When you visit your gyno this year, take a few seconds to ask him some questions about your health. It may seem like your doctor wants to get rid of you, but you would be surprised to know that most doctors want their patients to ask them questions about things they may be concerned about.
While the 20s and 30s should be your best healthy years, there may be things you want to know that your doctor will not address unless you ask him.
For example, some questions which may be very commonly thought of but never asked are:
“Why are my periods so irregular?”
Occasionally a woman’s cycle will fluctuate. You may be going through a hormonal inbalance which is usually easily treated. There are several factors that can be responsible for a missed period, such as:
- Weight gain or loss
- Overly exercising
- Increased Stress
- Breast Feeding
- Childbirth or Miscarriage
- Caffeine
While these factors are common and can be treated, you should always consult with your doctor if you have a missed period/cycle to make sure that there is nothing else taking place.
“When should I have my first mammogram?”
It is recommended that women over the age of 40 get a mammogram every one or two years.
Women who have had a history of breast cancer or a history of breast problems in their family may need to be checked before the age of 40. This question should be on the top of your list when you visit your gyno.
“Why am I having hot flashes?”
Many of us may have suffered a hot flash or two at some point. Most women suffer hot flashes and keep it quite assuming it is normal. You should address this issue with your doctor. Not necessarily do hot flashes come with menopause, it can also be another health condition like your thyroid that may be causing these hot flashes as well as it may be nothing at all.
Whether your question feels embarrassing to you or silly, if it is something that concerns you, ask your doctor. It is important for your doctor to know what is going on with you.
Some things your doctor pleads that you know when you visit them are:
- The start date of your last period
- Your family’s medical history
- What kind of method are you using to prevent pregnancies, for example, what contraceptives are you taking
Your doctor wants to know the answers to these questions. Always keep a log of your menstrual cycle, your family medical history and any other health issues that concern you. A pap smear is critical to your health as it can pick up on any abnormalities in your body. Consult with your doctor on how often you should get your pap smear.
If anything is concerning you about your health, consult with your doctor. As silly as it may seem, no question should make you feel embarrassed or afraid. Your doctor will be happy to answer all your questions and make you feel better, both physically and mentally.
Posted in Parent Center, Savvy Moms |
