Menopause

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Wondering about your health? Confused by what you’ve read? Browse our Ask the Nurse answer archive to find answers to many women's health questions and concerns. All answers are from a Cleveland Clinic women's health nurse.

Ask the Nurse Archive

Menopause Symptoms: Vaginal Dryness and Painful Intercourse

September 22, 2014 at 11:14am

I had an endometrial ablation a couple of years ago and my sex life has completely changed. I am now experiencing vaginal dryness and my libido is on zero. I also am experiencing painful intercourse and am having light bleeding after sex.

I changed doctors because I wanted a female doctor. My physician gave me a blood test and said I was not in peri-menopause because I am only 47 years old. Can you please tell me how can I get some relief?

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Emotional Changes During Menopause

July 21, 2014 at 6:22am

How can I cope with emotional changes during menopause?

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Side Effects of HRT Therapy

June 26, 2014 at 9:54am

I’ve just been perscribed HRT therapy: estradiol (vivelle-dot) 0.1mg and progesterone micronized 200 mg. But I have not started it, yet.

I also take 50,000 vitamin D weekly, which I started about 6 months ago.

What health risks are associated with the HRT outlined above? Will I gain weight from this HRT? Will my body composition change as a result of the HRT? How will my hair and skin change?

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Is it okay to skip medication?

May 28, 2014 at 12:41pm

I had a full hysterectomy 6 years ago and now I am 45 years old. I have been taking 1mg of estradial since my surgery, and I wanted to know if I don’t take my estradial for a few days what would happen? The doctor drags her feet when it comes to refills, therefor I have to wait till she gets around to approving my prescription. Right now, it’s been one day and I am feeling very weak, light headed, dizzy and can’t walk straight - just concerned if I’m going to be ok without it?

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Treatment for Lack of Desire

April 28, 2014 at 9:28am

I’m a post-menopausal breast cancer patient. I was Stage I, had a mastectomy, and had no lymph node involvement. They got everything, so I didn’t need chemotherapy because the Oncotype testing ruled it out.

Based on a recommendation from a Nurse Practitioner, a friend of my Primary Care Physician, I’m seeking a hyaluronic cream vaginal lubricant. It’s been a year and a half since I’ve been able to have sexual relations. I’ve been using a very small amount of HRT, but it’s not helping enough - and this is what the docs want me to do! Any advice on which ones and where to obtain them.

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Vaginal Dryness and Painful Intercourse Treatment

April 27, 2014 at 7:56am

Are there any special products for vaginal dryness? I am 55 years old, going through menopause and experiencing vaginal dryness and painful intercourse.

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Weight Gain and Hormone Therapy

April 18, 2014 at 5:50am

I feel like I continue to gain weight while on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). I’ve exercised five to six times a week since I was 18 years old. I also do cardio five days a week.

I went on bio-identical HRT three years ago and my body composition has changed in an awful way. I have gained roughly 10 pounds. Is it the hormones or would it have happened anyway? I get so down about it that I feel like I don’t want to go to the gym anymore because it’s a waste of my time.

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Hair Loss and Menopause

April 16, 2014 at 8:58am

My hair is falling out of my head. I have had bloodwork done, but no doctor seems concerned. I am in the beginning stages of menopause and have read that hair loss is normal.

What type of doctor should I see for potential hormone treatment? I really don’t want to wait until I am bald to get help!

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Long Periods

March 30, 2014 at 8:55am

I started on a hormone therapy pill back in September (Estradiol 1 mg). A month after starting the hormone therapy pill, I completely stopped having periods. I then got my period about 4-5 months later and it’s still going. It stops for a day or two and then starts right back. I recently quit taking the hormone pill, hoping to stop the bleeding. My period is now light, but still there.

Is it common to bleed like this?

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Weight Gain After Hysterectomy

March 29, 2014 at 5:47am

I had a partial hysterectomy last year, and since then I have gained almost 25 pounds. I am still very active as I was prior to the hysterectomy.

I get hot more often than not, but don’t feel it is a true hot flash. I am not sure if the weight gain is from lack of hormones, but would appreciate any suggestions.

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