ccdmtcastaldi, Author at FW Center for Pelvic Medicine

Menopause? Consider Hormone Therapy in Fort Worth

You’ve tried to prepare yourself for the physical changes that happen to a woman with aging. You were ready for the wrinkles and the gray hair. Menopause is a different story. The symptoms hit you hard. You had hoped that your healthy lifestyle would help you to cruise through this phase in your life. Unfortunately, nothing you did up until now has made a difference. As you reach this point in life when your menstrual cycle is going to stop forever, you are going through a change in hormone levels. Estrogen and progesterone levels are specifically affected during menopause. A decrease in these essential hormones does much more than mark a close to monthly periods. It can have a negative impact on you in many ways. Hormone therapy in Fort Worth can help you to find relief.

What are Common Signs That You are Experiencing Menopause?

When you are entering menopause, your period may begin by being erratic. It may be shorter or longer than it used to be. You’ll notice it stops happening regularly. Eventually, it will completely stop. Go without menstruation for a year, and you are officially in menopause. You may struggle with weight gain as your metabolism stops moving as quickly as it once did. Dramatic mood swings are to be expected. Fatigue is common. You may also have difficulty sleeping. Hot flashes can make you miserable. Vaginal changes are common as well. The tissues of your vagina will thin out, making them more prone to mild tears and irritation. Lack of lubrication is another problem. Your interest in sexual intimacy is likely to disappear. When you are going through all of these symptoms, you may think there is something seriously wrong with you. You may just need to get your hormone levels back up to where they should be.

Hormone Therapy Can Target Low Hormone Levels

If menopause is the reason you are having troublesome symptoms, hormone therapy could resolve the problem. You may also require some type of vaginal rejuvenation treatment like MonaLisa Touch. The first step in getting started is making an appointment with our expert at Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine. You need to be open about the symptoms you have been experiencing. Let us know how long you have been feeling the way you do. If your blood test proves that your hormone levels are not where they should be, we will discuss your hormone therapy options. Contact us today to book your consultation at our office in Fort Worth.

What Can a Transvaginal Ultrasound in Fort Worth Reveal?

Nowadays, there are more methods than ever to detect potential health problems. A transvaginal ultrasound here in Fort Worth can help you detect and diagnose many potential health problems. It is safe and effective for women who are pregnant as well as those who have other gynecological concerns.

What is a Transvaginal Ultrasound?

Like any ultrasound, a transvaginal one uses sound waves in order to create images. In this type of ultrasound, a probe is inserted a few inches into the vagina. By doing this, your cervix, vagina, fallopian tubes, and uterus can all be examined. The images captured are then examined for any abnormalities.

Who Needs a Transvaginal Ultrasound?

There are many cases in which this type of examination may be recommended for you. For pregnant women, it can be used to monitor the heartbeat of the baby, examine the placenta, or diagnose a potential miscarriage. This type of ultrasound can even be used to diagnose an early pregnancy. If you are not pregnant, you may still need this type of exam. Examples of when this may occur include:

Abnormal bleeding
Pelvic pain
Infertility
Cyst check
Abnormal pelvic exam
Ectopic pregnancy

Many health issues can be revealed using this method. Common ones include:

Placenta previa
Miscarriage
Ectopic pregnancy
Fibroids
Cysts
Pelvic infection
Cancer in the reproductive organs

What to Expect with a Transvaginal Ultrasound

All in all, this is considered to be a very comfortable procedure here in Fort Worth. There is very little special preparation required by you prior to the test. The ultrasound probe is inserted and then rotated in order to get accurate images. While you may feel slight pressure, the process is no more uncomfortable than a Pap smear. How long the exam will take can vary. Typically speaking, it takes anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes to complete.

This procedure is considered very safe. Due to the fact that no radiation is used, it is safe for both the baby and the mother when a pregnant woman has one done. Approximately 24 hours after your appointment, results should be in. Assuming that clear pictures were gotten, a diagnosis can be made, if necessary.

