While cervical cancer rates have dropped in recent decades thanks to advancements and increases in screenings and vaccination, other types of gynecological cancer are on the rise. In particular, uterine cancer is currently the third-most diagnosed cancer for women across the world.

While there are no screenings available for early detection to date, learning more about uterine cancer can empower you to look for early warning signs and get to the bottom of any symptoms with your gynecologist, if needed.

Here’s what all people assigned female at birth should know about uterine cancer.

What Are the Types of Uterine Cancer?

There are two types of uterine cancer:

• Endometrial, which originates in the cells of your uterine lining (known as the endometrium)
• Uterine sarcoma, which develops in the muscles or other tissue of your uterus

Although uterine sarcoma is more aggressive than endometrial cancer, it’s also much less common, making up five to ten percent of all uterine cancers.

What Are Some Symptoms of Uterine Cancer?

Here are some possible symptoms of uterine cancer to watch for:

• Any bleeding after menopause, including light spotting
• Vaginal discharge after menopause
• Bleeding between periods
• Pain or cramping in your pelvic region
• Especially long or heavy periods

Frustratingly, uterine cancer can mimic symptoms of other women’s reproductive conditions, such as fibroids and endometriosis. For instance, pelvic pain or even an upset stomach might be confused with menstrual cramps if you’re still getting your period.

Likewise, spotting between periods has many possible causes, including certain infections, switching or starting hormone-based birth control, and perimenopause, among others. But abnormal bleeding is the telltale sign to watch for, as it occurs in 90% of uterine cancer cases.  It’s therefore critically important to discuss any new or ongoing gynecological symptoms with your doctor, who can then use diagnostic testing to determine their root cause.

Not all abnormal bleeding or pelvic pain will be diagnosed as uterine cancer, but most cases do present at least one of these signs. It’s especially critical that you alert your doctor of any gynecological changes if you’ve already gone through menopause, which is when about 75% of cases are diagnosed.

What Does Uterine Cancer Feel Like?

The early stages of uterine cancer — when detection can yield the most positive outcomes — may not produce any symptoms you can sense or feel internally. For some, early stages of uterine cancer might feel like pelvic pressure (but not necessarily pain). Feeling a mass in your pelvic area or losing weight without trying are also potential warning signs.

No matter their cause, pelvic discomfort and irregular bleeding that persist are important symptoms to investigate with your gynecologist to ensure proper diagnosis and proper treatment.

How Is Uterine Cancer Treated?

The best approach for treating uterine cancer depends on its type and stage. Surgery is the most common treatment, which may involve removal of one or more reproductive organs, as well as surrounding lymph nodes. Other options may include radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy. Oftentimes, specialists such as gynecologists and oncologists work collaboratively to pursue the best treatment outcomes for uterine cancer.

Schedule an Appointment With a Gynecologist at Avant Gynecology

The thought of any type of cancer is unsettling, but knowing that your health is in the most capable and caring hands can be a source of comfort. For both preventative wellness and the treatment of gynecologic conditions, Avant Gynecology is your trusted practice for comprehensive women’s health. To schedule an appointment, send us a message online or call (404) 352-2850.

 

Dr. Lynley Durrett and Dr. Obiamaka Mora of Avant Gynecology appeared on the June 30 episode of “The Weekly Check-Up,” a healthcare talk show on WSB Radio featuring host Dr. Bruce Feinberg. They discussed women’s health, their medical journeys, and their specialized focus on minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgeries.

Dr. Durrett has been with Avant Gynecology for 24 years, while Dr. Obiamaka Mora has been with the practice for 12 years. “I enjoy our practice and our patients,” Dr. Mora shared. “It’s a privilege being able to help the community in all aspects of what we do.”

The doctors kicked off the show by emphasizing the importance of diet in managing iron levels and addressing underlying conditions to treat low iron levels. Additionally, they highlighted the benefits of minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgeries, pointing out these advanced techniques reduce recovery time and improve outcomes for patients. They also discussed important life changes for women, such as puberty and menopause.

“We are fortunate that we get to do continuing care and are seeing people as young as puberty,” said Dr. Durrett, “and they can stay with us their whole lives.”

Drs. Durrett and Mora emphasized the importance of health exams for college-bound students as these exams are important in educating young women about basic functions, STD prevention, and scheduling Pap screenings.

Later, the doctors addressed the misconception bladder and urinary issues are normal as women age, encouraging women to seek medical advice if they experience these problems. Dr. Mora highlighted the importance of colon cancer screenings, noting that undetected colon cancer can lead to anemia and other serious health issues.

