March Into Better Women’s Health: What Every Woman Should Know This Season

As we transition into spring, March is a time of renewal — and that includes renewing our commitment to women’s health. It’s also recognized as National Endometriosis Awareness Month, making it the perfect opportunity to talk about prevention, early detection, and proactive care across all stages of life.

As an OB/GYN, I often remind patients that preventive care isn’t just about annual exams — it’s about understanding your body, recognizing changes, and feeling empowered to seek care when something doesn’t feel right.

Here’s what you should be thinking about this March.

Understanding Endometriosis: More Than “Bad Cramps”

March shines a spotlight on Endometriosis, a condition affecting approximately 1 in 10 women of reproductive age.

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus — commonly on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or pelvic lining. This can cause:

• Severe menstrual cramps

• Chronic pelvic pain

• Pain during intercourse

• Heavy or irregular bleeding

• Infertility

Unfortunately, many women are told their pain is “normal,” leading to delayed diagnosis. On average, diagnosis can take 7–10 years.

Insight: Severe period pain that interferes with work, school, or daily life is not normal. If over-the-counter medications aren’t helping, it’s worth having a deeper conversation with your provider. Early diagnosis improves long-term outcomes and quality of life.

Spring Is a Good Time to Reassess Birth Control

Your contraceptive needs can change over time. Whether you’re preventing pregnancy, managing cycles, or treating conditions like acne or endometriosis, March is a great time to reassess.

If you’ve experienced new side effects, changes in your health history (like migraines or blood pressure), or shifting pregnancy plans, it may be time for a review.

Remember: The “best” birth control is the one that fits your lifestyle, medical history, and reproductive goals.

Preparing for Pregnancy: Start Before You Conceive

Spring often brings thoughts of new beginnings — and for many, that includes growing their family.

Preconception counseling is one of the most underutilized yet powerful tools in obstetrics. Before trying to conceive, consider:

• Starting prenatal vitamins with folic acid

• Reviewing medications for safety

• Optimizing chronic conditions (thyroid disease, diabetes, hypertension)

• Updating vaccines

• Reviewing genetic carrier screening options

Preconception planning reduces risks and improves pregnancy outcomes — and ideally begins 3 months before conception.

Cervical Cancer Screening: Are You Up to Date?

Routine Pap smears and HPV testing remain one of the most effective cancer prevention tools available.

If you’re unsure when your last screening was, March is a great time to check.

Hormonal Changes: Perimenopause and Beyond

Women in their late 30s and 40s may begin noticing subtle hormonal shifts — mood changes, irregular cycles, sleep disturbances, or weight fluctuations.

Perimenopause can begin years before menopause, and symptoms are highly individualized. If you’re feeling “off,” don’t dismiss it.

We now have more evidence-based options than ever for symptom management, including:

• Hormone therapy

• Non-hormonal medications

• Lifestyle interventions

• Nutritional support

A tailored approach makes all the difference.

Mental Health Is Reproductive Health

Hormones and mental health are deeply connected. PMS, PMDD, postpartum depression, and perimenopausal mood shifts are real, biologically influenced conditions — not personal weaknesses.

If you experience:

• Mood changes tied to your cycle

• Anxiety or depression during pregnancy or postpartum

• Emotional symptoms worsening before your period

Please speak up. Treatment options are safe, effective, and life-changing.

A Spring Reminder: Listen to Your Body

Women are often conditioned to push through discomfort. But your body communicates through symptoms — pain, irregular bleeding, fatigue, mood shifts.

This March, I encourage you to:

• Schedule overdue annual exams

• Track your cycle

• Address pain that feels abnormal

• Ask questions

• Advocate for yourself

Your reproductive health is not separate from your overall health — it is central to it.

Final Thoughts

Spring is about growth, renewal, and fresh starts. Let this be the month you prioritize your health — whether that means investigating chronic symptoms, updating your screenings, or planning for the future.

If something doesn’t feel right, trust yourself. You deserve to be heard, and you deserve comprehensive, compassionate care.

Here’s to a healthy and empowered March. 🌸 -Dr. Laura & Dr. Blase