If your baby does get GBS, symptoms can come in two ways: early-onset and late-onset.

Early-onset GBS in babies will usually show up between 12 and 48 hours after birth. Nearly 75% of diagnosed newborns for GBS are early onset. The symptoms for early-onset GBS include:

• Fever.
• Drowsiness.
• Difficulty breathing.

And they can quickly turn into something more serious, such as sepsis (a blood infection), meningitis (infection of the fluids lining the brain), or pneumonia (a lung infection).

Late-onset GBS will usually happen once your baby is older than 7 days and can happen until they’re 12 weeks old. This type of GBS wasn’t passed to the baby during birth, but as of now, it is unknown what can lead babies to getting GBS aside from birth. The symptoms for late-onset GBS include:

• Coughing.
• Fever.
• Drowsiness.
• Congestion.
• Seizures.

And, just like early-onset GBS, all of these symptoms can turn into something more life-threatening such as sepsis, meningitis, or pneumonia.

It’s very rare that your baby will contract GBS, only a 1 – 2%. However, on the rare chance that they do, post-birth modern medicine has made strong advancements in treatment. You baby will have a 95% survival rate if they contract GBS and get treatment. GBS can lead to long-term developmental issues, particularly if your baby develops meningitis. Meningitis at such a young age can lead to Cerebral Palsy, hearing problems, delays in learning, and seizures.

Testing for Group B Strep.

Remember, screening for GBS is standard practice in the US. The test is super simple and painless, just a swab. The CDC recommends that testing occurs between 35 and 37 weeks. This time period gives the best picture to your provider of whether or not you have GBS during the time of birth. Because that’s another thing – GBS can come and go. Just because you test positive for GBS during one birth, doesn’t mean you will during another.

If you test positive, don’t panic. Remember that antibiotics for GBS are very efficient. During labor, you’ll be given IV antibiotics to protect the baby. The safeguard for the IV antibiotics is at least 4 hours before delivery. This gives the medicine enough time to get to the baby to protect it.

With these antibiotics, the chances of your baby getting GBS is about 1 of 4,000. Without the antibiotics, the chances of your baby getting GBS is about 1 of 200.

If you tested positive for GBS and are going into labor, come to the hospital right away. You don’t know how long labor is going to last, and you want to be sure if maximize the time you’re receiving antibiotics for GBS. If you don’t make it to the hospital in time to get antibiotics or don’t have them in your system with at least 4 hours before labor, it’s okay. While your baby is technically at a higher risk, modern medicine is highly effective, and you’ll have a team of people looking out for symptoms in your baby.

Group B Strep can sound scary, but with 1 in 4 women having it, medicine has come a long way when it comes to preventing and treating it. Your provider can answer any and all questions you may have about GBS testing, birth, signs and symptoms, and more. Call Greenville Women’s Care to schedule an appointment or visit greenvillewc.com.

Pregnancy comes with various discomforts and pains, but when it’s over 90 degrees outside, we know it can be downright uncomfortable. As we enter the summer months, we’ve put together some tips and tricks for expectant moms to remain cool and avoid heat-related illnesses. Keep reading for more information on how to beat the heat!

Cool-Off Breaks

Spending time outdoors in the summer is fun but being pregnant while it’s hot outside can be difficult. To enjoy the weather while keeping your body and baby safe, we recommend taking regular breaks to sit in the air conditioning and using a portable fan outdoors if possible. You can also go for a swim, as this will cool your body down, reduce some of your weight, and even help with swelling. The key is to find ways to avoid changing your core body temperature while still enjoying the beautiful weather outside. Focus on finding seating in the shade, and even limiting your time outside to the early morning or the late evening, as that is when the temperatures are lower.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated throughout the summer is crucial to preventing heat-related illnesses. Remember to pack a water bottle (or two) whenever you leave the house, so you always have it on hand. We advise avoiding caffeinated, sugary drinks, but you can add flavors to your water to make it more refreshing and enticing. Drink water regularly, not just when you are thirsty – this will help to avoid dehydration or overheating.

