Dr. Heather Norton, MD

Dr. Heather Norton, MD is an Obstetrics and Gynecology physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Clearwater, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a trusted partner in preventive health. Your OB/GYN is your primary partner in preventive health, collaborating with you to create a long-term wellness plan, coordinate essential screenings, and manage your overall health, ensuring you thrive for years to come. She serves all ages of women, from adolescence through menopause and beyond, fostering a supportive environment where you feel empowered to take an active role in your well-being. Please call (727) 725-5121 to confirm if Dr. Norton is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Heather Norton, MD is an obstetrician gynecologist in Clearwater, FL, affiliated with Mease Countryside Hospital. She earned her medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, bringing a strong foundation in evidence-based medicine to her practice. Her approach to care is collaborative and patient-centered, emphasizing a commitment to creating a supportive environment where you feel empowered to actively participate in your long-term health. She is committed to providing the highest quality care, working closely with you to develop a personalized wellness strategy. Dr. Heather Norton provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Heather Norton is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Heather Norton can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Heather Norton provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Gynecologic Cancer: Regular gynecological checkups, including screenings, are crucial for early detection of gynecologic cancers, significantly improving treatment outcomes and survival rates.
• Venous Thrombosis and Phlebitis in Pregnancy: Preventing blood clots during pregnancy is crucial for a healthy mom and baby, as early detection and treatment can prevent serious complications.
• Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: Protecting your long-term health includes understanding your menstrual cycle. Unusual bleeding patterns should be discussed with your doctor to identify and manage any potential problems.
• Yeast Infections: Early detection of yeast infections is key to preventing recurrent infections and ensuring quick relief from symptoms, keeping you comfortable and healthy.
• Cervicitis: Cervicitis, an inflammation of the cervix, is often preventable through safe sex practices and regular screenings, which can help detect and treat it early, preventing complications like infertility.
• Symptomatic Menopause: Symptomatic menopause is when the hormonal changes of menopause cause noticeable and bothersome physical or emotional symptoms, making early detection and management crucial for improving quality of life.
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Protecting yourself from STDs through safe sex practices and regular screenings can safeguard your reproductive health.
• Female Infertility: Understanding and addressing potential risk factors for infertility early on can significantly increase your odds of conceiving naturally and reduce the need for extensive treatments.
• Pregestational Diabetes Mellitus: Having diabetes before getting pregnant increases risks for both you and your baby, so getting checked and managing your blood sugar is crucial for a healthy pregnancy.
• Vaginitis or Vaginosis: Don't ignore unusual vaginal discharge or discomfort – these could be signs of vaginitis or vaginosis, conditions easily managed with timely medical attention and preventive strategies.
• Atrophic Vaginitis: Don't ignore vaginal dryness and discomfort – these could be signs of atrophic vaginitis, a manageable condition when diagnosed early, so schedule a check-up with your doctor.
• Genitourinary Tract Infections in Pregnancy: Understanding your risk factors for genitourinary infections during pregnancy empowers you to take proactive steps for a healthier pregnancy.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Heather Norton offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Destruction or Excision of Lesion of Cervix (incl. LEEP): Taking a proactive step in your health, this treatment eliminates precancerous cells found on your cervix, helping to prevent cancer.
• HIV Screening: Take charge of your health by getting an HIV test – it's a simple screening that can detect the virus early, allowing for prompt treatment and a healthier future.
• Salpingo Oopherectomy: If you are at high risk for ovarian or fallopian tube cancer, a salpingo-oophorectomy is a surgical procedure that can be considered as a proactive step to significantly reduce your cancer risk.
• First Trimester Screening: Ensure your baby's well-being with first trimester screening—a combination of tests that check for potential genetic issues and chromosomal abnormalities during the critical early stages of pregnancy.
• Pregnancy Test: Take charge of your reproductive health by using a pregnancy test to confirm or rule out pregnancy early.
• Trichomoniasis Screening: Regular trichomoniasis screenings are important for preventing long-term health problems associated with this common infection, such as pelvic inflammatory disease.
• Ovarian Cancer Screening: Investing in your well-being: Regular ovarian cancer screenings contribute to the early detection of this cancer, leading to better survival rates.
• C-Section: While aiming for a vaginal delivery, knowing about C-sections as a safe alternative ensures you're equipped to navigate unexpected challenges during labor.
• Bacteriuria Screening: Taking charge of your health involves a bacteriuria screening, which proactively identifies the presence of bacteria in your urine, allowing for prompt treatment of UTIs.
• Breast Cancer Screening: Breast cancer screenings are a vital tool for early detection, allowing for timely intervention and improved outcomes.
• Colposcopy: Colposcopy is a screening procedure that helps detect and prevent cervical cancer by allowing for an in-depth examination of the cervix, leading to early diagnosis and treatment if needed.
• Amniocentesis: As a proactive step in your pregnancy journey, amniocentesis helps identify potential genetic issues with your baby, enabling early planning and treatment if necessary.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Obstetrics and Gynecology in Florida.

Dr. Heather Norton is dedicated to partnering with women and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Woman's life:

• By adhering to a proactive screening schedule, a patient gained peace of mind, knowing that early detection of any potential issues significantly improved their chances of successful treatment. This allowed them to confidently focus on their overall well-being.
• By understanding and proactively managing potential risk factors, a pregnant woman felt empowered to prevent blood clots, ensuring a healthy pregnancy and delivery. This proactive approach brought peace of mind to both the expectant mother and her family.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Obstetrics and Gynecology care with Dr. Heather Norton:

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Heather Norton?

Your first visit with Dr. Norton is designed to be a collaborative partnership-building session. We will review your detailed health history, discuss your health goals and concerns, and create a personalized plan for future screenings. This is a safe and confidential space to ask any questions you may have.

How often do I need a Pap smear and HPV test?

Guidelines for Pap smears and HPV tests vary based on age and risk factors. The goal is early detection of any cervical changes that could lead to cancer. Dr. Norton follows the latest evidence-based screening recommendations and will create a personalized schedule for you.

What kind of topics should I bring up during my annual wellness exam?

During your annual wellness exam, feel free to discuss any concerns regarding your menstrual cycle, sexual health, contraception, future pregnancy plans, or changes in your breast or pelvic health. We encourage open communication and proactive discussion of all topics; no question is off-limits.

What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that can cause irregular periods, acne, and excess hair growth, and may impact fertility. Dr. Norton can help with symptom management and long-term health planning.

What is endometriosis and how is it diagnosed?

Endometriosis is a condition where uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus, often causing pelvic pain and potentially impacting fertility. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough history and physical exam, and may be confirmed with minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Norton is skilled in diagnosing and managing this complex condition.

Are painful periods normal?

While some mild cramping during your period is normal, severe or debilitating pain is not. This could be a sign of an underlying condition like endometriosis or fibroids. Please contact Dr. Heather Norton for a consultation so you don't have to suffer in silence.

When should I be concerned about an ovarian cyst?

Most ovarian cysts are benign and resolve spontaneously. However, if you experience severe, persistent pain, bloating, or pressure, please contact us. Dr. Norton uses ultrasound to evaluate cysts and determine the best course of action.

Does Dr. Heather Norton manage high-risk pregnancies?

Dr. Norton's practice manages high-risk pregnancies, including those with advanced maternal age, multiple gestations, or pre-existing health conditions. We work closely with Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialists to provide comprehensive care and ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.

2665 State Road 580
Clearwater FL 33761
Phone: (727) 725-5121

Dr. Heather Norton, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1184821852

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Obstetrics and Gynecology like Dr. Heather Norton are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your obstetrics and gynecology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.