Dr. Shannon L. Hardy, MD

Dr. Shannon L. Hardy, Obstetrician and Gynecologist

Dr. Shannon L. Hardy is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist providing comprehensive women’s healthcare in Houston, Texas. She supports patients through preventive gynecology, pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum recovery, family planning, menstrual concerns, and menopause.

Her clinical services also include minimally invasive gynecological procedures, contraception management, treatment for uterine fibroids, and evaluation of pelvic or reproductive health symptoms. Dr. Hardy aims to help patients understand their diagnosis and participate confidently in decisions about their care.

Patients comparing women’s health physicians can also read about Dr. Jackquelin Perez’s obstetric and gynecological care.

Doctor Information

Name: Dr. Shannon L. Hardy, MD
Specialty: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Board Certification: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Undergraduate Education: Rice University
Medical School: University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
Residency: Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch
Practice: Bella Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hospital Affiliation: The Woman’s Hospital of Texas
Primary Location: Houston, Texas
Languages Spoken: English
Telemedicine: Available for suitable appointments
Accepting New Patients: Current availability should be confirmed directly with the practice

About Dr. Shannon L. Hardy

Dr. Hardy grew up in Houston and completed her undergraduate education at Rice University. She graduated in 2003 with a degree in Spanish linguistics and literature while completing premedical studies.

She earned her medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston in 2007. She remained at the same institution to complete four years of residency training in obstetrics and gynecology.

During residency, Dr. Hardy received recognition for clinical performance and medical student teaching. She also served as administrative chief resident from 2010 to 2011.

Her education prepared her to provide medical and surgical care for women through different stages of life. This includes routine preventive visits, reproductive planning, prenatal monitoring, delivery, postpartum care, and treatment for gynecological conditions.

Preventive Gynecological Care

Routine gynecological appointments can help identify health changes before they begin causing serious symptoms. They also provide a private setting for discussing menstrual patterns, contraception, fertility goals, sexual health, menopause, and pelvic discomfort.

Dr. Hardy’s preventive services may include:

• Well-woman examinations
• Pelvic examinations
• Pap tests
• Cervical cancer screening
• Breast health discussions
• Mammography guidance
• Sexually transmitted infection testing
• Contraception counselling
• Menstrual health assessment
• Menopause support
• Reproductive planning
• Review of personal and family medical history

Screening needs vary according to age, previous results, symptoms, pregnancy history, medication use, and individual risk factors.

A routine appointment may also include blood pressure measurement, medication review, and discussion of general health concerns that could affect reproductive or hormonal health.

Patients seeking another physician for routine women’s healthcare may review Dr. Vidya Mhamunkar’s OB-GYN profile.

Pregnancy and Prenatal Care

Prenatal care allows Dr. Hardy to monitor the health of the patient and developing baby throughout pregnancy. Appointments generally become more frequent as the expected delivery date approaches.

Pregnancy services may include:

• Pregnancy confirmation
• Initial prenatal assessment
• Review of medical and pregnancy history
• Laboratory testing
• Ultrasound coordination
• Fetal growth monitoring
• Blood pressure checks
• Gestational diabetes screening
• Genetic screening discussions
• Management of common pregnancy symptoms
• Labour and delivery planning
• Vaginal delivery
• Cesarean delivery when medically needed
• Postpartum follow-up

The prenatal plan is personalised according to the pregnancy stage, test results, symptoms, medical history, and any risks identified during care.

Patients should provide a complete list of prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and supplements. Some products that are commonly used outside pregnancy may not be appropriate during pregnancy.

High-Risk Pregnancy Monitoring

Some pregnancies need closer monitoring because of an existing medical condition, previous pregnancy complication, maternal age, multiple pregnancy, or a concern identified during testing.

Dr. Hardy may assess or help manage concerns such as:

• High blood pressure during pregnancy
• Gestational diabetes
• Preeclampsia
• Multiple pregnancy
• Bleeding during pregnancy
• Abnormal fetal growth
• Maternal infection
• Previous miscarriage
• Previous premature delivery
• Pregnancy after an earlier cesarean delivery
• Pregnancy at an advanced maternal age
• Existing diabetes or thyroid disease

Additional laboratory tests, ultrasounds, fetal monitoring, medication, or consultation with a maternal-fetal medicine specialist may be recommended.

The need for high-risk monitoring does not always mean a serious complication will occur. It means that the pregnancy may benefit from additional observation and planning.

