Dr. Lori Gore-Green | Women's Health Professional

Dr. Lori Gore-Green's Portfolio of Experience as a Women's Health Professional

Women’s Cardiovascular Health: Why It Deserves More Attention.

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Heart disease is often thought of as a “men’s health issue,” but it is actually the leading cause of death among women worldwide. Despite this reality, women’s cardiovascular health remains underrecognized, underdiagnosed, and undertreated. Greater awareness, education, and preventive care are essential to improving outcomes and saving lives.

Why Heart Disease in Women Is Often Overlooked

One major reason women’s cardiovascular health receives less attention is the misconception that heart disease primarily affects men. Symptoms in women can also look different from the classic chest pain often portrayed in media. Women may experience fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, jaw pain, or back pain—symptoms that are sometimes dismissed as stress, anxiety, or minor illness.

Additionally, women tend to develop heart disease later in life, often after menopause, when protective estrogen levels decline. This delayed onset can lead to missed opportunities for early prevention. Social factors, caregiving responsibilities, and limited access to healthcare can further delay diagnosis and treatment, especially in underserved communities.

Unique Risk Factors Affecting Women’s Heart Health

While traditional risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and obesity affect everyone, women face additional risks related to their reproductive and hormonal health. Conditions such as pregnancy-related high blood pressure, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and early menopause significantly increase long-term cardiovascular risk.

Autoimmune diseases, which are more common in women, also contribute to higher rates of heart disease. Mental health plays a role as well—chronic stress, depression, and anxiety are strongly linked to poor cardiovascular outcomes in women. These overlapping factors highlight the importance of a holistic, women-centered approach to heart health.

The Importance of Prevention and Early Intervention

The good news is that heart disease is largely preventable. Regular health screenings, including blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and weight assessments, are critical. Women should also discuss their reproductive history with healthcare providers, as it can offer important clues about future cardiovascular risk.

Lifestyle changes play a powerful role in prevention. A balanced diet, regular physical activity, stress management, adequate sleep, and avoiding tobacco can significantly reduce risk. Equally important is patient education—when women understand their risk and recognize early warning signs, they are more likely to seek timely care.

Healthcare providers, especially those involved in women’s health such as OB/GYNs and primary care clinicians, are uniquely positioned to integrate cardiovascular screening into routine visits. Early conversations and preventive strategies can make a lifelong difference.

Moving Forward: Prioritizing Women’s Heart Health

Improving women’s cardiovascular health requires awareness at every level—from individuals and families to healthcare systems and public health initiatives. By recognizing that heart disease affects women differently and addressing those differences through education, prevention, and personalized care, we can close existing gaps and improve outcomes.

Women’s heart health deserves attention not just during illness, but throughout every stage of life. Prioritizing it today means healthier futures for generations to come.

The Quiet Aspects of Women’s Health That Deserve Attention.

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Women’s health is often discussed through visible milestones or commonly recognized concerns, yet many important aspects remain quiet and easily overlooked. These subtle elements of well-being influence how women feel, function, and move through daily life. Paying attention to these less obvious signals can support long-term health and help women develop a more compassionate and informed relationship with their bodies.

Small physical or emotional changes are often the body’s way of communicating a need for balance or care. Because these changes may develop gradually, they are sometimes dismissed or ignored. Recognizing them early encourages awareness and helps women respond with understanding rather than self-criticism.

Listening to Subtle Physical and Emotional Signals

One of the quiet foundations of women’s health is the ability to notice subtle shifts in the body and mind. Changes in energy, mood, or comfort may seem minor, but they can reflect deeper patterns related to stress, life transitions, or overall well-being. Learning to pause and check in with oneself creates space for better self-awareness.

Emotional health plays a significant role in this process. Many women manage multiple responsibilities and expectations, often placing their own needs last. Over time, emotional strain can influence sleep, focus, and physical comfort. Acknowledging emotions, allowing time for rest, and seeking balance supports resilience and emotional stability. Emotional well-being is not separate from physical health—it is an essential part of it.

Mental clarity is another subtle area that deserves attention. Feeling overwhelmed, distracted, or mentally fatigued may not seem like a health concern, yet these experiences can impact daily life and overall wellness. Prioritizing rest, setting boundaries, and practicing self-reflection can help restore mental balance and focus.

Overlooked Foundations of Long-Term Well-Being

Certain physical aspects of women’s health are rarely discussed but play a crucial role in daily comfort and long-term strength. Areas such as core and pelvic well-being support movement, posture, and stability, yet discomfort or weakness is often accepted as normal rather than addressed. Awareness and care in these areas contribute to confidence and physical ease.

