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

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

What Every Woman Should Know About Postpartum Depression

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Whether or not a woman plans on having a child or not, it’s important to understand what postpartum depression is and how it works. It can affect many women, including yourself and the women you care about. There is a lot of misinformation surrounding postpartum, which is why it’s imperative to know the facts from myth to better help the women who are affected by it. 

What is Postpartum Depression?

Not to be confused with “mommy blues”, which can last two to three days, postpartum depression affects women who have just gone through childbirth and are experiencing an emotional emptiness longer than two weeks. This kind of depression can make it harder for mothers to care for their children and not feel connected to them. It should not be taken lightly and is a very serious mental illness that involves the brain, affects your behavior, and physical health. Whether mild or severe, postpartum depression affects one in nine new mothers. 

The Causes of Postpartum Depression

The biggest trigger for postpartum may be hormonal changes. Levels of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone are the highest when a woman is pregnant. These hormone levels drop significantly back to normal within the first 24 hours of giving birth, which can lead to depression. Women who have a history of depression are also at risk for postpartum. 

Symptoms to Be Aware Of 

There are many symptoms a woman can display that are signs of postpartum depression. Although symptoms vary from one woman to another, common symptoms are sadness, loss of hope, despair, frequent crying, feeling unable to care for the baby, loss of ability to do basic chores, inability to bond with the baby, loss of memory, and trouble focusing. When a woman is showing the symptoms of postpartum, only a doctor is able to give a diagnosis. 

Treatment Options

When diagnosed with postpartum depression, there are two main treatment options available. The first is taking medication to cope with postpartum. Antidepressants directly affect the brain by altering the chemicals that regulate mood. A doctor may also suggest hormone therapy to help regulate estrogen levels. The second treatment option is going to a psychiatrist, psychologist, or mental health professional for counseling. This option helps women suffering from postpartum depression make sense of toxic thoughts and give them the strategies they need to cope.

What To Know About Being Pregnant During COVID-19

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The world has changed quite a bit since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States in full force. Most places require masks to be worn in public and social distancing measures have been taken in public spaces as well as places of business. This can be nerve wracking for people, especially if you’re pregnant during these wild times. While not much evidence has been found saying that pregnant women need to be more worried than others, it’s still fair if you’re someone who is constantly worried. Here are a few things you might want to know about being pregnant during the pandemic.

 

Risk Of Transmitting The Virus To The Baby?

While it’s certainly possible for a new born baby to contract the virus, there has been no evidence that points towards the baby being affected while it’s still in the womb. Research has shown that newborns may be less likely to catch any serious forms of the virus, as well as show symptoms of it. Regardless of this, it’s important to protect not only yourself while you’re pregnant but the baby when it’s first born, so be sure to take precautions when first bringing the baby home.

 

Should I Change Labor and/or Delivery Plans?

Being in a hospital during a pandemic can be extremely stressful, especially as so many of them have suffered from overcrowding. This may make you think you’ll have to change your deliver and labor plans, but the first thing you should do is sit down and speak with your doctor about it. Many hospitals are adjusting things in order to limit the chance of exposure for patients such as expecting mothers, and many believe that delivering in a hospital is still the safest course of action regardless of the state of things.

 

What Should You Do If You Think You Have COVID-19 or Have Been Diagnosed?

If you think you’re sick, you’ll want to seek out the advice of your healthcare provider. If you actually get diagnosed with the virus, you’ll want to not only speak with your OB-GYN but also read what the CDC has to say about having the virus while pregnant. This will likely mean quarantining yourself as much as possible, only going out for medical care, and avoiding congested public places such as transportation.

4 Myths About Women’s Health and the Facts You Should Know

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Women’s health has been surrounded by confounding myths since the field’s beginnings. Misinformation about women’s health and many aspects that affect a woman’s health can be found nearly anywhere. While women have access to a wealth of knowledge regarding their health, it’s important to wade through the information available and ensure you have the correct information to make informed decisions based on the truth. Below are a few of the most common myths and a few facts to help you towards the reality behind them. 

