Is black cohosh a safe menopausal treatment option? Black cohosh is an herbal supplement prepared from the roots of a perennial plant native to North America. It is made available in capsule form, liquid extracts, or solid extracts such as pills. Black...

Question: I have searched the web but the only explanation I can come up with is that I have a sebaceous cyst – I don't think this is the case. I have a cyst on my labia area which is very itchy, sometimes almost unbearable. The doctor didn't seem concerned...

Question: I had breast cancer 10 years ago. It was low grade, but I was told by my doctor that I was not able to take anything for my menopause. I have hot flashes bad. What can I do to help me with this? Name withheld ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------...

Question: I am 67 and had been on premarin for at least 14 years when advised to go off by my doctor. I tried for six months, but had severe flushes, trouble sleeping and concentrating, and was tired most the time. Went back on premarin at a low dose...

Question: My name is Dawn. I am 57, and I’m post-menopausal. I have vaginal atrophy and have been inserting vagifem tablets. To start with, they seemed to be working, but I now find that my vagina is burning and uncomfortable most of the time. I had a...

Question: I'm 51. I have always had regular periods – every 28 days. This year, I skipped a period in March. I then got my period [every month] from April to June. I have not received my period since. I know that I am going through my changes. I have...

Question: I had a hysterectomy at 29 years old, but was left with my ovaries. I do not know if I ever went through menopause, but I am now 51 years old. The past three weeks I have been experiencing a burning sensation in the left groin area. It is not...

Question: Is there a clinic [specializing in menopause] in northern California? Name withheld ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Answer: Contact the Alexander Foundation for Women’s...

Question: When are you completely finished with menopause? Name withheld -------------------------------------------------------------------- Answer: A good rule of thumb is 24 months after your last period, but it varies....

Question: How long does menopause last? Lucy ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Answer: Perimenopause can last six years or more. Actual menopause is simply the exact point at which the ovaries...

Question: I had a hysterectomy in 2000. I was 40 years old at the time. I have no sex drive at all, but I am also on opioids for back pain. Would that affect my sex drive? What kind of medication would you suggest to increase libido. Jewels ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------...

Question: I am 55 years old and feel that I am experiencing some degree of cognitive decline, loss of initiative, and some degree of apathy. Will this go away? What can I do? Name withheld ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------...

Question: My wife is almost 48. She is in great physical condition. We had a great relationship until a few months ago. She says she has not started menopause yet and won't for a few more years. However, she seems to be having multiple periods and also...

Question: I have not had a period for 22 months. Do I need to worry about contraception? Name withheld --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Answer: Probably not. Generally, you are said...

Question: Do you go through menopause when you tie your tubes? I’ve heard yes and no on this question. Rima ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Answer: The only medical procedure that is guaranteed to instigate menopause...