Wear Sunscreen

During the summer, especially while pregnant, take extra care when protecting your skin. With your hormones changing, your skin can be more sensitive, and too much sun exposure can cause dark brown splotches or significant sunburn. When spending time outside, we encourage you to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply once every two hours. You can also wear protective clothing outdoors to reduce your risk of burning. Be cautious of what time you are outdoors and avoid being outside when the UV rays are the strongest.

Dress Comfortably

Avoid tight-fitting or heavy clothing during the summer months. Stick to comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to avoid overheating and sweating. When shopping for maternity wear in the summer, try to find items that are moisture-wicking and breathable. You should also consider the color of your clothes, as lighter-colored clothes keep you cooler by reflecting heat.

Risks and Symptoms

Pregnant women face many risks in the summer that can affect their bodies and their babies. When it gets hot outside, you may risk swelling, overheating, exhaustion, sun exposure, and other heat-related illnesses. Spend time each day resting, keeping your legs elevated, and exercising as much as you can. Be aware and listen to your body. If you notice any of the following symptoms, we recommend moving inside to a cooler location and speaking with your Greenville Women’s Care OBGYN as soon as possible.

• Fast pulse
• Headache
• Extreme sweating
• Feeling dizzy
• Nausea or vomiting
• Confusion

While the summer is a great time to be outside, remember to prioritize your safety and your baby’s safety. Keep cool these next few months by practicing these tips! To schedule an appointment or for any specific questions or concerns, contact Greenville Women’s Care today at 252-757-3131.

This month, we are focused on bringing awareness and support to women’s mental and physical well-being, the health challenges they face, and why it’s important to prioritize health. Physical and mental well-being are intricately connected, and when one is declining, the other typically does, too. We’ve put together a few reasons why focusing on your health status is so important and even some tips on how to care for yourself!

Components of Women’s Health

There are many factors that contribute to women’s overall health. Physical health is determined by nutrition, exercise, sleep quality, and prevention of diseases. Things like stress management and mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression, can affect your mental health. Women also have to consider their reproductive health, which can be affected by menstrual cycles, childbirth and pregnancy, contraception, and menopause. All of these factors can change your health depending on how you prioritize your well-being.

Why Prioritize?

When it comes to prioritizing your physical and mental health, you will notice a significant change in your mood and how you feel. Making your health an important factor has many benefits, including an overall improved quality of life, the ability to prevent or detect diseases, stronger communities, and a healthier society. When women’s health is a main focus, everyone can benefit from the advantages, such as reduced healthcare costs, equal access to healthcare, and more research and studies on diseases and illnesses that affect women’s health.

Unique Challenges

Women face various challenges in their day-to-day lives that may cause negative health effects. Twice as many women experience depression and anxiety as men due to genetic, social, and economic differences. Trauma also leads to both mental and physical health problems and can cause PTSD in some cases. Women are also more likely to suffer from eating disorders, which can cause severe health risks and concerns. Other concerns include ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and heart disease. If you or someone you know may be predisposed to these challenges, we encourage you to understand and identify the symptoms, speak with a medical professional, and advocate for yourself.

Strategies to Implement

You can do many things to prioritize your health and stay on top of your well-being, including visiting your primary care physician regularly, eating foods that will nourish your body, and exercising daily. You should also find healthy ways to manage stress, refrain from habits like smoking and drinking alcohol, and focus on getting enough sleep. A great way to understand women’s health and make it a priority is by understanding the importance of mental health literacy, offering support to those who need it, and realizing when you may need to seek help. Health education means that others can benefit as well.

Overall, there is a large connection between women’s physical and mental health that should be taken seriously as they can affect each other. Poor mental health can lead to poor physical health and vice versa. Women face many challenges, and health should not have to be one of them! Greenville Women’s Care encourages you to understand the importance of your health, focus on your wellbeing, and reach out when needed. Schedule an appointment with one of our physicians to determine more ways to improve your overall health, 252-757-3131.