Metropolitan Women's Center: Gigi Hafizi, MD

04/19/2019

10 health tips to spring into a new season...

10 Ways to Boost Your Health This Spring
(http://ow.ly/cB3h30o8O58)

Springtime is officially here, and you can take advantage of spring to boost your health! When you're spring cleaning, don't forget to clean out your pantry. Ditch any processed snacks and replace them with nutrient-dense whole foods. You can further boost your health by:

• Spending time out in the sunshine to boost your vitamin D (which supports healthy bones)
• Taking a walk outside (to boost your mood and combat menopause-related weight gain)

As winter turns to spring and the days grow longer, it’s the perfect time to consider how you can lead a healthier lifestyle.

04/18/2019

Need Help Navigating through Menopause? BHRT Can Help!
(http://ow.ly/K2Es30o8Oc4)

While menopause is a natural part of a woman's life, it can leave you feeling less-than-optimal. When the symptoms of menopause start to affect all aspects of your life, it's time to consider bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). BHRT can help balance your hormones and help you feel like yourself again.

BHRT is available at Metropolitan Women's Center. Book your consultation to learn more.

04/17/2019

The Science of Breaks at Work: Change Your Thinking About Downtime

Beat Mid-Week Slump with Breaks!
(http://ow.ly/SMo130o8O4U)

Already tired from the work week? Taking efficient breaks does wonders for your productivity. Researchers suggest taking breaks helps to avoid boredom, retain information, and helps reevaluate goals. Grabbing a coffee, going for a quick walk, or doodling in your log book can do wonders. Do yourself a favor and take a break today!

Taking breaks at work can make you happier, more focused and more productive. Here's a look at the science of why breaks work and how to use them better.

04/16/2019

Is Your Family Complete: This Is All You Need to Know about Tubal Ligation
(http://ow.ly/QuS530o8ObN)

Part of family planning is not only determining how to space your children but also deciding when your family is complete. When you're sure that your family is complete, you and your partner can consider permanent forms of birth control such as vasectomies or tubal ligation.

Interested? Start the conversation with your gynecologist today.

04/15/2019

When You Need a Pelvic Ultrasound
(http://ow.ly/ezXO30o8Obw)

Pelvic ultrasounds are associated with prenatal care, but expectant women are not the only one to benefit from an ultrasound. In fact, ultrasounds can help your gynecologist pinpoint the underlying causes of pelvic pain or abnormal periods. Fibroids, for instance, can cause pain and heavy periods, and an ultrasound can help detect the fibroids. Pelvic ultrasounds can also be used to check on ovarian cysts.

Pelvic ultrasounds are available at Metropolitan Women's Center for your convenience.

04/12/2019

Looking Back On Your New Year Resolutions
(http://ow.ly/yAjG30o8O4G)

Goal setting comes with a lot of hard work and dedication, but it’s pretty common to go off track from your goals as well. If you focus on setting mini-goals, rather than one long-term goal, it may be easier for you to stay on track and achieve what you want. Moreover, striving for goals that help boost your life will make you be a happier person, so it’s worth sticking to your goals!

04/11/2019

7 Diet Tips for Managing PCOS
(http://ow.ly/HGhS30o8Oba)

If you were just diagnosed with PCOS, you might have many questions, and that's okay. One of the first things you can start to do is follow a well-balanced diet filled with low glycemic index foods. This is important because many women with PCOS are also insulin resistant, and low glycemic index foods can help prevent spikes in your blood sugar.

04/10/2019

What to Bring to Your Well Woman Exam
(http://ow.ly/1pgh30o8OaV)

Is your annual well woman exam coming up? If so, you can make the most out of your appointment by coming prepared. Before you arrive for your exam at Metropolitan Women's Center, take a few minutes to prep. You'll need the standard information (ID, insurance card, etc), but you can further maximize your appointment by coming prepared with a list of any concerns, questions, or odd symptoms you've been having. Thinking about this ahead of time reduces your risk of forgetting to mention something on the spot.

Are you due for an exam? Book your well woman exam today!

04/09/2019

Can Cranberry Juice Stop Your UTI?

