April 2007 - Posts

• Cyst on labia

  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 Read More... Posted Monday, April 23, 2007 10:47 AM by Editor | 2 Comments Filed under: menopause symptoms, vaginal atrophy, vaginal cream, cyst

• Breast cancer and menopause relief

  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 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Read More... Posted Monday, April 23, 2007 10:46 AM by Editor | 1 Comments Filed under: menopause symptoms, HRT, hormone replacement therapy, breast cancer

• Question about Premarin in low doses

  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 Read More... Posted Monday, April 23, 2007 10:44 AM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: menopause symptoms, HRT, hormone replacement therapy, Premarin

• Vaginal cream recommendation

  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 Read More... Posted Monday, April 23, 2007 10:43 AM by Editor | 1 Comments Filed under: post-menopause, vaginal atrophy, vaginal cream, vaginal tablets

• Perimenopause side effects

  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 Read More... Posted Monday, April 23, 2007 10:42 AM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: perimenopause, menopause symptoms, period, menstruation

• Burning in groin

  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 Read More... Posted Monday, April 23, 2007 10:40 AM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: menopause symptoms, hysterectomy, ovaries removed

• Menopause Clinic

  Question: Is there a clinic [specializing in menopause] in northern California? Name withheld ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Answer: Contact the Alexander Foundation for Women’s Read More... Posted Monday, April 23, 2007 10:39 AM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: menopause symptoms, menopause clinic

• When will I be finished menopause?

  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. Read More... Posted Monday, April 23, 2007 10:37 AM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: perimenopause, menopause symptoms, period, menopause duration

• How long will this last?

  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 Read More... Posted Monday, April 23, 2007 10:36 AM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: perimenopause, menopause symptoms, period, menstruation

• Androgen treatments

  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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Read More... Posted Monday, April 23, 2007 10:33 AM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: menopause symptoms, HRT, hormone replacement therapy, low sex drive

• Menopause and cognitive decline

  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 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Read More... Posted Monday, April 23, 2007 10:32 AM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: perimenopause, menopause symptoms, depression, memory

• Low sex drive and depression

  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 Read More... Posted Monday, April 23, 2007 10:31 AM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: perimenopause, menopause symptoms, depression, low sex drive

• Do I need to practice safe sex?

  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 Read More... Posted Monday, April 23, 2007 10:29 AM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: perimenopause, period, menstruation, ovulation

• My tubes are tied - am I in menopause?

  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 Read More... Posted Monday, April 23, 2007 10:28 AM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: menopause, ovulation, eggs, ovaries removed

• Am I in perimenopause?

  Question: I am 43 and I’m going through menopause (my doctor did a blood test and said that I was). I have not had a period for four months now and just recently had a period. Is that normal? Name withheld ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Read More... Posted Monday, April 23, 2007 10:27 AM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: perimenopause, menopause symptoms, period, menopause test

• Is spotting normal?

  Question: I am 47 and sometimes I have spotting between periods. Could this be part of menopause? Name withheld ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Answer: Yes. But it could be something else. If Read More... Posted Monday, April 23, 2007 10:25 AM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: mensturation, menopause symptoms, spotting

• Tender nipples

  Question: My breasts are tender; but not the whole breast – just the nipple. Is this common? Name withheld ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Answer: Sorry, but you just haven’t given us enough information Read More... Posted Monday, April 23, 2007 10:24 AM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: menopause symptoms, sensitive nipples, breast pain

• Burning eyes

  Question: I have been menopausal for many years, with all of the symptoms. But the one I am concerned about right now is that my eyes are always burning, feeling sore, sometimes gritty. I asked the optometrist about it and he gave me eye drops which really Read More... Posted Monday, April 23, 2007 10:23 AM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: perimenopause, menopause symptoms, burning eyes, eye drops

• Intense hot flashes

  Question: I'm 36. I am experiencing some rather intense hot flashes. At least, I think they are hot flashes. My face and chest area is on fire a lot of the time, and I can't seem to find relief. They last almost all day and night. I had a partial hysterectomy Read More... Posted Monday, April 23, 2007 10:22 AM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: perimenopause, menopause symptoms, hot flashes, anxiety

• Hot flashes and removal of ovaries

  Question: I recently had to stop taking Prempro because I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My hot flashes immediately returned, even though I was on a very low dose of it and was trying to wean myself by only taking it every other day. Meanwhile, a rather Read More... Posted Monday, April 23, 2007 10:20 AM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: HRT, hormone replacement therapy, hot flashes, ovulation

• Bad taste in my mouth

  Question: I am 51 and have many menopause questions. One symptom I am having is a strange, almost metal taste in my mouth at all times. Name withheld ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Answer: You have many questions, Read More... Posted Monday, April 23, 2007 10:19 AM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: menopause symptoms

• HRT for severe menopause symptoms

  Question: Two years ago, I went in to the change and immediately, from being a very healthy and active person, I have suffered great health problems. I started with massive panic attacks which left me feeling very ill for about six months. On Christmas Read More... Posted Monday, April 16, 2007 3:54 PM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: menopause symptoms, fatigue, HRT dangers, panic attacks

• Anger with menopause

  Question: After being treated for my menopause, I am still going through a very hard time dealing with the same certain time of the month – the days that used to be right before my periods, i.e. PMS. I get very angry. The anger is so bad, I want to hurt Read More... Posted Monday, April 16, 2007 3:51 PM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: menopause symptoms, mood swings, depression, night sweats

• Can I get pregnant after 3 years of menopause?

