by Barbara Anne Hessel MD | Dec 14, 2025 | Obstetrics, Resources, Women's Health
As the weather gets colder and schedules fill up with holiday plans, it's easy to put off routine health checkups. But one thing we don't recommend skipping is a breast exam. This simple, short visit can give us a helpful look into something we might not notice ourselves, changes in breast tissue that could signal something more.
Scheduling a checkup in winter might not be on most people's minds, but it's actually one of the best times to get it done. As we approach the end of the year and start setting goals for the next one, it makes sense to make health part of those plans. Knowing what a breast exam looks for can help ease concerns and remind us why these visits really matter.
What Doctors Look for During a Breast Exam
When we perform a breast exam, we're checking more than just for lumps. There are several types of changes in the breast area that we look out for:
• Any new lumps, thicker areas, or swelling under the skin
• Skin changes like dimpling, uneven texture, or redness
• Changes in or around the nipples, such as discharge, inversion, or sensitivity
These changes don't always mean something serious, but they do signal that we may need to look a little deeper. When caught early, many issues can be closely watched or treated before they become more serious. A breast exam is one of the first steps that helps us make those choices for care.
Why Winter Is a Smart Time to Schedule One
Winter checkups offer a few benefits that make it a smart time to get them on the calendar. Here's why:
• Cold weather often means layered clothes, which can help if there's any slight tenderness afterward
• Many people are off work or school near the holidays and have more flexibility to rest or follow up
• Starting the year knowing you've taken care of your health brings peace of mind
We find that some patients in Forest Hills, NY use the slower pace of winter as a reset for personal health. Instead of waiting until something feels off, this season becomes a time to stay ahead.
Common Myths About Breast Exams That Make People Wait
Some of us put off a breast exam because of things we've heard or assumed. But many of those ideas just aren't true:
• "I'm too young to need one"
• "It's going to hurt"
• "If they find something, it means I have cancer"
We get it. No one wants to feel nervous about a medical visit. But catching a small change doesn't always mean there's a serious problem. Most of the time, it just means we take a closer look. During the exam, we move gently and explain what we're noticing so you're never left wondering what's happening. The more we talk openly about these fears, the easier it becomes to handle them.
What Happens Next if Something Unusual Is Found
If something does feel different during an exam, that doesn't automatically point to a big concern. It usually means there's more we want to understand. Here's how we handle it:
• We might recommend imaging, like an ultrasound or mammogram, to see breast tissue more clearly
• We'll talk through what we saw, explain options, and help plan any next steps
• We remind patients that early action, even just watching something over time, can be reassuring and helpful
Dr. Hessel offers in-office gynecologic evaluations and can refer you to imaging services at Northwell Health/Long Island Jewish Medical Center if additional testing is needed. The goal is always to give clear answers and support, so you know what to expect at every stage.
It's natural to feel a little worried, but we aim to take the pressure out of that moment. With steady follow-up and support, things become easier to handle one step at a time.
How Seasonal Health Habits Support Long-Term Wellness
Getting into a steady routine with checkups builds confidence in our bodies. Winter makes a good time to build or return to those habits. By staying on track with breast exams, and pairing them with other screenings like annual physicals, we stay connected to how our health is changing throughout the year.
• Cold months can bring more time indoors, which is a chance to hit pause and reflect on our health
• Getting into the rhythm of yearly care means fewer surprises later
• Each season gives us a natural reminder to check in again
Barbara A. Hessel, MD. FACOG, is a board-certified gynecologist with more than 25 years of experience serving women in Forest Hills, NY. She emphasizes preventive care and encourages her patients to use seasonal changes as reminders for important checkups.
Your Wellness, Your Peace of Mind
Breast exams are short, simple check-ins with lasting impact. They give us a clear picture of what's going on inside, even when we don't feel anything unusual ourselves. Taking just one hour during the winter to visit the doctor can take uncertainty off our minds and replace it with a sense of action.
