Mother’s Day, celebrated each May during Women’s Health Month, is a great reminder to honor the women who shape our families and communities. But as we pack away the flowers and cards, it’s important to remember that women should prioritize themselves — and specifically their health — beyond just one day a year.
From adolescence through menopause and beyond, women experience a range of health needs that deserve consistent attention and care. Obstetricians and gynecologists (OB/GYNs) play an essential role in supporting women at every stage of life by providing preventive screenings, diagnosing and managing conditions, and serving as a trusted resource for reproductive and overall health.
Comprehensive Care at Every Life Stage
A woman’s health needs evolve with time. Regular visits with an OB/GYN help ensure those needs are addressed early and appropriately, whether related to menstruation, family planning, menopause, or overall wellness.
Key areas of focus include:
• Annual Visits – These checkups are an opportunity to review personal and family health history, receive appropriate screenings such as Pap tests and breast exams, discuss menstrual or menopausal symptoms, and identify concerns that may require further evaluation. These exams also support early detection of conditions such as cervical or breast cancer.
• Reproductive Health Management – OB/GYNs assist with contraception counseling, fertility evaluation, pregnancy care, and the diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and uterine fibroids.
• Menopause Support – The physical and emotional changes associated with perimenopause and menopause can impact quality of life. OB/GYNs help patients manage symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and mood changes through individualized care plans, including hormone therapy when appropriate.
• Mental and Emotional Health – Hormonal shifts throughout life, particularly during the postpartum period and menopause, can influence mental health. OB/GYNs are well-positioned to screen for conditions such as postpartum depression and anxiety and provide referrals or treatment when needed.
• Preventive Screenings and Immunizations – Staying current with recommended screenings, such as mammograms and bone density tests, is vital. OB/GYNs also guide patients on vaccinations that protect against HPV, influenza, and other preventable illnesses.
A Continued Commitment to Women’s Well-Being
While holidays like Mother’s Day bring deserved recognition to women, their health should remain a priority every day. Preventive and proactive care not only improves health outcomes, but it also supports the ability of women to continue fulfilling the many roles they play in their families and communities.
Scheduling a routine appointment with an OB/GYN is a simple but powerful way for women to invest in their long-term health. Whether managing ongoing concerns or simply checking in, regular care can make a meaningful difference in overall well-being.
Prioritize Women’s Health All Year Long
Kelsey Cryder, PA-C
UPMC Magee-Womens
Kelsey Cryder, PA-C, is with UPMC Magee-Womens and sees patients at UPMC Williamsport, 740 High St., Williamsport. To make an appointment with Kelsey, call 570-321-3300. For more information, visit UPMC.com/WomensHealthNCPA.