Hormonal changes throughout different life stages also influence women’s health in quiet ways. These shifts may affect mood, energy, and overall comfort without clear or immediate signs. Recognizing these patterns with patience and self-compassion helps women feel more connected to their bodies and more empowered in caring for themselves.

Another often-overlooked aspect is self-advocacy. Women are frequently encouraged to push through discomfort or minimize concerns. Learning to speak up, ask questions, and prioritize personal well-being is a powerful part of health. Even small steps toward self-care can have a lasting impact.

By acknowledging the quieter aspects of women’s health, women can cultivate deeper awareness and balance. These subtle elements may not always demand attention, but they play a vital role in overall well-being. Giving them space and care supports a more holistic, respectful approach to health and self-understanding.

Women’s Wellness Reset: Small Lifestyle Changes With Big Health Benefits

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In a world filled with constant demands, responsibilities, and pressures, women often place their own well-being at the bottom of the priority list. Between work, family, relationships, and the never-ending to-do list, self-care can easily feel like a luxury rather than a necessity. Yet the truth is that a woman’s health isn’t shaped by major overhauls or dramatic transformations — it’s shaped by the small, consistent choices made every day. A “wellness reset” doesn’t require extreme dieting, intense workouts, or rigid routines. Instead, meaningful progress begins with simple, sustainable habits that support the body, mind, and emotional well-being.

Below are some small lifestyle changes that can deliver truly big health benefits.

1. Prioritize Restorative Sleep

Sleep is the foundation of women’s health, affecting everything from hormone regulation to cognitive function. Yet it’s one of the most neglected areas of wellness.

Why it matters:
When women don’t get enough quality sleep, cortisol levels rise, appetite increases, inflammation worsens, and the risk of anxiety, depression, and metabolic issues grows. Adequate rest is essential for emotional balance and energy management.

Small changes that help:

  • Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep nightly.

  • Create a calming night-time routine — soft lighting, warm shower, or light stretching.

  • Limit screens 30–60 minutes before bed.

  • Keep the bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.

Even improving sleep by 30 minutes a night can have a significant impact on mood, focus, and stress resilience.

2. Add Movement — Not Just Workouts — Into Your Day

Women often feel pressured to exercise in a specific, intense way or not at all. But movement doesn’t have to be strenuous to be impactful.

Why it matters:
Consistent movement improves cardiovascular health, strengthens bones, supports hormonal balance, and enhances mental clarity. It also helps regulate blood sugar and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Small changes that help:

  • Take 10-minute walks after meals.

  • Stretch for 5 minutes when you wake up or before sleep.

  • Use the stairs whenever possible.

  • Try “movement snacks”: short bursts of activity throughout the day.

These micro-habits help break sedentary patterns, especially for women with desk jobs or busy home schedules.

3. Build Better Hydration Habits

Hydration seems simple, but many women still regularly fall short, leading to fatigue, headaches, and sluggish digestion.

Why it matters:
Adequate water improves skin health, supports metabolism, helps regulate body temperature, and boosts cognitive performance.

Small changes that help:

  • Keep a water bottle nearby at all times.

  • Add lemon or berries to make water more enjoyable.

  • Aim for 6–8 glasses daily, adjusting based on climate or activity levels.

  • Drink a full glass of water first thing in the morning.

Small hydration habits add up to noticeable improvements in energy and mental alertness.

4. Nourish Your Body With Simple, Intentional Choices

Nutrition doesn’t have to be restrictive or complicated. In fact, small shifts in daily eating patterns often have the biggest long-term benefits.

Why it matters:
Balanced nourishment supports hormonal health, gut function, immune strength, and emotional well-being. Proper nutrition also helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces inflammation.

Small changes that help:

  • Add an extra serving of vegetables or fruit each day.

  • Include protein with every meal to support stable energy.

  • Choose whole grains and limit highly processed foods.

  • Prepare one healthy snack ahead of time each day.

Instead of focusing on what to remove from your diet, emphasize what you can add — nutrient-dense foods that leave you feeling energized and satisfied.

5. Practice Mindful Moments Throughout the Day

Mental and emotional well-being is just as important as physical health, yet it’s often overlooked in daily routines.

Why it matters:
Chronic stress can disrupt hormone levels, impair sleep, increase inflammation, and affect long-term health. Managing stress improves resilience and supports overall wellness.

Small changes that help:

  • Pause for 60 seconds of deep breathing during stressful moments.

  • Step outside for fresh air during breaks.

  • Reduce multitasking — focus on one thing at a time.

  • Take a few minutes daily for meditation, journaling, or quiet reflection.

These mini-mindfulness habits help reset your nervous system and cultivate inner calm.

