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

Achieving Your Ideal Weight

September 15, 2014 at 11:32am

What is the proper way to lose weight and cook regular meals for my busy family when I am the only one dieting in the family? I am currently overweight at 227 pounds and I am trying to lose at least 60 pounds in the next four months. How much should I diet to achieve my goal?

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Family History of Breast and Ovarian Cancer

September 11, 2014 at 6:18am

I am 63 years old with a history of breast cancer. I am in remission after a bone marrow transplant in 1991.

My sister died of ovarian cancer three years ago. I have not been sexually active in 14 years. Do I need to be screened for ovarian cancer, and if so, what doctor can I see?

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Colon Cancer Treatment Information

September 9, 2014 at 4:24pm

Where can I obtain the latest information on colon cancer treatment?

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Using Talcum Powder Near Female Genitals

September 9, 2014 at 4:18pm

What is the health risk of Talcum powder near the vagina? What about baby corn starch powder? Can female infants be at risk if baby talcum powder is used on them?

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Abdominal Aorta Aneurysm

August 28, 2014 at 11:26am

I have been diagnosed with a 4.2cm Abdominal Aorta Aneurysm. My doctor said I need to have an ultrasound done annually to monitor for any enlargement. He said no operation until it reaches at least 5cm. Is there anything (pain, etc.) that I should watch for? The Radiologist thought there was leaking of blood from the aneurysm, but my doctor thought NO.

After getting another ultrasound in three months, my doctor said there is no blood leaking. How can I be sure this is true? Are there any signs? The doctor said I would have severe pain in my stomach going down my leg. I do not have this, but it is worrisome because any time I have any abdominal cramps or leg problems I suspect the worse! I was told that you could also have back pain.

I am 70 years old, an active tennis player and work out with weights three times a week. I'm very active, but I do have a new hip and arthritis. Again, do I need to do anything special or eliminate any activities?

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Endometrial Cancer Protection

August 28, 2014 at 8:00am

Do women need to use progesterone for endometrial protection with an intact uterus when using even a small dose of transdermal estrogen (such as vivelle dot)?

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Intolerance to Dairy and Vitamin D

August 26, 2014 at 3:57pm

I can’t tolerate any kind of dairy and from what I noticed Vitamin D (sunshine) either. Symptoms include swelling of my lips and the corners of my lips crack open. Also, the area between my vagina and my rectum gets a rash and cracks open. Another symptom is that I get auras and almost black out if I eat dairy. I stopped all dairy and avoided most sunshine to try to keep my symptoms minimal.

Since I have practiced avoidance it’s much better, but there aren’t many things I can eat. I have been to a lot of different doctors who mostly say just avoid dairy, but that isn’t what I would like to do if I don’t have to. I need vitamin D since I already have osteopenia and am high risk for osteoporosis.

Thank you in advance for any thoughts you may have.

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Left-side Abdominal Pain

August 14, 2014 at 2:20pm

If you have a pain in your left side, what could it be a sign of besides a pulled muscle?

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What can Women use to Feel Fresh After Intercourse?

July 24, 2014 at 9:44am

What can a woman do to feel fresh after having intercourse, since douching is not recommended?

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Foods That Improve Brain Health

July 23, 2014 at 6:35am

Do certain foods improve focus and brain health?

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