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.

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.

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.

Can You Safely Have Enjoyable Sex During Your Pregnancy?

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Can You Safely Have Enjoyable Sex During Your Pregnancy_ Dr. Lori Gore-GreenYou probably already know that sex during pregnancy is typically safe. Myths surrounding pregnancy sex have died down over the last several decades, but there are still several things to note before carrying on with your pre-pregnancy intercourse habits.

There are only two major reasons why you shouldn’t have sex during pregnancy

First, we just want to establish that no, your baby cannot be poked by a penis during sex. Your baby won’t be able to feel you having sex and can’t be harmed by normal intercourse. There are only two reasons to avoid sex during pregnancy:

  • You don’t want to or don’t feel like having sex.
  • Your doctor has advised against intercourse during your pregnancy due to a medical reason, such as placenta previa or history of preterm labor.

How to enjoy sex during pregnancy: You might need to switch positions

Your favorite positions maybe become uncomfortable for you and your partner. You can alleviate this problem by changing positions. Many couples opt to use a spooning position because it’s more comfortable for the woman to lay on her side. Some couples find it easier and more enjoyable for the pregnant woman to remain on top during intercourse. If you’re having trouble getting comfortable during sex, do a little research about sex positions that work best for pregnant women – you’ll be surprised at the number of options you still have.

How to have safe sex during pregnancy

 

Do not have unprotected sex with new partners

Infections like Chlamydia and HIV can be transmitted to your baby and cause serious harm. Additionally, the Zika virus can be sexually transmitted. It’s always a good idea to use protection no matter who you engage in intercourse with, but it’s crucial to do so if you choose to have sex with someone new during pregnancy.

Get to all of your prenatal appointments

Your doctor will check you multiple times for STDs during your prenatal visits because many STDs are life-threatening if passed on to your baby during birth. go to all of your appointments and if you have the slightest suspicion you might have contracted an STD, inform your doctor immediately so that you can receive treatment before your baby is born.

When in doubt, talk to your doctor

If you have any concerns or lingering fears about sex during pregnancy, ask your doctor about whatever is bothering you. Don’t be embarrassed to bring up questions about sex – your doctor probably answers dozens of similar questions every day and will be more than happy to put your fears to rest.

Contraception Fails: Plan B One-Step Users Weighing 165+ May Require Plan ‘C’

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Dr. Lori Gore-GreenWhen your initial choice of contraception fails, Plan B is expected to be work…however, a ‘plan c’ may need to be devised for women weighing 165 pounds or more.

New research suggests that the most popular emergency contraceptive, which is a morning-after pill that uses the hormone levonorgestrel that prevents ovulation, is less effective for women weighing more than 165 pounds. However, one should bear in mind that the average weight of the American woman is 162 pounds during her 20s. During her 30s, the American woman weighs about 169 pounds.

Likewise, European-made Norlevo, a morning-after pill, loses effectiveness for those weighing 165 pounds. Furthermore, it’s isn’t at all effective for women weigh more than 175 pounds. Despite the fact Norlevo is chemically identical to the U.S.-made Plan B, the Food and Drug Administration has insisted the data was inconclusive, warranting no warning here in the U.S.

Alison Edelman, a professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Oregon Health and Science University, lead a new study that analyzed the effectiveness of levonorgestrel-based contraceptive among women with a BMI within the normal range, comparing that to the BMI of women considered obese. It was discovered that it would take twice the dosage of Plan B to increase an obese woman’s hormone level of women weighing less than 160 pounds. However, taking two pills for the purposes of emergency contraception isn’t recommended yet, according to Elizabeth Dawes Gay of Women’s Health Magazine. The ovulation-inhibiting hormone could be doubled, but more test would need to be done before learning what how those hormones may affect a woman’s ovaries.

Plan B is emergency contraception that’s generally effective and safe, and it’s a backup plan that helps to prevent pregnancy with 72 hours following birth control failure, preventing 7 out of 8 potential pregnancies. Side effects of the pill are tiredness; a headache; dizziness; breast tenderness; vomiting; lower abdominal pain/cramps; and lighter, heavier, later or early periods. The FDA-approved emergency contraception is accessible over the counter, and should not be considered if you’re already pregnantΩ and shouldn’t be used as birth control.

Dr. Lori Gore-Green Selected for Prestigious Doctor of the Day Program

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Dr. Lori Gore-GreenThe Oklahoma Osteopathic Association or OOA sponsored the Doctor of the Day Program throughout the month of March at the Oklahoma State Capitol. This year, marks 41 years of commending outstanding osteopathic physicians at the State Capitol’s First Aid Station during the legislative session. The Doctor of the Day Program gives Osteopathic Physicians an opportunity to bring Osteopathic Medicine to the policy makers, as well as see their House and Senate members at work. During the Doctor of the Day program, physicians provide the crucial service of providing healthcare to various members of the legislature, as well as to legislative employees. The nominated physician will be available at the State Capitol Building from 9a.m. to 4p.m., but will also make time to advocate for important issues to physicians. Physicians are supported by a nurse, as well as a medical student from the OSU Center for Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine. The Oklahoma D.O.s have made this program a success!