6. Cultivate Social Support and Healthy Connections

Strong relationships are a core component of wellness, yet women often feel isolated juggling personal and professional life.

Why it matters:
Positive social connections reduce stress, increase longevity, improve emotional health, and provide a sense of belonging and support.

Small changes that help:

  • Schedule a weekly check-in with a friend or family member.

  • Join a group, class, or community aligned with your interests.

  • Set healthy boundaries to protect your mental space.

  • Celebrate small wins with people who uplift you.

Just a few minutes of meaningful connection daily can significantly enhance mood and motivation.

Final Thoughts: Small Choices Create Big Change

A women’s wellness reset isn’t about perfection — it’s about intention. Small, consistent habits create a foundation for a healthier, happier life. Start with one or two changes, build confidence, and gradually expand your routine. Over time, these little shifts become powerful long-term improvements.

Remember: your well-being is not a luxury — it’s essential.
When you nurture your mind, body, and spirit through intentional daily choices, you unlock more energy, balance, and joy in every part of your life.

Reproductive Health in Your 30s – What Every Woman Should Know

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The 30s are often called a woman’s “power decade.” Careers, families, and personal growth thrive—but this is also a crucial time for reproductive health. Fertility, hormonal shifts, and lifestyle habits all play bigger roles than many realize. Here’s what women in their 30s should keep on their radar.

1. Fertility Isn’t a Switch—It’s a Spectrum

While it’s true that fertility declines with age, it doesn’t happen overnight at 35. Egg quality and quantity decrease gradually, but many women conceive naturally into their late 30s.

  • Tip: If you’re not ready for kids yet, consider ovarian reserve testing (like AMH levels) for peace of mind.

2. Get Serious About Preventive Care

Your 30s are the perfect time to get consistent with OB/GYN visits. Pap smears, breast exams, and reproductive hormone testing help catch concerns early.

  • Tip: Don’t skip annual checkups—even if you feel healthy.

3. Hormonal Shifts Are Subtle but Real

Progesterone levels start dipping in your 30s, which can lead to heavier cycles, PMS changes, or sleep disturbances.

  • Tip: Track your cycle with an app or journal to notice trends. If symptoms worsen, check in with your doctor.

4. Nutrition and Movement Matter More Than Ever

Bone density and metabolic health peak in your 20s. By your 30s, it’s about maintenance.

  • Tip: Strength training supports bone and muscle health, while calcium- and vitamin D-rich foods protect your reproductive and skeletal system.

5. Family Planning Is More Than Pregnancy

Even if you’re not planning children, reproductive health is still central. Contraceptive needs, managing conditions like endometriosis or PCOS, and protecting fertility all matter.

  • Tip: Have open, ongoing conversations with your healthcare provider about your reproductive goals.

Final Thought:
Your 30s are a time to invest in long-term reproductive wellness. By tuning into your cycle, optimizing your health, and being proactive, you set yourself up for vitality now and in the decades ahead.

Balancing Hormones Naturally – Everyday Habits That Make a Difference

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When women think about hormones, they often think of PMS, mood swings, or hot flashes. But hormones are the silent messengers that influence everything—from energy levels and metabolism to skin health and fertility. When they’re in balance, we feel like ourselves. When they’re not, life feels off. The good news? Lifestyle choices play a huge role in keeping them in check.

1. Start with Blood Sugar Balance

One of the biggest disruptors of women’s hormones is unstable blood sugar. Spikes and crashes from processed carbs and sugar can lead to insulin resistance, which cascades into hormonal chaos.

  • Tip: Focus on protein-rich breakfasts, fiber-loaded veggies, and healthy fats. Think eggs with avocado instead of sugary cereal.

2. Prioritize Restorative Sleep

Poor sleep increases cortisol (the stress hormone) and lowers progesterone, which women need for calm, balanced cycles.

  • Tip: Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep. Turn off screens an hour before bed and keep your room cool and dark.

3. Eat for Hormone Health

Key nutrients like magnesium, zinc, B vitamins, and omega-3s directly support hormone production.

  • Tip: Add salmon, leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, and flaxseeds to your meals.

4. Sync Movement with Your Cycle

Overexercising during certain phases of your menstrual cycle can increase stress on the body.

  • Tip: Try strength training and HIIT right after your period, but switch to yoga or walking in the luteal (PMS) phase.

5. Mind Your Stress

Chronic stress pulls resources from reproductive hormones to make more cortisol.

  • Tip: Incorporate daily mindfulness—breathing exercises, journaling, or even a 10-minute walk outside.