Get In Touch with Us for More Information

If you would like to learn more about having a transvaginal ultrasound, feel free to make an appointment with Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine. At our convenient location in Fort Worth, TX, our caring and knowledgeable staff will be pleased to answer any questions about this process and any other treatment such as the MonaLisa Touch. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to speaking with you!

Common Questions About Ovarian Cysts

Any kind of abnormal pain that you have in your abdomen should be investigated as there are multiple reasons for the cause. One of those reasons is an ovarian cyst. This is something that is rather common among women of all ages. When you meet with our doctor, there are a few questions that you might have that other women have as well about what causes ovarian cysts to form and the treatment involved.

How Can You Tell if You Have a Cyst?

If you have an ovarian cyst, then you will likely experience pain in your lower abdomen near your pelvic region. You could also experience pain during and after intercourse or before and during your menstrual cycle. Another common sign is bloating in your abdomen that you might experience before your period begins. Menstrual cycles that are irregular or that are abnormally heavy are also signs that you might have an ovarian cyst. Sometimes, a cyst will bleed. If you notice a significant amount of bleeding at one time and it’s not during your menstrual cycle, then it could be from a ruptured cyst. This usually happens as the cyst reaches a size that is simply too large for the area to sustain any longer.

How Long Will I Be in Pain?

A question that you might have for our doctor is how long a cyst can cause pain. For most women, the pain that you experience tends to go away in about two or three months. This is because that’s usually about the length of time that it takes for a cyst to go away on its own without treatment. If you notice that there’s continued pain after about three months or it gets worse, then you should seek treatment from our doctor as it might need to be surgically removed.

Is a Cyst Hereditary?

If there has been a history of ovarian cysts in your family, then you might be predisposed to getting them. Keep in mind that there’s no clear indication that genetics is specifically linked to these cysts, so you usually don’t have to worry for the most part.

Do Cysts Affect Fertility?

When you meet with our doctor about ovarian cysts, you might want to know if they can cause issues with getting pregnant. They can make it difficult to get pregnant, especially if you have several cysts over a period of time. The cysts put pressure on the ovaries and other components of the reproductive system, which can then make it difficult to conceive.

To ask more questions about ovarian cysts, set up a time to visit Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine in Fort Worth, TX. We are experts in vaginal health and offer various services ranging from MonaLisa Touch® to infertility treatments. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

The Importance of Visiting Our OB/GYN

As a female, it’s important to take proper care of your body as there are issues that could arise that can be treated if they are seen in the early stages. You also need to take the proper steps by visiting an OB/GYN to ensure that your reproductive health is as good as possible if you want to have children in the future. Breast cancer can also be detected if our doctor feels any lumps during an exam or notices any abnormal areas after a mammogram is performed. Aside from your reproductive health, our doctor can monitor your overall health as well so that you don’t have to seek another office to visit.

One reason as to why you want to visit our OB/GYN is so that you can have clinical breast exams performed. Although you might know how to perform your own exam at home, there are some things that our doctor can look for that you don’t know how to detect. If there are any signs that something could be wrong, then our doctor can order a mammogram or other tests to make sure there are no signs of cancer present. You can also find out the proper way to conduct an exam at home if you’re not sure.

Since an OB/GYN can be your primary provider as well as your reproductive health provider, there are numerous aspects of your personal health that can be monitored. One is your mental health. You can feel free to talk about any emotional issues that you’re experiencing, especially if you’ve had a miscarriage or you’re facing difficulties getting pregnant. Your diet and exercise habits can be discussed so that you can make a plan to stay as healthy as possible. Various health screenings can be provided including a Pap smear and other exams to detect different types of cancers or other issues.

While at the office, you can talk about your menstrual cycle and what should be normal. If you’re of the proper age, you can also talk about what to expect when you go through menopause. If you’re sexually active, then it’s important to visit our OB/GYN to get information about how to prevent pregnancy or what to do if you think that you’re pregnant.

