Physiological changes are a natural part of the aging process. At the Hubbard Clinic, the same rules that apply to our younger patients apply to our maturing ones; confidentiality, information, and counseling that allow one to cope with the inevitable changes at this fascinating stage of life. In a women’s transitional years, her annual exams will still include:

• Detailed history
• Physical examination
  • Palpation of the thyroid gland
  • Breast examination
  • Palpation of the abdomen
• Pelvic examination
• Pap smear
• Tests for STD’s if the patient thinks she has been exposed.
• Urine screening
• Fecal occult blood screening
• Lipid profile

Hormone therapy

There’s a lot of discussion, information, and misinformation about this topic. Some women find Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) beneficial and effective, while others are more hesitant. They may prefer traditional treatments, instead of more recent, alternative methods for treating menopausal symptoms.

Who’s right? At the Hubbard Clinic, we’ll go over the many options available and assist you in finding the treatment that best fits your medical history...and your life choices.

It’s your body. We want to share the latest studies and advancements made and provide a safe haven to listen to your thoughts regarding the changes the you undergo.

Bioidentical hormone therapy

Taking hormone therapy a step forward, bioidentical hormone therapy are plant-derived hormones that are similar to the ones produced by your body. They are finding acceptance with many physicians and holistic practitioners. (see Bioidentical Hormones - North American Menopausal Sociey Clarification Statement)

There are a many opinions but not a lot of scientific research to back up many of the claims. Bioidentical hormones can be prepared and assembled by a pharmacist according to the wishes of the physician. Many patients and nutritionists swear by their effectiveness, however it is important to remember that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved many bioidentical hormones.

This is why, with research and discussion still ongoing, that the experts at the Hubbard Clinic will be happy to discuss and share the latest news and research about bioidenticals…and how they may affect you.

Nutrition counseling

Even though we age and mature, sometimes our body image doesn’t. Hard to believe, but the positive (and sometimes negative) thoughts we develop in our younger years often follow us into our middle ones.

Although we may be able to block out media images of bodily ‘perfection,’ sometimes problems arise regardless of the circumstances or social conditions. And it’s still important to remember that it’s okay, at any age, to seek help.

We understand this. Our counseling programs provide a safe, instructive environment that can give anyone the tools to handle whatever new or old challenges may come along.

Weight and nutritional counseling can bring us health and bodily awareness that makes physical changes in our transitional years less of a challenge.

Weight control counseling

Managing one’s weight becomes increasingly important as our bodies change throughout the years.

Slowing metabolism, activity changes brought on by either lifestyle, environmental, or different states of chronic aches and pains, demands that we keep track of our weight and make the necessary adjustments to maintain good health.

We offer informed weight control counseling to meet these mid-life changes. Good nutritional choices can affect one’s well being and quality of life, so it’s important that we give our bodies the proper consideration it deserves. We refer patients with more comprehensive dietary and weight concerns to a nutritionist.

Additionally, we offer total body composition indexing which measures one's percentage of body fat (click the thumbnail). Body composition indexing can be a very effective tool in evaluating weight control and weight managament goals.

Periodic screening of cholesterol levels

As we age, it is important that we keep track of cholesterol and thyroid conditions. If we are to find contentment in our middle years and continue to enjoy the kinds of activity that brings us fulfillment, it’s important to know that periodic screening of our blood and cholesterol levels (lipid profiles) allows us good health, but also brings peace of mind.

If cholesterol levels are elevated, modifications of diet and exercise, as well as medication, may be advised. Additionally screening for C-Reactive Protein may be done. CRP is a general marker for inflammation and is used as a very rough gauge for heart disease risk.

Osteoporosis screening

Are you at risk for osteoporosis? Many women are. It’s a serious problem, one in which bone density is compromised from a gradual loss of calcium. Bones may become weak and even brittle. Injuries are frequent, frightening, and painful.

Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry or DXA scan is a painless procedure used to measure bone density. There are usually no complications from the procedure and no aesthesia is required. X-rays are involved, but the risk from radiation is extremely low. When indicated, Vertebral Fracture Assessment or VFA may also be used in conjunction with DXA to see existing vertebral (spinal) fractures.

Testing bone density is the most accurate way to diagnose osteoporosis and to estimate the patient’s chances for weaknesses. The risks are many; if you are postmenopausal, have a small, thin frame, smoke, have had thyroid problems, diabetes, or have had a family history of osteoporosis. If any of these apply, then regular bone density check-ups become crucial for your continued health.

Pelvic Ultrasound

If you are experiencing any gynecological problems, your physician may schedule a pelvic ultrasound. Pelvic ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images of the bladder, ovaries, uterus, cervix and fallopian tubes. This useful tool helps your physician evaluate several common gynecological problems including endometriosis, abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain and fibroids.

Two types of ultrasound are commonly used:

Transadominal ultrasound, which uses a small handheld transducer passed over the lower abdominal region. This is helpful in finding large fibroids.

Transvaginal ultrasound makes use of a small transducer which is inserted into a women’s vagina. This is useful in examining the endometrium or lining of the uterus, the ovaries, and bladder.

Sometimes both types of ultrasound may be used by your physician to gain a more complete understanding of the pelvic area.

In conjunction with pelvic ultrasound, an elective blood test, CA 125, can be done to aid in the detection of early ovarian cancer. Though no blood test can tell if one has cancer, a high CA 125 value may be an indication that a woman should receive further diagnostic screening.