Myth: Breast Cancer Is the Leading Cause of Death Among Women

It seems that a woman’s biggest health fear is breast cancer, however more women die each year from cardiovascular diseases than all cancers combined. While breast cancer isn’t the leading cause of death in women, it is essential to remain vigilant and perform regular exams and visit a physician. 

Myth: Osteoporosis Prevention Should Begin During Menopause

Bone loss increases significantly during menopause, but women should take precautions far sooner. Adopting a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D as soon as possible will ensure your bones are as healthy and strong as possible before you reach menopause. Performing weight-bearing exercises such as resistance training, bicycling, sports, and more help increase skeletal health as well. 

Myth: A Nursing Mother Cannot Become Pregnant

Breastfeeding only delays ovulation. Each woman is different and will therefore begin to ovulate at different times. Most women do not ovulate in the early months of breastfeeding and may begin ovulating in later months. If you do not wish to become pregnant again at that time, consult your doctor about using birth control again or practice safe sex. 

Myth: You Can Contract an STD From Toilet Seats

This myth has been around for ages. STDs are transmitted through sexual contact which includes skin-to-skin contact or the exchange of bodily fluids. Most of the bacteria or viruses that cause STDs cannot survive outside of the body for long, so it would be nearly impossible for a woman to contract a STD in this manner.

4 Signs Women Should Talk to Their Doctor About Painful Sex

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Sex might feel like a topic you rarely bring up, especially with a doctor, but it’s perfectly normal. Pain during sex might not be something you want to talk about at all, but sometimes it’s necessary and never something you should be ashamed of. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, three out of four women will experience pain during sex during their lives. The problem is common, especially during menopause, but there are signs you should talk to a doctor if they occur. 

Lube Doesn’t Help

When sex gets uncomfortable, lubricants are typically the first line of defense. Vaginal dryness is a common cause of uncomfortable sex, so if lubricants aren’t helping, there may be  different underlying cause, such as hormonal changes, medications, or stress, that your doctor is best suited to identify. 

Pain is Accompanied By Bleeding

For some women, bleeding after sex is not uncommon for women who still get their periods. However, if the spotting or bleeding happens simultaneously with the pain, it can mean something more serious. Sexually transmitted diseases or vaginal trauma due to intense dryness can cause bleeding, so it’s best if you check in with a doctor to discover the cause and a solution.

Painful Urination

If burning or itching occurs when you urinate you may have a yeast infection or a common bacterial infection called bacterial vaginosis. While some infections can be treated with over the counter solutions, it’s always a good idea to consult a doctor first, especially if the infection requires a round of antibiotics. 

Intense or Long-Lasting Pain

It can be tough to know when to contact a doctor, especially when pain is your only symptom. If you experience consistent discomfort or intense pain, it’s definitely time to talk to a physician. If your pain is also accompanied by trauma such as cuts or abnormal discharge, consult a doctor immediately. No matter your concern, it’s 100% okay to bring up your questions or concerns with a doctor at any time during the process. 

3 Myths about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

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When you are diagnosed with a medical condition that will affect your life, one of the very first things you will do is research it. However, not everything you read online or hear from friends and family are true. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has a few myths surrounding it. PCOS causes and hormonal imbalance and metabolism problems in women of reproductive age. Women diagnosed with PCOS can experince irregular menstrual cycle, acne, thinning hair, and weight gain. Today, we will be looking at the most popular myths associated with Polycystic ovary syndrome.

Myth #1: You are the reason PCOS happened.

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but one thing is for sure, you are not to blame. It is believed that genetics is some of the cause of why a woman may have PCOS. PCOS produces more androgens, make hormones, which can make it difficult for women to have regular periods or ovulate all together. Women with PCOS also produce an excess of estrogen, female hormones that can cause a build-up of the lining of the uterus which may cause uterine cancer. Other scientists believe that insulin can play a role in the body’s androgen production. It is also noted that women that have mothers and sisters who have PCOS are most likely to have PCOS too.

Myth #2: If you lose weight, you can lose PCOS.

As of right now, there is no cure for PCOS. Women who are overweight and obese can balance their hormone levels by losing weight, but it isn’t a cure. Many treatment options for PCOS focuses on managing symptoms rather than making the issue disappear altogether. Treatments for PCOS usually encourage lifestyle changes such as eating healthy and exercising regularly.

