PEARLS OF WISDOM: Let's Talk About Women's Health

As strange as it may sound, my recent viewing of "WW84: Wonder Woman 1984" reminded me of Alpha Gam. The heroic sisterhood that exists in Wonder Woman’s Amazonia made me think of my chapter and the global community I’ve gained through this membership. My sisters encouraged me to be the best version of myself and empowered me to wholeheartedly live out my dreams. They also helped me understand the importance of women’s issues and how vital it is to belong to a community that cares about each other’s physical and mental wellbeing.

Growing up in rural America, my access to health care and conversations about women’s health was not common. Most educational awareness I received primarily addressed abstinence, pregnancy and STD prevention. To say the least, I arrived at college knowing little about women’s health, sexual health, sexuality or gender identity.

Thankfully, I was blessed with my Alpha Gam sisters. I'll never forget when one of my chapter sisters poured into me the importance of Pap smears, breast exams and how preventative care significantly impacts our health as women—all in her thick Louisiana accent. I am thankful for brilliant women like her. She helped me understand the realities of women’s health and, most importantly, the role it plays in authentic care for each other.

I recently spoke with Dr. Shannon Bailey, Epsilon Kappa–Pittsburg State University, a true living, breathing Wonder Woman. When I first tried to contact her, she was in the midst of an emergency C-Section. The second time, she was wrapping up a 24-hour shift as an emergency, on-call OB-GYN. She relentlessly works to ensure women, are at the center of medical policy development and health care access.

I wish you could all speak with Shannon. The insight and comfort she brings to discussing topics many women shy away from makes her a true warrior for women. Here are my five biggest takeaways from my conversations with her:

1. Speak Up About Relationships and Sexual Health

Even if it's not time for "the talk," it's never too early to discuss personal space, managing feelings, what healthy relationships (of any kind) look like, and safety —both in person and online. Ongoing conversations about body changes and what to expect in puberty may seem awkward, but they build a foundation of trust.

It is imperative women are able to practice this type of communication before becoming sexually active. Having a support system helps women feel open to discussing larger issues, such as safe dating practices, sexual health, sexual consent, birth control, prevention of sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy.

As sisters, we are often the first to know, the first to educate and the first safe place for vital information to be shared. However, if you have trouble initiating these conversations, your healthcare provider can provide ageappropriate, medically accurate information—and should do so without making you feel ashamed or judged.

2. Take Full Advantage of OB-GYN Appointments

Routine gynecological care should begin prior to becoming sexually active and no later than age 21. In addition to regular exams, your OB-GYN visits can include discussion and guidance from your doctor—at any age or stage of life—on a number of topics, including:

• Period support (e.g., Are they irregular, too heavy or painful? PMS?)

• Infection screenings, including those for bladder, vaginal, pelvic Infections and sexually transmitted infections

• Pregnancy planning and prevention

• Healthy lifestyle and habits, including diet, exercise and more

• Risk reduction for STIs, testing, contraception and HPV vaccination

• Healthy relationships, including setting boundaries, consent and how to find resources when needed

• Sexual health, including LGBTQ+ issues

If you are looking for your first OB-GYN or want someone new to meet specific needs, sorority sisters usually have excellent recommendations!

3. Talk About Pregnancy

If you're planning to get pregnant, talk to your OB-GYN before you start trying—especially if you have medical concerns, such as genetic screenings, diabetes, high blood pressure or autoimmune issues. Whenever possible, it's best to review current medications, vitamins, supplements and vaccines before you attempt to get pregnant in order to minimize risk of drug-related birth defects.

Once you become pregnant, be sure to call right away to schedule your first exam—and know the first day of your last period, if possible. Your visit will likely occur at 8-10 weeks, but could be sooner if you are older than 35 or have a history of health concerns.

Regardless of when that first appointment is scheduled, start acting pregnant once you get a positive result . This includes taking prenatal vitamins, following a healthy diet, switching to mocktails, skipping offlimits foods like raw fish and deli meat, and enjoying a break from duties involving kitty litter. You may be familiar with these basics, but call your doctor's office if you need to know more.

