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

Bone Density Test

December 6, 2012 at 1:37pm

How often should a woman (64 years old) have a bone density test?

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Fosamax

December 4, 2012 at 4:41pm

My doctor has just started me on Fosamax. What is the latest information on taking this drug long and short term? I have had bone density testing done about four years apart and my doctor says that because of my family history and a change in the thinning of my bones, I am at risk of possible fractures as I age. I am currently 65.

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Restless Leg Syndrome at Night

November 13, 2012 at 4:05pm

I have trouble with restless legs, mostly at night. I would rather not take a prescription drug for it. Is there anything else that I could try, maybe extra vitamin supplements?

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Varicose Veins

September 18, 2012 at 2:35pm

I have one very large and bulging vein protruding from the calf of my right leg. In my 30s, I sustained a human bite in that spot, with deep bruising that lasted a long time. What are the risks associated with leaving this vein untreated and what are my treatment options and outcomes of treatment?

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Triglycerides

September 14, 2012 at 3:14pm

How can I lower my triglycerides? I exercise at least 60 – 70 minutes a week on an elliptical at a level of 13. I eat fish twice a week and take a fish oil supplement as well.

I do not eat beef and eat very little other meat. And I eat pumpkin seed daily on my lunch salad. I need help!

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Light spots on my legs

September 13, 2012 at 1:54pm

I am a black female over the age of 50, and I have light spots on my legs. Is there something I can do?

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Headaches during pregnancy

September 4, 2012 at 3:30pm

I am almost 32 weeks pregnant and have been getting constant headaches for the past 1-2 weeks. My blood pressure and urine have been normal.

Please advise what I can do? And what could be causing this?

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Do Fibroids Shrink After Menopause?

August 31, 2012 at 3:03pm

I’m 45 years old. I am not pregnant and do not have a period. I do have a large fibroid.

Can the fibroid shrink on its own if I’m going through menopause? Should I get a hysterectomy to get rid of the large fibroid?

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Vaginal Treatments

August 30, 2012 at 2:49pm

I am on topical, bioidentical estrogen and progesterone creams. I still get vaginal dryness and itching and urinary tract infections. Is there anything else I can do to alleviate those symptoms?

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Hysterectomy - Do I Have Other Options?

August 29, 2012 at 3:59pm

I am scheduled for a full hysterectomy for 16 week fibroids. I have a lot of anxiety and fear for the upcoming surgery. Shouldn’t I have been presented with other non-invasive treatment options? I’m not 100 percent on board with this surgery.

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