***Dr. Pollycove will not be receiving any vaccinations to administer. We suggest that you contact the Public Health Department in your County for information about the vaccine.
The Comprehensive Approach to your “Hormonal Life Stages”
The Woman’s Mid-Life Assessment with Ricki Pollycove, MD
Understanding “the problem”
Initial office visit begins with a guided interview to fully understand your particular experience. This includes a complete history of your past menstrual cycles, any irregularities, unpleasant symptoms, headaches, sleep troubles, mood changes, aches and pains, any prior health problems, relationship issues and concerns and review of previous lab work, blood tests or imaging procedures you may already have done.
Complete physical exam, with emphasis on comprehensive breast and pelvic exam, pap smear and skin assessment.
You and Dr. Pollycove will collaborate on a plan for understanding what has been going on, improving your quality of life as well as reducing risks for disease, short and long term. Education and sharing of information goes both ways.
Blood tests may be ordered to assess hormones (estrogen, testosterone, thyroid) and overall health status (cardiovascular risk factors, blood count), and Vitamin status for those that are known to be most important in promoting well being and preventing disease. Bone density test, mammogram, and sonogram/ultrasound imaging may also be suggested and scheduled.
Collaboration with complementary practitioners such as physical therapist (optimizing strength, muscle mass development/maintenance, pain relief, prevention of disease and disability long term), therapeutic massage and mindfulness practice are encouraged. To focus on emotional well-being enhances this time in a woman’s life. We offer life style consultations with a superb in-office specialist to help you sustain positive change. We network with the best specialists in medicine, integrative complementary practitioners , psychotherapists as well as making referrals for group learning opportunities, workshops at local universities, “life-long learning” programs, and validate many paths to optimal health and personal fulfillment.
An initial written plan for comprehensive care of your symptoms, concerns and personal wellness goals will be created. Over time you and Dr. Pollycove address and follow up on issues of importance to you. The schedule of follow up visits is tailored to your needs.
“Meeting your needs” follow up visit
Your response to any treatments , adjustments of therapy and reviewing overall progress are the essence of close follow up. At this office visit you will review any symptoms, additional lab tests, any physical findings that needed further examination (ultrasound, mammogram, Bone Mineral Density, MRI) or biopsy/tissue sampling, to assure maximum personal health safety and positive progress.
Adjustment of therapies, modification of life style factors, assessment of any obstacles to achieving goals, and well being are monitored during the follow up visit. Review of therapeutic interventions and their outcomes, making any necessary revisions to hormone treatments over the next few months, arranging any desired future lab tests, obtaining past medical records as indicated, are also part of this visit.
Clinical breast exam and lab test/hormone follow up as needed.
Optimal standard of care in menopausal women includes a twice annual clinical breast exam. We recommend that you have two visits each year, even if Pap test frequency is not necessary on an annual basis. Meeting your individual needs, with careful and conscientious supervision of your health and well being, are our goals.
