Dr. Sherley C. Samuels Celebrates 10 Years with Covington Women’s Health Specialists

This year, we’re honored to celebrate a very special milestone: Dr. Sherley C. Samuels is marking a decade of service, compassion, and dedication to the women of our community here at Covington Women’s Health Specialists.

From a very young age, Dr. Samuels has brought passion and purpose to her role as an OB/GYN. That calling started early when she was six-years-old. After learning that her mother had lost a baby before birth, young Sherley asked a life-shaping question: “Who takes care of mommies so they don’t lose their babies?” Her mother answered that it was OB/GYNs, sparking a lifelong mission that Dr. Samuels has been fulfilling ever since.

A Journey of Compassion and Care

Dr. Samuels joined Covington Women’s Health Specialists in 2015, shortly after completing her residency. At the time, she was adjusting to new motherhood and searching for the right fit. Dr. Samuels was having trouble finding a place where her values and personality aligned with the practice’s mission. When Dr. Larrimore from Covington Women Health Specialists reached out just days before Dr. Samuels was about to commit elsewhere, everything changed. “The rest is history,” she says. “I’ve been here ever since.”

Over the past decade, Dr. Samuels has witnessed and embraced major advancements in women’s healthcare, which includes the growing use of robotic surgery in OB/GYN care, the rise of virtual patient communication, and early genetic screening. Dedicated to staying at the forefront of innovation, she earned her robotics certification after residency to offer patients the most advanced surgical options available.

Moments That Matter

While her list of memorable moments is long, one particular experience stands out. Early in her time at our practice, Dr. Samuels supported a patient through the heartbreak of a second-trimester pregnancy loss. When that same patient became pregnant again, Dr. Samuels performed a cervical cerclage, a procedure that helped her carry the pregnancy to term.

“As a brand-new attending, handing this patient her beautiful rainbow baby was such a powerful moment,” she recalls. “It brought everything full circle and reminded me that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.”

Care Rooted in Connection

For Dr. Samuels, patient care is deeply personal. “I approach every patient like they’re my mother, grandmother, sister, or friend,” she says. That mindset, paired with her genuine connection to the women she serves, creates a space where patients feel supported through every stage of life from puberty to pregnancy to menopause and beyond.

“I’ve walked and am continuing to walk those very stages with them,” Dr. Samuels adds. “I impart knowledge to my patients, and I pick up new things from them in the process. It’s very beautiful when you think about it.”

She finds equal fulfillment in the relationships she shares with her diverse group of colleagues. “What I love most is the pooling of knowledge and the profound respect we have for one another,” Dr. Samuels shares.

Growing, Giving Back, and Looking Ahead

Reflecting on her proudest achievements, Dr. Samuels points to earning her board certification in her first year out of residency. She’s continually committed to growing as a physician by researching and learning new procedures to expand her skillset. Above all, she takes the greatest pride in knowing she always gives her best to every patient. “Even when things haven’t gone as planned, I know I gave everything I could,” she says.

As she looks to the future, Dr. Samuels is excited about the opportunity to mentor young physicians, just as she was mentored in her early days at the practice. “I’m looking forward to paying it forward and helping a new doctor come into their own.”

More Than Medicine

Outside of work, Dr. Samuels enjoys traveling, attending community events, listening to music, and spending time with her family, who play a central role in her life and her story. In fact, August 3rd, the date she joined our practice, is also her wedding anniversary, making this milestone celebration even more meaningful for her!

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Sherley C. Samuels on her 10-year anniversary at Covington Women’s Health Specialists! We are grateful for her decade of care, and we look forward to many more years of her leadership, compassion, and expertise.

Tips to Ease Your Menstrual Pain without Medication

If you experience period pain, you’re not alone. Nearly 85% of women report cramping during their menstrual cycles, which can range from a dull ache to sharp sensations in your lower abdomen.