Labour and Delivery Care

Delivery planning may include discussions about the expected place of birth, pain-management options, signs of labour, hospital admission, and situations that could require medical intervention.

Dr. Hardy provides care for vaginal and cesarean deliveries. The safest approach depends on the patient’s health, fetal position, labour progress, previous pregnancy history, and any complications that develop.

A birth plan can help patients communicate their preferences. However, the plan may need to change when unexpected medical concerns arise.

Important topics to discuss before delivery may include:

• When to contact the medical team
• When to travel to the hospital
• Pain-management preferences
• Previous delivery experiences
• Support-person arrangements
• Possible induction of labour
• Circumstances requiring cesarean delivery
• Feeding plans after birth
• Postpartum contraception

Clear communication can help patients understand why a recommendation changes during labour.

Postpartum Care

Postpartum care supports physical recovery and the transition after childbirth. Follow-up may include evaluation of healing, bleeding, blood pressure, sleep, feeding concerns, contraception, and return to normal activities.

Dr. Hardy may address:

• Recovery after vaginal delivery
• Recovery after cesarean delivery
• Incision or tear healing
• Postpartum bleeding
• Breast and feeding concerns
• Pelvic discomfort
• Urinary symptoms
• Contraception after pregnancy
• Menstrual changes
• Return to exercise
• Emotional well-being

Recovery differs between patients. The delivery method, pregnancy complications, sleep, available support, and general health can all affect the postpartum period.

Patients should discuss persistent pain, heavy bleeding, fever, wound changes, or other unexpected symptoms with their healthcare team.

Menstrual Disorder Evaluation

Menstrual cycles may change because of stress, hormonal conditions, medication, pregnancy, uterine abnormalities, weight changes, or the transition toward menopause.

Dr. Hardy may evaluate symptoms such as:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Irregular periods
• Painful periods
• Bleeding between periods
• Periods lasting longer than expected
• Missed periods
• Bleeding after sexual activity
• Bleeding after menopause
• Pelvic pain linked to menstruation

An assessment may involve a pregnancy test, blood tests, pelvic examination, ultrasound, or sampling of the uterine lining.

Treatment depends on the cause and may include medication, hormonal contraception, an intrauterine device, endometrial ablation, or surgery.

Uterine Fibroid Care

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. Some cause no symptoms, while others may affect bleeding, pelvic comfort, pregnancy, or bladder function.

Possible symptoms include:

• Heavy or prolonged periods
• Pelvic pressure
• Abdominal fullness
• Menstrual pain
• Frequent urination
• Constipation
• Back discomfort
• Difficulty becoming pregnant
• Anemia caused by blood loss

Evaluation may include a pelvic examination and ultrasound. Additional testing may be recommended when the diagnosis is uncertain or a procedure is being planned.

Treatment options depend on fibroid size, location, symptoms, age, general health, and future pregnancy plans. Care may involve monitoring, medication, hormonal treatment, myomectomy, or hysterectomy.

Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. It may cause painful periods, persistent pelvic discomfort, pain during sexual activity, or fertility concerns.

Pelvic pain can also come from ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, infection, urinary conditions, digestive problems, scar tissue, or pelvic floor muscles.

Dr. Hardy may review:

• Where the pain occurs
• When it began
• Whether it follows the menstrual cycle
• How long it lasts
• Whether bleeding has changed
• Previous pregnancies or procedures
• Urinary or digestive symptoms
• Earlier treatments

Treatment may include pain medication, hormonal therapy, physical therapy, minimally invasive surgery, or referral to another specialist.

Contraception and Family Planning

Dr. Hardy helps patients compare contraception methods based on medical history, reproductive goals, convenience, effectiveness, and possible side effects.

Options may include:

• Birth control pills
• Intrauterine devices
• Contraceptive implants
• Injections
• Patches or vaginal rings
• Barrier methods
• Fertility-awareness methods
• Permanent contraception
• Postpartum birth control

Some hormonal methods may also help manage heavy bleeding, painful periods, or irregular cycles.

Patients should discuss migraine history, blood pressure, tobacco exposure, blood-clot risks, current medication, and future pregnancy plans before choosing a method.

Intrauterine Device Services

An intrauterine device, commonly called an IUD, is a small contraceptive device placed inside the uterus. Hormonal and non-hormonal options are available.

Dr. Hardy’s services may include:

• Contraception counselling
• IUD insertion
• IUD removal
• Follow-up after placement
• Evaluation of bleeding or discomfort
• Replacement when the device reaches its approved duration

Patients may experience temporary cramping or changes in bleeding after insertion. The expected effects depend on the type of device used.