On March 18, 2015, Dr. Lori Gore-Green, DO had the pleasure of serving as a 2015 Doctor of the Day and meeting with various House and Senate members, including Senator Mike Mazzei and Representative Pam Peterson.

The mission of the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association or OOA is to advocate for the osteopathic profession and to promote the health and well-being of all Oklahomans. This medical association was founded in 1900 and acted as an affiliate of the American Osteopathic Association.

Since its initially founding at the turn of the century, the OOA continues to popularize the stated causes, and objectives of the osteopathic profession as a whole throughout Oklahoma.This state organization is composed of physicians who practice osteopathic medicine. The OOA, as a collective, believes that the individual is best served with the focused support of an Association. Nearly all of Oklahoma’s medical professionals who specialize in Osteopathic medicine are also members of the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association.

 

The Most Alarming Health Trends for Women

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Dr. Lori Gore-GreenThe Institute for Women’s Policy Research culled data from the last twenty years showing certain trends (or health hazards) of which women should make themselves aware. Knowledge is power, and it is certainly the strongest arm in the battle against harmful risks to health.

As always, women should learn about the dangers, statistics, methods of protection against sexually transmitted infections. Women (and men, for that matter) are increasingly infected with diseases like Chlamydia with numbers rising 40% incidence over the last ten years. Today, it is estimated that more than one million people are infected. At least one half of women (and upward of three-fourths) infected show few to no symptoms, increasing the risk of transmission to sexual partners and children through childbirth. As is the case with many diseases, Chlamydia left untreated may result in greater problems of infertility and pelvic and cervical infections. Fortunately, Chlamydia and similar infections can be treated early with a course of antibiotics.

Women will also benefit from asking themselves how they feel, and if they are satisfied with their lives. Recently general feelings of well-being and happiness come back low, and suicide in on the rise. Women are slowly feeling more stressed and anxious leading to severe, untreated cases of depression. Many symptoms are ignored as insignificant, and may even go unnoticed as part and parcel of life’s experience. Whether stresses are attributed to personal hardships or universal complaints (such as a declining economy, and weaker job prospects) women should take their mental health and bodily cues more seriously. (Caucasian women, specifically, showed a greater-than-average tendency to commit suicide after prolonged periods of sadness and anxiety.)

As is a trend on the national scale, fewer and fewer women report daily exercise routines, as more face problems of physical health such as obesity and diabetes. Less than half of the country actively participates in some form of regular exercise—running, swimming, yoga. The Institute’s report showed six out of every ten women are overweight, with one in ten already suffering from diabetes. Being overweight puts women at a greater risk of a number of health problems including heart disease and stroke. (Black and Native American women showed the highest incidence for diabetes.)

Good health is crucial to a sense of well-being and fulfilment. Precautions against health risks must not wait until after negative effects begin to show. Just as a contagion can spread from one woman to another, good health and well-being are communicable too.

Rural Areas Suffer Drop in OB/GYN Recruitment

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Dr. Lori Gore-GreenTraveling for healthcare services may be common for patients living in remote areas, but the difficulties accessing quality OB/GYN services has a direct link with an increased death rate among new mothers and their babies.

The face of the healthcare industry has been steadily changing over the last 30 years. As world-class tertiary hospitals pay doctors bigger salaries and buy out surrounding practices to stay afloat, the number of rural hospitals providing specialized services has dropped significantly. This is particularly the case with quality OB/GYN care — between 1985 and 2000, rural hospitals providing these services dropped by 23%, and that trend shows no sign of slowing down.

It has become notoriously difficult to recruit obstetricians and gynecologists to rural and remote areas. Smaller pay is only one of the barriers facing OB/GYN doctors considering the move — the lifestyle change is another. Getting accustomed to a small-town life isn’t necessarily easy for doctors who have grown up and studied in a suburban or urban environment.

Some hospitals are incentivizing the deal by offering new doctors things like student loan forgiveness, extra vacation time, and shortened work weeks. Mercy Medical Center, which serves the northern Iowa and southern Minnesota areas, is even offering a guaranteed income loan for the first year, which will then be forgiven after three years of service.

Only time will tell whether this trend really takes off. In the meantime, small rural hospitals are doing their best to partner up with clinicians in different specialities so they can continue to offer the right combination of skills to their patients. This works for about two-thirds of pregnancies who only need the kind of support offered in a rural clinic, but the other third require a more advanced care setting with emergency services.