Continue post-menopause exams

Concerned about your health? Experts from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton are ready to answer readers’ questions. Send your questions to askthedoc@rwjuhh.edu.Q. I recently went through menopause. Do I still need to see my gynecologist now that I am post-menopausal? If so, how often do I need to go and what types of tests do I still need to have? A. As a post-menopausal woman, you are no longer experiencing a menstrual cycle and your body has stopped or nearly stopped producing estrogen. But that does not mean you should skip your regular checkups and screenings with your gynecologist. Women who have gone through menopause are at a higher risk for certain conditions associated with having a lower level of estrogen, including osteoporosis and heart disease. You should continue to schedule annual checkups with your gynecologist so that you can keep track of the changes happening to your body and monitor for these conditions so they can be treated early. As far as testing is concerned, it is recommended that women continue having mammograms every 1-2 years after the age of 40 to help screen for breast cancer. Annual Pap smears are also recommended at least up to 65 years of age. But please keep in mind that every woman has a different medical history and the frequency of your exams and tests will depend upon your needs. Talk to your gynecologist about what is right for you. –Dr. Dinah Gonzalez, RWJ OB/GYN Group, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton. This content is intended to encourage a healthy lifestyle. For medical advice and treatment, see a physician.