No one wants to live in discomfort, but taking pain medications may give you pause. Even over-the-counter drugs, while effective, carry risks when used long-term: kidney issues, stomach ulcers, and gastrointestinal bleeding, to name a few. These medicines are generally considered safe in moderation, but frequent or prolonged use (especially with longer periods), can become concerning.

Fortunately, there are effective, medication-free ways to ease menstrual pain. If you’re looking for natural relief, here are some strategies worth considering.

Medication-Free Ways to Relieve Period Pain

Apply Heat

Research has revealed that heat therapy can be more effective than placebos in reducing menstrual pain, because it relaxes your uterine muscles and improves blood flow to your pelvic area. Whether you use a plug-in heating pad, microwaveable heat pack, or even a balmy bath, a little warmth can go a long way to soothe discomfort.

Stay Hydrated

“Drinking enough water helps your body release excess sodium and reduce water retention,” says Rachel Manciagli, NP, “thereby easing pressure in the lower abdomen and potentially reducing cramps and bloating.” Aim for eight to ten glasses of water daily, and sip herbal teas like chamomile or ginger for added anti-inflammatory benefits.

Relax and Reduce Stress

Stress and pain often amplify each other in a frustrating cycle. Dealing with pain can make you more stressed, but stress has also been shown to increase sensitivity to pain. Relaxing activities like journaling, meditation, getting a massage or taking a walk may help you stay at ease when you’re on your period.

Get Moving

Exercise might be the last thing you feel like doing when you have cramps, but even light movement can reduce period pain. Aerobic activity boosts circulation and releases beta-endorphins, your body’s natural pain relievers. Make time for a brisk walk, swimming, cycling, or any other activity that gets your heart rate up.

Consider Your Diet

A healthy diet may not eliminate period pain altogether, but your nutritional choices could have an effect on its severity. Foods rich in calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to reduced period symptoms. Lots of caffeine, salty foods, and animal fats may lead to more severe cramping, on the other hand.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

While everyone’s body is different, research shows that excess body weight could contribute to more painful periods. This may be due to higher estrogen levels, which can thicken your uterine lining and amplify cramping. If managing your weight is one of your health goals, a balanced diet and regular activity can support both this endeavor and your menstrual health.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Sufficient sleep can reduce inflammation, aid in tissue repair, and support the production of natural painkillers, such as endorphins and serotonin—all of which can control your cramps. Try to be especially diligent about clocking seven to eight hours as your period approaches.

Limit Alcohol

Alcohol can dehydrate your body, disrupt hormone levels, and increase inflammation. If you’re experiencing severe symptoms, think about reducing your alcohol intake, or opt for non-alcoholic alternatives.

Avoid Smoking

Smoking has been associated with increased menstrual pain, which is likely due to its effects on blood vessels and inflammation. If you smoke, quitting can have profound benefits not just for your menstrual health, but for your long-term wellness, too.

Your menstrual cycle and overall gynecologic wellness are complex, and call for the care of specialists with experience and a deep understanding of women’s health. Whether you have a concern about your periods or you’re due for a routine exam, our providers are here to help. To schedule a visit, submit an appointment request form online or call our office at (770) 385-8954.

The Importance of Establishing Prenatal Care with an Office Visit

ATTENTION PATIENTS:

We understand that some maternity patients may choose to receive prenatal care elsewhere for scheduling convenience, while still planning to deliver with our team at Piedmont Newton Hospital.

If this applies to you, please make sure to schedule a prenatal consultation at a Covington Women’s Health Specialists office.

Why this matters:

When you’re admitted to the hospital, an on-call provider is assigned. If you’re not established as a patient of Covington Women’s Health Specialists, your delivery may be managed by a provider outside our practice. This provider may not be familiar with your birth plan. By having a prenatal visit with us, we can ensure that one of our trusted providers is there for your delivery.

This visit also gives us the opportunity to review your preferences and support a safe, personalized birth experience.

We’re honored to care for you every step of the way! Make your prenatal care appointment with us today.

