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Numbness and Tingling in Hands and Feet
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I am experiencing numbness in my feet and tingling occasionally in my hands. My glucose is between 80 and 90. I used to be hyphypoglycemic and I wonder if I should have that checked?
Is There a Time Limit for Hormone Therapy?
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I’m 66 and I was on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for about 10 years, but stopped using it for the last seven years. Is there any evidence to show that I need to go back on HRT? If so, how long are you supposed to use HRT?
Menopause and Weight Loss
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I’m 48 and going thru menopause. I have gained 30 pounds and I am anemic. I take vitamins and iron pills, but I still have no energy or weight loss. I have two young kids and it’s hard to keep up with them. I need help with weight issues. I tried exercise and eating well, but nothing helps.
Vaginal Itching
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I have been using Intensity for approximately two months with no problems. I have been experiencing uncomfortable vaginal itching the last couple of days. I did not use the Intensity today.
I do have e-string and was using Premarin, but I have not used those for the last couple of weeks. I would appreciate any advice you could provide me to help relieve my symptoms and how to proceed with the Intensity treatment.
Osteoporosis Medication
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I am 66 years old and have osteoporosis. My primary care doctor suggested Reclast, but my gynecologist suggested Prolia. I have never been treated before for osteoporosis. I also have had a portion of my thyroid removed 7 months ago.
I have two questions:
- Are these two drugs the same?
- How will treatment affect my thyroid?
IUDs and the Connection to Depression
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I have an IUD (Mirena), this is my second one. It is due to come out next year. I was wondering what the correlation is between the IUD and depression? I have a history of depression, but it has gotten worse. I’m currently on 3 different antidepressants, which really are not helping.
When I think about it now, it seems to have increased since the time I had the second one placed 4 years ago. I know hormones can have an impact on mood/mental well-being. Do you think there is a connection between the two?
When and How to Take Vitamins
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I take several types of vitamins every day. Should I take them all at once or should I spread them out throughout the day?
Knee Replacement Surgery
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Recently, I had a total knee replacement. After 3 months of Physical Therapy I am back at work, doing well for the most part.
On occasion, I have a large amount of swelling in the ankle of the same leg I had the knee replacement. This happens 2-3 times a week and not with any particular irritant. The swelling is enough to stretch my shoe out. I’d like to know if this is normal after this type of surgery?
Estrogen Therapy Post-Hysterectomy
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I am 54 years old and just had a total hysterectomy with ovaries removed a month ago. My menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats) are not bad and I can tolerate them.
My doctor has not put me on HRT yet, but I am worried about osteoporosis and I am experiencing some depression, vaginal dryness and dry skin and hair. I will be seeing my doctor soon, and would like to ask for estrogen replacement therapy.
My concern is that I have high blood pressure, which is under control by medication. I take plavix as I was diagnosed with TIA 4 years ago (blurred speech, last few seconds; no damage done). Since then I follow a good diet and exercise regularly. My last blood test was excellent. My mom had a mild stroke when she was 74 due to poor diet and she recovered from it.
My question is: Is it ok for me to go on estrogen therapy? I am not quite myself. Please help.
Gluten Free?
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I am a 79-year-old woman concerned about gluten. I love cream of wheat. Generally speaking, should I avoid eating cream of wheat or eat it in moderation?
For your reference, I have heartburn and osteoporosis. I am a breast cancer survivor and have had a lumpectomy and hysterectomy.
Tips for Restoring Sex
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What can I do for my husband and I to enjoy sex?
Tips for Achieving Orgasm
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I can’t seem to have an orgasm. I need help, please.
Permanent Female Sterilization Options
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I am 34 years and I have one child and I am not looking to have another. I have high blood pressure and my first child was a risk. What are my options for permanent sterilization?
Hormone Therapy for Vaginal Dryness and Preventing Osteoporosis
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I am 52 years old and post-menopausal. In January, I had a surgical biopsy of my breast following the discovery of "pre-cancerous" or "high risk" cells. No cancer was found, but my doctor stopped my hormone therapy anyway. Almost immediately, I developed osteoporosis and severe vaginal dryness.
I am taking Actonel now for osteoporosis, but am having difficulty with the cost. Less expensive options have more serious side effects. I have yet to find a non-estrogen remedy for vaginal dryness that works for me. Is there a compelling reason not to go back on hormone therapy?
No Sex Drive
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I’m 32 yrs old and married, but I never feel the appetite to have sex.
Vaginal Dryness Treatments
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What are your recommendations for vaginal dryness? I had a prescription for estrogen, but it was too expensive. What are my other options?
Treatment Options for Hair Loss
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I have hair loss on the top of my head. I read about the HairMax laser, is this a good option? What about light therapy?
Hashimoto's Disease
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I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroid disorder. My labs show me ’in normal range.’ My endocrinologist did not recommend thyroid hormone replacement until necessary (she said it could be years), and my GP prescribed me the thyroid hormone and thought I’d start with half a pill and "see how I feel".
Most of my symptoms are hyperthyroid, and my latest labs from one month ago show me ’slightly hyper.’ I am not taking hormones as of yet, as I’m worried they will make me MORE hyper. I am on propranolol to assist with high blood pressure that literally occurred overnight after years of no issues.
Meanwhile, I feel my body is simply deteriorating. The last 4-5 months I’ve had cracking of bones, a feeling of my connective tissue being compromised, and most recently a pretty bad case of psoriasis that itches and nail-pitting. I feel like my body is deteriorating, quite frankly and I’m not sure if this is Hashimoto’s OR something else going on?
If it is Hashimoto’s, would starting thyroid HELP with some of the tissue/bone sensations? Frankly, my endocrinologist even told me to just keep my management to my GP and check in with them once per year.
My second question, my psoriasis has been under treatment for 2 weeks now with no improvement and my doctor says to just stay the course. It itches so much and feel/looks like hives - very itchy welts on my lower legs, buttocks, hips. thighs and elbow. Is there another ’rash’ that often accompanies hashimoto’s patients? If this is psoriasis, it sure is stubborn.
Hysterectomy and Pap Smears
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I had a hysterectomy at 39 (55 now), and I have been told that I no longer need a Pap test, is this correct? I lost a sister at 42 years of age from 4th stage squamous cell cervical cancer and I am concerned. Thank you in advance.
Vaginal Bleeding and Pain
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I am having some vaginal bleeding and slight burning when I urinate. I put some H2O2 on my vagina and I nearly died from the amount of burning pain I had before putting it on me. It doesn’t bother me through the day, only when I urinate.
I recently had a vaginal ultrasound and I realized that after I left there and came home to wash the gel off, that I had this burning issue. I haven’t had intercourse in weeks. I looked at my vagina and it is very, very RED. Please give me some indication of a diagnosis? And can this be done with over the counter medication?