I am 37 years old and just had a full hysterectomy 3 months ago, which removed my uterus and both ovaries. My doctor started me on estradiol orally right away. After one week, I noticed some stomach upset and was switched to the estrogen patch 0.05, which improved my symptoms but my heart started to race. The rapid heart rate made me nervous. I would be lying down feeling very calm and my heart rate would be 107.

So I just took off the patch and have gone without treatment for 2 months. Now I’ve had some hot flashes associated with anxiousness and mood irritability. Because of this, I retried the patch and within a couple of hours I felt better and more calm, but then my heart began racing again. So, once again I removed the patch. Is this normal? What can I do?

I had an endometrial ablation a couple of years ago and my sex life has completely changed. I am now experiencing vaginal dryness and my libido is on zero. I also am experiencing painful intercourse and am having light bleeding after sex.

I changed doctors because I wanted a female doctor. My physician gave me a blood test and said I was not in peri-menopause because I am only 47 years old. Can you please tell me how can I get some relief?

I am having pain during intercourse. What are some possible reasons for this pain?

My partner loves foreplay before sex which gets me aroused, but when it comes to climaxing, I have trouble. I then lose interest and I feel I may be letting my partner down, and I wonder if I am truly interested in sex? Please help me understand the reasons for this and any possible solutions.

I have Pulmonary Fibrosis. I belong to an online support group and the vast majority of patients are women. How important is it to know more about how the environment is affecting women’s lungs? And therefore our lives?

I have been suffering from angular cheilitis for over a year. I have tried fungal creams, nutritional supplements, and mouthwash without any benefit. Do you know of any other remedies for angular cheilitis? I’m so embarrassed. Please help!

How does bar soap compare to alcohol based sanitizers or liquid soap? I prefer using bar soap, but I’m concerned about its effectiveness.

My friend is interested in vacationing on a cruise ship while pregnant. Is it safe to go on a cruise ship when a woman is in her first trimester? Is there anything she should be aware of before boarding a ship?

I had a bone density recently and was diagnosed with osteoporosis. I just started alendronate. In addition to walking, rowing and using the elliptical, what else can I do to strengthen my bones?

I was diagnosed with osteoporosis in my hips in 2007. I am still peri-menopausal but have been taking medication since that time. My last bone density test showed osteoporosis is now in my spine. My physician doesn’t think it is necessary to change my treatment.

I started on Fosamax, but after 4 months I started having side effects, so I was switched to Actonel. I am not due for another year for a bone density. I don’t like to eat dairy foods, but I eat a yogurt every day. I take 500mg of calcium with 200iu D3 3 times a day.

In reference to the Thyroid, I am on 0.112mg of synthroid due to being hypothyroidism, following radiation some years ago. My question is, my new physician only runs the TSH blood test to monitor my level. When running the TSH alone, my blood level is within normal limits.

In the past, my previous doctor had run additional tests when he would check the TSH, FT3 and FT4. I was told by my previous doctor that running the TSH by itself is not an effective way of keeping the thyroid in check. I am still feeling fatigue, always cold, dry skin, dry hair. Should I push the issue with my new Primary Care Physician to be more aggressive when he monitors my level?

I am a 70 year old woman and I have a pacemaker for atrial fibrillation. I was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia and my physicians do not seem concerned about it. They didn’t explain whether the hernia required treatment and I am worried. What do you recommend regarding my inguinal hernia?

I am a 50 year old woman and was diagnosed with GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease) 2 years ago. This started after I began treatment for my ulcerative colitis with mesalamine. I now take omeprazole before dinner and have noticed some benefit. I would like to get off the omeprazole. Do you have any recommendations?

I am a healthy 68 year old yoga teacher with mild anxiety. My blood pressure and lipids are normal. I do yoga 3 times per week and walk 35 minutes, 4 times per week. But I found out I have pre-diabetes (fasting sugar of 116). I eat well, I love carbs like bread and pasta, and I cook fresh food every day. What can I do to bring down my Glucose level?

I am 44 years old and about 6 months ago, I had an issue with an itchy bottom. It is not all the time, but it seems to be worse when it is time for my monthly menses.

I didn’t ask the doctor when I had my recent pap smear, but he said everything looked normal. However, I am really embarassed by it.

I am an 82 year old woman who has a very large rectocele that protrudes into the genital area and also interferes with defecation. The recommendation is for Leforte Colpectomy/Colpocleisis surgery. Is this appropriate and if not, what would be an alternate solution?

I am 35 years old and am having difficulty achieving pregnancy. I am also a type 2 diabetic and struggle with my weight. Is there a way to determine how many eggs I have left?

What can I do to relieve constant sweating?

I have been widowed for a long time and have met someone. Intercourse is extremely painful and I would like to get some easing of these symptoms. I’m 67.

I just had a double mastectomy for stage 2 ductal cancer. It was hormone receptor positive. They told me I could not continue my Prempro, which I was using for hot flashes and insomnia. Since then, I have started Arimidex and have been in misery. My physician said I could consider stopping Arimidex if I wanted to restart hormone therapy because I feel so miserable. I would appreciate your thoughts and opinion on this matter. Thank you.