Ask the Nurse Archive
Routine Pap Smears and Pelvic Exams
September 19, 2016 at 10:11am
My physician recently told me that at 70 years old I can stop having a routine pelvic exam and pap test. Is this the opinion of most doctors?
Muscle Spasms
August 23, 2016 at 3:14pm
I’ve been having a movement or twitching in my stomach on the right side. It feels like a baby moving, but I’m positive that I’m not pregnant. I’m not losing weight nor am I feeling sick. What could it be?
Atrophy Treatment
August 18, 2016 at 3:00pm
I am scared to use Vagifem for atrophy. My understanding was it would not penetrate into the uterus and was the lowest dose available, is that correct?
If I use it for three months and feel better, can I go off it cold turkey?
MTHFR C677T Mutation
July 11, 2016 at 10:51am
I was recently told by my physician that I have two copies of the MTHFR C677T mutation (homozygous mutation). What does this mean for my health?
Treating Milia in Adults
June 14, 2016 at 2:49pm
What can I do to get rid of Milia on my face?
Sexual Health and Aging Women
April 11, 2016 at 1:36pm
I’m 47 and beginning to experience symptoms of aging. I can handle most anything, but I need help providing reliable, credible information to my long-term boyfriend about what happens to aging women regarding sex.
I feel terrible that he feels that it is "his fault" for my symptoms, like less natural and abundant lubrication, that neither he nor I have any control over at this point. So, I would like to give him a book, preferably written by a medical professional, that addresses the physical aspects of aging women and sex. Thank you!
Treatment for Osteoporosis
March 23, 2016 at 12:54pm
I was age 43 when I had total hysterectomy. I was unable to do hormone replacement therapy because of another issue.
A recent DEXA scan showed the lowest T-Score was -1.6, and they want me to start Fosamax. I already have a lot of pain from arthritis and degenerative disc disease. And the side effect of the Fosamax is joint pain. Is that T-Score a bad level and would any other drug beside the Bisphosphonates be helpful?
Age 56 and Still Getting Periods: Is Menopause Near?
March 9, 2016 at 10:15am
I will be 56 years old next month and I still have not gone through menopause. My periods are definitely irregular; I had a total of 4 periods in 2015. My GYN recently ordered an FSH test which showed no level at 31.6. Other than irregular periods, I have not experienced other menopausal symptoms, like hot flashes. Is menopause near?
How Often Should Women Have a Colonoscopy?
March 9, 2016 at 10:07am
I am 63 years old and I’ve had only one colonoscopy when I was age 50. Everything was fine, so how often should I have a colonoscopy?
Oral Estrogen Vs Patch Estrogen
March 4, 2016 at 12:54pm
What is the difference between using the estradiol 0.5 patch versus taking the estradiol 0.5 tablet?