Staying ahead of changes gives us more control and more choices. When health is part of our regular routine, it helps us go into the new year feeling steady and strong. That's why a breast exam matters now and every season, offering comfort, answers, and the reassurance of experienced care.
Ensure your well-being this season with a breast exam at Barbara A. Hessel, MD. FACOG, a vital step in your health routine. Our expert team in Forest Hills, NY is dedicated to making you feel comfortable and informed, guiding you through each step of the examination process. Don't wait for signs to appear; empower yourself with preventative care and peace of mind by scheduling your appointment today.
by Barbara Anne Hessel MD | Feb 13, 2025 | Resources, Women's Health
Choosing the right birth control is an important decision for your health and lifestyle. With so many options available, it can be a bit overwhelming. But understanding the basics of each method can help you make an informed choice that suits your needs.
When exploring different birth control methods, consider how they fit into your daily life. Some options, like daily pills, require routine commitment, while others, such as implants or intrauterine devices (IUDs), offer long-term protection without the need for daily attention.
It’s essential to factor in any health considerations and personal preferences. Whether you prioritize effectiveness, convenience, or side effects, finding the right method means exploring what works best for you. By learning about the various options, you can confidently choose a birth control method that aligns with your lifestyle and health goals.
Understanding Different Types of Birth Control Methods
Choosing a birth control method involves understanding the different types available. Each type works in a unique way to prevent pregnancy, offering various benefits and usage styles. Here is a breakdown of some common options:
1. Hormonal Methods: These include pills, patches, shots, and vaginal rings that release hormones to prevent ovulation. They require a prescription and are usually taken regularly or changed on a schedule.
2. Barrier Methods: Condoms and diaphragms fall under this category, creating a physical barrier to prevent sperm from reaching the egg. Condoms also offer protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
3. Intrauterine Devices (IUDs): These are small devices inserted into the uterus. IUDs can be hormonal or copper. The hormonal type releases hormones, while the copper IUD uses copper’s natural properties to prevent fertilization. They offer long-term protection.
4. Implants: A small rod inserted under the skin of the arm releases hormones gradually. This method provides long-term protection, lasting several years.
5. Natural Methods: Techniques like fertility awareness involve tracking menstrual cycles to avoid pregnancy. These methods require careful monitoring and understanding of fertility signals.
6. Permanent Methods: Procedures such as tubal ligation offer a permanent solution by surgically blocking or sealing fallopian tubes. This option is for those who do not want future pregnancies.
Understanding these options helps in picking a method that complements your lifestyle and health needs. Researching and discussing with a healthcare provider can provide more personalized insights.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Birth Control
When choosing birth control, consider several factors to find the best fit. Here’s a helpful list of what to think about:
- Effectiveness: Look at how well each method prevents pregnancy. Some are more effective than others, with implants and IUDs offering higher success rates.
- Convenience: Think about your lifestyle. Do you prefer something that requires daily attention, like a pill, or something you set and forget, such as an IUD?
- Health Conditions: Certain health issues might make some birth control methods unsuitable. It’s essential to consider how each one aligns with your health profile.
- Side Effects: Each method has potential side effects, like weight gain or mood changes. Knowing what these are can help you avoid unpleasant surprises.
- Protection Against STIs: If STI prevention is a priority, barrier methods such as condoms are effective options.
- Long-term Plans: Consider whether you want children in the future or need a temporary solution. Permanent methods are not reversible, so they require thoughtful consideration.
- Cost and Access: Insurance might cover some methods but not others. Check what’s included in your plan and if access to your chosen method is reasonable for you.
Weighing these factors ensures you choose a method that aligns with your lifestyle and future goals. Discussing these considerations with a healthcare provider offers additional guidance and ensures your choice suits your health and personal needs.
Benefits and Side Effects of Common Birth Control Options
Understanding the benefits and side effects of birth control helps in making informed decisions. Different methods come with various pros and cons, impacting your choice.