“No one is going to take care of you but you,” Dr. Durrett said. “Women need the tools to empower themselves in their healthcare decisions. Often, women may not be aware of all the available options, and it’s our mission to provide them with the resources they need to achieve their health goals.”

For more information or to schedule a visit with Dr. Lynley Durrett and Dr. Obiamaka Mora at Avant Gynecology, visit AvantGynecology.com or call 404-355-5770.

From hot flashes to sleep challenges, the symptoms of menopause can be disruptive and uncomfortable. For some women, these changes take a significant toll on their quality of life. If lifestyle adjustments alone have failed to bring you relief, it may be time to consider hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

In a recent blog, we shared an overview of HRT, including what it’s used for and who may be a good candidate for it. Here, we’re diving deeper into this specific menopause treatment by discussing its side effects, risks, and benefits.

HRT Symptoms & Side Effects

HRT is used to treat a number of symptoms you might experience in the time leading up to menopause, known as perimenopause. For instance, HRT can alleviate brain fog, hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. It may also reduce your risk of other health conditions related to hormone changes, including osteoporosis and heart disease.

As with most medications, HRT can also lead to certain side effects, including bloating and headaches. Breast soreness and vaginal spotting may also occur, but these side effects are often temporary. More serious side effects are rare, but may include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Breast lumps
• Vision changes
• Shortness of breath
• Leg pain
• Severe headache
• Slurred speech
• Limb weakness or numbness
• Abdominal pain

Since they could indicate a serious health issue, seek immediate medical attention if you experience these or any other health changes while taking HRT.

What Are the Risks of HRT?

Perhaps the most noteworthy risk of HRT is that it has been associated with certain types of cancer. There are two main types of HRT: estrogen-only therapy (ET) and estrogen plus progestogen therapy (EPT). While ET can improve menopause symptoms, it increases the likelihood of developing endometrial cancer, or cancer of the uterus. To mitigate this risk, ET is only prescribed to women who have had their uterus removed via hysterectomy.

EPT carries its own risks, as well. The Women’s Health Initiative, a large-scale study on the risks of HRT concluded in the early 2000s, was halted when researchers linked EPT to a possible increased risk of breast cancer and feared compromising otherwise healthy women. However, some members of the medical community have since questioned whether the study was stopped prematurely since the risk appears to be low. According to the American Cancer Society, only eight more cases of breast cancer would result in 10,000 women taking EPT, compared to those not using HRT.

Both types of HRT do carry other risks as well, including the potential for stroke and blood clots, though these serious health risks vary based on each patient’s health factors. The most favorable benefit-risk profile is shared among women who take the lowest dose of HRT for the shortest amount of time, especially those who are younger menopausal women and those who have had their uterus removed.

Benefits of HRT

There’s a wealth of evidence that indicates HRT is effective for treating potentially debilitating symptoms of menopause, including vaginal dryness, night sweats, hot flashes, and bone loss. Addressing these symptoms could drastically improve your quality of life while also promoting better long-term health.

Because at least some risk is present with HRT, however, it’s important to make an informed and thoughtful decision with your gynecologist when considering treatment. Weighing factors such as your individual risk profile against your level of discomfort can help you come to the right choice.

Schedule an HRT Consultation With Avant Gynecology

If you’re exploring the option of HRT or other methods to achieve menopause relief, allow our women’s health specialists to help. Schedule a consultation to discuss your candidacy for HRT and any questions or concerns by calling (404) 352-2850 or by requesting an appointment online.

From physical changes like hot flashes to emotional challenges such as mood swings, menopause brings on many unwelcome symptoms. Some women find that these issues are manageable with home treatments and lifestyle management alone. But if you’re among the many women who find that menopause is disruptive to your quality of life, you could be a good candidate for hormone replacement therapy.

What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy (or “HRT,” and also known as simply “hormone therapy”), is a treatment for symptoms of menopause. As you approach menopause, your ovaries’ production of the hormone estrogen begins to slow down. While this change in your reproductive system is a normal part of aging, it brings a host of unpleasant symptoms, including:

• Night sweats
• Irregular periods
• Vaginal dryness and painful intercourse
• Hot flashes
• Mood changes, which may include depression and irritability
• Sleep difficulties
• Urinary changes, which could include incontinence

The goal of HRT is to replace the estrogen your body is no longer producing in order to alleviate these symptoms.

Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy

HRT can be prescribed as an estrogen-only medication (ET), or as a combination treatment with both estrogen and progestogen (EPT). You may receive ET if you’ve had your uterus removed during a hysterectomy. The addition of progestogen is given to women who still have their uterus, to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer that may be increased when using estrogen alone.