Myth: Cranberry Juice Cures UTIs
(http://ow.ly/Em3p30o8O4c)

It's a popular myth that cranberry juice cures UTIs, but it's a myth nonetheless. According to the experts at Cleveland Clinic, there is a component in cranberries that helps limit bacteria growth, but drinking juice does not supply you with enough bacteria-fighting power. Instead of relying on cranberry juice, visit your gynecologist for quick and speedy treatment, and you'll be feeling better in no time.

3 urinary tract infection preventives that really work

04/08/2019

How Stress Affects Your Body
(http://ow.ly/NP2F30o8O4q)

Feeling stressed? You're not alone. Experiencing stress can take a real physical and mental toll on your health. Research has shown a connection between stress and chronic health problems.

04/05/2019

12 Signs You Might Have Interstitial Cystitis

Incontinence? Painful Bladder? What's Causing Your Symptoms?
(http://ow.ly/sL8Z30o8O40)

Overactive bladder, stress incontinence, urinary tract infections, and painful bladder can all cause uncomfortable symptoms, and if you're visiting the restroom more often than normal, it's worth mentioning to your doctor. Whether you need antibiotics for a UTI, a pessary for incontinence, or medication for painful bladder, your doctor can help you get the care you need.

In 'The Interstitial Cystitis Solution,' Nicole Cozean and Jesse Cozean lay out how to recognize and treat symptoms of painful bladder syndrome.

04/04/2019

Don't Brush Off Depression During Menopause
(http://ow.ly/vBEE30o8Oaw)

Mood swings are a well-known symptom of menopause, but not all low moods are caused by a hormone imbalance. Hormone therapy can address mood swings, but if your mood is caused by depression, you might benefit from other treatments (including therapy).

Bottom line: If you're feeling low, it's worth mentioning to your doctor.

04/03/2019

Walking Can Help Improve Your Health
(http://ow.ly/7i0X30o8O3P)

Did you know how important walking is for your everyday life? Sometimes we take for granted how much walking truly does add to our greater well being. The average American walks 3,000-4,000 steps a day! This helps reduce your risk of heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, and even depression. While it may seem like a minimal decision, taking the stairs may the best choice next time you're out and about!

04/02/2019

PCOS Treatment: Use of Combination Therapy More Effective Long-Term

Birth Control for PCOS: What the Studies Say
(http://ow.ly/igft30o8O3z)

If you have PCOS, you probably know that birth control is often used to manage the symptoms of PCOS. A 2018 study published in the Journal of Women's Health revealed that hormonal birth control effectively managed many symptoms of PCOS, including unwanted facial hair growth.

Common symptoms of polycystic o***y syndrome, PCOS, including acne, excess hair growth, and irregular period respond best to combination therapy with improvements increasing over time.

04/01/2019

Lifestyle Modifications to Reduce Pain from UTI
(http://ow.ly/xhdo30o8Oaf)

In addition to taking your antibiotics as directed, you can find relief from UTI pain with a heating pad or warm compress. You should also steer clear of any beverage that irritates your bladder. Some women are more sensitive to beverages such as coffee (or any caffeine-containing drink), citrus-based drinks, alcohol, and soda.

03/31/2019

Gigi Hafizi, MD: OB-GYN Annandale, VA: Metropolitan Women's Center

Do You Need to Fast Before a Well Woman Exam?

https://www.mwcva.com/

Depending on your exam and symptoms you have, your provider may want to check your thyroid hormones, cholesterol, or other levels.

To book your next well woman exam, contact us.

Trusted OB-GYN serving Annandale, VA. Contact us at 703-214-4635 or visit us at 3301 Woodburn Road, Suite 307, Annandale, VA 22003: Metropolitan Women's Center

03/30/2019

On this day we show our appreciation for all our doctors do for us throughout the year. Help us wish Dr. Hafizi a Happy National Doctor's Day!

03/28/2019

19 Habits of Healthy Women (The Habits You Need to Adopt!)
(http://ow.ly/OaF230nPDmk)

Do you perform regular self-breast exams? If not, you should! Taking an active role in your health is one of the best things you can do for yourself. In addition to performing your own checks (including breast and skin), it's important to also receive professional screenings too. If you're due for a breast exam or a Pap smear, don't delay getting the screenings that could save your life.

