Menopause

Answers for your specific questions.

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

Vivelle dot and thin skin

August 23, 2011 at 5:58pm

I am 55, post-menopausal and have been on the lowest dose of Vivelle-dot patch for 18 months. My skin is quite thin, most notably on the inner thighs, which appears striated and is tender and is prone to pimples. Would a higher dosage patch encourage the skin to thicken?

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Long term Hormone replacement therapy

August 23, 2011 at 5:36pm

I am almost 65 and have stopped taking hormone replacement therapy after 20 years. I am sleepless and suffering from hot flashes. What can I take to lessen these effects?

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Does Hormone Replacement Help With Weight Loss?

August 16, 2011 at 9:58pm

If I take Hormone Replacement Medication for my menopause symptoms, will I stop gaining weight?

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Hair Loss

August 16, 2011 at 3:14pm

I am losing hair. Do I need to start using Rograine or is it a temporary result of:

  • A new diet started in last month eating 2/3 fruits and vegetables for every 1/3 protein and grain
  • Dental work in last month - crown followed by root canal - many x-rays
  • Menopause - I stopped over 10 years ago.

What should I do?

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Weight Management and Perimenopause

August 1, 2011 at 4:46pm

I have been with Weight Watchers since January of 2010 to the present and have been with Curves since May 2011. I am 5’1"

I currently weigh 149 pounds. My goal weight is 132 pounds. I started WW at 154 pounds...in April 2011 138 pounds...lost 16 pounds in 14 months. I have been going through perimenopause. Since April a constant weight gain to my current 149 pounds. Two weeks ago I lost 4 pounds!!! After having a period for three weeks of spotting, light flow, heavy flow, light flow, spotting, then finally stopping. Then the next week I gained 3 pounds back! I have been going to Curves twice a week. With a hectic schedule I am lucky to be able to get there at all! I enjoyed the last article from Speaking of Women’s Health and noticed it is sponsored through Cleveland Clinic.

I felt comfort in the article and that we could have contact with you as a resource. I am grateful to the Cleveland Clinic for the care and concern that you have given to my daughter and her husband on behalf of their son~our sweet grandson. Our grandson is being followed by the pediatric neurology physicians. Thank You so much.

I hope that you might be able sort out my weight gain~menopause issues. I am discontinuing WW and I have been so far enjoying Curves.

Thank You in advance for your time,

Lewisa

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Osteoporosis and Menopause

July 22, 2011 at 5:20pm

I am one year into menopause and am age 50. My new gynecologist told me that I am at risk for Osteoporosis because I am tall and thin and have been taking thyroid hormone for the past 25 years.

Would it be worthwhile for me to have a bone density test to establish a baseline measurement? Unfortunately, due to severe back problems, for the past 10 years I have not done the recommended weight bearing activities that would have helped maintain my bone density and I am concerned. Thanks for your advice!

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Lightheaded - Menopause Symptom?

July 22, 2011 at 5:19pm

Is lightheadedness a symptom of menopause? I have had very bad hot flashes recently with the weather being so hot and started experiencing the lightheadedness.

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