  Question: I'm 51 and have not had a period in three years. What are my chances of getting pregnant? CJ --------------------------------------------------------------------- Answer: Very remote. Medical authorities assume that you have passed menopause Read More... Posted Monday, April 16, 2007 3:45 PM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: perimenopause, menopause, pregnancy

• Vaginal Itch

  Question: I am 44. I began having menopause symptoms a couple of years ago. I just recently had my annual check up. Blood was drawn to see where my hormone levels were. I was told they were low and my doctor suggested hormone therapy. I am not ready to Read More... Posted Monday, April 16, 2007 3:44 PM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: perimenopause, menopause symptoms, HRT, hormone replacement therapy, vaginal itch

• FSH levels

  Question: Is it possible to go thru menopause and not know it? I am 54, and I’ve been on Depo-prevera for five or more years. I have had some hot flashes and night sweats. My FSH level is 40.3. I will stop taking the Depo now, as per my doctor’s advice. Read More... Posted Monday, April 16, 2007 3:42 PM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: hormone replacement therapy, HRT dangers, infertility, depo-prevera

• Bad body odor

  Question: Is it part of menopause to have BO (body odor) in your underarms? Sandie ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Answer: We don’t know – maybe? It’s not a common side effect, but irregularity in hormones can lead Read More... Posted Monday, April 16, 2007 3:41 PM by Editor | 1 Comments Filed under: menopause symptoms, hot flashes, sweating

• Spotting after sex

  Question: I am 58 years old and sexually active. The last time I was with my partner, I experienced some spotting. Is this natural? I did not experience any pain or discomfort. It stopped and has not occurred since. Name withheld ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Read More... Posted Monday, April 16, 2007 3:40 PM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: menopause symptoms, spotting, sex drive

• Is menopause fatal?

  Question: My son's wife is going through menopause and he made a statement that you could die from menopause. I said I didn't think so. I went through it – and took hormone replacements – but didn't have any symptoms, so my doctor said to stop it when Read More... Posted Monday, April 16, 2007 3:37 PM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: menopause symptoms, hormone replacement therapy, HRT dangers

• Natural hormone replacement

  Question: I have heard rave reviews for a natural hormone replacement called Proges-E. Do you know anything about this? Name withheld ----------------------------------------------------------------- Answer: There are anecdotal endorsements online, but Read More... Posted Monday, April 16, 2007 3:36 PM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: menopause symptoms, natural remedies, natural HRT

• Will soy ease menopause symptoms?

  Question: Someone told me that soy products will help slow down the problems menopause cause. Is this true? Sue -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Answer: Some studies have shown some benefits, Read More... Posted Monday, April 16, 2007 3:34 PM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: menopause symptoms, soy products, natural remedies

• Period back after year-long absence

  Question: I have not had a period in one year, but now I’m having one. Is this normal? Name withheld ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Answer: Has it been slightly less than Read More... Posted Monday, April 16, 2007 3:33 PM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: perimenopause, period, menstruation, abnormal periods

• Menopause and aching joints

  Question: Can menopause cause aching joints – knees, hips, lower back? It’s worse in cold weather. Also, in October, my knee swelled badly. It wasn’t caused by an injury. The swelling and pain are now gone. I saw three doctors for the problem and even Read More... Posted Monday, April 16, 2007 3:29 PM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: perimenopause, menopause symptoms, swelling, back pain

• Concerned hubby asks about menopause

  Question: My wife is having menopause symptoms. She has had an off and on menstrual cycle for a month. What is the usual prescription for these types of symptoms? She is going to see her ob/gyn within the next two days. What is going on here? Concerned Read More... Posted Monday, April 16, 2007 3:10 PM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: perimenopause, menopause symptoms, period, menstruation

• No menopause symptoms

  Question: I am 53 and have not had a period since 2001. I feel great and walk five miles, three times per week. I am five feet six inches tall and weigh one hundred five pounds. I am calling my condition amenorrhea because I do not believe that I have Read More... Posted Monday, April 16, 2007 3:07 PM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: menopause symptoms, HRT, hormone replacement therapy

• How long does menopause last?

  Question: Can you tell me the length of year’s menopause takes to run its course? Sylvia ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Answer: Perimenopause can take six years or longer. Read More... Posted Monday, April 16, 2007 3:05 PM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: menopause symptoms, length of menopause, post-menopause

• What signals the end of menopause?