03/26/2019

Now more than ever Type 2 diabetes is showing up in younger individuals. Knowing how to prevent the disease is better than having to manage it later on in life. Here are ways to prevent the disease. (http://ow.ly/XD7N30nPDmj)

03/25/2019

We Love to Hear From Our Patients!
(http://ow.ly/3AjW30nPDmh)

At Metropolitan Women’s Center, Dr. Hafizi is dedicated to providing our patients with the best care possible – and your feedback helps! Head to our website to leave a review, share your experience, and check out what other patients have to say.

03/22/2019

Staying Healthy After Menopause: How Much Calcium Do You Need?
(http://ow.ly/t1Pj30nPDmg)

You probably know that calcium helps build strong bones, which is why most women need about 1000mg of calcium each day. However, when estrogen levels dip, your risk of osteoporosis increases. To keep your bones healthy, it's important to get extra calcium after menopause. The experts at John Hopkins suggest that the average postmenopausal woman aims for 1200 mg daily.

03/21/2019

12 Smart Tips to Help You Prepare for Surgery and Stay Healthy

Tips to Help You Prepare For Surgery
(http://ow.ly/55BQ30nPDme)

While doctors play a vital role in your surgery, it's important to know how you can also play a part. Here are some tips on how you can prepare for your surgery, which will help you come out stronger on the other side.

Get tips for what you can do before surgery to optimize both your pre-operative health and post-operative care.

03/20/2019

Spring Into Action By Putting Your Health First

Spring is a time for new beginnings. It's a wonderful time to commit to better health and wellness. If you haven't already, be sure to get your yearly wellness exam scheduled with your Doctor. Start this spring by practicing preventive care, so you can you stay healthy!

03/19/2019

Why You Might Need a Pelvic Ultrasound
(http://ow.ly/nvto30nPDmd)

Ultrasounds are often associated with pregnancy, but the truth is that pelvic ultrasounds can be used in many situations. At Metropolitan Women’s Center, Dr. Hafizi may use a pelvic ultrasound to help pinpoint the cause of your pelvic pain. Both fibroids and cysts can show up on an ultrasound scan.

If you have questions about pelvic ultrasounds, contact us using the link provided.

03/18/2019

3 Ways to Reboot Your Failing New Year's Resolutions

A lot of times we fail at our New Years Resolutions because we lose focus on why we started them. Revisit the goals you set in the new year and focus on why you chose them. (http://ow.ly/cxMw30nPDmc)

If you've already stopped trying to reach that goal you set a few weeks ago, how important was it to you to begin with?

03/15/2019

What to Do When Conservative Treatments for Fibroids Aren't Working
(http://ow.ly/Zzz930nPDmb)

Has your gynecologist suggested a hysterectomy for severe uterine fibroids? Fibroids can be removed but if they continue to grow and cause problems, you're not out of options. At Metropolitan Women’s Center, Dr. Hafizi can treat severe fibroids with minimally invasive robotic surgery. Recovery from minimally invasive surgery is quicker than traditional surgery, which means you can get back to your normal routine quicker.

To learn more about robotic surgery, don't hesitate to contact us via the link provided.

03/14/2019

8 Ways To Prevent Yeast Infections

8 Ways to Prevent Yeast Infections
(http://ow.ly/5NHT30nPDm9)

Did you know that there are lifestyle modifications you can make to reduce your risk of yeast infections? Keep these tips in mind:

• Wear 100% cotton underwear
• Always change clothes immediately after swimming or exercising
• Include more probiotic-rich foods in your diet

Tip: If you do suspect you have an infection, see your gynecologist for an official diagnosis before trying to treat your infection at home.

