All women will go through perimenopause, but it is not commonly discussed among women suffering from symptoms or as a women’s health issue in general. 

As we recognize Women’s Health Month, Paniz Heidari, DO, an OB/GYN with Dignity Health Medical Group —  Northridge, discusses what perimenopausal women can expect and when to seek support from your health care team.

A Pap test, or Pap smear, screens for cervical cancer and is recommended for women between 21 and 65. If your results are normal, you may not need to get screened again for another three to five years, depending on your age and the test you receive. But what happens when your results come back positive, abnormal, or unclear? Read on to learn more about the goal of cervical cancer screening, understand what HPV and Pap tests are, and what your results could mean.

Breastfeeding can take a toll on the body, especially the lower back. Below, Sarah Fulop-Furlano, IBCLC a lactation consultant with Dignity Health Medical Group — Dominican shares tips for proper breastfeeding positions to protect your back, and help keep you and baby as comfortable as possible.

In recognition of Women’s Health Month during the month of May, we’re spotlighting important women’s health insights from physicians across different specialties. Lisbeth Chang, MD, an OB-GYN with Dignity Health Medical Group — Northridge, shares important insight on preventative screenings and OB-GYN care.

COVID-19 raises many questions for those who are currently pregnant, trying to get pregnant or planning on getting pregnant in the future. Research shows that it is safe to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at any point during pregnancy, and getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent serious complications from getting COVID-19 for both mom and baby.

“We have a lot of information about the harms of getting sick with COVID-19 during pregnancy and how safe and effective the vaccines are, “says Kimberly Moreland, MD, an OB/GYN with Dignity Health Medical Group — Dominican. “Don't miss this amazing opportunity to protect yourself and your baby by staying up-to-date with your vaccines and boosters.”