1. Hormonal Birth Control: Methods like pills and patches regulate menstrual cycles and can reduce acne. However, they might cause side effects such as nausea, headaches, or weight changes. Some women experience mood swings as well.
2. IUDs: These provide long-term convenience without daily attention. Hormonal IUDs may lighten periods or reduce cramps, while copper IUDs avoid hormones altogether. Side effects can include initial discomfort and spotting, particularly in the first few months.
3. Implants: Like IUDs, implants offer long-term protection. They can stop periods or cause them to become irregular. Some users might experience side effects like mood changes or weight gain.
4. Barrier Methods: Condoms are beneficial for STI protection. They generally have fewer health side effects but can sometimes cause irritation due to latex allergies.
5. Natural Methods: These involve no side effects but require consistent and accurate monitoring of fertility signals.
6. Permanent Solutions: Tubal ligation offers a one-time solution without ongoing side effects, though surgery carries its own risks.
Balancing these benefits and side effects assists in selecting a method that matches your health needs and lifestyle priorities.
Consulting with a Healthcare Provider: Making the Right Choice for You
Consulting a healthcare provider ensures you choose a birth control method that fits your personal health and lifestyle. Providers offer valuable insights based on medical knowledge and your unique needs.
A healthcare provider evaluates your health history, considering factors like any ongoing conditions, allergies, or medications. They discuss any concerns about side effects, helping to narrow down options that minimize those risks. Discuss any reproductive goals regarding family planning, as this influences whether long-term, short-term, or permanent methods fit best.
Explore different methods during your consultation, asking about their effectiveness and how they align with your daily life. Questions about how each method works and any potential side effects are important for clear understanding. Providers can introduce newer options that might not have been easy to find elsewhere, ensuring you have a full range of choices.
The goal is to leave your consultation feeling informed and confident about your choice. Regular follow-ups help assess how well your chosen method is working and make adjustments as needed.
Embark on your journey to better reproductive health by scheduling a consultation with Barbara A. Hessel, MD. FACOG. With personalized care and expert guidance on obstetrics and gynecology in Forest Hills, NY, you'll find the birth control method that best suits your life, ensuring peace of mind and health.
by Barbara Anne Hessel MD | Jan 30, 2025 | Resources, Women's Health
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects many women and can make life challenging. It’s a common condition that impacts how a woman’s ovaries work. Understanding PCOS is essential to finding ways to manage its symptoms and lead a balanced life.
PCOS can cause various symptoms like irregular periods, weight gain, and acne. These symptoms might feel overwhelming, but there are effective ways to manage them. Focusing on healthy lifestyle changes, such as improved diet and regular exercise, plays a significant role in managing PCOS.
Pairing lifestyle changes with medical guidance helps in handling PCOS effectively. A combination of dietary adjustments, fitness routines, and medical treatments can often offer relief and improve quality of life. By learning the right strategies, women dealing with PCOS can feel more in control and live healthier lives.
Understanding PCOS: Causes and Symptoms
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a health condition that affects how a woman’s ovaries function. It is characterized by an imbalance in hormone levels, leading to various symptoms and health challenges. Understanding the causes and symptoms of PCOS helps in managing it effectively.
PCOS often involves an excess of androgens, which are male hormones that females also produce in smaller amounts. This hormonal imbalance can prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs regularly, causing irregular menstrual cycles. Many women with PCOS develop small cysts on their ovaries, although not everyone with PCOS will have these cysts.
The exact cause of PCOS is not fully understood, but several factors might play a role. Genetics can contribute, so if someone in your family has PCOS, you may have a higher risk. Insulin resistance is another factor; when the body doesn’t respond well to insulin, blood sugar levels can become hard to control, which may lead to more production of male hormones.
Common symptoms of PCOS include irregular periods, excessive hair growth, acne, and thinning hair on the scalp. Weight gain and difficulty losing weight are also reported frequently. Identifying these symptoms early can help in managing them better through lifestyle changes and medical advice.
