Postreproductive gynecology: Meeting the present and future needs of women Presidential address

Abstract

I hope that all members of this association support my view that gynecologists should be the physicians of choice for perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Gynecologists are uniquely trained to provide continuity of care to women until multisystem disease requires the attention of other specialists. Historically, the specialty of obstetrics and gynecology has focused on the obstetric care of women, which was reasonable when the major cause of death among women was childbirth. Today, however, greater emphasis must be placed on the gynecologic care of women in midlife and beyond. This is the fastest growing segment of our female population, and these women have special health needs, the management of which determines the quality of the rest of their lives.