Our Services / Women's Health

What is women's health?

Women's health focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating medical problems in women. Some of the women's health services available at Southern New Hampshire Internal Medicine include:

Gynecology

Gynecology covers issues with menstruation, sexual health, and menopause. That could include conditions like cervical cancer, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and irregular, heavy, or painful periods.  

Contraception

If you're sexually active, but you aren't ready to have a baby, your provider at Southern New Hampshire Internal Medicine can advise you on the best form of birth control, from pills and patches to implants and intrauterine devices (IUDs).  

Hormone therapy

Menopause comes as the reproductive stage of your life ends. Before and after menopause, hormonal fluctuations can cause problems like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, low libido, and irritability. Hormone replacement therapy addresses these symptoms by replacing lost estrogen.

What other women's health services might I need?

In addition to treating conditions relating to the female reproductive system, the Southern New Hampshire Internal Medicine team also helps women with other health problems that affect women in high numbers. These include:

• Breast cancer
• Osteoporosis  
• Depression and anxiety
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Heart disease
• Obesity
• Venous diseases

Working with you to prevent these conditions and detect them at the earliest stages helps you enjoy good health for longer and a better quality of life.

What tests might I need for women's health conditions?

Southern New Hampshire Internal Medicine offers a comprehensive suite of diagnostic and screening tests, including:

Mammograms

The team has on-site 3D digital mammography for breast cancer screening and the evaluation of breast lumps.

Bone density scan

Bone density scans evaluate your bones for osteoporosis. The team uses DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) technology, which is highly accurate and only takes a few minutes.

Pap smears

A Pap smear uses a sample of cells from your cervix to test for signs of cervical cancer or the presence of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes most cases of cervical cancer.

How often should I have a women's health exam?

Your provider at Southern New Hampshire Internal Medicine can advise you on how often to have screening tests and a well-woman exam. The team generally recommends healthy women should schedule an exam annually, but you may need more frequent exams if you have an ongoing women's health issue.

You should have a mammogram every year once you're over 40. You need to have a Pap smear every three years from ages 21-65, although this may change to every five years if you're over 30 and test negative for HPV.

For optimal women's health, call Southern New Hampshire Internal Medicine and schedule a consultation, or book an appointment online today.