  Question: How do I know when I am entering the end of menopause? Name withheld ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Answer: You should expect the side effects of menopause to end by the second anniversary Read More... Posted Monday, April 16, 2007 3:04 PM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: menopause symptoms, post-menopause, end of menopause

• Sensitive skin

  Question: I have a sensation of buzzing in the pubic area. It’s like a cell phone set to vibrate. It occurs every two or three seconds, and has been going on like this for over 24 hours. Have you ever heard of this? Cheryl ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Read More... Posted Monday, April 16, 2007 3:02 PM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: perimenopause, menopause symptoms, formication, itchy skin

• Heavy menstrual flow

  Question: I am 46. I have not had any hot flashes, but I do have mood swings. The last six months or so, my periods have been real heavy. This last month’s period was just as heavy, but 16 days later, I still have a light blood discharge. Is this normal? Read More... Posted Monday, April 16, 2007 1:49 PM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: menopause symptoms, period, menstruation, mood swings, abnormal periods

• Multiple periods every month!

  Question: Can you have more than one menstrual period a month? Name withheld --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Answer: Yes, your cycles can be irregular, particularly when you’re approaching menopause. Read More... Posted Monday, April 16, 2007 1:47 PM by Editor | 1 Comments Filed under: perimenopause, menopause symptoms, menstruation, abnormal periods

• Do I need supplements?

  Question: My doctor said I am going through menopause. Do I need a supplement to get through this? I feel really tired after I eat lunch and when I am driving home from work. I feel really run down once I get home. I need a cup of coffee just to keep Read More... Posted Monday, April 16, 2007 1:38 PM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: menopause symptoms, HRT, natural remedies, fatigue, supplements

• Can I get pregnant if I have no period?

  Question: I was wondering if a woman in her mid to late 40s could actually get pregnant while going through menopause if she no longer has a period. What are the chances of this happening? I have not had a period for about two months, and before that Read More... Posted Monday, April 16, 2007 1:33 PM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: perimenopause, menstruation, menopause, pregnancy

• Day-long hot flashes

  Question: Can you help me about hot flashes? I have them all day. Help me. Judy -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Answer: The answer to your problem can (hopefully) be found at your doctor’s Read More... Posted Monday, April 16, 2007 1:32 PM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: perimenopause, menopause symptoms, hot flashes

• Stomach pain related to menopause?

  Question: I have been experiencing aching in my upper stomach area. I have had all kinds of tests and nothing shows up wrong. Could this be related to menopause? My ribs feel like I have been working out. It’s a dull ache. Mary ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Read More... Posted Monday, April 16, 2007 1:28 PM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: perimenopause, menopause symptoms, stomach pain

• Ovulation during menopause

  Question: My question pertains to the ovaries and the actual menstrual period. When you go through menopause and your period stops, is it possible for your ovaries to continue to function? And, if they are still functioning, does this mean that you can Read More... Posted Monday, April 16, 2007 1:26 PM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: perimenopause, menopause symptoms, period, menstruation, pregnancy, ovulation

• Estrace and promethium

  Question: I am trying to get off of estrace and promethium. For two weeks, I take estace – half a milligram every other day – then, for the next two weeks, I take it every three days. When I get off of that, I am supposed to ease off of Prometrium. I Read More... Posted Monday, April 16, 2007 1:11 PM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: HRT, hormone replacement therapy, menopause, estrace, promethium

• Do symptoms cease after perimenopause is over?

  Question: Once you reach menopause, do you still experience symptoms? I have been told that peri-menopuse is when you experience the symptoms and, after you stop having periods, the symptoms cease. How long do you have symptoms once you have not had a Read More... Posted Monday, April 16, 2007 1:08 PM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: perimenopause, menopause symptoms, period, menstruation

• Reoccuring period in menopause

  Question: I am 51. In the last year I have had my period stop for approximately two months – once in the spring and then again in early fall. In the spring, I did experience hot flashes and the odd incident since. They seem to be mostly at night. Luckily, Read More... Posted Monday, April 16, 2007 1:03 PM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: menopause symptoms, period, menstruation

• Does menopause cause paranoia?

  Question: Does menopause/perimenopause cause paranoia? Charlotte ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Answer: Typically, no. If you’re feeling paranoid, you should visit a physician. Paranoia can often Read More... Posted Monday, April 16, 2007 1:02 PM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: menopause symptoms, paranoia

• Early Menopause at 23!

  Question: I went to my gynecologist yesterday because of a lot of things that I felt were not right: mood swings, hot flashes, very tender breasts, lots of anger and frustration over the simplest things, no sex drive, insomnia, and a change in vaginal Read More... Posted Monday, April 16, 2007 12:59 PM by Editor | 0 Comments Filed under: menopause symptoms, hot flashes, mood swings, premature menopause, tender breasts