A great treatment option is taking birth control pills. The bills will help to regulate your menstrual cycle as well as reduce your androgen levels. There are also fertility medications that you can take that will help to stimulate ovulation when you want to get pregnant.

Myth #3: PCOS is a rare condition.

You will be surprised to know that about five to 10 percent of U.S. women have PCOS. Meaning that this condition affects about 5 million women, making it one of the most common hormonal endocrine disorders among women of reproductive age.

Unforealty, not a lot of women know that they have this condition. According to the PCOS Foundation, less than half of all women with PCOS are diagnosed correctly. There are millions of women out there who may be unaware that they have this condition.

 

What You Need to Know About Ovarian Cysts

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During the time that you are menstruating, there’s a possibility you may develop an ovarian cyst and not even realize it. But before you start to worry, realize that ovarian cysts are usually harmless. In some cases, however, ovarian cysts can cause pelvic pain and lead to more serious complications. To be more knowledgable on the matter here’s everything you need to know about this common cyst.

Ovarian cysts form relatively easily.

Under normal circumstances, one of your ovaries will wrap an egg in a follicle and release the egg into the fallopian tube every month. The follicle will typically dissipate and absorb into the body. In the case that the follicle does not release the egg, it can become bigger and develop further into a follicle cyst. Another type of cyst, a , can form after the follicle combusts and releases the egg. Theses cysts, however, can bleed and cause women pain in the pelvic area. These types of cysts are relatively small (1 to 2 millimeters) and will typically resolve itself in a few weeks.

A dermoid cyst can be more serious, but they are not common.

A starts to form when the cells in an ovary start to divide but haven’t been fertilized. This type of cyst isn’t as common a the cysts mentioned above, but they can grow relatively large, up to four inches. Due to how big these cysts can get, they often have to be surgically removed.

Normal ovarian cysts often do not display any symptoms.

Ovarian cysts usually don’t trigger any symptoms and will often go away on their own. A corpus luteum cyst may result in some minor bleeding, but follicle cysts won’t change your menstrual cycle.

However, there are severe symptoms of ovarian cysts, such as fever, nausea, and vomiting, which are usually the result of infection. If this is the case, see a doctor immediately.

Ovarian cysts can be found during a routine gyno visit.

Women typically find out if they have an ovarian cyst during a routine gyno visit, during a pelvic exam, or during an ultrasound. Women who are experiencing pelvic pain will usually make an appointment with their doctor anyway, and they will most likely find the root of the problem.

Surgery is only necessary in some cases.

If your ovarian cyst has not gone after three menstrual cycles, is bigger than 4 inches, or there is suspicion of a tumor, you may need to get surgery. If you are at risk for “twisting”, which is when the blood supply to the ovary gets cut off, you will also need to undergo surgery.

Common Causes of Menstrual Irregularities

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No two menstrual cycles are alike. Every woman’s body is different, therefore every woman will experience their own different cycle. Although women often share similar period symptoms, each cycle is unique. However, sometimes a cycle can be so different that it can be irregular. There are many causes for menstrual irregularities every woman should be made aware of:

 

Pregnancy

The most common cause of menstrual irregularities is pregnancy. Pregnancy puts a woman’s period to a halt for nine months after conception. There may be a bit of light spotting, but this is a common sign a woman may be pregnant. Other symptoms are nausea, breast soreness, and fatigue.

 

Birth Control

Another way to cause menstrual irregularities is by taking birth control. Hormonal birth control pills and hormone-containing intrauterine devices (IUDs) can cause irregular bleeding during a woman’s cycle. An IUD can also cause very heavy bleeding.

 

Perimenopause

As a woman get older, her body begins to go through major changes. When her period stops due to her age, this is called menopause. The time between their period coming to a stop and entering menopause is called perimenopause. This can cause them to have a very irregular period, sometimes going months without bleeding. Women can also experience hot flashes, mood changes, difficulty sleeping, and vaginal dryness.

 

Being Overweight

It’s important for men and women to stay healthy. Being overweight can cause many health issues. For women, it can lead to menstrual irregularities. When a woman is overweight, their obesity impacts hormone and insulin levels and interferes with your menstrual cycle.

