Claxton-Hepburn

GYN and Getting Older With age comes wisdom—and increased risk for certain gynecologic conditions. LADIES, THE OLDER you get, the more vulnerable you are to gynecologic illnesses that weren't of much concern when you were younger. Your OB-GYN can advise you about preventing such conditions and help you address them if any arise, including the following three. GYNECOLOGIC CANCER Cancers of the cervix, ovaries, uterus, vagina, and vulva differ in many ways, but they share an important risk factor: advancing age. Some of these cancers also have certain symptoms in common. Abnormal vaginal bleeding, for example, can be a red ag for cervical, ovarian, uterine, and vaginal cancers. Your best protection against gynecologic cancer is early detection. Have regular cervical cancer screenings, and follow up with your OB-GYN if you experience abnormal gynecologic symptoms. See "Stay the Course" for more information. PERIMENOPAUSE The transitional time of shifting hormone levels leading to menopause—a woman's last period—can be concerning for many women because of the symptoms it causes. During perimenopause, which often occurs in a woman's40s, estrogen and progesterone levels decline. This can cause vaginal dryness, difculty sleeping, irregular periods, and changes in mood. To cope with hot ashes—the most common and, for many women, most disruptive symptom of perimenopause—identify your triggers and adjust accordingly, such as exercising only in cool environments. PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE Layers of tissue in the pelvic oor act as a kind of supportive scaffold to hold the pelvic organs in place. If these tissues weaken, the structures they support—the vagina, uterus, and cervix, among others—can drop out of place, a condition called pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Women with this condition may experience discomfort or pressure in the pelvis, as well as urinary incontinence (involuntary leakage of urine). Obesity is a major risk factor for POP and urinary incontinence. Exercising regularly and following a healthy diet can help you maintain a healthy weight and prevent pelvic oor dysfunction. If problems arise, don't stay silent. There is no reason to live with POP or incontinence when so many options for relief exist. Our newest OB-GYN, Glasine Lawson, MD, can help nd the solution best for you. Our team of OB-GYNs will help guide you through life's changes. To make an appointment or find out more, call 315-713-6700 or visit providers.claxtonhepburn.org/team/ obgyn. Stay the Course Your health screenings schedule isn't static. As you age, certain preventive tests rotate off the roster and others debut. One screening should remain, however, at least for a while: the Pap test to detect cervical cancer. National guidelines call for women ages 21–29 to have a Pap test every three years. Women ages 30–65 can have either a Pap test and a human papillomavirus test every five years or a Pap test alone every three years. Women who have had a total hysterectomy and have no history of cervical cancer may stop having the Pap test earlier. After age 65, women no longer need to have the Pap test, provided their previous three tests have shown no signs of cervical cancer. 5 Tomorrow is worth defending. L I V I N G W E L L L I V I N G W E L L

• Cover