Learn more about why it’s important to visit an OB/GYN by consulting our specialists at Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine in Fort Worth. Contact our office today to book your appointment!

How Can an Infertility Specialist Benefit You?

As you age, many things play into your life. You may have had a complication with your reproductive organ. Your spouse may not have the necessary firepower. Whatever the cause of your fertility concerns, you may need to see an infertility specialist.

Generally, if you are more than 35 years old, it is advisable to see an infertility specialist. If you have tried to get pregnant for over a year without success, a specialist can assist you with that. If you have had a miscarriage lately, seeing an infertility specialist can help you understand the cause. Seeing a specialist has many benefits. Here are just some of them.

Understand Your Risk Factors

Problems with pregnancies range from not getting pregnant to giving birth to unhealthy children. If there is a genetic disorder running in your family, you may consider seeing a specialist about it to understand the risk factors. There is no way of changing the way genetics work, but you can know all the risk factors.

You can also prepare mentally for what to expect when you try to get pregnant. An infertility specialist can shed light on all of the risk factors related to infertility. They can help you understand viable sperm and ovum, the integrity of the cervix, uterine integrity, and many other things.

Prevent Miscarriages and Pre-Term Pregnancies

Losing a pregnancy can be devastating. It can land you in more trouble if you decide to get pregnant immediately without understanding the cause of the miscarriage. Carrying a full-term pregnancy requires an enabling environment. An infertility specialist can guide you on how to prepare the foundation before you get pregnant.

Give Birth to a Healthy Baby

Some children endure a bad environment to term, and they are born with malnutrition or other complications. Imagine a child trying to grow in an environment where he or she competes with a benign tumor. A specialist can work with you to prepare for the child.

Know Your Options in Advance

Getting pregnant the old-fashioned way is not possible for everyone. You may want to consider other options if this method fails. Lucky for you, there are several options available for you and your spouse. You can also get a baby when you are alone through other options.

You can consider all the options when you meet an infertility specialist, and if you are interested, you can also learn about the amazing MonaLisa Touch vaginal rejuvenation treatment. All you have to do is book an appointment at Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine to get started. Contact us today to set up your consultation at our office in Fort Worth!

What is Menopausal Hormone Therapy?

Menopause is a normal part of a woman’s aging process. The word describes the changes that accompany the end of a woman’s reproductive period, which typically happens when she is in her early 50s. If you’re dealing with any issues related to menopause, hormone therapy could help.

During her reproductive years, a woman’s ovaries release an egg every month. They also produce the hormones progesterone and estrogen that regulate menstruation and ovulation. As a woman goes through menopause, her hormone levels drop and she gradually stops ovulating and menstruating.

While menopause is normal, it can cause a variety of unpleasant side effects like the following:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Vaginal dryness
• Trouble concentrating
• Insomnia
• Muscle weakness
• Urinary incontinence
• Painful intercourse
• Dizziness

Hormone therapy restores the patient’s hormones to their original levels and, thus, reduces the severity of menopause’s side effects or eliminates them altogether. Hormone therapy can also reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

What Does Hormone Therapy Involve?

Since several hormones are involved, and different patients will have different symptoms and hormone levels, we will have to customize the therapy for each patient. We will start by asking the patient about their symptoms and administering blood tests to determine the amount of hormones the patient will need.

There are different ways to administer hormones. The patient may choose from pellet insertion, oral therapy, injections, transdermal (skin patch), lotion, or gel. We will make sure to recommend the methods we think would be most suitable for the patient.

For example, oral therapy is not recommended for patients with liver problems. Such patients will be offered methods that don’t affect their liver. With skin patches, for example, the hormones bypass the liver and head straight into the bloodstream that transports them within the body.

How Does Pellet Therapy Work?

Pellet insertion or pellet therapy is a surprisingly old form of hormone replacement therapy that dates back to the 1930s. It is particularly popular in Australia and parts of Europe.

In pellet insertion, the hormones are contained within a pellet slightly bigger than a grain of rice. Over a period of months, the pellet will dissolve within the patient’s body and release a constant and steady stream of hormones. Pellet insertion avoids the fluctuations that accompany other forms of hormone replacement therapy.