 

Eating Disorders and Extreme Weightloss

It’s important for your body to find a healthy balance. Obesity isn’t the only weight issue that can lead to an unhealthy menstrual cycle. If a woman has an eating disorder or is experiencing extreme and rapid weight loss, it can interfere with their body producing the hormones needed for ovulation. 

 

Stress

Mental health can have a major impact on the body. For women, stress can be a major factor when dealing with menstrual irregularities. Research has found that stress can interfere with a woman’s menstrual cycle by temporarily obstructing the part of the brain in charge of controlling the hormones responsible for regulating your cycle.

The Facts About Exercising During Menstruation

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Getting your period is no picnic, but there are some surprising things we can do to relieve the symptoms. While you might want to simply curl up on the couch for an entire day, it may be more beneficial to exercise. Symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, fatigue, and headaches can all be relieved to some extent by exercise. The next time your time of the month hits, take these facts into account before you commit to the couch.

Mood Improvement
Exercise produces endorphins, which are hormones that improve your mood. Menstruation is enough to bring anyone’s mood down regardless of the hormonal imbalances that occur to alter your mood. Any irritability, sadness, or other unhappy feelings can be counterbalanced with a good bout of exercise.

Fatigue Reduction
Fatigue is a common symptom of menstruation. The hormonal changes can increase those feelings during your period. It might seem counterintuitive, but exercise can combat those feelings of fatigue and give you a feeling of refreshment as well as accomplishment.

Relieves Menstrual Pain
A recent study discovered that women who exercised regularly for at least days a week reported less menstrual pain than those who did not exercise at all. Exercise during and before your period can also help to relieve some pain. The even better news? You do not have to participate in high intensity workouts to receive the same benefits. A walk or other lower intensity exercise can help as well.

Tips for Success
While exercise is without a doubt beneficial to you in so many ways during your period, there are ways to make it even more beneficial.

Stretching — Incorporating stretching whether it’s simple exercises, pilates, or yoga, can help tense muscles extend and provide relief.

Hydration — Not much can make your body feel worse when on your period than dehydration. Stay hydrated to avoid tense muscles, bloating, or headaches.

Sleep — Getting enough sleep will help you body recover not only from the exercise but also from any fatigue you may be feeling.

Eat Well — Fuel your body to fight fatigue and to give it enough energy to exercise safely. Eating a healthy meal can also combat menstrual symptoms such as bloating.

Behaviors to Avoid

Don’t Overdo It — Overexercising can lead to injuries, excessive fatigue, and even more muscle tension than you were previously experiencing. Keep the workouts to a manageable intensity for the best results.
Don’t Ignore Your Body — Are you knees aching? Can you barely catch your breath? It may be time to adjust your intensity or give yourself a few minutes for a break. Your body will give you clues as to whether you’re pushing too hard, too fast. Make sure to listen to those signals.
Don’t Forget Rest Days — Regardless of whether you’re on your menstrual cycle, your body needs time to recover. Give your body a break so you don’t excessively fatigue yourself. Give your body the time to heal so it can become stronger and respond to your needs more efficiently.

The Flu and Pregnancy

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When you’re pregnant, you want everything to proceed smoothly, with no hiccups or hurdles. Getting sick, then, is likely not at the top of your agenda. However, life tends to provide a number of expected twists and tumbles that can upend your plans. Catching the flu while you’re pregnant can seem terrible, but there are plenty of things to take into consideration as you heal and prepare for your baby’s arrival.

 

Immune System

While pregnant, the body’s immune system is weakened. There is a higher likelihood that a flue in a pregnant woman will develop into the more serious condition of pneumonia. Pneumonia can cause respiratory tract issues as well as dehydration; the combination of accelerated effects, if untreated, can result in contractions and premature labor. Ensuring you get plenty of rest, drink clear fluids, and maintain your energy can help you stay healthy and fight off an infection.

 

Medical Treatment

Though you may be wary about getting a vaccine while pregnant, it is completely safe to receive a flu shot while you are pregnant. You should do this at the start of flu season if applicable or at the earliest point in your pregnancy. Getting a flu shot will benefit you as well as your unborn baby; because of the way antibodies permeate the human body, your baby will be vaccinated against the flue for around 6 months after birth.