An examination may be needed when a patient experiences continuing pain, unexpected bleeding, or concern that the device has moved.

Fertility Concerns

Difficulty becoming pregnant can be connected with ovulation, age, uterine conditions, fallopian tube problems, sperm health, or several factors occurring together.

An initial fertility assessment may include:

• Menstrual and ovulation history
• Previous pregnancy history
• Medication review
• Pelvic examination
• Hormone testing
• Ultrasound
• Assessment of the uterus and ovaries
• Partner evaluation
• Referral to a reproductive endocrinologist

The appropriate timing for an evaluation depends on age, medical history, cycle regularity, and how long pregnancy has been attempted.

Minimally Invasive Gynecological Surgery

Dr. Hardy provides gynecological procedures for selected conditions affecting the uterus, ovaries, and reproductive system.

Minimally invasive techniques may use small abdominal incisions or instruments passed through the vagina and cervix.

Procedures may include:

• Diagnostic hysteroscopy
• Operative hysteroscopy
• Endometrial ablation
• Dilation and curettage
• Laparoscopic myomectomy
• Laparoscopic hysterectomy
• Total laparoscopic hysterectomy
• Ovarian surgery
• Salpingectomy
• Tubal ligation
• Treatment of ectopic pregnancy

Possible benefits may include smaller incisions, reduced tissue disruption, and a shorter recovery. The right surgical approach depends on the diagnosis, previous procedures, anatomy, and overall health.

Surgery is generally considered after the diagnosis is confirmed and reasonable non-surgical options have been discussed.

Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy uses a thin instrument with a camera to examine the inside of the uterus. It can help diagnose or treat certain causes of abnormal bleeding, infertility, or findings seen during imaging.

It may be used to evaluate:

• Uterine polyps
• Selected fibroids
• Abnormal bleeding
• Scar tissue
• Structural abnormalities
• Retained tissue
• Unclear ultrasound findings

Some hysteroscopy procedures are mainly diagnostic, while others allow treatment during the same appointment or operation.

Hysterectomy Care

A hysterectomy is an operation to remove the uterus. It may be considered for severe bleeding, fibroids, pelvic pain, uterine prolapse, or another condition that has not improved with less invasive treatment.

The procedure can sometimes be performed laparoscopically or vaginally. An abdominal approach may be required in more complex cases.

Before surgery, Dr. Hardy may discuss:

• Why the procedure is being recommended
• Whether the cervix will be removed
• Whether the ovaries should remain
• Available surgical approaches
• Possible risks
• Expected hospital stay
• Recovery restrictions
• Effects on menstruation and fertility

Because pregnancy is no longer possible after hysterectomy, reproductive plans should be discussed carefully before surgery.

Menopause Care

Menopause is the stage when menstrual periods permanently stop. Symptoms may begin several years earlier during perimenopause.

Dr. Hardy may help patients manage:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Sleep disruption
• Vaginal dryness
• Pain during sexual activity
• Mood changes
• Irregular periods
• Urinary symptoms
• Bone-health concerns

Treatment may include lifestyle changes, vaginal therapies, non-hormonal medication, or hormone replacement therapy when medically suitable.

The benefits and risks of hormone treatment depend on age, symptoms, health history, and personal risk factors.

Another physician offering care across pregnancy, reproductive health, and menopause is Dr. Jihad M. Harmouche.

Preparing for an Appointment

Patients can prepare by bringing:

• A current medication list
• The date of their last menstrual period
• Previous Pap test results
• Pregnancy and delivery history
• Earlier surgical records
• Recent laboratory reports
• Ultrasound or imaging results
• A list of medication allergies
• Notes about current symptoms
• Questions about testing or treatment

Patients with abnormal bleeding may find it helpful to record when bleeding occurs, how long it lasts, and how heavy it becomes.

Pregnant patients should bring available prenatal records, ultrasound results, laboratory reports, and a list of medications and supplements.

Patient-Centered Women’s Healthcare

Dr. Hardy provides obstetric and gynecological care based on each patient’s age, symptoms, health history, pregnancy needs, and reproductive goals.

Her services cover preventive examinations, prenatal monitoring, childbirth, postpartum recovery, contraception, fertility concerns, menopause, and treatment for gynecological conditions.

Patients should confirm appointment availability, telemedicine eligibility, accepted insurance plans, hospital participation, and referral requirements directly with the practice.