The Role of Primary Care in Women’s Health

It’s no secret, especially if you identify as a woman or person assigned female at birth, that women have lived for too long with a healthcare system that’s designed mostly for men.

Because of this, women face significant health disparities, even though they require more routine medical care than men. Unlike men, women face unique health challenges and life changes, like menstruation, pregnancy, breast and reproductive screenings, and menopause.

Women’s health is important, and studies show that when women are healthier, their families and communities are healthier too (PLOS One).

Primary care sits at the cornerstone of any strategy to support and improve global health, but it’s particularly important for the range of health challenges women face throughout the stages of their lives – from adolescence and pregnancy to mid-life and menopause; from preventive care and early detection to basic medical needs and chronic disease management.

This article explores the important role of primary care in the reproductive health, mental health, and overall health of women everywhere and explains why a comprehensive, holistic approach to women’s health and wellbeing isn’t just good for women, but good for the world.

Preventive Care and Routine Screenings for Women

One of the most important roles of primary care in women’s health is to provide preventive care and routine screenings. Regular check-ups with a primary care provider (PCP) can help detect potential health issues before they become serious – and become seriously more difficult and more expensive to treat and manage.

For women, this includes getting regular screenings for breast cancer, cervical cancer, and osteoporosis as well as monitoring for chronic conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, and high cholesterol.

PCPs are often the first point of contact for receiving these screenings, getting referrals to specialists, understanding risk factors and test results, and making a plan to improve health.

Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer Screening: Mammograms and Pap smears are essential components of women’s preventive healthcare, and PCPs can ensure that women receive these screenings at appropriate intervals based on age, risk factors, and family history.

Early detection of breast cancer and cervical cancer through these screenings can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment and survival if one of these tests finds something suspicious.

Osteoporosis Screening: Women, particularly postmenopausal women, are at a higher risk for osteoporosis (a disease that weakens bones). PCPs can assess risk factors, advise patients about lifestyle changes and medications that improve bone health, and recommend bone density tests when indicated.

Cardiovascular Health: Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women, and it’s almost entirely preventable. PCPs can play a big role in recognizing risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, and smoking.

They can also make recommendations about lifestyle modifications (like improving diet and exercise), prescribe medications, and refer patients to other physicians when more specialized care is warranted.

Reproductive Health

All women deserve better reproductive healthcare and better access to it, and PCPs understand the unique challenges women face during every stage of their lives - from adolescence and pregnancy to mid-life and menopause.

PCPs are a great resource for advice and care relating to reproductive health, which includes period pain management, contraception and STI prevention, family planning, pregnancy care, and menopause.

Contraception and Family Planning: PCPs can provide counseling on contraceptive options and preconception family planning. These sessions might include discussions about preventing STIs (sexually transmitted infections), promoting sexual health, relieving pain associated with periods, and managing chronic conditions, like PCOS or endometriosis, that may be affecting fertility.

Pregnancy Care: While OB/GYNs typically manage pregnancies, PCPs play a crucial role in the early stages of pregnancy: confirming pregnancy, conducting initial screenings, and managing any pre-existing conditions that could affect pregnancy outcomes.

PCPs also provide postpartum care and can address issues like postpartum depression, breastfeeding, and recovery from childbirth.

Menopause Management: Menopause is a significant life transition for women, and PCPs are essential players in helping women navigate this health event with more ease.

They can offer advice and treatment plans, like hormone replacement therapy (HRT), for symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. They can also address long-term health risks associated with menopause, such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, too.

Mental Health

Women are more likely than men to experience certain mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, particularly during periods of hormonal change (pregnancy and menopause.)

Mental health is an integral part of women’s overall health, and PCPs are often the first ones to recognize and address mental health issues in women.

Depression and Anxiety Screening: PCPs routinely screen for depression and anxiety during annual visits or when patients present with related symptoms. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes, and PCPs can refer patients for counseling, therapy, or medication management as needed.

Postpartum Depression: Postpartum depression is a common condition that is too often overlooked by medicine. PCPs can play a key role in identifying this state of mind, providing support, prescribing medicine, and referring patients to mental health specialists when necessary.

Stress Management and Counseling: Family. Careers. Caregiving. Women juggle so much, and the struggle can lead to a slew of health consequences due to chronic stress. PCPs understand the ins and outs of being overworked and overwhelmed and can offer stress management strategies and support to help women cope with the never-ending demands placed on them and their lives.

Chronic Disease Management

Chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and autoimmune disorders often require ongoing management. PCPs are critical to this care. Women often experience these conditions in a different manner than men, and PCPs are positioned to tailor management plans to meet the unique needs of their female patients.

Diabetes Management: Women with diabetes face unique challenges related to this disease, including having an increased risk of heart disease and complications during pregnancy. PCPs can help manage blood sugar levels, monitor for complications, provide education on lifestyle changes, and prescribe medications that can help control the disease.

Hypertension: High blood pressure is called the “silent killer” for a reason – it’s a significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke but doesn’t have obvious symptoms. During routine visits, PCPs can monitor blood pressure and recommend lifestyle changes or medications to manage hypertension.

Autoimmune Disorders: Autoimmune disorders - rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, and lupus - are more common in women. PCPs can use medical history and blood labs to screen for these conditions. They can also help manage symptoms and coordinate care with specialists. This ensures that women receive comprehensive health services and continuous care for the most important ongoing health issues impacting their health and wellness.

Conclusion

Primary care is essential for everyone’s health, but it’s especially important for the health and wellbeing of women. PCPs play a critical role in providing comprehensive, patient-centered women’s healthcare that can address the unique needs of women throughout their lives.

The right PCP can provide preventive care services and cancer screening recommendations, address reproductive and mental healthcare, and manage chronic diseases while also educating and empowering women about making informed decisions about their healthcare.

The right PCP isn't just a provider. She should also be an advocate who understands you and your life and a partner who helps promote health, prevent illness, and provide compassionate and comprehensive women's healthcare that improves your overall health and wellness. And, in doing so, improves health outcomes for women, men, children, and communities around the world.