Gynecologists specialize in women’s health care. They treat women from the beginning of menstruation during the teen years through the onset of menopause later in life. In addition, they partner with physicians who treat specific female health problems.

At UT Southwestern Medical Center, women suffering from cancer are referred to gynecologic oncologists. Those who are unable to become pregnant or who have hormonal problems are sent to reproductive endocrinologists. And women who have pelvic floor disorders such as overactive bladder, incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse may be referred to urogynecologists for treatment.

No matter what her age, every woman is encouraged to have an annual well-woman exam by a gynecologist. The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology offers women three venues for gynecological care.

1. The Lowe Foundation Center for Women’s Preventative Health Care is a model for the advancement of care for peri- and postmenopausal women. With an average life expectancy of about 80 years, the typical woman can expect to live one-third of her life after menopause. Menopause offers a unique time when physicians and patients can discuss and initiate preventative and life-extending health care. The Lowe Women’s Center provides a first-rate physician team that specializes in caring for women experiencing the primary and secondary affects of ovarian estrogen deprivation, including preventative treatment of:

• bone loss;
• heart disease;
• bladder incontinence;
• hormone-dependent cancers;
• mood disorders;
• postmenopausal bleeding; and
• other disorders affected by the aging process.

The Lowe Women’s Center has specialists trained in minimally invasive surgery, bone densitometry, reproductive endocrinology and hormonal disorders, and in the treatment of pediatric and adolescent gynecological problems such as anatomic abnormalities.

2. Physicians in our Comprehensive Obstetrics and Gynecology Program care for women from teens through menopause and work to develop lasting relationships with their patients through all stages of life. In addition to obstetrical care, they offer women the entire range of gynecological services, including:

• routine annual well-woman evaluation (breast and pelvic physical exams, Pap smear, and other laboratory and imaging studies as needed);
• counseling on issues of contraceptive selection and use, and HPV vaccinations for adolescents and young adults;
• assessment and management of pelvic infections, endometriosis, and other common as well as complex problems of the female urinary and reproductive tracts;
• management and treatment options for menstrual problems like heavy bleeding and PMS;
  pregnancy confirmation;
• management and treatment options for the symptoms of menopause; and
• general gynecologic surgery, such as hysterectomy, as well as procedures using minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy, hysteroscopy and endometrial ablation.

3. The Multi-Speciality Clinic, overseen by H. David Cook, M.D., specializes in gynecology and women’s health care. Formerly in practice in the Dallas community, Dr. Cook brings almost 30 years of experience in the preventative and surgical care of women. His practice focuses specifically on gynecological health care including:

• annual well-woman exams (breast and pelvic examinations, Pap smears, and laboratory and imaging studies as needed);
• contraceptive counseling and management, and HPV vaccinations for adolescents and young adults;
• assessment and management of such gynecological problems as pelvic infections, endometriosis and pelvic pain;
• management and treatment options for menstrual problems like heavy bleeding and PMS;
• management and treatment options for the symptoms of menopause; and
• general gynecological surgery including minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy, hysteroscopy and endometrial ablation.