Dr. Kimberly Hood, MD

Dr. Kimberly Hood, MD is an Obstetrics and Gynecology physician practicing at her clinic in Niceville, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is deeply committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care. 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, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (850) 897-0110 to schedule.

With over 25 years of dedicated experience in Obstetrics and Gynecology care, Dr. Hood brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. After 20 years of general OB/GYN practice, she transitioned to office gynecology, integrating functional medicine concepts and philosophy into her practice to address the root causes of disease rather than just treating symptoms. She earned her medical degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine in 1999 and completed an internship at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, gaining crucial foundational clinical experience. Dr. Hood's care philosophy centers on identifying and addressing the root cause of health concerns to prevent or reverse disease. She prioritizes a holistic approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, and always strives to empower patients to take an active role in their health. Dr. Kimberly Hood provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Kimberly Hood 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. Kimberly Hood 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. Kimberly Hood 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:

• Multiple Gestation: Multiple gestation pregnancies require closer monitoring to detect and manage potential health issues for both the mother and babies, improving pregnancy outcomes.
• Encounters for Normal Pregnancies: Preventative care during a healthy pregnancy helps ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy and birth by proactively addressing potential risks.
• Noninflammatory Cervical Disorders: Regular check-ups with your OB/GYN are crucial for early detection of non-inflammatory cervical disorders, allowing for timely intervention and preventing potential complications.
• Uterine Fibroids: Uterine fibroids can affect fertility and pregnancy, so understanding your risk and seeking preventative care can help you plan for a healthy future.
• Atrophic Vaginitis: Regular OB/GYN visits are crucial for preventing and managing atrophic vaginitis, a condition causing vaginal dryness and irritation, as early intervention can significantly improve your comfort.
• Uterine Prolapse: Maintaining a healthy weight and practicing good pelvic floor health can significantly reduce your risk of developing uterine prolapse.
• Vaginal Prolapse: Managing chronic conditions like constipation and obesity can help prevent or reduce the severity of vaginal prolapse; these preventive strategies support overall pelvic health.
• Ovarian Cancer: Managing ovarian cancer effectively through prompt diagnosis and treatment helps to prevent the spread of the disease and minimizes potential complications.
• Ectopic Pregnancy: Understanding the signs and symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy, such as abdominal pain and irregular bleeding, allows for timely medical intervention, preventing more serious consequences.
• Female Infertility: Preventive measures, like maintaining a healthy lifestyle and addressing underlying medical conditions, are vital to prevent or mitigate the challenges associated with female infertility.
• Excessive Menstrual Bleeding: Heavier-than-normal menstrual bleeding can indicate an underlying health issue, so seeking medical attention ensures early diagnosis and prevents potential complications.
• Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: Managing abnormal uterine bleeding early can help minimize disruptions to your daily life and prevent potentially serious health consequences down the line. Regular OB/GYN visits are crucial.

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. Kimberly Hood offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• HIV Screening: Protect yourself and your loved ones: an HIV screening is a vital step in preventing the transmission of this virus and ensuring your long-term well-being.
• Vaginosis Screening: Vaginosis screening is a proactive step to check for an imbalance of vaginal bacteria that can lead to discomfort and infection, helping you maintain your vaginal health.
• Hormone Replacement Therapy: HRT can be a valuable tool to alleviate symptoms associated with premature ovarian failure, helping you maintain overall well-being.
• Nuchal Translucency Screening: As a proactive step in your pregnancy journey, a nuchal translucency screening provides early detection of potential fetal abnormalities.
• Fetal Ultrasound: Protect your baby's health by scheduling regular fetal ultrasounds; this important screening tool helps identify potential issues early on, optimizing your chances of a successful pregnancy.
• Excision of Cervix: This procedure involves the surgical removal of abnormal cervical tissue to eliminate the risk of developing cervical cancer, ensuring a healthier and safer reproductive future.
• STD Screening: STD screenings are a simple yet powerful way to safeguard your sexual and overall health. Early diagnosis through testing allows for effective treatment and helps prevent the spread of infection.
• Chlamydia Infection Screening: Take charge of your sexual health with a chlamydia screening—an important step in preventing complications like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility.
• Obstetric Ultrasound: Take a proactive step in ensuring a healthy pregnancy with an obstetric ultrasound; it allows early detection of potential problems, enabling timely interventions.
• Gynecologic Cancer Screening: Take control of your health by scheduling routine gynecologic cancer screenings; these tests can find potentially life-threatening cancers in their earliest stages.
• Gonorrhea Screening: Protecting your reproductive health starts with a gonorrhea screening, a quick test that can identify and treat this common STI before it causes problems.
• Genetic Screening for Breast Cancer: Take control of your breast health: genetic testing can reveal if you have gene mutations that increase your chances of getting breast cancer, enabling early intervention.

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. Kimberly Hood 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 proactively discussing family history and undergoing regular screenings, a patient felt empowered to understand and manage potential risks associated with multiple gestation, ensuring a healthier pregnancy for herself and her babies. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and allowed for early intervention to optimize pregnancy outcomes.
• By attending regular prenatal appointments and following a personalized plan, a expectant mother felt empowered to proactively manage potential risks, ensuring a smooth and healthy pregnancy journey.

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. Kimberly Hood:

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Kimberly Hood?

Your first visit with Dr. Hood is a collaborative partnership-building session. We'll 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 potential cervical changes, and Dr. Hood follows the latest evidence-based recommendations. She 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 or questions, including your menstrual cycle, sexual health, birth control needs, future pregnancy plans, and any changes in your breast or pelvic health. We encourage open communication and proactive discussion of all topics. No question is off-limits.

How do I perform a breast self-exam, and how often should I do it?

Breast self-awareness is key—getting to know what's normal for your breasts. A monthly self-exam can help you notice any changes, like new lumps or skin changes. This is important, but it's a supplement to regular clinical exams and mammograms by Dr. Kimberly Hood.

Are painful periods normal?

While mild cramping can be normal, severe, debilitating pain is not. It could be a sign of an underlying condition like endometriosis or fibroids. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Kimberly Hood so you don't have to suffer in silence.

I'm thinking about getting pregnant. What should I do to prepare?

Preparing for pregnancy is an excellent proactive step. A preconception counseling visit with Dr. Hood can help you discuss lifestyle factors, start folic acid, review current medications, and consider genetic carrier screening. Dr. Hood is happy to be a partner in optimizing your health for a future pregnancy.

I'm experiencing leakage of urine when I cough or exercise. Is this normal?

Many women experience urine leakage when coughing or exercising, especially after childbirth. This is a common issue called stress incontinence, and it's definitely treatable. Dr. Hood can offer various effective solutions, including pelvic floor therapy and, if needed, simple procedures.

I have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. What does that mean for me?

A family history of breast or ovarian cancer is important to discuss. It may mean you need to start screenings earlier than average or consider genetic testing, such as for BRCA genes. Dr. Hood can help assess your risk and create a proactive, personalized surveillance plan.

4586 E Highway 20 Ste A
Niceville FL 32578
Phone: (850) 897-0110

Dr. Kimberly Hood, 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): 1073548863

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. Kimberly Hood 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.