Midwifery Musings: What to Expect During Your Third Trimester

Covington Women’s Health Specialists midwife, Jennifer Walker, CNM, returns with more thoughtful guidance in the latest installment of our Midwifery Musings blog series. With her firsthand experience supporting patients through every step of pregnancy, Jennifer offers a closer look at what to expect during the third trimester and how our care team supports you as delivery day approaches.

If you’re just joining the series, be sure to review our previous posts covering the pregnancy confirmation visit, your initial prenatal exam, and what to expect in the second trimester.

Welcome to the final stretch! The third trimester spans from week 28 to delivery, typically around week 40. It brings exciting milestones as you prepare to meet your baby. During this time, your prenatal visits and screenings become more frequent as your care team closely monitors both your health and your baby’s development.

Your 28-Week Appointment and Third Trimester Testing

At your 28-week appointment, plan to spend at least an hour in our office. This visit includes important tests to ensure a healthy pregnancy:

If anything in your test results or symptoms needs closer attention, your provider may order additional tests or ultrasounds to evaluate your baby’s growth, amniotic fluid levels, or placenta.

From Biweekly to Weekly Visits

After your 28-week appointment, you’ll begin seeing your provider every two weeks. Once you reach 36 weeks, those visits become weekly. At your 36-week appointment, we’ll perform two vaginal swabs:

You’ll also sign a delivery consent form at this visit whether you’re planning a vaginal or cesarean birth. Your provider will walk you through the details and answer any questions you may have about your birth plan.

What Comes Next

Starting at 37 weeks, cervical exams become available to assess dilation, but they’re entirely optional. Keep in mind that every pregnancy is unique, and your care plan, testing, and ultrasounds will be tailored specifically to you.

The third trimester can feel overwhelming, but it’s also a time of great anticipation. At Covington Women’s Health Specialists, we’re proud to partner with you during this exciting phase and are here to provide evidence-based guidance, compassionate support, and shared decision-making throughout your pregnancy journey.

We look forward to walking with you through these final weeks, along with celebrating the arrival of your newest family member! If you have any questions or concerns, give us a call (770) 385-8954, or request an appointment online.

Honoring a Legacy of Care: Melissa Henderson’s Story for National Nurses Week

At Covington Women’s Health Specialists, we’re proud to deliver our patients’ babies at Piedmont Newton Hospital alongside an incredible team of nurses. One of those exceptional nurses is Melissa Henderson—a beloved caregiver, respected colleague, and joyful presence in the Labor and Delivery unit. In celebration of National Nurses Week, we’re honored to share Melissa’s story and highlight the remarkable legacy of compassionate nursing her family has built in our community across generations.

A Calling Passed Down Through Generations

Melissa’s inspiration to become a nurse came from her grandmother, Rebecca Dodson Kirby, a woman whose lifelong dedication to others set a powerful example.

“Growing up, we’d gather for Sunday dinners at the farm with my Maw-maw and Paw-paw,” Melissa shares. “She would tell stories about her adventures as a home health nurse. She was always so loving, always putting others first. I knew I wanted to follow in her footsteps.”

Rebecca Kirby’s career spanned more than six decades, from graduating from Vanderbilt in 1955 to fully retiring (for the third time!) at the age of 82. She served as head of the nursery at Vanderbilt, worked in public health across four states, specialized in geriatric care, and returned to school 20 years after graduation to earn her Master’s as a Nurse Practitioner from Emory University. She even stood behind then-Governor Jimmy Carter when he signed the first Nurses Week proclamation in 1975.

Today, Melissa is one of three granddaughters who proudly followed their Maw-maw into nursing.

A Career of Purpose in Labor and Delivery

Melissa began her journey in Labor and Delivery as a nursing student, taking an externship at Newton General Hospital. She quickly fell in love with the experience of helping families welcome their newest members into the world. This May marks Melissa’s 20th year as a nurse and her 21st working in Labor and Delivery.

“What I love most is the pure joy on families’ faces when they hear their baby cry for the first time,” she says. “Those moments remind me why I do this job.”

