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Vaginal Atrophy and Breast Cancer
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In 2004, I had a mastectomy of the right breast and lumpectomy of the left breast, removal of 9 lymph nodes under my right arm (4 were positive and cancer had gotten into the chest wall a little). I also had chemo & radiation, Herceptin once a week for a year, Tamoxifen for 5 years and I am working on finishing 5 years of Femara.
My cancer was the type that is so-called “estrogen positive”. Now I have vaginal atrophy and since I can’t take systemic estrogen my GYN physician told me there is nothing I can do except use KY-jelly or a similar item for my discomfort, but nothing was going to help it get better.
I’m 55 years old and this is very depressing news. The vaginal atrophy is very uncomfortable. Is their anything that I can do? I have a family history of breast cancer on both parents sides, and my mother had breast and ovarian cancer when she passed away.
Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
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I am postmenopausal and I am getting frequent urinary tract infections and yeast infections with vaginal soreness, irritation, and burning.
Is this possibly due to vaginal atrophy? I will be consulting with a uro-gynecologist at the end of the month. Is there anything I can apply topically for relief?
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
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I was recently diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica and stopped the medicine, prednisone.
I have noticed continued hair loss, fatigue, and painful shoulders. Do you have recommendations on how to help my symptoms other than medicating with over the counter pain relievers like Tylenol?
Prolapse and Urinary Incontinence
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I am 77 years old and had a bladder suspension previously. I have taken a number of medications for my overactive bladder, but the side effects have been prohibitive. When I get the urge, I immediately use the restroom. I still have a leaky bladder. I also have a bulging bladder and have used a pessary, but it does not always work. Is there anything I can do for the bulging bladder and leaky bladder?
Post-Hysterectomy Joint Pain
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I am four months post hysterectomy. I take a one-a-day vitamin for women daily.
Lately, when I wake, I cannot work normally until after awhile. I also hear some movements in my joints. Why is this? Do I need additional calcium with the vitamin?
Better to Exercise in the Morning or Evening?
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Is it better to exercise in the morning or the evening? Any tips on how to become a morning exerciser?
Omega 3 Supplements
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How much Omega vitamins should I take each day? I am age 51.
Oral Estrogen Vs Patch Estrogen
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What is the difference between using the estradiol 0.5 patch versus taking the estradiol 0.5 tablet?
How Often Should Women Have a Colonoscopy?
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I am 63 years old and I’ve had only one colonoscopy when I was age 50. Everything was fine, so how often should I have a colonoscopy?
Age 56 and Still Getting Periods: Is Menopause Near?
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I will be 56 years old next month and I still have not gone through menopause. My periods are definitely irregular; I had a total of 4 periods in 2015. My GYN recently ordered an FSH test which showed no level at 31.6. Other than irregular periods, I have not experienced other menopausal symptoms, like hot flashes. Is menopause near?
Treatment for Osteoporosis
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I was age 43 when I had total hysterectomy. I was unable to do hormone replacement therapy because of another issue.
A recent DEXA scan showed the lowest T-Score was -1.6, and they want me to start Fosamax. I already have a lot of pain from arthritis and degenerative disc disease. And the side effect of the Fosamax is joint pain. Is that T-Score a bad level and would any other drug beside the Bisphosphonates be helpful?
Sexual Health and Aging Women
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I’m 47 and beginning to experience symptoms of aging. I can handle most anything, but I need help providing reliable, credible information to my long-term boyfriend about what happens to aging women regarding sex.
I feel terrible that he feels that it is "his fault" for my symptoms, like less natural and abundant lubrication, that neither he nor I have any control over at this point. So, I would like to give him a book, preferably written by a medical professional, that addresses the physical aspects of aging women and sex. Thank you!
Treating Milia in Adults
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What can I do to get rid of Milia on my face?
MTHFR C677T Mutation
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I was recently told by my physician that I have two copies of the MTHFR C677T mutation (homozygous mutation). What does this mean for my health?
Atrophy Treatment
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I am scared to use Vagifem for atrophy. My understanding was it would not penetrate into the uterus and was the lowest dose available, is that correct?
If I use it for three months and feel better, can I go off it cold turkey?
Muscle Spasms
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I’ve been having a movement or twitching in my stomach on the right side. It feels like a baby moving, but I’m positive that I’m not pregnant. I’m not losing weight nor am I feeling sick. What could it be?
Routine Pap Smears and Pelvic Exams
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My physician recently told me that at 70 years old I can stop having a routine pelvic exam and pap test. Is this the opinion of most doctors?
Perimenopause Symptoms
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I am 54 years old and I have regular gynecological exams. The last one was in May and all was fine. I have no uterus, but I do still have both ovaries. I have started with some of the peri-menopause symptoms, mostly hot flashes.
Last month I noticed a lot of vaginal discharge (clear, no odor) a few days of the month.
Odd for me because I never had it before. I actually feel the discharge. No other symptoms. How concerned should I be?
Calcium Supplement
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I am 67 years old. For quite a few years, I have been told to take around 1200 mg of calcium per day, plus magnesium and vitamin D.
Many friends are now telling me that their doctors have told them it can be dangerous to take calcium supplements and it’s better just to get it from your diet. I’ve also read that calcium tablets can be a factor in developing dementia. What is the current recommendation?
Vaginal Dryness and Sensitivity
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I am losing sensation in my genital area during sex. There is not enough lubrication. What is the best product to use for sensitive skin?