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

Hashimoto's Disease

November 25, 2015 at 2:14pm

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroid disorder. My labs show me ’in normal range.’ My endocrinologist did not recommend thyroid hormone replacement until necessary (she said it could be years), and my GP prescribed me the thyroid hormone and thought I’d start with half a pill and "see how I feel".

Most of my symptoms are hyperthyroid, and my latest labs from one month ago show me ’slightly hyper.’ I am not taking hormones as of yet, as I’m worried they will make me MORE hyper. I am on propranolol to assist with high blood pressure that literally occurred overnight after years of no issues.

Meanwhile, I feel my body is simply deteriorating. The last 4-5 months I’ve had cracking of bones, a feeling of my connective tissue being compromised, and most recently a pretty bad case of psoriasis that itches and nail-pitting. I feel like my body is deteriorating, quite frankly and I’m not sure if this is Hashimoto’s OR something else going on?

If it is Hashimoto’s, would starting thyroid HELP with some of the tissue/bone sensations? Frankly, my endocrinologist even told me to just keep my management to my GP and check in with them once per year.

My second question, my psoriasis has been under treatment for 2 weeks now with no improvement and my doctor says to just stay the course. It itches so much and feel/looks like hives - very itchy welts on my lower legs, buttocks, hips. thighs and elbow. Is there another ’rash’ that often accompanies hashimoto’s patients? If this is psoriasis, it sure is stubborn.

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Treatment Options for Hair Loss

November 8, 2015 at 10:28pm

I have hair loss on the top of my head. I read about the HairMax laser, is this a good option? What about light therapy?

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Vaginal Dryness Treatments

November 8, 2015 at 10:12pm

What are your recommendations for vaginal dryness? I had a prescription for estrogen, but it was too expensive. What are my other options?

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No Sex Drive

October 27, 2015 at 9:57pm

I’m 32 yrs old and married, but I never feel the appetite to have sex.

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Hormone Therapy for Vaginal Dryness and Preventing Osteoporosis

October 26, 2015 at 10:41am

I am 52 years old and post-menopausal. In January, I had a surgical biopsy of my breast following the discovery of "pre-cancerous" or "high risk" cells. No cancer was found, but my doctor stopped my hormone therapy anyway. Almost immediately, I developed osteoporosis and severe vaginal dryness.

I am taking Actonel now for osteoporosis, but am having difficulty with the cost. Less expensive options have more serious side effects. I have yet to find a non-estrogen remedy for vaginal dryness that works for me. Is there a compelling reason not to go back on hormone therapy?

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Permanent Female Sterilization Options

October 15, 2015 at 3:44pm

I am 34 years and I have one child and I am not looking to have another. I have high blood pressure and my first child was a risk. What are my options for permanent sterilization?

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Tips for Achieving Orgasm

October 15, 2015 at 8:53am

I can’t seem to have an orgasm. I need help, please.

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Tips for Restoring Sex

September 30, 2015 at 11:50am

What can I do for my husband and I to enjoy sex?

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Gluten Free?

August 18, 2015 at 9:31am

I am a 79-year-old woman concerned about gluten. I love cream of wheat. Generally speaking, should I avoid eating cream of wheat or eat it in moderation?

For your reference, I have heartburn and osteoporosis. I am a breast cancer survivor and have had a lumpectomy and hysterectomy.

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Estrogen Therapy Post-Hysterectomy

July 23, 2015 at 10:19am

I am 54 years old and just had a total hysterectomy with ovaries removed a month ago. My menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats) are not bad and I can tolerate them.

My doctor has not put me on HRT yet, but I am worried about osteoporosis and I am experiencing some depression, vaginal dryness and dry skin and hair. I will be seeing my doctor soon, and would like to ask for estrogen replacement therapy.

My concern is that I have high blood pressure, which is under control by medication. I take plavix as I was diagnosed with TIA 4 years ago (blurred speech, last few seconds; no damage done). Since then I follow a good diet and exercise regularly. My last blood test was excellent. My mom had a mild stroke when she was 74 due to poor diet and she recovered from it.

My question is: Is it ok for me to go on estrogen therapy? I am not quite myself. Please help.

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