Melissa’s deep commitment to her patients is matched by the pride she takes in serving the community she calls home. “You run into patients everywhere—at the grocery store, at a restaurant—and they’ll say, ‘You were my nurse!’ and thank me. It’s the best feeling.”

A Nurse Who Does It All

Many people don’t realize just how many roles Labor and Delivery nurses take on. At Piedmont Newton Hospital, Melissa explains, “We’re a LDRP, so we do it all, from triage to labor and delivery, nursery care, postpartum care, and even circulating in the OR and providing recovery care. We’re with patients every step of the way.”

Her advice for anyone considering this field? “It’s incredibly rewarding to support families during such a transformative moment, but it’s also demanding. Don’t forget to care for yourself too.”

Inspired by Faith and Family

Outside of work, Melissa continues to live out her values through volunteer work with Operation Christmas Child. She spends her free time collecting and organizing shoebox gifts that share her love of Jesus with children around the world, which is another way to serve others just as her Maw-maw taught her.

As Melissa reflects on her two decades in nursing, one lesson continues to guide her: “Treat others the way you want to be treated. I care for my patients the way I would want someone to care for my own family.”

To Melissa, and to every nurse who brings compassion, strength, and expertise to their work—we thank you. You make a difference every single day and we are excited to celebrate you this National Nurses Week.

Not One, Not Two, but THREE VBACs!

A Patient’s VBAC Journey to a Large Family

Pregnancy, labor, and delivery can be unpredictable. No matter how much we plan, things can take an unexpected turn​ and often quickly! Our patient, Maglyne, knows this firsthand.

Maglyne recalls her first birth experience:​ “I am originally from Haiti, where pregnancy and childbirth are approached very naturally, with minimal intervention unless necessary. I wanted the same for my pregnancy. I found a midwife I trusted and had excellent prenatal care. I did everything I could to prepare for a natural, medication-free birth.”

However, things didn’t go as planned. Toward the end of her pregnancy, Maglyne’s baby was found to be in the breech position. Despite all efforts, her baby remained in the breech position, making a C-section necessary.

“I was so disappointed when I found out I needed a C-section​,” Maglyne shares. ​”It was the exact opposite of what I had envisioned. But I knew I had to do what was best for my daughter.”

Dreaming of a large family with her husband, Charlemagne, Maglyne knew the risks of multiple C-sections. For her next pregnancy, she prioritized a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean), hoping for a smoother recovery and the natural birth she hadn’t had with her first child.​ In 2020, when Maglyne became pregnant again, she found Covington Women’s Health Specialists and began prenatal care with us.

“Having a vaginal birth after a C-section (VBAC) was very important to me for my next pregnancy.​ I was worried about finding a practice that would allow VBACs. I learned that some places don’t even give women the option to try.”

Discovering Covington Women’s Health Specialists and Dr. Sherley C. Samuels in 2020 was pivotal. Dr. Samuels’ support and shared Haitian heritage fostered trust. Maglyne successfully delivered her second daughter via VBAC that year.​

“Dr. Samuels and I connected immediately. She listened to us and never dismissed our concerns,” Maglyne explains. “When Dr. Samuels told me her family was also from Haiti, I knew we were a perfect match​.”​

Because of their strong bond with Dr. Samuels, Maglyne and Charlemagne knew they wanted her by their side for their third pregnancy. “We couldn’t imagine going through the experience with anyone else,” Maglyne shared. In 2022, she had her second successful VBAC with Dr. Samuels, welcoming the family’s third daughter.

In 2024, their bond grew even stronger when Maglyne and Dr. Samuels discovered they were both expecting just a few weeks apart!​ Dr. Samuels delivered Maglyne’s son, her third VBAC, shortly before her own baby’s arrival.


“I am so grateful Dr. Samuels was there for my third VBAC and delivered our little boy,” said Maglyne. “She is an incredible, dedicated doctor​!”


Are you or someone you know interested in a Vaginal Birth After C-Section (VBAC)​? 

