An internist (or internal medicine doctor) specializes in the internal organs and systems of the body. They also provide primary care to adults and can perform minor surgeries as needed.
Every woman needs an internist. Women experience unique health issues and conditions that can be better monitored by an internist. Internists provide comprehensive care and can help women maintain good health.
Breast cancer rates are rising at an alarming rate. Internists can screen for breast and cervical cancer during patient visits as early diagnosis improves treatment outcomes. If a patient is diagnosed with breast cancer, their doctor in Sonoma can come up with a plan to prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body or refer them to an expert. Your internist can also help you identify ways to reduce your risk of breast cancer.
Depending on their training, an internal medicine doctor can help manage female reproductive health issues. If you do not have a gynecologist and are experiencing a menstrual disorder, reach out to an internist who practices both gynecology and obstetrics.
Menopause marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle. Menopause can cause a number of health problems. Night sweats, mood swings, hot flashes, sleep problems, and other menopause symptoms can affect a woman’s quality of life. Most women experience menopause in their 40s or 50s, at a time when they are at increased risk of heart disease, breast cancer, and osteoporosis.
An internist can help reduce symptoms of menopause and manage complex disorders that can negatively affect quality of life. Age-related health problems are often overlooked when women focus only on their reproductive health.
Internists conduct annual physical examinations. The purpose of an annual physical exam is to help the physician assess the patient’s health. It gives the physician opportunities to discover a potential health condition that needs monitoring.
Unhealthy lifestyle choices are one of the most common causes of health conditions. During patient visits, internists ask patients questions about their lifestyle and recommend healthy lifestyle changes and choices.
A physical exam usually includes heart exam, lung exam, abdomen exam, head & neck exam, neurological exam, dermatological exam, and breast exam.
Your internist would want to know your family history to determine if a health condition specific to women runs in the family and if you are at risk. If your internist suspects you have a health problem, they may order one or more of these tests – a pap smear, mammogram, pelvic exam, breast exam, cholesterol test, or osteoporosis screening depending on the nature of the suspected health problem.
Dr. Guy is one of the most respected, trusted doctors in Sonoma. He has the skills and experience required to accurately diagnose health problems and craft customized treatment plans to suit the specific healthcare needs of his patients. To learn more, call (707) 938-1255.
