WOMEN’S HEALTH

There exists an extraordinary potential for change and growth during a woman’s reproductive years, arguably, more so than at any other stage of her life.  At Wellsprings, we are highly experienced in the areas of women’s emotional development, personal, inter-personal and professional needs, and Perinatal or Reproductive Psychiatry.

Women’s Emotional Development encompasses the reproductive years, but is not necessarily centered around them.  Personal growth, life balance, job satisfaction, self-care, exploring relationship patterns and finding fulfilment are all essential and life-long pursuits.  We at Wellsprings are devoted to helping our patients realize their fullest potential and expand the tools at their disposal to lead more enjoyable lives.

The field of Perinatal or Reproductive Psychiatry spans the period from menarche to menopause and beyond.  Some areas of focus include:

• Hormonally-mediated mood disorders such as PMS and PMDD
• Fertility
• Reproductive genetics
• Pregnancy
• Post-partum depression, anxiety and adjustment
• Management of psychiatric medications in pregnancy and lactation
• Shifting identity, roles and responsibilities
• Parenting challenges
• Perinatal, neonatal and child loss
• The effects of medical illness, treatments and surgery (including breast and gynecological cancer)
• Mood and physiologic changes occurring around the time of menopause

During your pre-conceptual or perinatal consultation, our reproductive psychiatrist will clarify diagnostic issues and discuss treatment options to address your symptoms.  If medication is needed to treat your condition, our psychiatrists will have a careful discussion with you (and your partner) about the risks and benefits of taking medication, as well as the risks of untreated symptoms, in order to ensure thoughtful and balanced decision making in your treatment plan.

Your care may involve psychological support during genetic screening, attempts to spontaneously conceive or through pursuit of pregnancy through fertility treatments, third party reproduction, or private adoption.  It also includes help with emotion regulation through pregnancy and extends to education and care once a baby is born and the focus shifts from management of pregnancy to adjustment to parenthood.

Our specially trained providers have longstanding relationships with our colleagues in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and actively collaborate with your health care team to ensure continuity of care.

Regardless of the stage of life a woman is in, we are unparalleled in our commitment to ensuring the greatest overall health and sense of well-being possible.

For more information, contact Wellsprings Health Associates 312-573-0900.