Compassionate, Comprehensive Care from a Female Family Doctor
I’m Dr. Hina Zaman, and as a female physician, I understand that certain health conversations are easier to have with another woman. Whether you’re dealing with irregular periods, uncomfortable UTIs, perimenopause symptoms, or just need your annual well-woman exam, I provide the kind of care where you can ask anything without embarrassment.
Women’s health is more than just reproductive care. It’s about understanding how hormones affect your mood, energy, and weight. It’s knowing that heart disease kills more women than breast cancer but gets far less attention. It’s recognizing that your fatigue might be thyroid disease, not just being a busy mom juggling too much.
In my Murphy practice, I care for women from their 20s through their senior years. Your health needs change dramatically across your lifespan, and I’m here to guide you through every stage.
Annual Well-Woman Exams
Your annual well-woman exam is different from a general physical. It focuses specifically on women’s health screening and prevention.
What’s included in your well-woman visit:
- Pap smear: Cervical cancer screening (every 3-5 years depending on age and results)
- Breast exam: Clinical examination and discussion of mammogram timing
- Pelvic exam: Checking for abnormalities in reproductive organs
- Blood pressure and weight: Cardiovascular health screening
- Health history review: Menstrual patterns, sexual health, contraception needs
- Age-appropriate screening: Bone density, cholesterol, diabetes
- Immunization updates: HPV vaccine, flu, tetanus, others as needed
I take time to listen to your concerns. Hot flashes keeping you up at night? Painful periods? Irregular bleeding? These aren’t things you just have to live with. We can address them.
Birth Control and Contraception Counseling
Choosing birth control is a personal decision based on your health, your lifestyle, and your future plans. I help you find the method that fits your life.
Birth control options I prescribe or coordinate:
- Oral contraceptives (the pill): Multiple formulations to find the right hormone balance for you
- IUDs (intrauterine devices): Long-acting reversible contraception (hormonal or copper)
- Contraceptive implant (Nexplanon): Small implant in your arm, effective for 3 years
- Birth control patch or ring: Non-daily options
- Depo-Provera injection: Every 3 months
- Barrier methods: Guidance on condoms, diaphragms
- Permanent sterilization referral: When your family is complete
We also discuss emergency contraception (Plan B) and what to do if regular birth control fails.
If you’re experiencing side effects from your current birth control (weight gain, mood changes, irregular bleeding), we can adjust. There are many options. You don’t have to suffer through side effects.
Menstrual Problems
Irregular periods, heavy bleeding, severe cramps, missing periods. These are some of the most common concerns I hear from women in my Murphy office.
Irregular Periods
Your cycle should be somewhat predictable. If you’re never sure when your period is coming, or if it’s showing up every two weeks, or disappearing for months, we need to figure out why.
Common causes I evaluate:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Thyroid disorders
- Stress and significant weight changes
- Perimenopause (usually starts in your 40s)
- Uterine fibroids or polyps
- Hormonal imbalances
Heavy Periods
Soaking through pads or tampons every hour, passing large clots, bleeding lasting more than 7 days. This is not normal and often leads to anemia (low iron), making you exhausted and weak.
Treatment options range from hormonal birth control to manage bleeding, to evaluation for fibroids or other structural causes. Sometimes referral to a gynecologist for procedures is necessary.
Painful Periods
Cramps that interfere with work or school, pain during intercourse, pelvic pain outside your period. These symptoms might indicate endometriosis or other conditions that need evaluation.
I start with medical management (NSAIDs, hormonal treatments) but know when specialist referral is appropriate.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
UTIs are miserable. Burning when you pee, feeling like you need to go constantly, pelvic pressure. Some women get them repeatedly.
I provide:
- Same-day treatment for acute UTIs
- Urine culture when needed to identify the exact bacteria
- Prevention strategies for recurrent UTIs
- Low-dose antibiotic prevention for women with frequent infections
- Evaluation when UTIs keep coming back (ruling out structural issues)
If you’re getting UTIs more than twice a year, we need to figure out why and prevent them.
Perimenopause and Menopause
This is where being a female doctor really matters. I’ve had countless conversations with women in their 40s and 50s who feel like they’re losing their minds. Hot flashes. Night sweats. Mood swings. Weight gain. Insomnia. Brain fog.
You’re not crazy. Your hormones are changing. And yes, we can help.
Perimenopause typically starts in your mid-40s:
- Irregular periods (closer together, farther apart, heavier, lighter)
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Sleep disturbances
- Mood changes (anxiety, irritability, depression)
- Vaginal dryness
- Decreased libido
- Weight gain (especially around the middle)
- Memory and concentration problems
Treatment options we discuss:
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): For women with severe symptoms, this can be life-changing. We discuss risks and benefits specific to your situation.
- Non-hormonal medications: SSRIs can help with hot flashes and mood
- Vaginal estrogen: For dryness and discomfort (different from systemic HRT)
- Lifestyle modifications: Diet, exercise, stress management, sleep hygiene
Menopause is defined as 12 consecutive months without a period. The average age is 51, but normal ranges from 45-55. You’re considered menopausal, not perimenopausal, once you’ve gone a full year without periods.
Thyroid Disorders in Women
Thyroid problems are far more common in women than men. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) causes fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, dry skin, feeling cold, constipation, and depression. Many of my patients thought they were just stressed or getting older. Turns out, it was their thyroid.
I screen thyroid function with a simple blood test. If you’re hypothyroid, medication (levothyroxine) usually makes a dramatic difference within weeks.
