Most women think their annual gynecological exam is mainly about getting a Pap smear. This cervical cancer screening tool gets a lot of attention, but it's just one piece of a much larger health assessment.
At Modern Gynecology & Reproductive Health in Memphis, Tennessee, Susan Lacy, MD, FACOG, uses your annual visit to evaluate your overall reproductive and hormonal health, catch problems early, and address concerns that might seem unrelated to gynecological care but actually connect to your hormones.
Here’s what really happens during your annual exam and why each part matters more than you may realize.
Dr. Lacy starts every annual exam by reviewing changes in your health since your last visit, such as:
Sleep changes, mood shifts, weight fluctuations, and energy levels all provide clues about how your hormones function.
Changes in your menstrual cycle tell a detailed story about your reproductive health. Periods becoming heavier, lighter, longer, or more irregular can indicate thyroid problems, polycystic ovary syndrome, or early perimenopause.
Dr. Lacy updates your family medical history annually. New diagnoses in relatives can change your risk profile for conditions like breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or heart disease, which might affect her screening recommendations or treatment options.
Your women’s health exam is a complete physical assessment that typically includes:
Dr. Lacy may perform a breast exam during your annual visit to screen for lumps, checking for skin changes, nipple discharge, or lymph node swelling that might indicate other health issues.
Your abdominal exam can help Dr. Lacy detect enlarged organs, unusual masses, or areas of tenderness that might suggest problems with your ovaries, uterus, or other pelvic structures.
The pelvic exam includes checking your vulva and vagina for signs of infection, skin conditions, or changes that might indicate hormonal shifts. Dr. Lacy also evaluates the size, shape, and position of your uterus and ovaries.
Dr. Lacy measures blood pressure, weight, and other vital signs because cardiovascular health directly affects reproductive health.
Dr. Lacy adjusts your annual exam as you move through different life stages. She modifies screening recommendations, discusses age-appropriate health concerns, and addresses the challenges you face at various ages.
Women in their 20s and 30s often focus on contraception, fertility planning, and managing conditions like endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that affect reproductive health.
During your 40s, the conversation shifts toward perimenopause symptoms, breast health, and preparing for hormonal shifts. Dr. Lacy discusses what to expect and when bioidentical hormone replacement therapy might help.
After menopause, she focuses on heart health, bone density, and managing symptoms like vaginal dryness or urinary problems that affect quality of life.
