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

Women and Excessive Sweating

April 14, 2015 at 10:56am

What can I do to relieve constant sweating?

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Pregnancy At Age 35

March 5, 2015 at 2:59pm

I am 35 years old and am having difficulty achieving pregnancy. I am also a type 2 diabetic and struggle with my weight. Is there a way to determine how many eggs I have left?

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Rectocele

February 26, 2015 at 5:56pm

I am an 82 year old woman who has a very large rectocele that protrudes into the genital area and also interferes with defecation. The recommendation is for Leforte Colpectomy/Colpocleisis surgery. Is this appropriate and if not, what would be an alternate solution?

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Taking Care of the Vulva and Vagina

February 13, 2015 at 2:15pm

I am 44 years old and about 6 months ago, I had an issue with an itchy bottom. It is not all the time, but it seems to be worse when it is time for my monthly menses.

I didn’t ask the doctor when I had my recent pap smear, but he said everything looked normal. However, I am really embarassed by it.

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Pre-Diabetes Diet

January 31, 2015 at 7:30pm

I am a healthy 68 year old yoga teacher with mild anxiety. My blood pressure and lipids are normal. I do yoga 3 times per week and walk 35 minutes, 4 times per week. But I found out I have pre-diabetes (fasting sugar of 116). I eat well, I love carbs like bread and pasta, and I cook fresh food every day. What can I do to bring down my Glucose level?

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GERD Medication

January 31, 2015 at 4:00pm

I am a 50 year old woman and was diagnosed with GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease) 2 years ago. This started after I began treatment for my ulcerative colitis with mesalamine. I now take omeprazole before dinner and have noticed some benefit. I would like to get off the omeprazole. Do you have any recommendations?

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Hernia Treatment for Women

January 31, 2015 at 2:20pm

I am a 70 year old woman and I have a pacemaker for atrial fibrillation. I was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia and my physicians do not seem concerned about it. They didn’t explain whether the hernia required treatment and I am worried. What do you recommend regarding my inguinal hernia?

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Thyroid Condition

January 9, 2015 at 7:30am

In reference to the Thyroid, I am on 0.112mg of synthroid due to being hypothyroidism, following radiation some years ago. My question is, my new physician only runs the TSH blood test to monitor my level. When running the TSH alone, my blood level is within normal limits.

In the past, my previous doctor had run additional tests when he would check the TSH, FT3 and FT4. I was told by my previous doctor that running the TSH by itself is not an effective way of keeping the thyroid in check. I am still feeling fatigue, always cold, dry skin, dry hair. Should I push the issue with my new Primary Care Physician to be more aggressive when he monitors my level?

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Peri-Menopause and Osteoporosis

January 8, 2015 at 4:00pm

I was diagnosed with osteoporosis in my hips in 2007. I am still peri-menopausal but have been taking medication since that time. My last bone density test showed osteoporosis is now in my spine. My physician doesn’t think it is necessary to change my treatment.

I started on Fosamax, but after 4 months I started having side effects, so I was switched to Actonel. I am not due for another year for a bone density. I don’t like to eat dairy foods, but I eat a yogurt every day. I take 500mg of calcium with 200iu D3 3 times a day.

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Strengthening a Woman's Bones

January 7, 2015 at 3:00pm

I had a bone density recently and was diagnosed with osteoporosis. I just started alendronate. In addition to walking, rowing and using the elliptical, what else can I do to strengthen my bones?

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