Final Thought:
You don’t need a drastic overhaul to bring hormones into balance. Small, consistent changes add up, creating harmony in your cycle, mood, and energy levels.

Pelvic Floor Health: The Silent Foundation of Women’s Wellbeing

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When we think of women’s health, conversations often center on reproductive health, hormones, or nutrition. But one area rarely discussed—despite its lifelong importance—is pelvic floor health.

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support the bladder, uterus, and bowel. These muscles are central to core stability, sexual function, and continence. Yet, they are often overlooked until problems arise—such as urinary leakage, pelvic organ prolapse, or painful intimacy.

For women, the pelvic floor is uniquely vulnerable. Pregnancy, childbirth, hormonal changes during menopause, and even high-impact exercise can all weaken or strain these muscles. Studies show that nearly one in three women will experience pelvic floor dysfunction at some point in their lives, but stigma and lack of awareness often keep them from seeking help.

The good news is that pelvic floor health can be protected and even improved at any age. Simple interventions such as pelvic floor physical therapy, targeted exercises (like Kegels, when done correctly), yoga, and breathwork can strengthen these muscles and restore function. Interestingly, research suggests that incorporating mind-body practices—like mindfulness or Pilates—not only helps with muscle strength but also improves the connection women feel with their bodies, reducing discomfort and anxiety.

Addressing pelvic floor health early has ripple effects: it improves sexual wellbeing, boosts confidence, reduces the risk of incontinence, and even enhances posture and core strength.

By breaking the silence around this topic, we empower women to see pelvic floor care not as an afterthought but as a foundation of lifelong health.

The Role of Diet in Hormonal Balance for Women

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Hormonal balance is a key factor in overall health, yet many women experience fluctuations in hormone levels throughout their lives, particularly during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. While hormonal imbalances can be influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics and lifestyle, one area that often gets overlooked is diet. The foods we consume can play a crucial role in supporting or disrupting our hormonal health.

Our hormones are deeply interconnected with the food we eat, and certain nutrients can help support the body’s natural processes for regulating hormones. A diet rich in whole foods, healthy fats, fiber, and protein can help to stabilize hormone production, while a diet high in processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats can contribute to imbalance. For example, refined sugars and processed foods can cause insulin resistance, which in turn affects estrogen levels, potentially leading to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

One of the most important nutrients in maintaining hormonal health is healthy fats. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), flaxseeds, and walnuts, play a significant role in regulating hormones and reducing inflammation. These fats are essential for the production of hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid hormones, all of which have a direct impact on reproductive health.

Fiber is another crucial element. A fiber-rich diet helps the body eliminate excess hormones, such as estrogen, through the digestive system. Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale are not only rich in fiber but also contain compounds called indoles, which support the metabolism of estrogen and may reduce the risk of hormone-related cancers.

Proteins—especially plant-based sources like beans, lentils, and tofu—are vital for stabilizing blood sugar levels. When blood sugar spikes and crashes, it can trigger the release of stress hormones like cortisol, which can interfere with the balance of other hormones in the body. Maintaining stable blood sugar levels through balanced meals can reduce the risk of hormonal imbalances and promote better overall health.

Finally, avoiding excessive caffeine, alcohol, and processed sugars is essential for hormonal balance. These substances can interfere with the production of certain hormones, increase cortisol levels, and negatively impact fertility.

For women looking to optimize their hormonal health, making mindful food choices is an excellent place to start. A nutrient-dense, whole foods-based diet not only helps regulate hormones but also improves energy levels, reduces inflammation, and supports overall well-being.

The Silent Struggle: Understanding Endometriosis and Its Impact on Women’s Lives

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Endometriosis affects an estimated 1 in 10 women of reproductive age, yet it often goes undiagnosed for years. It’s a chronic condition that not only causes physical pain but also impacts fertility, mental health, and quality of life.

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside of the uterus—on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel, or other pelvic organs. Unlike the normal uterine lining, this misplaced tissue has no way to exit the body, causing inflammation, scarring, and severe pain over time.

Recognizing the Symptoms

The symptoms of endometriosis can be subtle or mistaken for other conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or painful periods. Common signs include:

  • Severe menstrual cramps that worsen over time

  • Pain during or after sex

  • Chronic pelvic pain

  • Fatigue

  • Painful bowel movements or urination, especially during menstruation

  • Difficulty getting pregnant

Many women are told that pain is “normal,” leading them to suffer in silence for years before receiving a proper diagnosis.

The Diagnostic Challenge

There’s no simple test for endometriosis. Diagnosis often requires laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive procedure that allows doctors to view and remove endometrial lesions. Unfortunately, the average time to diagnosis can be 7–10 years, due to the normalization of symptoms and lack of awareness among both patients and healthcare providers.

