Department

Women's Health

At M Health Fairview, a complete path to women's health starts here.

From routine checkups to life’s bigger moments – with thoughtful providers and access to a full circle of care, we support wellness for women at every stage of life.

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Women's Health DFD

At M Health Fairview, a complete path to women's health starts here.

From routine checkups to life’s bigger moments – with thoughtful providers and access to a full circle of care, we support wellness for women at every stage of life.

Schedule Appointment
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World-Class Care For Women health

World-Class Care For Women

Choose the healthcare system that is leading women’s health forward. Historically across the nation, women have had a more difficult time getting the health care they need. Concerns have been dismissed, and symptoms have gone unnoticed, leading to systemic health inequity for women and especially women of color. At M Health Fairview, we’re working to change that.

Our first-class team of physicians, certified nurse midwives, and advanced practice providers are specialists in women’s health services. We offer services in pregnancy and childbirth, gynecology and breast care, and hormonal and developmental issues.

Our providers are here to listen, not judge, and offer supportive care to help you be the healthiest you can be, whatever stage of life you are in. We offer these services to all people who identify as women and all those assigned female at birth. Read on to learn more about the different stages of your health, and how we at M Health Fairview are working to support you.

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Why Choose M Health Fairview?

A system of experts

As part of the M Health Fairview system, our women’s health providers can access a wide range of experts for their patients. No matter what your care entails, we will work together to ensure you have a clear and coordinated plan of treatment.

Full range of family planning services

For many women, planning for their reproductive health is an important part of life. M Health Fairview offers comprehensive family planning services, including preconception counseling, fertility support, prenatal, labor and birth and postpartum care. Our providers are committed to honoring each patient’s choices and supporting their unique journey toward parenthood or other reproductive goals.

Committed to health equity

We know that women, and particularly women of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, those living in rural areas, and the economically disadvantaged, have faced inequitable healthcare outcomes for far too long. As an organization we are committed to driving better outcomes for those who have been ignored. Learn more about our HOPE Commission here.

Health Milestones For Women

Puberty Women's Health

Puberty

As girls reach puberty, there are several important things they and their parents need to know about.

  • First period: Girls generally get their first period around age 12. From then on, they can expect the issues that come along with that: PMS, including cramps, bloating, and mood swings, as well as potential other menstruation-related conditions such as PCOS or endometriosis.
     
  • HPV vaccine: The HPV vaccine is recommended at age 11 or 12. It provides effective and lasting protection against the HPV vaccines that most commonly cause cancer.
     
  • Pap smears: It is recommended women get Pap smears starting at age 21. These tests detect cervical cancer and can be performed in primary care or by midwives or OB-GYN providers.
Adulthood Women's Health

Adulthood

As you age, some new conditions may come up or existing conditions become more pronounced. Any noticeable change to your baseline health should be discussed with your primary healthcare provider. Many conditions have historically been misdiagnosed or under-diagnosed, especially for women of color. These conditions include things like:

  • Cardiovascular issues: Symptoms of heart attack can be different for women than for men, and may include nausea, fatigue, or jaw pain rather than chest pain.
  • Cancer: Some cancers may have symptoms like bloating or irregular bleeding that overlap with PMS or other more common concerns.
  • Endometriosis: This is a condition where the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus instead of inside it. It causes severe pain but might be brushed off as a bad period.
  • Mental health concerns: Women, especially women of color, are often misdiagnosed when they have mental health concerns. Statistics show that depression may be misdiagnosed in 30-50% of female patients.

This is also the time many women think about starting a family. Whatever that looks like for you, M Health Fairview offers a full range of family planning services, including pregnancy care and prenatal education at our state-of-the-art women's health clinics. We also offer mental health services for our patients, making sure that whatever stage of life you are in, you have the support you need.

Perimenopause Women's Health

Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the stage just before menopause, when hormonal shifts may be causing changes in your cycle. It usually begins when you are in your mid-40s but may start sooner or later. The most common symptoms of perimenopause are:

  • Irregular periods
  • Hot flashes and/or night sweats
  • Changes in mood
  • Insomnia

If you are struggling with perimenopausal symptoms, your doctor may have some suggestions for treatments including some lifestyle changes that may help and medications or hormonal therapy.

There are also other health concerns that you should be aware of as you enter your 40s.

  • Mammograms: Women should start getting mammograms at age 40, and common wisdom is to get your first colonoscopy at age 50, although your provider may recommend earlier
  • Staying strong: As you enter perimenopausal age, you also may be losing strength. It’s important to continue physical activity, including strength training such as weightlifting. Even regular brisk walking is great! You should aim for at least 150 minutes of activity per week.
  • Healthy eating: Making sure to eat a healthy diet is also important for your metabolism and strength. Your primary care provider can help you determine the best diet for you, as well as any supplements that might be good for you, such as calcium and vitamin D.
Menopause and post menopause women health

Menopause and post menopause

You are menopausal if you have not had a period for 12+ consecutive months. Once you are menopausal, it’s good to maintain the same diet and exercise habits that are listed above. In addition to a healthy diet and exercise regimen helping with hormonal symptoms, heart disease risk also increases after menopause, so if you haven’t already, it may be a good time to start eating with heart health in mind and making sure to get plenty of exercise.

At this age, some women need physical therapy to help them maintain or regain strength. Whether that’s pelvic floor therapy, physical therapy for mobility or arthritis, or therapy for joint health, our women's health service providers, including menopause specialists, can help you be as strong and healthy as possible.

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M Health Fairview offers a comprehensive range of care options, from primary care to specialists.

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Women's Health Stories