There are two ways HRT can be administered: systemically, in which the medication travels through your entire body, or locally (to target vaginal symptoms, for instance). Examples of systemic HRT include pills, injections, and patches, while local treatments include vaginal creams and rings.

Are You a Good Candidate for HRT?

Before beginning HRT, many women first try lifestyle modifications to manage their menopause symptoms. Wearing layered clothing, sleeping in cotton sheets, and avoiding spicy foods and alcohol could limit hot flashes, for instance. Some women also see improvements by taking supplements to support healthy hormone function. But if these approaches don’t give you adequate relief, it’s worth discussing HRT with your provider, especially when symptoms begin interfering with your routine.

What exactly does that mean? It can look different from one person to the next, but an example could be hot flashes that make it difficult to get through the day or keep you up at night. Likewise, decreased libido and painful intercourse are symptoms that should be addressed. And if you’re struggling with any other issues that could be attributed to menopause, from mood changes to weight gain, it’s possible that HRT could alleviate these issues, too.

If you’re ready to have a conversation about HRT, we’ll help assess your candidacy for the treatment. Talking to a caring specialist is particularly important, as, like most medications, HRT isn’t risk-free. Women tend to see the best results when starting HRT within ten years of menopause, and risks of the treatment are lowest among the younger women. Similar to birth control, ET and EPT can increase the risk of blood clots, though it’s rare in women aged 50 to 59. The risk of breast cancer is also increased with five or more years of EPT, but there was no increased risk with ET alone. Your provider can help you weigh these factors and assess your individual risk profile when determining if HRT is right for you.

Interested in Starting Hormone Replacement Therapy? Schedule an Appointment Today

Starting HRT can be a safe and effective way to manage your menopause symptoms, but it’s a decision that calls for guidance from a medical expert. If you’d like to talk through your options with our care team, call (404) 352-2850 or schedule an appointment online.

When it comes to period pain, it can be tough to say what’s normal. Researchers have only just begun to unravel the complex mystery of pain tolerance, and we’ve recently learned that there are biological and psychosocial factors involved with each person’s experience with pain. Still, understanding how your individual period pain stacks up against typical cramping can help us determine whether there’s another, underlying issue. If your periods are debilitatingly painful, here’s what you should know.

Period Pain: What’s Normal & What’s Not?

“Experiencing some pain during your period is considered normal,” assures Dr. Obiamaka Mora.  Each cycle, your uterus sheds its lining. And to assist in this body-cleansing process, surrounding tissues release prostaglandins: hormone-like substances that trigger muscle contractions. For some women, these contractions are simply bothersome, while for others, the pain may be so intense that it interferes with day-to-day activities.

In general, symptoms of menstrual cramps include:

• Throbbing or cramping pain in the abdominal region ranging from mild to intense
• Discomfort that begins one to three days before your period and ends within two to three days after your period starts
• A dull, persistent ache
• Discomfort that radiates to the lower back

“The challenge here is that terms like ‘severe’ and ‘intense’ aren’t universally defined,” says Dr. Mora; “each person’s pain tolerance is different, so it’s impossible to say what menstrual cramps ‘should’ feel like.” While more than half of women experience at least some period pain, only some women experience pain so severe that it interferes with normal activities for several days each cycle. If you fall into this camp, it’s probably time to seek help. Missing out on multiple days of your routine each month can be disruptive at best, but more importantly, no one should have to live in pain.

What Can Cause Severe Period Pain?

Normal levels of pain caused by your menstrual cycle is known as primary dysmenorrhea. But there are several reproductive conditions that can make period pain more intense in what’s known as secondary dysmenorrhea, including:

• Uterine fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Adenomyosis
• Crohn’s disease and other medical conditions that can flare up during periods

For some women, periods will unfortunately just be more painful than they are for others. But when painful periods are caused by an underlying factor, your gynecologist can help.

How Can a Gynecologist Help with Period Pain?

Sometimes, self-care measures like hot baths and heating pads are enough to alleviate period pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) also bring relief, and can reduce the amount of prostaglandins your uterus produces, thereby minimizing cramping.

But if these approaches aren’t enough to alleviate your pain, talk to your gynecologist. We can discuss symptoms with you, and perform a pelvic exam or medical imaging to see if an underlying issue is present. Sometimes, hormonal birth control can be used to alleviate intense period pain. In other cases, there may be conditions requiring treatment, such as surgery to remove uterine fibroids.

Schedule a Women’s Health Appointment For Period Pain Today

Are painful periods stopping you in your tracks each month? If so, Avant Gynecology is here to help with personalized women’s health services. To schedule an appointment, call 404-352-2850 or send us a message online.