Women’s Health

Contraception

Premenstrual Syndrome/Premestual Dysphoric Disorder

The symptoms that occur due to changing hormones during a woman’s menstrual cycle are many and include mood swings, headaches, irritability, breast tenderness, fatigue, acne, bloating, weight gain, GI upset, and joint pain. For most women, the severity of these symptoms are mild and can be tolerated or managed with over-the-counter medications, supplements, rest, and time. Some women, however, experience these symptoms more severely, so much so that they must stay home from work or school. Their relationships and quality of life are impacted significantly.

Many women report, that it is as if ‘a switch turns on’ that changes how they feel both physically and emotionally in a profound way that they know is not reflective of their ‘true selves.’ No matter where you fall on this spectrum, the providers at LEAP can help you manage your symptoms and the impact that they have on your life. Through a customized approach, we will offer treatment and guidance to help you fully engage with life even during that ‘time of the month’!

Planning for Pregnancy

There are a multitude of factors that impact the outcome of a pregnancy and the health of your unborn baby: unhealthy lifestyle, hazardous medications, substance use, vitamin/mineral insufficiency, environmental exposures, genetic carrier status, and more. Rates of complications such as Gestational Diabetes and Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (Preeclampsia) have been steadily climbing in the United States.  The best time to assess for and work to correct these issues is prior to pregnancy occurring, not during the prenatal period. 

Many medications, both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC), are not considered safe in pregnancy, especially in the early stages of development when you may not even be aware of your pregnancy status. Certain foods and environmental exposures should be avoided and adequate levels of key minerals, such as folic acid, are needed to reduce the risk of neurological/spinal defects. 

Our providers have extensive experience in Preconception Care counseling. We will do a comprehensive assessment of your overall health and make recommendations to help you prepare for the physical and emotional strain that pregnancy can bring so that your experience is a wonderful and exciting one! 

Incontinence

More than 25 million people in the United States experience bladder leakage every day.  Up to 80% of those people are women.  You are not alone! 

Stress incontinence is very common after vaginal birth. Four in ten women experience incontinence during and post-pregnancy; however, many new mothers feel shame or embarrassment about this change in their bodies. Other factors, such as age, weight, physical activity (or lack thereof), can also contribute to the development of this condition. Loss of tone in the pelvic floor muscles allows the bladder to sink further down into the pelvic cavity causing a sensation of pressure, a sense of urinary urgency, and, sometimes, pain. 

The good news is that most cases of incontinence can be managed with lifestyle modifications, strengthening exercises, physical therapy, and/or prescription medication. The best time to work on your pelvic floor strength is before symptoms are severe. 

Rachel Sposito DNP FNP-C has had 15 years of experience in gynecology and women’s health. She is prepared to listen to your concerns and develop a personalized treatment plan for you!

Navigating Menopause

The perimenopausal season of a woman’s life can be fraught with questions, frustrations, and symptoms that can make your entire life seem off-kilter. The physical symptoms that interrupt both sleep and daily activities to changes in mental clarity, ability to focus, and the intensity of your emotions can impact the quality of life, relationships, and feelings of self-worth.

Women can often feel alone in their struggle and confused about how to manage this new season in their life. These changes in the body can bring a sense of grief and trigger surprising emotions that seem to come ‘out of nowhere’. The perimenopausal season may also bring a desire to pause and reflect upon your life to this point and provide an opportunity to reevaluate the quality of your relationships, the meaning of your work, and how you want to experience the “Golden Years”. 

The providers at LEAP understand that navigating this season of life well takes a comprehensive approach that addresses mind, body, and spirit. We will respect your right to an approach that honors your goals and priorities. We can offer support through coaching, lifestyle modification, supplements, and medications as needed. Don’t suffer in silence… we are here for you!

Osteoporosis

Half of all women and one-fourth of men will develop osteoporosis in their lifetime. The most detrimental effects of this SILENT thinning of your bones are hip and spinal fractures that reduce mobility, cause chronic pain, and limit your ability to do the physical things that you enjoy. While osteoporosis and the precursor condition, osteopenia, affect about 54 million Americans, much education remains to be done regarding proper screening, diagnosis, and management strategies to keep you at your best. 

Rachel Sposito, DNP, FNP-C has received extensive experience throughout her career in identifying and treating this disorder effectively. Osteoporosis and osteopenia are chronic conditions that require on-going management. The best approach is a proactive one in which you are assessed for risk factors through a dedicated bone health consultation and provided with a personalized management plan that can be adjusted over time as your condition necessitates. Don’t let thinning bones slow you down!