Maglyne’s story highlights the possibility of VBACs with our supportive healthcare team. If you’re considering a VBAC, ​we’d love to discuss your options with Covington Women’s Health Specialists.​ Make an appointment with us online or call (770) 385-8954.

Menopause: Looking Forward to 30 Years of Health!

Menopause is a natural transition, but it’s also the start of a new and important chapter in your health journey. With the average American woman living to 81 and menopause beginning around age 51, we spend roughly 30 years in this phase of life. How we care for our bodies before and after menopause can significantly impact our long-term well-being.

In this series, we’ll explore different aspects of health during menopause. First, we’ll start with muscles and discuss what you can do to stay strong and active. Future topics will include:

  • Bones
  • Brain
  • Eyes
  • Teeth
  • Colon
  • Skin
  • Heart

Muscle Loss and Staying Strong at Every Age

In our 30s, most women feel strong and active, but muscle loss has already begun. Both estrogen and testosterone play key roles in maintaining muscle mass and responsiveness to exercise. As we age, testosterone declines in our 40s, followed by estrogen in our 50s. This shift can make it harder to lose weight and maintain strength with many women referring to it as a “metabolism change.” While this can be frustrating, it’s not hopeless! With the right nutrition and exercise, you can maintain and even rebuild muscle, no matter your age.

The Power of Movement

You may have heard the phrase: “Sitting is the new smoking.” Inactivity can be as harmful to your health as smoking, increasing your risk for serious conditions. But the good news? Today is the first day of the rest of your life! Getting active can boost your health, energy, and overall happiness.

Strength training is one of the most effective ways to maintain muscle mass. This includes:

  • Lifting weights
  • Using resistance bands
  • Machine-based exercises at the gym
  • Seated strength exercises for those with mobility concerns

There are many strength training programs designed for women over 50. A great resource is Harvard Medical School’s guide to preserving muscle mass.

Fueling Your Muscles with Protein

Protein is essential for muscle health. Some of the best protein sources include:

  • Chicken breast
  • Eggs
  • Yogurt

The Cleveland Clinic provides guidance on choosing high-quality protein. If you have kidney disease, consult your doctor before increasing your protein intake.

If you’re actively working to build muscle, you may need extra protein in your diet. The USDA’s online calculator can help determine your specific protein needs. Aim for about 20 extra grams of protein per meal when incorporating strength training.

Muscle Health and Fall Prevention

Strong muscles don’t just help with weight management—they also improve balance and stability, reducing the risk of falls as we age. According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of injury for adults 65 and older, but most falls are preventable. To lower your risk:

  • Check your home for tripping hazards like loose rugs
  • Get regular eye exams
  • Stay active to maintain balance and coordination

Take Charge of Your Health

Building and maintaining muscle at every stage of life benefits your heart health, reduces your risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, and helps you stay strong and independent. It’s never too late to start! At Covington Women’s Health Specialists, we’re here to support your health through every stage of life. If you have questions about menopause, muscle health, or how to create a plan tailored to your needs, schedule an appointment with our team today.

Midwifery Musings: Understanding Elective Inductions

Jennifer Walker, CNM, is back with another installment of our “Midwifery Musings” blog series, sharing her expertise and providing an inside look at life here at Covington Women’s Health Specialists.

As your trusted partners in every stage of pregnancy, we’re shedding light on elective inductions —what they involve, how they’re evaluated, and the factors to consider when making this important decision.

At 39 weeks gestation, women have the option to choose an elective induction of labor, even without a medical reason. Elective induction means that labor has not started on its own, but methods or medications are used to encourage the body to begin labor.

Elective inductions have become a topic of interest in recent years, with numerous studies conducted to evaluate their effectiveness and benefits. According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), “healthy women whose labor is induced at 39 weeks may have lower rates of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension than women who do not have induction at 39 weeks.”

Favorable vs. Unfavorable Cervix

Per the ACOG, the goal of an induction of labor is to achieve vaginal delivery by stimulating uterine contractions before labor begins spontaneously. Before scheduling an elective induction, your provider at Covington Women’s Health Specialists will perform a vaginal exam to assess the favorability of your cervix.

