Gynecologic care is a must at every stage in life, including the later years. These years often bring new health challenges. At Penn Medicine, our gynecologists understand your changing health care needs. We partner with you to help you stay healthy and enjoy a long life.
Gynecology Services for Postmenopausal Women
The loss of estrogen after menopause increases your risk for certain health problems. You may also find that you’re still troubled by existing conditions. After all, you don’t stop being a woman when your periods end.
Our gynecology services help protect your health. You benefit from:
- Well-woman exams: You should continue getting Pap smears until you are 65 (unless you’ve had a hysterectomy that removes the cervix). A Pap test detects cervical cancer. Depending on your risk factors, you may be able to stop having Pap smears after age 65. We rely on our expertise and the latest information to recommend the best screening steps for you.
- Prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs): STDs, including herpes, gonorrhea and syphilis, are on the rise among the 60-and-older crowd. If you’re sexually active with new partners, we can help you protect yourself. We’re also here for you if you become infected (many people do, and it’s no reason to be embarrassed).
- Treatments for pelvic floor disorders: Lower estrogen levels and thinning vaginal tissue can lead to more urinary tract infections (UTIs) and bladder infections. Urinary incontinence, frequent nighttime bathroom trips and pelvic organ prolapse also are more common with age. Specialists in our Urogynecology Program provide nonsurgical and surgical treatments to help you reclaim your life.
- Cancer screenings: Your risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer goes up after 60. We make sure you get the necessary screenings, including mammograms and colonoscopies until age 75 or later. If you develop a gynecologic cancer, you receive care through the Penn Gynecologic Oncology Program.
- Bone health screening and care: Osteoporosis, or weakened bones, becomes more of a concern as you age. Regular bone density screenings can help spot the problem early. We prescribe treatments, if needed, to keep bones strong.
Conditions That Affect Postmenopausal Women
Lower hormone levels, combined with aging, put you at greater risk for specific health problems. We can help with:
- Depression and anxiety: Life changes, including retirement, death of loved ones or health problems, may cause depression or anxiety. We partner with the Penn Center for Women’s Behavioral Wellness to help you get the mental health support you need.
- Heart disease: We partner with Penn Women’s Cardiovascular Health Program to reduce your risk of heart disease, heart attacks and strokes. We help get your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers in a safe range.
- Hot flashes after menopause: A small number of women experience hot flashes for more than a decade after menopause. We offer therapies to relieve this symptom.
- Sexual problems: Your sex drive may take a dive due to lowered hormone levels. You may also experience vaginal dryness that makes intercourse painful. We have treatments to help you enjoy sex again.
- Sleep troubles: Sleep apnea is more common with age. This sleep disorder causes you to momentarily stop breathing at night. It can affect your heart health. We connect you with experts at the Penn Sleep Centers for proper care.
- Weight management: A slower metabolism and reduced activity level can lead to weight gain. Extra pounds are bad for your health, contributing to diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. We offer nutrition counseling to help you achieve a healthy weight.
Care for Chronic Conditions
Health problems like diabetes, heart disease and cancer are more common at this time in life. We partner with your primary care physician and these Penn programs to manage chronic conditions:
Convenient Appointments
With more than 20 gynecology locations throughout the Philadelphia region and New Jersey, we make it convenient to get the health care services you need. For added convenience, we also offer telemedicine appointments.
Request an Appointment
To request an appointment, please call 800-789-7366 or complete our online form.