Though many women find that summer is the most common season for yeast infections, know that just because the weather is starting to change, doesn't mean your va**na is completely out of the yeast infection woods. But don't stress, my friend!…

03/12/2019

Va**nal Infections: What's the Difference Between the Types of Vaginitis?
(http://ow.ly/qFBx30nPDlW)

Did you know that there are multiple types of vaginitis? Technically, yeast infections are a type of vaginitis caused by a fungus. The most common va**nal infection, however, is caused by a bacteria and is called bacterial vaginosis. If you think you have a va**nal infection, there's no need to be embarrassed. Va**nal infections are common, and your gynecologist can help you get the relief you need.

**nalinfection

03/11/2019

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy and Menopause: Find the Relief You Need
(http://ow.ly/vaVC30nPDlV)

Are you frustrated with hot flash after hot flash? Are you tired, frustrated with weight gain, and fed up with mood swings? Menopause can cause a number of unwanted symptoms, but luckily, Dr. Hafizi at Metropolitan Women’s Center offers bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Hormone therapy can balance your hormones, and when your hormones are balanced you should find relief from these symptoms.

To find out if HRT is right for you, contact us using the link provided.

03/08/2019

International Women's Day is the perfect time to look at inequity in health care

What International Women’s Day Has to Do With Health Care
(http://ow.ly/6jTk30nPDlS)

Did you know International Women's Day had its roots in the labor movement and was organized by women primarily working as garment workers? Medicine is not one-size-fits-all. Read more on how today has everything to do with health care.

It's time to start paying attention to women's pain.

03/07/2019

Preparing for Your Ultrasound: Do You Really Need to Drink Water First?
(http://ow.ly/Y3ek30nPDlR)

Yes! Drinking water before an ultrasound provides clearer images of your reproductive organs. How much water you need to drink depends if you're pregnant and how far along you are, so be sure to check with Dr. Hafizi before you arrive for your ultrasound. Water should be consumed one hour prior to your pelvic ultrasound.

Pelvic ultrasounds are conveniently available at Metropolitan Women’s Center.

03/06/2019

How Do You Know If You Have an STD?
(http://ow.ly/Ioq030nPDlQ)

It's not always easy to tell if you have an STD unless your doctor orders an STD test. Some STDs are asymptomatic, which means you can pass on the infection without even realizing you had it. Other infections cause symptoms (such as painful urination) that mimic other conditions (such as a UTI or yeast infection).

Bottom line: the only way to know for sure if you have an STD is to receive a test.

03/05/2019

Is Va**nal Dryness Causing Painful In*******se? Let Us Know!
(http://ow.ly/nHp030nPDlP)

Low levels of estrogen during menopause can contribute to va**nal dryness. Va**nal dryness and va**nal atrophy can lead to pain during s*x as well as increased UTIs. Don't be embarrassed to discuss these concerns with your gynecologist. At Metropolitan Women’s Center, there are many options to help you find relief from this unwanted symptom of menopause.

When you're ready to discuss your options, contact Dr. Hafizi via the link provided.

**naldryness

03/04/2019

8 Rules for a Healthy Va**na

8 Rules for a Healthy Va**na
(http://ow.ly/vv7x30nPDlO)

One of the best things you can do for your va**nal health is to continue to attend your annual well woman exams. Throughout the rest of the year, however, you can continue to maintain va**nal health by keeping these tips in mind:

• See your doctor at the first sign of an infection; don't let the infection spread
• Eat plenty of probiotic-rich foods
• Practice good hygiene

**nalhealth

A healthy & normal va**na has unique characteristics that help it prevent disease and regulate its own function. Here's how to maintain good va**nal health.

03/01/2019

Will Living with PCOS Affect My Fertility?: Gigi Hafizi, MD: OB-GYN

Will Living with PCOS Affect My Fertility?
(http://ow.ly/h3m830nPDlM)

Polycystic o***y syndrome affects many women and involves a hormone imbalance that can interfere with ovulation. While you may have more trouble than the average woman achieving pregnancy, PCOS doesn’t make it impossible.

At Metropolitan Women’s Center, Dr. Hafizi knows how important having a family is to you and helps you every step of the way. Call the office or schedule an appointment using this website to discuss your fertility treatment options.

Polycystic o***y syndrome affects many women and involves a hormone imbalance that can interfere with ovulation. While you may have more trouble than the averag