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

Emotional Changes During Menopause

July 21, 2014 at 6:22am

How can I cope with emotional changes during menopause?

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Decreasing Breast Cancer Risk

July 18, 2014 at 6:18am

How can I decrease my risk of breast cancer?

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Eye Exam Tests

July 17, 2014 at 10:12am

What kinds of tests will I have during an eye exam?

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Female Orgasm

July 8, 2014 at 10:08am

I had two partial hysterectomies and three laparoscopic surgeries due to scar tissue and blocked tubes. The first surgery removed my left ovary, tubes and tissue growing on the outside of my uterus, tubes and ovaries. The second surgery removed my right ovary and uterus.

I am on hormone replacement. I am 49 years old, have been married for 29 years and I have 3 children in their 20s. My question is concerning lack of sensation to my vagina and clitoris. Direct and indirect stimulation doesn’t seem to matter and I do not have orgasms any more. I am on prescription medication for fibromyalgia. Is there anything I can do to help this problem?

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Side Effects of HRT Therapy

June 26, 2014 at 9:54am

I’ve just been perscribed HRT therapy: estradiol (vivelle-dot) 0.1mg and progesterone micronized 200 mg. But I have not started it, yet.

I also take 50,000 vitamin D weekly, which I started about 6 months ago.

What health risks are associated with the HRT outlined above? Will I gain weight from this HRT? Will my body composition change as a result of the HRT? How will my hair and skin change?

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Treatment for Nut and Peanut Allergies

June 13, 2014 at 6:07am

I just read an article on speakingofwomenshealth.com about allergies. At the end, there was mention of immunotherapy to help counteract allergies long term.

Can this be successfully used for people with nut and peanut allergies? If so, where does one get the immunotherapy treatments?

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The Best Types of Sunscreen

June 12, 2014 at 10:02am

What should I look for in a sunscreen? What strength do I use and how often do I apply it?

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Is it okay to skip medication?

May 28, 2014 at 12:41pm

I had a full hysterectomy 6 years ago and now I am 45 years old. I have been taking 1mg of estradial since my surgery, and I wanted to know if I don’t take my estradial for a few days what would happen? The doctor drags her feet when it comes to refills, therefor I have to wait till she gets around to approving my prescription. Right now, it’s been one day and I am feeling very weak, light headed, dizzy and can’t walk straight - just concerned if I’m going to be ok without it?

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Taking Medications Together

May 22, 2014 at 12:10pm

I have been using Estring for about 8 years. I felt that it wasn’t working as well as it did the first few years. I saw my endocrinologist today and asked her about Osphena. She gave me some samples. I asked if I should still use Estring and she said no problem. I trust her but she is not a gynecologist, so I am not sure about mixing the two medications.

My primary care physician retired about a year ago. I don’t have anyone else at this time to ask about this. Thank you.

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Treatment for Lack of Desire

April 28, 2014 at 9:28am

I’m a post-menopausal breast cancer patient. I was Stage I, had a mastectomy, and had no lymph node involvement. They got everything, so I didn’t need chemotherapy because the Oncotype testing ruled it out.

Based on a recommendation from a Nurse Practitioner, a friend of my Primary Care Physician, I’m seeking a hyaluronic cream vaginal lubricant. It’s been a year and a half since I’ve been able to have sexual relations. I’ve been using a very small amount of HRT, but it’s not helping enough - and this is what the docs want me to do! Any advice on which ones and where to obtain them.

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