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

Hyaluronic Acid

April 16, 2019 at 3:23pm

What is the percentage/millgram rate of dosing vaginally of hyaluronic acid?

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Vitamin B12

April 15, 2019 at 10:16am

What are the side effects of too much Vitamin B12?

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Treatment For Menopause Symptoms

April 9, 2019 at 1:38pm

I have had multiple pelvic surgeries and have mesh for prolapse and scarring. I still have my uterus, but after my last surgery I have entered menopause at age 52 with no menses. I’m not sure what blood tests I should have to check my hormone levels.

I am having hot flashes, dry skin, vaginal dryness and lack of interest in intimacy with my husband of 28 years. This was never a problem before, but I went into surgery having my periods and came out in full blown menopause.

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Recurring Bacterial Vaginosis

April 2, 2019 at 10:14am

I am 56 years old and had my hysterectomy in 1990, I still have my ovaries and I have been having recurrent bacterial vaginosis. I finished antibiotics, but the BV still re-occurs.

I quit smoking cigarettes, but started vaporing. I asked my doctor to prescribe me a low dose estrogen pill, but she will not give it to me because I'm still vaporing. Is it normal for a 56 year old to have recurrent bacterial vaginosis, is this part of going through menopause?

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Osteoporosis Treatments

April 2, 2019 at 9:55am

I took Teriparatide/Forteo® years ago. My DXA/Bone density now shows the osteoporosis has returned. Can I take Abaloparatide/Tymlos® now?

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Smoking and Hormone Therapy

April 2, 2019 at 9:23am

A 54 year old lady who has smoked for 25 years is on estradiol and progesterone for menopause. Can she take oral estradiol, or is estradiol patch a better choice? Also, is there any contradiction for HT for smokers?

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Body Mass Index

March 27, 2019 at 7:38am

My weight is 193 pounds, and I am 5'5". What is my BMI?

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Hashimoto's disease

March 19, 2019 at 3:04pm

I have had Hashimoto's disease for two years and many arthritic symptoms. Can I take Amour® (dessicated thyroid) even though my TSH is normal?

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Non-Estrogen Treatment Options for Vaginal Dryness

March 19, 2019 at 9:39am

I have had a stroke and a heart attack, and I am intolerant to estrogen. What can I use for vaginal dryness safely? I can NOT use estrogen vaginal creams.

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Should I take Premarin at night or in the morning?

March 8, 2019 at 9:43am

What is the best time to take Premarin (conjugated estrogens) - at night or in the morning?

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