Many women hear the terms perimenopause and menopause used together, but they are not the same thing. Perimenopause is the transition phase leading up to menopause, while menopause is the point when you have gone 12 consecutive months without a period. During perimenopause, estrogen and progesterone levels begin to fluctuate, which is why symptoms can start before menopause officially begins.

Starting IVF can feel exciting, overwhelming, and deeply personal at the same time. For many patients, preparation is not only about appointments and treatment steps - it is also about getting your body and mindset ready for the process ahead. Katie Ostrom MD, LLC offers in-office IVF services and fertility care for patients in Homer, AK, with additional locations in Soldotna and Anchorage.

Fertility is influenced by many factors, including age, genetics, and medical history. However, nutrition and lifestyle choices also play a powerful role in supporting reproductive health. Whether you are just beginning to think about growing your family or have been trying to conceive for some time, optimizing your daily habits can help create the healthiest possible foundation for pregnancy.

Choosing birth control is an important personal decision, and it’s natural to wonder how that choice may affect your future fertility. Patients frequently ask whether long-term birth control use can delay or prevent pregnancy later on. Fortunately, research and clinical experience provide reassuring answers.

Welcoming a new baby is a joyful milestone, but it is also a time of profound physical, emotional, and hormonal change. While much attention is placed on prenatal care and delivery, postpartum care is equally essential to ensure a mother’s long-term health and well-being. Comprehensive postpartum care provides critical support during this transition, helping new mothers recover, adjust, and thrive in the weeks and months following childbirth.

Bringing a baby into the world is an exciting journey, but sometimes labor can begin earlier than expected. Preterm labor, which occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy, can pose health risks for both mother and baby. Understanding the warning signs and how to help prevent it is an essential part of comprehensive prenatal care.

Maintaining your reproductive health is an essential part of your overall well-being. Many women assume that a gynecology visit is only necessary when something feels wrong, but regular checkups and timely appointments can help prevent issues before they become serious. Here are some key signs that indicate it may be time to schedule your next gynecology visit.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) can be both a hopeful and overwhelming journey. Preparing yourself can play a significant role in how you experience the process and can help you feel more in control. Taking the time to focus on your overall health, manage stress, and create a strong support system can set a positive foundation for the path ahead.

Starting the journey to parenthood can bring a mix of excitement and uncertainty. If you’ve been trying to conceive or are considering your options for the future, a fertility consultation can be one of the most valuable steps you take. Meeting with a fertility specialist provides clarity, guidance, and a personalized plan tailored to your health and goals. Here’s how a fertility consultation can help you better understand your conception options.

Pregnancy is a transformative journey filled with excitement, anticipation, and sometimes, anxiety. As your body and mind adjust to the many changes, developing a stress-resilient wellness routine is one of the most effective ways to nurture both yourself and your growing baby.