Advanced Practice in Primary Care: Women’s Health

choose one women’s health condition learned in the course. Once the health condition is chosen, you are to write a three-to-five-page paper in APA format 7th edition with the following sections and level 2 headings:
Introduction
-Brief overview of women’s health
-Introduce the disease condition chosen
-Importance of understanding the condition
Presentation of Condition
-Describe the condition chosen and its pathophysiology.
-What signs/symptoms are identified in the patient that can be found?
-Identify if there can be presentation variations based on culture, race, ethnicity, age, etc.
Diagnosis of Condition
-Diagnostic testing (include imaging, labs, and other necessary evaluations based on condition)
-Clinical evaluation via medical history and physical examination

Treatment of Condition
-Medications
-Treatments
-Managing symptoms (if needed)
-Non-pharmacological treatments (if applicable)
Potential Health Risks if Left Untreated
-Physical and mental health risks
Recent Evidence-Based Advancements in Condition
-Choose one evidence-based treatment that has shown to improve condition within the last 5 years.
-Briefly summarize the treatment and results.
Conclusion
-Recap points discussed in paper
-Importance of management and early diagnosis (if applicable)

Full Answer Section

         

Presentation of Condition

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a heterogeneous disorder with a complex pathophysiology. The primary mechanism involves insulin resistance and a subsequent increase in insulin levels (hyperinsulinemia), which stimulates the ovaries to produce excessive androgens (male hormones) such as testosterone. This state of hyperandrogenism, combined with dysfunctional hormonal signaling between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and ovaries, disrupts the normal menstrual cycle. Specifically, the high androgen levels prevent the proper maturation and release of an egg from the follicles, leading to anovulation or oligo-ovulation (infrequent ovulation). This results in the accumulation of many small, immature follicles around the edge of the ovaries, giving them a "polycystic" appearance on ultrasound, though they are not true cysts. The signs and symptoms of PCOS are varied and often emerge during a woman's late teens or early twenties. Key clinical manifestations include:
  • Menstrual Irregularities: This is one of the most common signs, presenting as irregular periods (oligomenorrhea), very long periods, or a complete absence of periods (amenorrhea). This is a direct result of anovulation.
  • Hyperandrogenism: Physical signs of excess androgen include hirsutism (excessive hair growth on the face, chest, back, and buttocks), severe acne, and androgenic alopecia (male-pattern hair loss).
  • Polycystic Ovaries: An ultrasound may reveal ovaries that are enlarged and contain 12 or more follicles (up to 8mm in size) in each ovary.
  • Metabolic Issues: Many women with PCOS experience weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, and may show signs of insulin resistance such as acanthosis nigricans (dark, velvety patches of skin) in the armpits, groin, or on the neck.
  • Psychological Symptoms: Patients may also present with depression, anxiety, and body image concerns due to the physical symptoms of the condition.

Sample Answer

        Women's health is a vast and intricate field, encompassing the unique physiological and hormonal changes that occur throughout a woman’s lifespan. These changes can predispose women to specific health conditions that require specialized knowledge for proper diagnosis and management. One such condition, which represents a significant public health concern, is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a complex endocrine and metabolic disorder affecting millions of women of reproductive age worldwide. Characterized by a combination of hormonal imbalances, ovarian dysfunction, and insulin resistance, PCOS is not merely a gynecological issue but a systemic condition with far-reaching implications for a woman's physical and mental well-being. Understanding this condition is crucial for primary care providers to deliver accurate, timely, and effective care, preventing potential long-term complications and improving the quality of life for affected patients.