Breast Health
Breast cancer screening saves lives. I coordinate mammogram scheduling based on your age and risk factors.
Mammogram guidelines:
- Starting at age 40 for average-risk women
- Earlier if you have family history of breast cancer (mother, sister, daughter)
- Earlier if you have known genetic mutations (BRCA1, BRCA2)
During your annual exam, I perform a clinical breast exam and teach breast self-awareness. Not formal monthly self-exams (the recommendations changed), but knowing what’s normal for you so you notice changes.
If you find a lump, have nipple discharge, or notice skin changes, I evaluate and refer for imaging (mammogram, ultrasound, possible biopsy).
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
PCOS affects about 1 in 10 women. It causes irregular periods, excess facial hair, acne, weight gain, and difficulty getting pregnant. It also increases your risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Many women with PCOS struggle with their weight. It’s not your fault. PCOS makes weight loss harder due to insulin resistance. We address this with:
- Metformin to improve insulin sensitivity
- Birth control pills to regulate periods and reduce androgens
- Weight management strategies (diet, exercise, sometimes GLP-1 medications)
- Treatment for excess hair growth if bothersome
- Fertility referral if you’re trying to conceive
Bone Health and Osteoporosis
After menopause, women lose bone density rapidly due to decreased estrogen. Osteoporosis leads to fractures, especially in the hip, spine, and wrist. These fractures can be life-altering.
Bone density screening (DEXA scan) is recommended for:
- All women at age 65
- Postmenopausal women under 65 with risk factors
- Anyone who has had a fracture from minimal trauma
If you have osteoporosis or osteopenia (low bone density), we discuss calcium and vitamin D supplementation, weight-bearing exercise, and sometimes medication to strengthen bones.
Sexual Health
Sexual health is part of overall health. Problems with pain during sex, low libido, or difficulty with arousal are medical issues we can address.
Common issues I help with:
- Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
- Vaginal dryness (especially after menopause)
- Low libido (can be hormonal, medication-related, or relationship issues)
- Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening and treatment
These conversations can feel uncomfortable. I get it. But I have them multiple times a week. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to suffer in silence.
Mental Health in Women
Women are twice as likely as men to experience depression and anxiety. Hormonal changes (menstrual cycle, pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause) can trigger or worsen mental health symptoms.
I screen for depression and anxiety during annual visits. I also treat these conditions with:
- Antidepressant medications (SSRIs, SNRIs)
- Anti-anxiety medications when appropriate
- Therapy referrals to excellent counselors in the Murphy/Plano area
- Discussion of how hormones might be contributing
Postpartum depression is particularly important to identify and treat. If you’re a new mom feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected from your baby, please talk to me. This is common and treatable.
Heart Disease in Women
Heart disease is the #1 killer of women in America. More women die from heart disease than from all cancers combined. Yet many women don’t realize they’re at risk.
Why women’s heart disease is different:
- Symptoms can be subtle (fatigue, nausea, jaw pain) rather than classic chest pain
- Risk increases dramatically after menopause
- Women are more likely to have “small vessel disease” that doesn’t show up on standard tests
I screen your cardiovascular risk with blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes screening, and discussion of family history. We work on prevention through lifestyle and medication when needed.
When I Refer to Specialists
As a family doctor, I handle most women’s health issues. But sometimes specialist care is needed.
I refer to gynecologists for:
- Abnormal Pap smears requiring procedures (colposcopy, LEEP)
- Severe endometriosis
- Large fibroids or ovarian masses
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Hysterectomy evaluation
- Fertility issues
Even when you see a specialist, I remain your primary doctor coordinating your overall care.
What My Women Patients in Murphy Say
“I finally found a doctor who takes my concerns seriously. Dr. Zaman didn’t dismiss my heavy periods as ‘just part of being a woman.’ We found the problem and fixed it.”
– Jennifer M., Murphy
“As a woman of color, I’ve had doctors dismiss my symptoms. Dr. Zaman listened, tested my thyroid, and I finally have answers for why I’ve been so tired. I can’t thank her enough.”
– Maya P., Plano
“Going through perimenopause was awful until I saw Dr. Zaman. She explained what was happening, gave me treatment options, and I feel like myself again. I’m so grateful.”
– Rachel S., Wylie
Why Choose a Female Family Doctor for Women’s Health
Many women prefer seeing a female physician for sensitive health issues. I understand that. As a woman myself, I’ve experienced menstrual cramps, hormonal ups and downs, and the challenges of balancing career and health.
But beyond gender, what matters is having a doctor who:
- Listens to your concerns without dismissing them
- Takes time to explain your options
- Respects your decisions about your own body
- Understands the cultural context for our diverse Murphy community
- Coordinates all aspects of your care, not just reproductive health
That’s the kind of care I provide.
Insurance and Appointments
Most insurance plans cover annual well-woman exams at 100% with no copay, including Pap smears and preventive visits. We accept most major insurance plans and Medicare.
Schedule your well-woman exam today. Call our Murphy office at (469) 782-0165 or Book Online. Whether you’re due for your annual exam, dealing with uncomfortable symptoms, or just haven’t seen a doctor in years, I’m here to help.
Women’s health matters. Your health matters. Let’s take care of it together.
Dr. Hina Zaman, MD
Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician
Family Care USA, PLLC
318 W FM 544, Suite A2
Murphy, TX 75094
Serving Murphy, Plano, Wylie, Sachse, Frisco, and Richardson