Women's Wellness Blog

Health Care Answers from the Health Professionals at Kalispell OB/GYN Associates.

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Menopause and Hormone Therapy – Why All The Confusion?

By Kalispell OB/GYN | Feb 6, 2024

Gwen Jonas, MD, discusses the perimenopausal transition and menopause, defining menopause as a period of 12 months without menstruation due to decreased ovarian function and hormone production. Symptoms affect 75% of women, including vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats) and mood changes, and can last 7-10 years. Menopause also brings symptomless risks like bone weakening and increased heart disease risk due to poorer cholesterol profiles and insulin resistance. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is presented as an effective treatment for many, addressing misconceptions about its safety based on updated research. HRT benefits include symptom relief and reduced risks of bone fractures, diabetes, and possibly heart disease in women starting it within ten years of menopause before age 60. Various HRT delivery methods and the importance of discussing risks, like blood clots and stroke with a healthcare provider, are highlighted. “Bioidentical” hormones are clarified, and continuous use of HRT beyond 65 is considered if symptoms persist, emphasizing individualized treatment decisions.

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Menopause

Menopause

By Kalispell OB/GYN | Nov 17, 2023

Written by Marci Mangold, PA-C Did you know that only half of women aged 50 continue to have intercourse, and by age 70, only 27 percent are sexually active? According to a study at Johns Hopkins, this is a natural effect of aging, and it is not surprising that the older we get the less…

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What Is A Pessary?

 What is a Pessary?

By Kalispell OB/GYN | Sep 25, 2023

Written by Shawn Shanahan,APRN-WHNP, Kalispell OB-GYN I am often asked, “Why didn’t anyone ever tell me about pessaries?” One patient remarked, “They really are a game changer.” A pessary is typically a silicone rubber reusable device that is worn in the vagina. They come in many styles, shapes, and sizes because women come in many…

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Understanding HPV

By Kalispell OB/GYN | Jul 14, 2023

Understanding HPV: Learn about the human papillomavirus, its transmission, symptoms, prevention, and available treatment options. Stay informed with Kalispellobgyn.

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The Psychological Benefits of Exercise

By Kalispell OB/GYN | May 22, 2023

Kaycee McIntosh, PA-C at Kalispell OB/GYN Have you ever felt a sense of total and complete freedom? This winter, I discovered something that created energy, motivation, inspiration, and joy in a place I didn’t expect. I have three boys, so there is little time for self-care and exercise.  We also have a very energetic black…

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 A Discussion about Seasonal Affective Disorder 

By Kalispell OB/GYN | Mar 20, 2023

Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) resolve with seasonal shifts and make this disorder separate from an underlying diagnosis of depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. These shifting symptoms typically include more feelings of isolation or withdrawal from one’s social support, increased depression, and fatigue or lack of energy. There is a difficult line to draw…

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Not just another New Year’s Resolution: A holistic approach to health and wellness by maintaining a balanced lifestyle for years to come

By Kalispell OB/GYN | Feb 20, 2023

 Written by Marci Mangold, PA-C  As a new year is upon us, many recognize the need to reflect on the past year and plan for a better, less-stressed, more joyful, and healthier year ahead. Often, great intentions lead to New Year’s resolutions in hopes of achieving a specific goal, and we fully intend to keep…

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women wearing pink ribbons for breast cancer awareness

Keeping Abreast Of Your Health

By Kalispell OB/GYN | Nov 30, 2022

Early detection and prompt treatment can turn a breast cancer sufferer into a breast cancer survivor. Various organizations, such as The American Cancer Society, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the US Preventative Task Force to name a few, have developed guidelines for how best to screen average-risk women for breast cancer based…

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 What is Office Hysteroscopy? 

By Kalispell OB/GYN | Sep 16, 2022

Hysteroscopy has traditionally been performed
in a hospital operating room (OR) under general anesthesia but is increasingly being
performed in the office setting.

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