After 51 years of restless leg syndrome, I began taking 50mg of 5-HTP (5-hydroxtyptophan), recommended by a friend. My restless leg goes away when I take the medicine. My doctor does not approve of OTC’s and naturals. I also take 3bp meds: 5 mg amlodipine, 40mg Lisinopril and 12.5mg Hydrochlorot.)

Am I doing harm to myself by taking the HTP? The restless leg was so severe that at times it would drive me to tears and walking the floor. Thank you for being here.

I have uncontrollable gas. It has no pattern and it is worse if I have to urinate. Can you please offer any advice to control the gas?

I am 51 years old and have gained weight and have regular periods. I am always warm and I am experiencing periodic hot flashes. Is this menopause? I have had my thyroid levels checked and they are normal. Could it be something else?

How much of the body has to be exposed without cover to get enough Vitamin D? Ten minutes is always the time I find when researching, but I cannot find out how much of the body has to be actually exposed.

I am diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis but have been told lately I am seronegative. When I see other specialists they act like I don’t have anything wrong. I am starting to have almost as much muscle pain as I do joint pain. Can you help me understand why and what I can do about it?

I was recently diagnosed with a thicker than normal uterine lining (11.5 mm) by my Ob/Gyn through a vaginal ultrasound. He would like to biopsy and possibly a D&C (dilation and curettage). Sounds fine, but I believe in also preventing the problem from occurring again.

Through personal research my understanding is that during perimenopause the lining can become thicker due to a lack of progesterone. Obesity and endometriosis are two other factors, but they do not apply to me. The most likely explanation is low progesterone. Also, please note that I have been taking Estrotone® (made mostly from Black Cohosh) to eliminate the hot flashes and moodiness on my own for the past year. It helped, but I’m afraid it may have now made me estrogen dominant. I would like to have my blood work run so a complete hormone panel can be run and evaluated. In which case, if I need progesterone afterwards, we know for sure rather than just guessing. In your opinion which medical doctor is most qualified to run and interpret this type of panel?

My friend just had a bone density test. What kind of test is this and do I need it?

My sister is on hormone replacement therapy. I’m not sure if I should consider it. What are the pros and cons?

My doctor says I have fibroids and need a hysterectomy. Are there any other options?

Can you tell me please, what are the benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?