At our practice, we use the Bishop Scoring System* to determine whether your cervix is “favorable” or “unfavorable” for induction. Following the guidelines of the ACOG, a Bishop score of 6 or less typically indicates an unfavorable cervix, while a score of 8 or more suggests a similar likelihood of vaginal delivery as with spontaneous labor.

After assessing your Bishop score, your provider will discuss the risks and benefits of an elective induction to determine if it is the best option for you. If your Bishop score is 6 or less, your provider may recommend discussing or using cervical ripening methods to prepare your body for labor.

Considerations for Elective Induction

There are several advantages to scheduling an induction of labor at full term. These include:

  • A reduced chance of stillbirth.
  • Limiting further fetal growth, which can reduce the risk of delivery complications.
  • The ability to plan ahead, arrange childcare, organize transportation, or coordinate work schedules.

However, elective induction is not without potential drawbacks:

  • A longer labor and hospital stay.
  • The possibility of maternal exhaustion.
  • An increased likelihood of cesarean delivery, especially if the cervix is not favorable.

Studies have shown that nulliparous women (those who have never given birth to a live baby) face a two-fold increased risk of cesarean delivery when the cervix is unfavorable at the time of induction. Because cervical status is one of the most important predictors of successful vaginal delivery, it is crucial to have a thorough discussion with your provider when considering induction.

Looking Ahead

Understanding the benefits, risks, and factors that influence elective induction is key to making an informed decision. At Covington Women’s Health Specialists, we are here to guide you through every step of the process. In the next post of the “Midwifery Musings” blog series, I will delve deeper into cervical ripening agents and their role in preparing your body for labor.

The Benefits of Choosing a Midwife for Your Pregnancy and Birth

When preparing to welcome a new addition to your family, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is who will guide you through pregnancy and birth. Choosing a midwife is an option more families are exploring as they look for a supportive, personalized approach to pregnancy. But what exactly does a midwife do, and how can they support your journey to parenthood? We’ll answer all of your questions and more below.

What Is a Midwife and How Are They Different from Doctors?

Midwives are trained health professionals who specialize in helping expectant mothers through pregnancy, labor, and postpartum care. Unlike doctors, midwives often take a more holistic approach, prioritizing a close relationship with the family and focusing on the body’s natural abilities during childbirth.

“Midwifery is about empowering families to trust in their body’s strength while offering gentle support every step of the way,” says Dr. Meredith Delp, DO.

One common misconception is that midwives only attend home births. In reality, many midwives are certified to work within hospitals, giving families the option of a hospital birth with the compassionate, personalized care midwives are known for.

What a Midwife Does During Labor

Midwives play an active role in labor, providing emotional support, encouragement, and practical care. They help mothers manage discomfort, offer natural pain relief techniques, and work closely with you to develop a birth plan that aligns with your preferences and goals. Whether it’s breathing techniques, movement, or other methods, midwives are skilled at helping mothers navigate the stages of labor in a calm, supportive environment.

Can a Midwife Deliver a Baby in a Hospital?

Yes! In fact, many midwives work directly within hospitals and birthing centers. When you choose a midwife, you’re not limited to a home birth; instead, you have a range of settings where you can receive midwifery care. Having a midwife in a hospital setting can offer the “best of both worlds”—the natural, personalized approach of a midwife, with access to hospital facilities and staff if needed.

Is a Midwife a Nurse or a Doctor?

The title “midwife” can sometimes cause confusion since the term is neither doctor nor nurse. However, many midwives are trained as Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs), meaning they have both nursing and midwifery credentials. These midwives combine the clinical skills of nursing with specialized training in pregnancy and childbirth. Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) and other licensed midwives may not be RNs but are still trained and licensed to provide excellent care.

Can a Midwife Deliver a Baby Without a Doctor?