Who is a Good Candidate for Hormone Therapy?

Simply book an appointment at Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine to find out whether or not you qualify for hormone therapy. During this meeting, we can tell you about various treatments you may be interested in, including MonaLisa Touch®. Contact us today to set up your initial consultation at our office in Fort Worth!

Can Pelvic Floor Therapy Make a Difference?

The pelvic floor is a very important part of the body that does not get as much attention as it should. When this area is weakened or injured, a long list of unpleasant symptoms can result. While surgery may be necessary in severe cases, many people can benefit from pelvic floor therapy instead. By learning how to strengthen and/or retrain your muscles, a variety of problems can be solved. Here at Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine, we encourage you to learn more about how this therapy can benefit you.

What Can Pelvic Floor Therapy Treat?

There are many issues that can be helped through the use of pelvic floor therapy. It can be especially beneficial to women who have recently given birth or anyone who has experienced an injury to the area. Some symptoms that can be alleviated through this therapy include painful sexual intercourse, urinary tract infections, and urinary incontinence.

What to Expect with Pelvic Floor Therapy

Seeing a specialist for pelvic floor therapy can accomplish many things. Strength and flexibility can be assessed. After this, we can begin working on a personalized treatment plan for you. Recommendations for your self-care routine can be made as well. While some people may only need a few sessions to achieve their desired goals, others may need more extensive therapy. At your first appointment, you can expect to discuss in detail any symptoms you may be experiencing as well as your medical history.

Contact Us to Get More Information

You don’t have to suffer pelvic discomfort any longer. To learn more about pelvic floor therapy and how it can make a difference in your life, we warmly encourage you to reach out and make an appointment with Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine! At our convenient location in Fort Worth, TX, our dedicated and knowledgeable staff will be ready and eager to explain your options in full, address any questions or concerns you may have, and help you life a more comfortable and satisfying life. We are also proud to offer such treatments as the MonaLisa Touch®. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to speaking with you!

When to Talk to a Doctor About Endometriosis

Endometriosis occurs when endometrial cells begin to grow outside the uterus. These cells are similar to those forming inside the uterus. The most common location for these cells is on organs of the pelvis, though they can grow elsewhere as well. The majority of women with this condition do not experience any symptoms. When symptoms are experienced they may include various kinds of pelvic pain and infertility.

Pelvic pain during ovulation or menstruation may be a symptom of endometriosis but does not necessarily mean the condition is present. The condition can be diagnosed according to the symptoms of the woman or during a physical examination. A type of surgery called a laparoscopy is usually required for a definite diagnosis.

The Stages of Endometriosis

Endometrial tissue is very similar to the tissues lining the uterus. When a woman menstruates, she sheds this tissue. When an area of endometrial tissue appears in an ectopic location. it is called an endometrial implant. These are most often located on the pelvic lining, the bowels, Fallopian tubes, and the surface of the uterus. The less common locations include the bladder, cervix and uterus. In rare cases, it is possible for an occurrence outside the pelvis.

There have been cases reported in the lungs, liver, and thighs. Although it is possible for endometrial implants to become serious, in most cases they are non-cancerous or benign. If a woman suspects she may have this condition she should consult with her physician as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment. The majority of endometriosis cases are classified as mild or minimal. This means the scarring is mild and the implants are superficial. Severe and moderate cases often result in severe scarring.

Contact Us to Get More Information

If you believe it is possible you have endometriosis, we encourage you to get in touch with us and book an appointment with Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine! At our convenient location in Fort Worth, TX, our friendly staff of knowledgeable professionals will be more than happy to give you a full examination, address any questions or concerns you may have, and explain your options in full. Contact us today to set up a consultation!

Hormone Replacement Therapy: Am I a Good Candidate?

