Dear Patients,
Thank you for visiting my new website. My goal is to provide you with general gynecology and women’s health information, in addition to specific information regarding Woman to Woman Gynecology Services. Check back often for new information and links to current articles of interest. I hope to see you in the clinic soon.
Barbara L. Patrick, MD
A Doctor You Can Confide in for:
Medical and surgical treatment of menstural disorders, pelvic organ prolapse, general infertility testing and treatment. Well women exams, birth control counseling and evaluation of abnormal pap smears.
Q&A with Dr. Patrick
What is the latest thinking in hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
In 2002 the Woman’s Health Initiative released their findings regarding HRT. Estrogen and progesterone together was found to increase the risk of breast cancer (after 4 years of use), blood clots and stroke. It was thought that HRT increased the risk of heart attacks although more recent data shows that HRT may decrease the risk of heart disease in early menopausal women. Hormone treatment with estrogen alone (used in women who have had a hysterectomy) does NOT increase the risk of breast cancer. HRT has been shown to decrease the risk of developing colon cancer and hip fractures.
