If you are pregnant or you experience problems related to female or sexual health, you might not think twice about heading to your gynecologist. However, there are other matters that these medical professionals can help with that you might not expect.
Gynecologists are fully trained medical doctors who draw upon a vast knowledge base that extends beyond reproductive health to overall wellness for women. Many obstetrician/gynecologists provide a wide range of well-woman care services on top of the typical services you would expect, like annual pap smears.
Here is a look at five things that your gynecologist may be able to help you with that you might not have expected.
Skin Issues
Skin issues are a common problem among women, and they can sometimes be related to reproductive hormones. Whether it is the onset of acne as a girl goes through puberty or pregnancy-related skin problems, your gynecologist can help you with a range of skin issues. They can even help with skin problems that are not related to hormones. For example, if you find a new growth or mole on your body, you can ask your gynecologist to take a look, and they will refer you to a dermatologist if they have any concerns.
Weight Management
A gynecologist is also a good doctor to handle weight management. Many women visit a gynecologist once a year for their annual pap exam, and this means that your chart will contain a thorough record of your weight history. You and your doctor can use this information to talk about changes in your weight over time and any steps you may need to take to manage it.
Whether you want to reach a healthy weight to become pregnant or you are looking to lose or gain weight to enhance your overall wellness, your gynecologist can be a surprisingly good resource.
Vaccinations
Many women use their gynecologists as their primary healthcare provider and see them more often than a general doctor. If this is the case for you, you can discuss routine procedures like vaccinations, colonoscopies, and other screenings that may be necessary throughout your life. They can also provide immunizations such as the HPV vaccine and help ensure that you are staying up-to-date with your vaccinations in general.
Mood Issues
If you are experiencing any issues with your mood or you are dealing with anxiety or depression, discussing it with your gynecologist can be a good first step toward making some real progress and feeling better. In fact, many women report that they feel more comfortable talking about these matters with their gynecologist than their primary care doctor. If this is the case for you, do not hesitate to talk about mood-related issues with your doctor. This is a topic that often comes up between patients and doctors, and your gynecologist can help you find a solution.
Your mental health may be impacted by a condition that changes your hormones, such as menopause or pregnancy, but your gynecologist can still help you even if it is not directly linked to reproductive health. If it is not a matter that they are able to help you with on their own, they will be able to refer you to a counselor or another mental health specialist.
Reproductive Health Education
If your daughter is approaching puberty and is starting to ask questions about reproductive health and you are uncomfortable discussing these topics with her or you simply lack the knowledge to explain it sufficiently, your gynecologist is an excellent resource that you can turn to.
Talk to your doctor to find out the best way to approach these conversations with your daughter. Your gynecologist may be able to give you some advice on making awkward conversations a bit easier. For example, their extensive medical experience may assist you with the right terminology to use when discussing the changes your daughter’s body will go through during puberty and point you to the topics you need to make sure to bring up. This can provide you with the technical knowledge you need during what could be a very emotional topic and give the reassurance your daughter needs as she faces big and confusing changes.
Schedule An Appointment With Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness
Whether you are looking for help with traditional reproductive health matters or other topics, your gynecologist may be able to help you with, such as skin issues, mood issues, or reproductive health education, the friendly team of professionals at Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness is always happy to help. We take the time to get to know you and ensure you feel comfortable with your medical concerns. Get in touch today to schedule your appointment.