WOMEN’S Health Directory
Your Hormones There are many different aspects that can affect hormone health such as your diet, exercise regimen and age. Typically, the issue of hormone health comes up as a woman approaches menopause and directly afterward. Whether or not you need hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a personal decision and one that should be made after considering all the facts.
Gynecology Associates of North Georgia 475 Tribble Gap Rd., Ste. 225, Cumming, 30040 (770) 887-0559
“Starting hormone therapy requires evaluation by a physician with focus on endocrine function. Personal history, symptoms, family history, physical exam and certain laboratory tests should be reviewed, as well as extensive discussion about the risk and benefits of the therapy,” advises Ceana Nezhat, MD, FACOG, FACS Gynecologist Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northside Hospital. “Many of the symptoms that we associate with menopause can be addressed and treated. Currently, there are many different combinations and forms of hormones and the therapy must be tailored to the individual.” Nezhat goes on to explain that there are many medical conditions that require the use of hormones such as diabetes, thyroid conditions, adrenal insufficiency, and female sex hormone imbalance due to malfunction or lack of ovarian function. Certain clues that hormone therapy might be indicated include changes in weight, hair loss, changes in mood, sexual desire, acne, fatigue, abnormal uterine bleeding, dry skin, and vaginal dryness. “When re-establishing optimal hormone levels, it is important to consider the source. Bio-identical hormones, from natural sources have the exact same molecular structure as the ones we produce, making them easily recognizable and usable,” explains Sharon Bent-Harley, MD of Harley Anti-Aging Institute. “Synthetic hormones, on the other hand, do not have this same structure and would not be expected to impact cells in the exact same manner as bio-identical hormones.” In 2002, a government-funded study called the Women’s Health Initiative did a study on HRT and found certain risks, such as cancer, to be linked to long-term use of this therapy. They advise that women with breast cancer, heart disease, liver disease, or a history of blood clots are not candidates for HRT. If you are considering HRT for yourself, make sure you check with a physician before beginning any type of treatment.
Her Health Matters Johns Creek, 30022 (770) 777-1517, www.herhealthmatters.org See ad on pg. 80
Isis OB-GYN 401 South Main St., Ste. B-8, Alpharetta, 30009 (770) 521-2229, www.isisobgyn.com
Modern OB-GYN of North Atlanta 6335 Hospital Parkway, Ste. 204, Johns Creek, 30097 (404) 446-2496, www.Reyesobgyn.com
Moore/Boulton OB-GYN 9 Dunwoody Park, Ste. 108, Atlanta, 30338 (770) 393-1988, www.mbog.net
Mount Vernon OB-GYN Associates LLC 3400 Old Milton Parkway Bldg. A Ste. 200, Alpharetta, 30005 (404) 256-2277, www.mtvernonobgyn.com
Mount Vernon OB-GYN Associates, LLC 755 Mt Vernon Hwy Ste. 330, Atlanta, 30328 (404) 256-2277, www.mtvernonobgyn.com
North Fulton Regional Hospital 3000 Hospital Blvd. Roswell 30076 (770) 751-2500, www.nfultonhospital.com
North Fulton OB-GYN, PC 2500 Hospital Blvd., Ste. 290 Roswell 30076 (770) 754-4445
Your Vitals
North Pointe OB-GYN
Practically every check up begins with an evaluation of your vitals, and rightfully so. Your blood pressure, cholesterol, weight and other important numbers all have a monumental effect on the rest of your body. Don’t overlook these important screenings, and instead make them your top priority, even if you feel you are leading a healthy lifestyle.
1505 Northside Boulevard Ste. 3500 Cumming 30041 (770) 886-3555
Paramedical Tattooing & Breast Areola Repigmentation
Blood Pressure Screening. Ideal blood pressure for women is less than 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). Get tested at least every two years if you have normal blood pressure (lower than 120/80). Get tested once a year if you have blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89. Discuss treatment with your doctor or nurse if you have blood pressure 140/90 or higher. Cholesterol Check. Have your cholesterol checked at least every five years starting at about age 20. “It is important to note that acceptable cholesterol levels for women are slightly different than those for men. Total cholesterol count should be less than 200 mg/dl. LDL (“L” for bad or lethal cholesterol) should be less than 100 mg/dl, while HDL (“H” for good or healthy cholesterol) should be 50 mg/dl or higher and triglycerides lower than 150 mg/dl.,” explains Mobasseri. Blood Glucose Test. Have a blood glucose test every three years starting at age 45 to test for diabetes or pre-diabetes. If you are already showing signs or symptoms of diabetes, or if it runs in your family, you may want to get tested before 45. www.bestselfconnect.com
38197.11.10.indd Womens health.indd437
1655 Mansell Rd., Ste. 234 Alpharetta 30009 (678) 615-0497, www.atlantainkandlash.com See ad on pg. 56
Providence Women’s Healthcare 1300 Upper Hembree Rd., Bldg. 100, Ste. D, Roswell, 30076 (770) 670-6170, www.providencewomenshealthcare.com
Reproductive Biology Associates 11975 Morris Rd., Ste. 220, Alpharetta, 30005 (678) 366-2154
Reproductive Institute 1360 Center Drive, Ste. 100, Dunwoody, 30338 (770) 343-8550, www.drwaynehudak.com
Sovereign Women’s Healthcare 1875 Old Alabama Rd., Ste. 210, Roswell, 30076 (770) 670-6145, www.sovereignwomenshealthcare.com
Suddenly Slimmer 12890 Alpharetta Highway, Ste. 100 Alpharetta, 30004 (678) 206-2100, www.suddenlyslimmeratlanta.com See ad on pg. 40
Synergy Wellness Centers of Roswell 1775 Woodstock Rd., Ste. 110, Roswell, 30075 (678) 951-0117
Women’s Institute For Health 1140 Hammond Drive, Building K, Ste. 200, Atlanta 30328 (404) 832-0300,www.wifh.com
BEST SELF ATLANTA
OCTOBER 2011
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