 

In addition to receiving the flu shot while pregnant, breastfeeding mothers will also experience no negative symptoms should they need the vaccine. Flu shots are the most effective and fast-acting method of preventing you from becoming ill.

 

In addition to vaccines, another treatment option is antiviral medicine that may be prescribed by your doctor. Antiviral medications can make symptoms milder, allow you to heal faster, and prevent severe developments like pneumonia.

 

If you are allowed to take OTC medication like Tylenol or Robitussin, you should consult with your doctor regarding the amounts and limitations of these pills. Some medications shouldn’t be taken at certain points during your pregnancy, so consult with your doctor to identify the most effective way to prevent any negative interactions or side effects from occurring.

 

Unviable Options

Though the nasal spray was once a valued option for the treatment of some communicable illnesses, the spray for the flu is not a suitable choice for a pregnant patient. For this reason (among others), the nasal spray has largely been made obsolete in treatment centers. Because the nasal spray entailed injecting what was essentially a live virus into the body; this is not safe for the patient or the unborn baby, so traditional vaccines or oral medication are preferred.

 

Being sick while pregnant can be distressing. However, catching the flu at this time does not mean you or your child need to suffer. There are treatment options available, both preventative and reactive, to support your immune system and ease your symptoms. Be careful of your interactions with others if you are sick, and take good care of yourself as best you can; with proper self-care and the aid of your doctor, a speedy recovery will be imminent.

5 Health Screenings for Women

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Maintaining your health as a woman can be difficult. Because of the health risks associated with the sex, you should be proactive in your doctor visits and ensure you are scheduled to receive all necessary examinations. While this may take a chunk out of your wallet and prove disruptive to your free time, taking these preemptive measures can save you from hefty medical bills and painful conditions. Below are a few of the necessary health screenings adult women should regularly get.

 

Bone Density

By age 65, women should start getting screened for osteoporosis and bone cancer. Determining the state of your bones, from their density to their ability to fracture, can help you take measures to strengthen your bones with supplements and avoid further injury. Regular screenings can help track the strength of your bones over time, and these will vary in frequency due to the severity of your bones’ conditions.

 

Skin Examination

As skin cancer has become more common, especially the deadliest form of melanoma, frequently assessing your own skin for abnormalities has become a popular preventative practice. Typically, individuals can check their skin themselves, but it does not hurt to seek a professional opinion. The increasing fascination with tanning had led to significant spikes in the cancerous skin condition, so taking note of your own skin and alerting a doctor upon noticing something strange is a wise procedure.

 

Thyroid Test

To determine whether or not you have a hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, you should strongly consider getting tested roughly once a year, especially after the age of 60. Detecting a thyroid that is working improperly can help diagnose a serious condition like the ones listed above, and with the right diagnosis, treatment will be possible. If left untreated or undiagnosed, however, thyroid conditions can lead to life-threatening challenges like goiters, infections, and mental decline.

 

Mammogram

There are ways you can conduct your own breast cancer assessment at home, but for a clear, accurate diagnosis, seeing your specialized doctor will help ensure the results are correct. In order to detect breast cancer screenings in a facilities entail x-rays that document the interior of the tissue. It is advised that most patients begin getting annual screenings after at 45, but beyond age 55, they may opt for a biannual visit.  If you have family history of the disease or other relevant concerns, you should talk to your doctor to begin screening earlier.

 

Pap Smear

Common regarded as one of the most uncomfortable screenings, a pap smear is incredibly necessary when assessing the health and composition of the sexual organs. Pap smears are used to observe the nature of cells found on the cervix in assessing the probability of developing cancer. It can also be used to allow a doctor to gain more insight into any potential abnormalities about the system and address them appropriately.

At age 21, you should begin getting a pap smear every three years, and by the time you are 30, you can instead choose to get the test every five years.

 

Monitoring and managing your health is important. While there may be some unavoidable hurdles to completing all the necessary screenings and tests, you should strive to participate in as many as you can. Maintaining your wellness and taking preventative measures will help improve your quality of life and help you prepare for the future.