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

Is there an age limit on hormone therapy?

June 12, 2019 at 11:21pm

What is the reason that Estrogen/Progesterone is not being prescribed by OB/GYNs after a certain age (70)?

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Is hair loss a side effect of vaginal estrogen?

June 12, 2019 at 10:59pm

I started taking vaginal estrogen and now learned my dramatic hair loss may be a side effect. I recently stopped taking this medicine. I have an appointment with my gynecologist soon, but I’m panicking as I’m losing a handful of hair every day. What can I do?

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Pessary

June 10, 2019 at 10:32pm

My gynecologist's office closed suddenly, and I was having my pessary cleaned every 10 weeks. How do I clean it myself?

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Is it safe to use a weighted vest?

June 7, 2019 at 8:55pm

I recently learned I have osteoporosis. I read Dr. Moreno’s article about exercising safely. I would like to know if she would recommend using a weighted vest? I’d like to use one to increase weight-bearing load, but wonder if if it is advised?

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Are there natural treatments for vaginal atrophy?

June 7, 2019 at 8:44pm

My doctor prescribed vaginal inserts to treat vaginal atrophy, but they are too expensive. Are there more natural/herbal, less expensive ways to address the same issue that will truly get results?

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What treatment can help joint pain?

June 7, 2019 at 8:35pm

I have chronic pain in my fingers, wrist, hips, knees, shoulders, ankles, toes and bottoms of my feet. I am gaining weight. What can I take to alleviate my pain, so that I can exercise and lose this weight?

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What are treatment options for melasma?

June 7, 2019 at 8:26pm

I am an OB/GYN physician and am curious if you have any experience using Tranexemic Acid/Lysteda® pills, one daily orally to treat melasma? I am considering prescribing a non-hormonal IUD for my patient who can’t tolerate hormone contraceptive pills.

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What pelvic stimulating devices are available?

June 7, 2019 at 8:13pm

Are there special devices that can be paid for by Medicare to improve weak (and possibly damaged) pelvic floor muscles?

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Natural Treatment for Pain

May 24, 2019 at 2:50pm

I've been having pain in my toes, legs, hips, lower back and stiffness in my ankles and legs. I'm 50 years old and I need something to help relieve my pain. I would like natural help, please.

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Bioidentical Hormone Therapy

May 20, 2019 at 3:16pm

I began BHRT (bio-identical hormone replacement therapy), and after extensive blood work I began my therapy with 0.25ml estradiol, 0.25ml testosterone, 100mg progesterone, and 5mg DHEA capsules. (Important to note that before the estradiol pump cream began, I did start with an estradiol patch and then half a patch since I had nipple sensitivity from the start of the program).

After 8 months of titration, the nipple soreness & sensitivity remain as long as I am taking the hormones. During this time of working with the doctor we have not been able to determine the cause of this problem, a way to eliminate it or a successful way to move forward.

I have been very careful in following instructions and giving feedback along the way. I have been told that this group has never encountered this problem before. In essence, they are stumped. I am a 69 year old women in relatively good health. I take blood pressure medicine and Valacyclovir daily. I eat well, sleep well, walk daily, I don't smoke or take any other drugs aside from those prescribed above. I have a glass of red wine once a week and take good care of myself making every effort to keep carbs to a bare minimum along with sugar. Any suggestions or light you may be able to shed on my situation would be very much appreciated.

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