Absolutely. A midwife is trained to deliver a baby independently, though there are often doctors or hospital staff available should any complications arise. In many cases, midwives collaborate with doctors, especially if the mother has a higher-risk pregnancy or requests additional medical support. However, many healthy pregnancies can be fully managed by a midwife alone, with no need for a doctor’s intervention during labor.

Our Midwives are experts in low-risk pregnancies and births, and they play an important role in patient-centered care.

How Midwives Support Family Planning

Midwives don’t just support pregnancy and birth; they’re also knowledgeable in family planning. Many people turn to midwives for guidance on reproductive health, contraception options, and even preconception planning. Because midwives often have an ongoing relationship with families, they can provide comprehensive support that extends beyond pregnancy, helping parents make informed decisions about their reproductive health for years to come.

“Family planning and reproductive health are part of the ongoing care we provide, supporting parents in making the best choices for themselves and their families,” explains Dr. Meredith Farrow, MD, FACOG.

How to Know if a Midwife is Right for You

Choosing a midwife is a deeply personal choice that depends on your own health needs, birth preferences, and the level of care you desire. Midwives are known for their ability to listen, support, and honor the birthing person’s preferences. If you’re looking for a provider who will offer personalized attention and view birth as a natural and empowering process, a midwife may be the perfect fit.

Schedule a Midwife Consultation With Covington Women’s Health Specialists Today

Our midwives are trusted experts in pregnancy, labor, and family planning, and their approach can be both empowering and calming for expectant parents. Whether you’re looking for guidance through labor or planning for future pregnancies, the Covington Women’s Health Specialists midwife team offer holistic, patient-centered care that can make the journey to parenthood a more positive experience. If you’re considering a midwife, reach out and explore the unique ways we can support your family during this special time..

Your Annual GYN Visit: Reasons for Changing Medications

Your annual visit with your women’s health provider starts with a discussion of how you have been feeling, including questions about your overall health and symptoms.  The way you describe your symptoms sometimes tells the provider how your current medication(s) are working.

Some reasons for recommending a medication change are:

  • Based on your symptoms, the medication is no longer working or helping
  • An increase or decrease the dosage may be needed
  • You may be experiencing side effects
  • You may be having an allergic reaction
  • You may be taking other medications that interact with the current medication

New medical information may also cause your provider to recommend a medication change. Since medical research is always taking place, publication of new information since you started the medication may be available.  You should also be informed when new, more effective, medications become available.

  • The medication may have been found to have side effects not known when you started it
  • The medication may have been found to not work as well as earlier research showed it did
  • New medications may be thought to be more effective
  • New medications may have beneficial side effects
  • New information about the health problem for which you are taking a medication may indicate that other medications will be more effective
  • Information concerning the safety of the medication may have changed

If your provider discusses a medication change with you at your annual exam visit, understand the reasons why the change is recommended.  Ask when the new medication should take effect and how you should stop your old medication so as not to be bothered by an uncovered time gap between when the old medication wears off and the new medication’s effects begin.  Some medications require weaning off the old medication before starting the new one. 

Medication changes, like all aspects or your care, should involve you and the provider in a shared decision.  For example, if you like the description of a new medication and how other women have been helped by it, you are sharing in the decision to change medications. However, if you tell the provider that you would rather not risk adjusting to a new medication, you are sharing in the decision not to change your medication even though a new medication may offer more relief.

Hormones are an important medication for many women.  A woman may trust and rely on her hormone medication to keep her feeling the way she wants to feel. New information concerning hormone safety and effectiveness are publicized often, even more than other types of medication.

Your women’s healthcare expert is obligated to discuss new information with you, as well as to make recommendations based on safety concerns.  Changing hormone medications may be hard to do if the new medication does not work right away or does not work as well.  Scheduling a time to change may be important if you are faced with a trying time for your family or big projects at work, so that you are not changing medications during a stressful time period. Again, your decision to change the medication and when to make the change are decisions shared with your provider. 

If you have concerns about your medications, especially hormonal medication, please contact Covington Women’s Health Specialists, LLC. Our providers will discuss your symptoms, medication concerns and answer your questions. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 770-385-8954.