Ask the Nurse

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

Do Antibiotics Affect A Woman's Period?

June 20, 2018 at 2:35pm

I am currently five days late for my period. A little less than a month ago (right after my last period), I was on antibiotics for my UTI, and I was wondering if that could make my period late?

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What can I do About Breast Cysts?

June 12, 2018 at 9:47am

I have an enlarged cyst in my breast that is becoming very painful. Can I have it "biopsied" or aspirated for relief?

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Is my ovary working?

May 22, 2018 at 10:27am

I recently had a hysterectomy leaving one ovary. I was started on oral conjugated estrogens daily as I had a high FSH test at 8 weeks. Would an estradiol test show a reading on Premarin, as my estradiol showed 197 last week? Could my ovary be working again?

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Are Testosterone Pellets Safe?

May 3, 2018 at 3:38pm

What is the latest information and safety profile for testosterone pellets?

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No Sexual Desire and Vaginal Dryness

May 1, 2018 at 3:08pm

I had a hysterectomy in 2005, 13 years later I have no sexual drive and severe vaginal dryness. I am on antidepressants and have had back surgery. I still have my ovaries, but I have gone through menopause. My husband is 14 years younger and is still very interested in sex as where I have NO desire. What is your advice?

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Migraine Symptoms

May 1, 2018 at 11:20am

I am 36 years old and have just recently been diagnosed with migraines. I went through a lot of tests to rule out serious issues that may be causing the migraines and have seen a neurologist. I am not having the migraines as intensely or as frequently, but I am still having out of the ordinary symptoms that are alarming at times.

Some of the symptoms are hard to describe. I just don’t think it is migraines that I am having. I thought about seeing an endocrinologist. Would they be able to help me determine what is going on?

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Bacterial Vaginosis

May 1, 2018 at 11:10am

I’ve struggled with bacterial vagina infections for months. I complete the antibiotics and still have the infection. How can I fix this as it’s frustrating for me and my partner? Is there a way my partner could be treated as well?

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Stopping Estrogen Treatment

April 18, 2018 at 9:31am

I am 66 years old. I had a total hysterectomy when I was age 52. Since then, I have been on Premarin. I have weaned myself off Premarin to start taking Estradiol, which my doctor has prescribed for me.

I don’t see any difference in the two medications. I would like to get off estrogen altogether, is that possible? Are there side effects at this age?

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Choosing Shoes for Common Foot Problems in Women

April 17, 2018 at 9:38am

Are athletic shoes with the rocker soles better for your feet than regular sneakers? I have chronic plantar fasciitis, tendonitis and arthritis. The rocker soles shoes do feel better.

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Low Sex Drive in Women

April 17, 2018 at 9:20am

I am 51 years old and do not have the urge to have sex. I do not lubricate, and when I do have sex it hurts. Please advise!

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