Diet and Nutrition: Foods to Help Manage PCOS
The right diet can play a crucial role in managing PCOS symptoms. Eating foods that help regulate blood sugar and improve hormone levels can make a significant difference in how you feel.
A good diet for managing PCOS includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, which provide essential vitamins and minerals. Fiber-rich foods like whole grains, beans, and lentils help control blood sugar levels, which is very important for those with insulin resistance.
Healthy fats also support hormone balance and include options like avocados, nuts, and olive oil. Protein should come from lean sources, such as chicken, fish, and tofu, which help in maintaining a healthy weight.
In addition, considering foods with a low glycemic index (GI) is beneficial. These foods cause a slower rise in blood sugar levels. Examples include most fruits, non-starchy vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.
It is advisable to avoid processed foods and refined sugars, as they can cause spikes in blood sugar and contribute to weight gain. Drinking plenty of water is essential, and keeping a balanced and consistent meal schedule can support overall well-being.
Adopting these dietary changes helps in managing symptoms of PCOS and promotes general health, making everyday life more manageable and balanced.
Exercise and Lifestyle Changes for Symptom Relief
Managing PCOS effectively with lifestyle changes can make a big difference in symptoms. Regular exercise is key in handling PCOS. It helps regulate weight, reduce insulin resistance, and improve mood. Simple activities like walking, swimming, or cycling are effective ways to start. Aim for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week, to see the best results.
Stress can influence PCOS symptoms, so finding ways to manage it is important. Practices like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing can help calm the mind and body. They also promote a sense of well-being, making it easier to manage the challenges of PCOS.
Establish a consistent sleep schedule for better health. Getting enough rest each night helps regulate hormones and improves mood. Aim for 7-9 hours of good sleep to help your body function properly.
Building a support system is also beneficial. Talk with friends, family, or support groups to share experiences and gather tips for managing PCOS. A little encouragement goes a long way in maintaining positive changes. These lifestyle upgrades help create a balanced routine that eases PCOS symptoms and enhances overall health.
Medical Treatments and Home Remedies
Medical treatments and home remedies together can effectively manage PCOS symptoms. It's important to work with a healthcare provider to choose treatments that fit your needs.
Medical interventions often include hormonal birth control, which helps regulate menstrual cycles and reduce symptoms like acne and excess hair growth. Metformin, a medication for insulin resistance, may be prescribed to help regulate blood sugar levels in women with PCOS.
Some home remedies can also be helpful. Herbal supplements, like spearmint tea, may help improve symptoms. However, always check with a doctor before starting any supplement. Cinnamon and turmeric are believed to support insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation, making them great additions to meal planning.
Incorporating natural oils like lavender in aromatherapy can help in stress reduction. Lowering stress impacts hormones positively and manages symptoms.
Combining medical treatments with these remedies guides women toward better management of PCOS. Consistent follow-up with a healthcare provider ensures adjustments as needed for changing symptoms.
Conclusion
Embracing a proactive approach to managing PCOS leads to a healthier, more balanced life. By understanding the condition, making dietary choices, engaging in regular exercise, and considering medical guidance, you can take charge of your health. Building a solid support system and seeking professional advice ensures you don't navigate PCOS alone.
If you're ready to take control of your reproductive health and need expert advice from a certified gynecologist in Forest Hills, NY, contact Barbara A. Hessel, MD, FACOG. With tailored guidance and compassionate care, you'll find the strategies you need to manage PCOS effectively and improve your overall well-being.
by Barbara Anne Hessel MD | Apr 16, 2024 | Resources
Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to our bodies and reproductive health. Fertility awareness and natural family planning are powerful tools that can help women better understand their reproductive cycles and take control of family planning decisions. For some, these methods serve as effective, all-natural alternatives to hormonal birth control and other forms of contraception, while others may use fertility awareness to increase their chances of conception. Regardless of the individual goals, understanding the intricacies of your cycle can provide invaluable insight into your unique reproductive health.