Hormone levels can fluctuate dramatically. Very high levels or very low levels of a certain hormone can have a dramatic effect on how you feel and how you interact with the rest of the world. PMS, pregnancy, menopause, or other life changes can affect your hormone levels. Fortunately, hormone replacement therapy can raise hormones to normal levels and eliminate many of the negative effects. Not all people are good candidates for hormone replacement therapy. We can help you determine whether or not you are a good candidate for hormone replacement therapy.

Irregular Health Issues for Your Age

If you are experiencing hot flashes or one of the other typical menopausal symptoms at an early age, you may be a good candidate for HRT. This could actually be what is known as perimenopause. It is a condition in which hormone levels fall prematurely.

Weight Gain

Before we delve into weight gain as a possible sign that you could benefit from HRT, we must first establish that weight gain in itself does not indicate a hormonal imbalance. However, it can sometimes be a sign of a condition known as adrenal fatigue. Only medical professionals will be able to evaluate you and determine what the cause of your weight gain may be.

Previous Thyroid Issues

Lowered or heightened thyroid function can be an indicator that HRT will be effective. However, these symptoms will not always be solved with treatment. HRT can only be effective if the low thyroid function is caused by a hormonal imbalance. The only way to discover this is by consulting with a qualified professional.

Depleted Bone Mass

Individuals with depleted bone mass may be a good candidate for HRT, especially if they have not responded to other treatments. If this sounds like you, your bone mass condition may be a result of lowered hormone levels.

Hormone replacement therapy proves to be very effective for patients who display particular symptoms. If you are experiencing abnormal symptoms, make an appointment at Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine to learn more about hormone replacement therapy and your other options, such as MonaLisa Touch®. It may be able to mitigate or eliminate these symptoms. Contact us today to arrange an appointment in Fort Worth.

Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts

If you’re a female and experience pain on either side of your abdomen, there are a few possibilities to consider. Ovarian cysts are quite common among women of all ages and are sometimes not even noticed until you visit a doctor for a routine physical or until you experience pain associated with the cyst. Fortunately, there are a few signs and symptoms that you can pay attention to if you think that you have a cyst in this area of your body.

What is an Ovarian Cyst?

In order to understand the signs and symptoms, you should know a little about the background of an ovarian cyst. This is a small sac that is often filled with fluid. They are usually benign and nothing to worry about. However, if the cyst doesn’t go away, then surgery could be needed to remove it before it does develop into something more.

Pain

If you have a cyst on one or both ovaries, then you will likely have pain that continues to get worse over time. The pain is often felt on the right or left side and in the lower part of your abdomen. There is a possibility that you can feel the cyst while you’re exercising or if you’re sexually active with someone. The pain will be in a location that is specific to your ovaries instead of traveling to other areas of your body.

Bloated Feeling

After you eat a large meal, you probably feel bloated and like you’ve gained a few pounds. This is the same feeling that you can experience if you have ovarian cysts. Since most cysts are of a small size, not all women experience bloating. However, there are some cysts that can grow to a larger size and can make you gain a few pounds from the excess fluid or tissue that is present in your abdomen.

Urinating

Another common sign of ovarian cysts is the feeling that you have to urinate all the time. This can be misleading sometimes because you would expect to urinate if you drink coffee during the day or if your diet includes a lot of water. However, if you go to the bathroom all the time but can’t seem to urinate when the feeling is there, then you could have a cyst that is pressing on your bladder.

Talk to the Professionals

Don’t diagnose ovarian cysts on your own. Make an appointment at Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine to learn more about your case. Contact our office in Fort Worth today to book a consultation.

Menopause? Consider Hormone Therapy in Fort Worth

What Can a Transvaginal Ultrasound in Fort Worth Reveal?

Common Questions About Ovarian Cysts

The Importance of Visiting Our OB/GYN

How Can an Infertility Specialist Benefit You?

What is Menopausal Hormone Therapy?

Can Pelvic Floor Therapy Make a Difference?

When to Talk to a Doctor About Endometriosis

Hormone Replacement Therapy: Am I a Good Candidate?

Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts

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