Well-Woman Exams and Menopause Care: What to Expect

What is a well-woman exam?

A well-woman exam is an annual preventive visit that covers your health history, current concerns, vital signs, and the screenings you are due for. It may include a clinical breast exam, a Pap smear or HPV test when due, birth control counseling, and mammogram orders when appropriate.

• Health history and preventive counseling
• Clinical breast exam and mammogram orders
• Pap smear and HPV testing on the recommended schedule
• Birth control counseling
• Discussion of menstrual, bleeding, or menopause concerns

What screenings are part of women's preventive care?

Current guidelines recommend cervical cancer screening starting at age 21, with a Pap test every 3 years, and for ages 30 to 65, HPV testing every 5 years or a Pap test every 3 years. Mammography is recommended every 2 years for women ages 40 to 74. Your provider personalizes the schedule based on your history and risk.

When should you discuss menstrual or bleeding concerns?

Talk with your provider about heavy, prolonged, or irregular bleeding, severe pain, missed periods, or bleeding between periods. Evaluation may include a history, exam, and lab work, and referral to gynecology is arranged when specialized care is needed.

How is menopause managed in primary care?

Menopause management starts with a conversation about symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruption, and mood changes. Options are individualized and may include lifestyle changes, non-hormonal treatments, or hormone therapy when clinically appropriate, using shared decision-making about risks and benefits.

When should you see a gynecologist instead?

Primary care handles routine women's health, but some situations call for a gynecologist, including complex gynecologic conditions, abnormal screening results that need further evaluation, or surgical concerns. Your TruHealth provider guides you on when a referral is the right step.