In this blog post, we will explore the basics of fertility awareness, the various methods of natural family planning, and practical ways to track your cycle. Additionally, we will discuss the benefits and potential drawbacks of these techniques, empowering you with the knowledge to make an informed decision about whether these methods align with your reproductive goals. Dive deep as we demystify fertility awareness and natural family planning, and learn how to harness the power of these methods to take control of your reproductive journey.
Basics of Fertility Awareness and Natural Family Planning
Fertility awareness involves understanding a woman's menstrual cycle to determine the days of the month when conception is most likely to occur. These methods rely on observing and recording various fertility signs, such as basal body temperature, cervical mucus changes, and menstrual cycle length. Natural family planning encompasses various approaches that utilize fertility awareness to either prevent pregnancy or optimize the chances of conceiving.
By learning to identify and track your fertile window, you can use natural family planning methods to make informed decisions about your reproductive health.
Methods of Natural Family Planning
Several methods fall under the umbrella of fertility awareness and natural family planning, with some relying on a single fertility sign while others combine multiple signs. The main methods include:
1. Basal Body Temperature Method: This method involves tracking your basal body temperature, which is your body's temperature at rest, to identify changes that typically occur before and after ovulation. An increase in basal body temperature signals that ovulation has occurred and that your fertile window has closed.
2. Cervical Mucus Method: This technique monitors changes in cervical mucus consistency throughout the menstrual cycle to predict fertility. Fertile cervical mucus is clear, slippery, and stretchy, resembling raw egg whites.
3. Calendar Method: Also known as the rhythm method, this approach involves recording your menstrual cycle length for several months to estimate your fertile window based on the shortest and longest cycles.
4. Standard Days Method: Applicable for women with regular cycles between 26-32 days, this method considers days 8-19 of the cycle as fertile.
5. Symptothermal Method: This combines multiple fertility signs, such as basal body temperature, cervical mucus changes, and menstrual tracking, providing a more comprehensive and accurate prediction of your fertile window.
How to Track Your Cycle
To practice fertility awareness and natural family planning, you'll need to track your menstrual cycle consistently. Here are some practical ways to do so:
1. Use a basal body thermometer: These thermometers are specifically designed to measure small changes in body temperature. Take your temperature daily immediately upon waking, and record the results to identify patterns linked to ovulation.
2. Observe cervical mucus: Familiarize yourself with cervical mucus changes by checking the consistency daily when you are not menstruating. Record your observations to track changes throughout your cycle.
3. Maintain a menstrual calendar or use fertility apps: Keep a record of your cycle length, fertile window, and fertility signs using a calendar or specialized fertility-tracking apps to predict your fertility patterns more accurately.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Natural Family Planning
Fertility awareness and natural family planning methods offer several benefits, including:
1. No side effects: Unlike hormonal birth control, natural family planning methods don't have side effects and are suitable for women who cannot or prefer not to use hormonal contraception.
2. Cost-effective: Apart from the basal body thermometer, these methods don't require expensive tools or devices.
3. Increased self-awareness: Tracking your fertility signs enhances your understanding of your body's unique reproductive health.
However, there are also potential drawbacks:
1. Efficacy rate: The effectiveness of these methods depends on the accuracy of tracking, personal discipline, and consistency. When used correctly, the efficacy rate ranges from 76-99%, though the practical effectiveness varies for each individual.
2. Requires daily commitment: Tracking fertility signs daily may be time-consuming and challenging for some women.
3. No protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Natural family planning methods do not offer any protection against STIs.
