Talking About OBGYN Procedures

Posted on: 30 September 2022

Going to the gynecologist for a check-up annually as well as any time you are dealing with any gynecological issues is important, and can be even more so once you're a woman in your 40s. In your 40s, you may start to experience hormonal changes which can lead to discomfort without the proper medical care. Generally, it's important to take especially good care of your health during this life stage. You can do so by following these gynecology care tips: 

Know the Signs of Perimenopause

One of the biggest gynecological issues faced by women in their 40s is perimenopause. This is the stage in life where your hormones begin to change as you transition from the years of fertility to menopause. Perimenopause tends to be more subtle and gradual than actual menopause, but can still involve hormonal fluctuations.

You may experience mood swings, your period may change to become less regular or more painful, and you may have trouble sleeping. Because these issues are all related to hormone changes, your Ob-GYN can prescribe birth control or hormone treatments to help ease your symptoms.

Don't Forget to Get Mammograms

Another aspect of your gynecological health to pay special attention to in your 40s is breast cancer prevention via mammograms. A mammogram is a special type of imaging done on your breast tissue to detect the presence of a growth or tumor. Mammograms help catch breast cancer earlier, when it may still be easy to treat.

Doctors recommend that women begin getting mammograms at age 40 and continue to do so once a year or so. In addition to a mammogram, you should have a physical breast exam done at your gynecologist's office annually. This will further increase the odds of catching breast cancer early.

Continue to Have Annual Exams

In addition to being on the lookout for perimenopause and having mammograms, women in their 40s should also have annual gynecological exams. At these exams, you and your doctor can discuss your current approach to birth control and sexual health, and make adjustments as needed. For example, as your hormones change, you may find that you need to switch birth control options. 

At your annual exam, your doctor will also perform a pap smear, which can help detect cervical cancer cells early on when they can be treated fairly easily.

As you can see, it's important to take care of your gynecological health in your 40s. You will feel great in your 40s and beyond by simply following the tips in this article. Reach out to gynecology services to learn more.