Treatment Options

While there’s currently no cure for endometriosis, several treatment options can help manage the symptoms:

  • Hormonal therapies: Birth control pills, IUDs, or GnRH agonists can reduce or stop menstruation, helping to control pain.

  • Pain management: Anti-inflammatory drugs and lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise may offer relief.

  • Surgical intervention: In more severe cases, surgery to remove lesions can significantly reduce symptoms and improve fertility outcomes.

Advocacy and Awareness Matter

Women with endometriosis often feel dismissed or misunderstood, but increased awareness is beginning to change that. Celebrities and public figures sharing their experiences have helped bring this invisible illness into the spotlight.

Early diagnosis and intervention can drastically improve outcomes. If you or someone you know experiences ongoing pelvic pain or painful periods that interfere with daily life, don’t ignore it—speak up, seek support, and advocate for proper care.

Endometriosis is real, and women deserve to be heard, believed, and treated with compassion.

The Fertility Window: Understanding Your Cycle for Better Reproductive Health

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When it comes to women’s reproductive health, one of the most empowering tools is knowledge of the menstrual cycle—specifically, understanding the “fertility window.” Despite being a core aspect of fertility and conception, this concept is often misunderstood, even among women actively trying to conceive.

The fertility window refers to the days in a woman’s cycle when she is most likely to become pregnant. This window typically spans about six days—five days leading up to ovulation and the day of ovulation itself. Ovulation, when an egg is released from the ovary, usually occurs around the midpoint of a 28-day cycle, but timing can vary based on individual health, stress levels, and hormonal balance.

Why is this knowledge so important? Because it helps women take more control of their reproductive planning—whether they’re trying to conceive or avoid pregnancy naturally. Tracking ovulation through methods such as basal body temperature monitoring, cervical mucus changes, or ovulation predictor kits can provide invaluable insights into one’s fertility health.

Moreover, understanding your cycle isn’t just about fertility. It can offer early warning signs for conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or irregular thyroid function—all of which can affect reproductive and overall health. For example, consistently irregular cycles might signal hormonal imbalances or other underlying conditions that deserve medical attention.

In recent years, the rise of menstrual health apps has made it easier than ever for women to track their cycles and better understand their bodies. However, it’s crucial to pair technology with medical advice when something seems off.

What’s even more empowering is that reproductive health education is slowly shifting to become more inclusive and proactive. Women are no longer expected to figure these things out on their own. From fertility coaches to online resources and supportive healthcare providers, the help is there—but knowing what to look for is the first step.

Understanding your fertility window is about more than just conception—it’s about getting in tune with your body, recognizing patterns, and advocating for your health. Whether you’re planning for a baby or simply curious about your cycle, taking time to learn about this crucial aspect of reproductive health can lead to long-term benefits for both physical and emotional well-being.

The Importance of Regular Pap Smears: Protecting Women’s Health

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When it comes to women’s health, preventive care is one of the most powerful tools available. Among the most important routine screenings is the Pap smear — a simple test that plays a crucial role in detecting cervical cancer early, when it’s most treatable.

What Is a Pap Smear?

A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is a procedure in which a healthcare provider gently collects cells from a woman’s cervix — the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. These cells are examined under a microscope for abnormalities that could indicate precancerous changes or cervical cancer.

Why Pap Smears Matter

Regular Pap smears have dramatically reduced the rates of cervical cancer and related deaths over the past decades. By detecting abnormal cells early, treatment can prevent the development of cancer altogether.

How Often Should You Get a Pap Smear?

General guidelines recommend women start Pap screening at age 21. From ages 21 to 29, a Pap test is advised every three years if results are normal. From age 30 onward, women can continue Pap smears every three years or opt for a combination Pap smear and HPV test every five years.

Women with certain risk factors — such as a history of abnormal results, a weakened immune system, or exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) — may need more frequent screening.

Don’t Skip It — Even If You Feel Fine

Cervical cancer often develops slowly and without early symptoms. That’s why it’s crucial not to skip routine screening, even if you feel healthy or are no longer sexually active.

Additional Steps for Cervical Health

Besides routine screening, there are other ways to reduce risk:

  • Get vaccinated for HPV. The HPV vaccine is highly effective and can be given to preteens and adults up to age 45.

  • Practice safe sex. Limiting exposure to HPV lowers the risk of cervical changes.

  • Avoid smoking. Smoking increases the risk of cervical and other cancers.

Stay Proactive About Your Health

Regular Pap smears are a quick, simple part of preventive care that can save lives. By staying informed and proactive, women can take control of their cervical health and overall well-being for years to come.