Conclusion
Fertility awareness and natural family planning empower women with the knowledge to better understand and manage their reproductive health. By learning to identify and track their fertility signs, women can choose to prevent pregnancy or enhance their chances of conception, depending on their goals. Barbara A. Hessel, MD. FACOG is a trusted guide in helping women navigate their unique fertility journeys, offering professional insight, compassionate care, and fertility treatments. By mastering these techniques, women can harness their bodies' natural rhythms to make informed decisions about their reproductive health, achieving a sense of control and confidence in their reproductive choices.
by Barbara Anne Hessel MD | Oct 1, 2020 | Resources
We understand your health insurance authorization can be a tedious process. To ensure you have an easy transition, we are providing you with a checklist of preparations that simplify the entire experience; this minimizes surprises while your insurance provider processes your medical claims. Beyond your name and policy number, your insurance card contains important information. Many insurance companies list special instructions on the card about pre-certification or prior authorization for services. Check your card. If it shows that you must call your insurance company for authorization, ensure that you or a member of your family calls the company immediately. You usually must do so within 24 hours. To meet your insurance requirements, ask yourself...
- Have you read the information on the front and back of all of your, and your spouse's, insurance cards?
- If you are required to get pre-certification or authorization for services, have you called your insurance company?
- If you've called your insurance company, have you given the hospital your authorization number?
- Do you know if your insurance company will cover doctor and hospital charges?
- If your policy has a deductible, how much is it?
- If your policy requires a second medical opinion, have you received it?
- If your policy requires a co-payment, how much is it?
- If your policy requires a referral form for health services, have you received it and given it to the hospital's admissions office?
- If your policy requires a claim form, have you filled it out?
- If you are scheduled for surgery, is it related to an accident? If so, have you given the hospital all information about when, where and how the accident happened?
- Are you covered by more than one insurance plan? If so, have you given the hospital all the information about all plans, including the plan name, address, phone number, ID number, enrollee's date of birth, completed claim form and/or completed referral form?
We do not want you to be surprised by anything, so we offer as much information regarding your health insurance as possible to assist in understanding your financial responsibility. If you have further questions, contact our office at (718) 275-7200.
by Barbara Anne Hessel MD | Oct 1, 2020 | General Health, Resources, Women's Health
We all need calcium, women especially. In addition to strengthening bones and teeth, calcium is also vital to muscle and nerve development and plays a fundamental role in blood clotting.
According to the National Institute of Health, many people don’t get enough calcium from their diet, and The University of Virginia reports that women are eight times more likely to develop osteoporosis than men. A condition resulting from a loss of bone mass, osteoporosis may lead to bone fractures and dental problems later in life. Although calcium deficits can affect both men and women, the health consequences for women are much more serious.
PMS Management, Breast Health & More
In addition to the main benefit of promoting bone health, calcium provides other health benefits such as a balanced menstrual cycle and breast health. Did you know that breastfeeding affects a mother’s bones? While they recover it quickly, studies have shown that women often lose 3 to 5 percent of their bone mass during breastfeeding. This is because the growing baby has a great need for calcium, and until it can be obtained from breast milk, it is drawn from the mother’s bones. This is why it is so important to take a high-quality calcium supplement, especially during pregnancy.
Calcium has also been shown to lessen the symptoms of PMS. Studies have shown that a 500mg daily calcium supplementation has shown a reduction in tiredness, depression and appetite changes associates with PMS. It has not been proven beyond a doubt, but anything that might relieve PMS symptoms is worth a try, right?
How much do I need?
According to the University of Illinois Extension, the average U.S. woman only get 500 to 600 mg of calcium each day. This is significantly less than the recommended 1,000 mg that women between the ages of 19 and 50 years of age should have. The amount of calcium you need will increase after the age of 50. Women 50 and up need 1,200 mg of calcium per day to support healthy bone mass.
Calcium Sources
Aside from supplementation, foods are an exceptional source of calcium. An 8-ounce serving of milk or yogurt or a 3-ounce serving of cheese delivers about 300 to 450 mg of calcium. Canned sardines, green leafy veggies such as kale and spinach, and calcium-enriched foods, such as orange juice and soy milk, are also great sources. If you’re interested in taking an over-the-counter calcium supplement, contact Dr. Hessel’s office for more information. Balanced nutrition is the key to great health, and we look forward to helping you meet your needs!
