Women's Health

Hormonal changes during menopause can trigger a variety of symptoms. Some women experience them mildly, while others may face more challenging effects that disrupt daily life and overall well-being. 

Common symptoms of menopause include:

• Irregular periods
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Mood changes
• Sleep problems
• Vaginal dryness
• Changes in sexual desire

These symptoms can affect your energy levels, mental health, and especially your ability to sleep. Sleep disturbances caused by night sweats or hot flashes can lead to fatigue, irritability, and trouble concentrating, making it harder to stay focused at work or enjoy day-to-day activities.

Hormonal decline due to menopause can also increase the risk of certain health conditions such as osteoporosis, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. That is why thoughtful, proactive care is so important.

At Internal Medicine & Primary Care of Sebastian, we offer expert support for women navigating menopause. We provide both medical and lifestyle-based interventions to help manage your symptoms and protect your long-term health.

Your personalized treatment plan may include:

• Lifestyle Modifications: This may include a tailored diet plan rich in calcium and vitamin D for bone health, and incorporating regular physical activity to support overall health.
• Supplement Support: Hormonal shifts during menopause can affect your bone health, energy levels, and metabolism. We may recommend targeted nutritional supplements, such as calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids, to help support your body’s function and keep you feeling your best.
• Medication Management: If symptoms are significantly affecting your quality of life, we can prescribe medications to manage hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, or sleep disturbances.
• Emotional & Mental Health Support: Menopause can bring about anxiety, mood changes, or depression. We provide compassionate mental health support and may recommend stress-reduction techniques, or medications to help you.

The exact cause of PCOS is not fully understood, but it is often linked to insulin resistance, low-grade inflammation, and hormonal imbalances. Common symptoms of PCOS include: 

• Irregular or missed periods
• Excess facial or body hair (hirsutism)
• Acne or oily skin
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Thinning hair or hair loss on the scalp
• Difficulty getting pregnant
• Dark patches of skin (especially around the neck or underarms)
• Infertility

PCOS can affect many areas of your health beyond your menstrual cycle. Many women with PCOS also experience increased levels of stress and anxiety. 

Managing PCOS involves a personalized approach that addresses both the hormonal and metabolic aspects of the condition. 

At IMPCS, we may recommend a combination of lifestyle changes and medications to regulate your hormones and menstrual cycle. Treatment options may include:

• Thorough Evaluation: PCOS is diagnosed based on your detailed medical history, physical exam, lab testing, and possibly an ultrasound. We take the time to understand your full health picture to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
• Medications: If needed, we may prescribe medications to help regulate your menstrual cycle, reduce androgen levels, and support ovulation. This may involve hormonal birth control, androgen-blocking medications, or insulin-sensitizing drugs.
• Lifestyle Support: Lifestyle changes are a cornerstone of PCOS management. We work with you to create a realistic, long-term plan that may include nutrition guidance and regular exercise to improve symptoms and reduce future health risks.
• Reproductive Health Guidance: If you are trying to conceive or planning for the future, we offer fertility-focused care and can coordinate referrals to fertility specialists when needed.

Breast health is a top priority in women’s health. Breast cancer is a highly invasive disease that can spread to other parts of the body. The risk of breast cancer increases in women with age, especially after 55. 

Breast cancer may not cause any symptoms in its early stages, which makes regular screenings and physical exams incredibly important. However, some signs that could indicate a concern include:

• A mass or lump in the breast or underarm
• Changes in breast size or shape
• Swelling or thickening in part of the breast
• Nipple discharge (other than breast milk)
• Redness, flakiness, or pain in the nipple area
• Changes in the look or feel of the skin on your breast or nipple
• The nipple turned inward into the breast

Our provider performs clinical breast exams during routine visits to check for lumps, skin changes, or other irregularities. We can help you understand what’s normal for your body and when something should be evaluated further.

If there are any concerns or findings during the exam, we may recommend additional imaging, such as a diagnostic ultrasound or a mammogram, and can coordinate referrals to a specialist for further testing or treatment. We also provide personalized guidance on when to begin routine mammography screenings based on your age, risk factors, and family history.

Cervical cancer develops in the lower part of your uterus - the cervix, which connects the uterus to the vaginal opening. It typically progresses slowly over time, often beginning with precancerous changes that can be detected years before they become cancerous.

The most common cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), though other risk factors can contribute as well. Early signs of cervical cancer may include:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding (between periods or after sex)
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse

Cervical cancer can often be detected early through regular Pap smear tests and HPV testing. A Pap smear involves collecting a small sample of cells from the cervix to check for abnormal changes that may indicate precancerous or cancerous activity. HPV testing can identify high-risk HPV virus strains that may lead to cervical cancer.

Practicing safe sex and staying up to date with your routine screenings are two of the most effective ways to protect your cervical health.

Our physician can evaluate any symptoms or concerns you may be experiencing. We offer preventive counseling and can coordinate appropriate follow-up care and refer you to a specialist for further evaluation.

Many STDs do not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages, which means it is possible to carry and transmit an infection without realizing it. That is why regular STD testing is a crucial part of preventive care and essential for protecting your reproductive health.

Some common STD symptoms in women could include:

• A burning sensation in the vagina
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Rashes or bumps on and around the vaginal area
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Pain during intercourse

If left untreated, STDs can lead to serious complications like pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, chronic pelvic pain, pregnancy complications, and an increased risk of cancer or HIV transmission.

At Internal Medicine & Primary Care of Sebastian, we offer confidential and judgment-free STD care. Whether you are experiencing symptoms, have a new partner, or simply want peace of mind, we can help. 

Your visit may include:

• Detailed Assessment: We take the time to understand your symptoms, sexual history, and risk factors to recommend appropriate testing and counseling.
• STD Testing: Testing may include a physical exam, urine tests, blood work, or swab tests, depending on the type of infection being screened for.
• Treatment & Management: If an infection is diagnosed, we provide treatment to address the infection and manage your symptoms. This may include antibiotics or antiviral medications. 
• Prevention Counseling: We can help you understand how to reduce your risk of future STDs with advice on safe sex practices, regular testing, and vaccinations (such as for HPV and hepatitis B).