Focusing on women's health

• Focusing on women's health:
o Name and describe the components and rationale of the gynecological health history.
o Define and describe each component of the GTPAL system used to document pregnancy history.
• Following the guidelines of the United States Preventive Service Taskforce (USPSTF) what screening recommendations would you do to G.R. a 66-year-old female patient who visits you at the office for the first time (last visit to her PCP 5 years ago) with only positive health history of hysterectomy 10 years ago due to fibroids.
• A 35-year-old women with a BMI of 40 comes in asking about combined hormonal contraception’s. You explain the contraindications for hormonal contraception include (name more than 4 contraindications).

Full Answer Section

       
  • Obstetric History:
    • GTPAL:
      • G: Gravidity (total number of pregnancies, including current pregnancy)
      • T: Term births (number of pregnancies delivered at 37 weeks or more)
      • P: Preterm births (number of pregnancies delivered between 20 and 36 weeks)
      • A: Abortions/Miscarriages (number of pregnancies ending before 20 weeks)
      • L: Living children
    • History of Pregnancies: Details of each pregnancy, including complications, delivery method, and infant outcomes.
  • Sexual History:
    • Sexual activity: Frequency and type of sexual activity.
    • Number of sexual partners: Past and present.
    • Use of contraception: Type of contraception used and any problems encountered.
    • History of sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Previous diagnoses and treatments.
  • Gynecologic History:
    • Previous gynecologic surgeries: Hysterectomy, tubal ligation, etc.
    • History of gynecologic conditions: Endometriosis, ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), etc.
    • Pap smears and HPV testing: Results and dates of previous screenings.
    • Breast health: Breast self-exams, mammograms, breast biopsies.
  • Medical and Surgical History:
    • Chronic medical conditions: Diabetes, hypertension, asthma, etc.
    • Surgeries: Previous surgeries outside of gynecology.
  • Family History:
    • Family history of gynecologic cancers: Breast cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer.
    • Family history of other relevant conditions: Diabetes, heart disease, etc.
  • Psychosocial History:
    • Lifestyle factors: Smoking, alcohol use, drug use.
    • Occupational history: Exposure to potential occupational hazards.
    • Socioeconomic factors: Income, housing, access to healthcare.
    • Mental health: History of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions.

Rationale:

A comprehensive gynecological health history provides valuable information about a woman's reproductive health, risk factors for gynecologic conditions, and overall health status. This information helps healthcare providers:

  • Identify risk factors for gynecologic cancers and other health problems.
  • Provide appropriate screening and preventive care.
  • Develop individualized treatment plans.
  • Build a strong rapport and trust with the patient.

USPSTF Screening Recommendations for a 66-year-old Female with Hysterectomy

Based on USPSTF guidelines, for a 66-year-old female with a history of hysterectomy due to fibroids, the following screening recommendations would apply:

  • No routine mammography: The USPSTF recommends against routine mammography screening for women aged 75 and older due to the low risk of benefit and potential for harm.
  • No routine screening for osteoporosis: The USPSTF recommends against routine screening for osteoporosis in women aged 65 and older who are not at increased risk.
  • Consider screening for colorectal cancer: The USPSTF recommends screening for colorectal cancer in adults aged 76-85 years, depending on life expectancy and prior screening history. Since this patient is 66, colorectal cancer screening would be recommended.
  • Consider screening for cardiovascular disease: The USPSTF recommends screening for cardiovascular disease in women aged 55 and older.
  • Assess for depression: The USPSTF recommends screening for depression in adults.

Contraindications for Combined Hormonal Contraception

Combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs), which contain both estrogen and progestin, are contraindicated in women with:

  • Current or history of venous thromboembolism (VTE): Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism.
  • History of cerebrovascular accident (stroke) or myocardial infarction (heart attack).
  • Known or suspected breast cancer.
  • Liver tumors (benign or malignant).
  • Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding.
  • Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy.
  • Severe hypertension.
  • Severe liver disease.
  • Major surgery with prolonged immobilization.
  • Smoking heavily (more than 15 cigarettes per day) and aged 35 years or older.
 

Sample Answer

       

Components of a Gynecological Health History

  • Menstrual History:
    • Menarche: Age of onset of menstruation.
    • Cycle Length: Duration of the menstrual cycle (average number of days between periods).
    • Cycle Regularity: Consistency of cycle length.
    • Menstrual Flow: Amount and duration of bleeding.
    • Dysmenorrhea: Presence and characteristics of menstrual cramps.
    • Last Menstrual Period (LMP): Date of the first day of the last menstrual period.