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

Pubic Hair - Yes or No?

August 3, 2011 at 5:53pm

I am 40 and have shaved my pubic hair completely off for at least 10 years. Some people tell me it is fine, some say it is better than long hair and some people tell me it is bad for me. I like it because it feels better and cleaner. Can you please tell me if there is a problem with me doing this?

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Weight Management and Perimenopause

August 1, 2011 at 4:46pm

I have been with Weight Watchers since January of 2010 to the present and have been with Curves since May 2011. I am 5’1"

I currently weigh 149 pounds. My goal weight is 132 pounds. I started WW at 154 pounds...in April 2011 138 pounds...lost 16 pounds in 14 months. I have been going through perimenopause. Since April a constant weight gain to my current 149 pounds. Two weeks ago I lost 4 pounds!!! After having a period for three weeks of spotting, light flow, heavy flow, light flow, spotting, then finally stopping. Then the next week I gained 3 pounds back! I have been going to Curves twice a week. With a hectic schedule I am lucky to be able to get there at all! I enjoyed the last article from Speaking of Women’s Health and noticed it is sponsored through Cleveland Clinic.

I felt comfort in the article and that we could have contact with you as a resource. I am grateful to the Cleveland Clinic for the care and concern that you have given to my daughter and her husband on behalf of their son~our sweet grandson. Our grandson is being followed by the pediatric neurology physicians. Thank You so much.

I hope that you might be able sort out my weight gain~menopause issues. I am discontinuing WW and I have been so far enjoying Curves.

Thank You in advance for your time,

Lewisa

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Healthy Eating Over 80

August 1, 2011 at 4:40pm

What is the best or most viable source for those of us in our eighties and more, to lose a few pounds sensibly?

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Osteoporosis and Menopause

July 22, 2011 at 5:20pm

I am one year into menopause and am age 50. My new gynecologist told me that I am at risk for Osteoporosis because I am tall and thin and have been taking thyroid hormone for the past 25 years.

Would it be worthwhile for me to have a bone density test to establish a baseline measurement? Unfortunately, due to severe back problems, for the past 10 years I have not done the recommended weight bearing activities that would have helped maintain my bone density and I am concerned. Thanks for your advice!

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Lightheaded - Menopause Symptom?

July 22, 2011 at 5:19pm

Is lightheadedness a symptom of menopause? I have had very bad hot flashes recently with the weather being so hot and started experiencing the lightheadedness.

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Does Bad Breath Mean It's Halitosis?

July 22, 2011 at 5:18pm

My 9-year old grandson went to the dentist and the dentist told his Mom that his bad breath was due to his sinuses. What should be the recommended course of treatment?

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Birth Control

July 22, 2011 at 2:34pm

How do I know which birth control pills are right for me?

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Sex Drive

July 22, 2011 at 2:32pm

Is there anything I can do to revive my low sex drive?

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Nighttime Urination

July 21, 2011 at 4:46pm

I tend to urinate frequently, especially at night, sometimes three or four times a night. I have seen a Urologist and had a scope done. The doctor said that I was fine. What causes me to urinate this much at night?

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Metabolizing Sugar

July 20, 2011 at 5:23pm

What makes your body more efficient at metabolizing sugar?

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