Women’s Health

Comprehensive Care for Women in Plano,TX

Women face many health issues specific to their reproductive systems. Typically, you might visit a gynecologist or obstetrician for these issues. However, your family health physician can also address many of these concerns.

At North Texas Family Medicine, we are a big believer in “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” And that’s more than just a cliché … it’s backed by science. Regular visits to your doctor can help protect you against diseases like breast cancer, ovarian cancer, STDs like HPV, and bone loss so  you can live a long, healthy life.

All women from the age of puberty on up should receive annual checkups.

Our women’s health care services include:

• Annual “well-woman” checkups, including pelvic exams
• Birth control and family planning counseling
• Breast exams
• Bone density screenings
• Contraception management
• Mammogram referrals
• Menopause symptom management
• Menstruation disorders (heavy or no bleeding, fibroids, PMS) treatments
• Pap smears, including screening for cervical cancer
• Prenatal care
• Sexually transmitted disease (STD) tests and treatment, including for HPV
• Thyroid disorder testing and treatment
• Urinary tract infections treatment
• Weight loss programs
• Yeast infection testing and treatment

In addition to the above, when you visit the doctors at North Texas Family Medicine, you can also be screened for many chronic diseases that are a leading cause of death for women such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

Well-Woman Exam Focus by Age

Certain women’s health issues are more prevalent at some ages rather than others. Your annual exam may have a different focus and include different tests depending on your age. For example:

Under 40

For women under the age of 40, annual exams tend to focus on breast exams, pelvic exams (including Pap smears), birth control, and STD testing. A visit with the doctor is the perfect time to discuss any concerns you may have regarding your menstruation.

And because younger adults tend not to see a doctor on a regular basis, your annual women’s health exam with your family doctor may also include general blood work to identify early signs of chronic diseases, as well as any needed immunizations such as annual flu shots.

40-60 Years Old

In midlife, your doctor will be looking for conditions common at this stage of life. Thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism are common and can be diagnosed with a simple blood test. Most women begin receiving mammograms and undergoing colonoscopies at age 50.

Breast exams and pelvic exams (including Pap smears) are still a part of your annual doctor visit, but your doctor will also likely be looking for early signs of chronic diseases that plague women such as heart disease and diabetes.

60s and Older

Your annual exams will continue to include breast and pelvic exams, as well as screening for chronic diseases. But for women in their 60s or older, osteoporosis is a big concern. It is a very common degenerative condition in which the bones become weak and brittle and more susceptible to fragility fractures.

Most women with osteoporosis don’t know they have it until they suffer a fracture, usually in the weight-bearing joints at the hips or knees. Your doctor may recommend a bone density screening, depending on your overall health or other factors.

Make your women’s health care appointment today. Call North Texas Family Medicine at (972) 599-2567 or request an appointment now. Dr. Heather Akins and Dr. Adam Kaplan look forward to serving all your health care needs.