Your first prenatal visit will be longer and more involved than most of your other visits. It will include:

• Discussing your medical history, including vaccination status, current prescriptions, previous pregnancies, genetic screening options, and questions regarding mental health and your personal safety

• A physical exam, vaginal ultrasound and blood work

• Estimating your due date and review of future visits and testing

It may surprise you to learn Black and Indigenous women have a higher rate of illness and death related to pregnancy. It is important for these women of color to be aware of the added risks and find a doctor willing to discuss concerns over implicit bias related to patient-provider interactions, communication and health outcomes.

Even if you are unable to get pregnant, unsure if parenthood is right for you or have zero interest in becoming a mother, communication with your physician—as well as a trusted support system —is vital to your physical and mental wellbeing.

4. Prepare for Perimenopause and Menopause

Perimenopause begins several years before menopause—typically in your 40s—when ovaries gradually begin to make less estrogen. Symptoms typically begin with hot flashes and may also include:

• Breast tenderness

• Fatigue or trouble sleeping

• Irregular periods

• Emotional changes or mood swings

• Increased dryness of the skin, eyes, mouth or vagina

During perimenopause, periods should become less frequent and lighter. As heavy bleeding can be a symptom of uterine cancer, polyps or fibroids, it should be evaluated by your doctor. This is also a good time to see your doctor to discuss the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy.

Prescription hormone replacement therapy can help address hot flashes and vaginal dryness, and is generally safe. Women with heart disease, breast cancer or those with a higher risk of breast cancer should evaluate all potential complications with their physician.

The average length of perimenopause is 4 years, but it can be as short as 2–3 months and last as long as 10 years. Once a woman has gone 12 months without a period, she is considered in full menopause. The symptoms listed above will likely continue and may also include depression, headaches, joint and muscle pain, decreased sex drive, urine leakage and urgency, weight gain and hair loss.

Many women look to natural remedies for menopause symptom relief. It's worth noting, the herbal supplement industry is not regulated by the DEA and most products of this kind have not been studied by the FDA for safety or effectiveness. The levels of active hormones they contain can vary widely or be dangerously high in estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.

Supplements can also affect prescribed medications, so make sure to speak with your OB-GYN or physician before going this route.

Because estrogen stimulates bone density, women are more prone to bone weakness or osteoporosis during menopause. Women 50 and older should consume at least 1,200 milligrams of calcium every day through supplements, calcium-rich foods like legumes, almonds, dark leafy greens, certain breakfast cereals, yogurt, cheese and other dairy products.

Other non-pharmaceutical remedies that may bring comfort or relief include yoga, exercise, breathing exercises and keeping a cool drink nearby. Some women swear by eating yams or more soy-based foods, though medical studies show it would take 10 lbs. of regular yam consumption to show a noticeable improvement.

It's not all bad news, though. Many women also report a renewed sense of freedom and the ability focus on their own happiness and pursuits.

"The liberation of no longer menstruating, of no longer caring so much what people think of you because your testosterone has come up a bit, I’m finding that absolutely empowering," American anthropologist Margaret Mead said in the 1950s. "There is no greater creative force in the world than a menopausal woman with zest."

5. Seek Proactive, Preventative Care It’s important for women to take an active approach to health care. Routine screenings recommended by your physician—including mammogram, colonoscopy, Pap smears and STI—can mean the difference between life and death. Even if you are married or believe you are in a monogamous relationship, regular STI screenings are recommended.

The most important piece of preventative health information Shannon wants you to know for 2021 is the importance of getting your COVID-19 vaccine and the confidence she has in its safety.

"As a front line healthcare worker, I received my first vaccine in December and the second in January. I would take it again in a heartbeat, knowing it means I can protect my loved ones and keep taking care of patients and improve both their safety and mine," she said.

Lastly, whatever you are going through—be it cancer, infertility, miscarriage, anxiety—chances are, a dear friend or sister has been through it, too. When we talk to our trusted support systems, we become

By Brittney Paxton, ED.S., M.ED., Theta Lambda–University of West Florida. Brittney is a contributor for the Dayton Mom Collective and serves as the Regional Leader for Lean In Ohio, a network that helps women achieve their ambitions despite gender bias and inequality. She enjoys adventures with her family, outings with the Dayton Alumnae Chapter and expressing her creativity through art and design. Follow her on Instagram @brittneyranea and LinkedIn @brittpaxton.

Editor's Note: This article is meant to inspire thoughtful dialogue regarding personal health. It is not intended to replace the advice of your health care professional.