Wellness Exams: Because Google is NOT your Doctor

Wellness Exams: Because Google is NOT Your Doctor

Let’s be real—WebMD has convinced all of us at one time or another that we had some incurable disease. But your annual wellness exam? That’s the real MVP for keeping you healthy. So, let’s break down what to expect (no surprises!) and why you should actually schedule it this year.

Why Do We Skip Our Wellness Exams?

If you’re anything like me, you don’t go to your well-woman exam every single year. Life is busy, and women are often too caught up in taking care of everyone else—kids' doctor appointments, dentist visits, haircuts, school activities—you name it. Women’s health tends to take a backseat until something demands our attention, like irregular bleeding, pelvic pain, leaking urine, or breast changes. Sound familiar?

But here’s the thing: preventative healthcare is the wave of the future. Let’s stay ahead of our health so that we control it—not the other way around.

What Actually Happens During a Well-Woman Exam?

This is a focused physical exam that checks you from head to toe. Here’s a general rundown:

• Eyes, ears, and thyroid assessment

• Breast exam

• Abdominal exam (checking bowel health)

• Pelvic exam

• Weight and blood pressure check

• Labs (if needed)

Pap smears start at age 21 and are typically done every three to five years unless you have risk factors like multiple sexual partners, smoking, or a history of abnormal pap smears. If you have a new sexual partner, an annual pap is recommended.

What Labs Might Be Ordered?

Screening blood work can include:

• CBC (Complete Blood Count)

• CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel) – checks kidney and liver function

• HgbA1c – screens for pre-diabetes

• Vitamin D levels – 80% of my patients are low!

• TSH panel – assesses thyroid function

• Lipid panel – checks cholesterol levels

Heads up! Insurance companies vary on what they’ll cover, so check with yours to avoid any billing surprises.

“Check My Hormones!” – What Does That Actually Mean?

A lot of women come in asking for hormone testing. While insurance often covers tests for insulin, thyroid, and Vitamin D, a broad hormone panel (estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone) isn’t always necessary unless specific symptoms call for it. If you have fatigue, irregular or absent periods, depression, PMS, or weight gain, we can order targeted tests rather than just running an expensive, generalized panel.

The Four Pillars of Health

Your well-woman exam isn’t just about screenings—it’s about optimizing your overall well-being. We focus on:

1. Nutrition

2. Exercise

3. Sleep

4. Stress management

These are areas you have control over, and small changes can make a BIG impact on your health.

The Bottom Line

Your wellness exam is about keeping you healthy—not just refilling birth control or prescriptions (though we do that too!). It’s about making sure you’re the best version of yourself because YOU are important.

So, let’s stop letting Google be our doctor and start prioritizing our own health. Go ahead—schedule that appointment. Your future self will thank you!