Along with more of an emphasis on prevention, women's health has become more individualized over the years.
 
Heart care

As the population ages, health care providers and patients alike are paying more attention to heart health and a woman's risk factors. Primary care providers recognize that they should not be the sole provider for post-menopausal women. Thus, women who no longer menstruate are encouraged to have an internist assess cardiovascular health and mange risk factors.
 
Contraception choices

There are far more choices for contraception (preventing pregnancy) than ever before -- from oral medications to patches worn on the skin to implants. Some contraceptions allow women to have a period every four months instead of each month. A new type of tubal ligation is incision-free. Overall, advances in pregnancy prevention give women more control.
 
Cancer prevention

Getting a colonoscopy at age 50 is ideal for women, as well as men. However, if you have a first-degree family member (father or sister, for example) who had colon cancer, your colon cancer screening should take place when you are 10 years younger than the age at which that family member was diagnosed.
 
For women with a significant family history of breast cancer, screenings for breast gene mutation are available. Providers can help a patient decide if screening is appropriate. Genetic screening is done at the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center.
 
Hormone replacement

Hormone replacement (estrogen) used to be a common treatment for older women. However, the Women's Health Initiative study showed that it isn't the best treatment for everyone. Nowadays, we give the lowest estrogen treatment dose for the shortest period of time, ideally five years or less.
 
Bone density

This screening is trending towards being done later in life. Women used to be screened when they were two or three years past menopause. Now, women can wait until age 65 unless they have risk factors
 
Alternatives to hysterectomies
 
For women who have heavy bleeding, there are several steps they can take before having a hysterectomy, which is removal of the womb. (During this surgery, doctors sometimes also remove the fallopian tubes and ovaries.)
 
An IUD (intrauterine device) can be implanted into the uterus and slowly release hormones to control bleeding. Also, an in-office procedure called an endometrial ablation can be an alternative to a hysterectomy. The procedure destroys the lining of the uterus but does not require hospitalization. Even hysterectomies have gotten more "friendly" with minimally invasive options that limit hospitalization time.
 
It's important to see your provider on a regular basis--visit this site to learn about a care location near you.
 
Learn more about women's health at http://www.uihealthcare.com/depts/uiwomenshealth.