Over the last 12 months I have had fasting glucose levels of 98 and 97. Although, this is within the recommended normal range, I noticed it is not far below the limit of 100.

I am 5’8" and weigh 145 pounds. I eat healthy - I think. I hardly ever eat red meat and stick to fiber rich breads. I also try to exercise two to three times a week for 30 minutes, mostly on the treadmill or a walking exercise class. There are times, of course, that this may be less, but I know I need to work on that. I do like my wine in the evenings, but not every night.

What can I do to keep my glucose better in check? I would feel better if the fasting level was lower.

I noticed a rash on my temple about a week ago and my eye was hurting pretty bad. I didn’t think much about it, but a few days later it wasn’t getting any better and the pain was still there so I went to my doctor who diagnosed me with shingles.

My doctor put me on a antiviral medication and said she hoped it wouldn’t spread, but it did spread to my forehead and in my hair. It’s very painful especially, the headaches. I saw my physician after one week, and she couldn’t believe the shingles spread so much. She put me on three more days of antiviral medications. She was very encouraging to me and said that I had done really well under the circumstances. I still feel awful and the sores are still there, so my questions are: (I forgot to ask my doctor this) how long will these sores stay on my face, will I have scaring and when will I feel like my old self again? I feel weak and the headaches come and go, even though I’m taking naproxen. Thank you.

I am a little confused as to why people generally say that eating soy is bad for you, as in it’s full of synthetic estrogen.

Would this not be good for a woman who is menopausal as she will have low estrogen levels?

What is your take on the popular supplements such as Plexus Slim, Skinny Fiber, and Limu for weight loss and optimal health?

I am 49, in excellent health, watch what I eat, am a diligent runner (5 miles, 4 days a week) and workout with weights 3 days a week. I had a complete hysterectomy and have been on Estrace 2mg tablet daily since, and it has worked very well for me. I take Estrace the last weekend of each month and do not take it for 4 days, which was a suggested "break" by my doctor a couple of years ago and that worked fine. My only problem has been the beginnings of osteoporosis, which now I am on Fosomax weekly for that.

At my annual visit this year, my doctor (not a GYN) told me to read the pros and cons on HRT and decide whether I wanted to continue it or not. I have been confused over the years with the mixed reports and try to stay abreast of current information. So, I stopped taking my Estrace about a month ago and began using a natural Progessence Oil (by Living Well). I chose that route because my sister-in-law is an RN and suggested I might try it --- she is a huge believer in the oils.

However, I have hot flashes and hot flushes all through the day and they wake me up several times during the night. My moods are fine, but my weight gain is as if I can see the pounds go on each day. I am 5’2" and petite and have always been small, but I make sure I watch what I eat.

I have no family history of breast cancer, but my father did have a heart attack 20 years ago and has done great since and I personally have no health issues other than the beginnings of osteoporosis, which I chalk up to my body frame more so than anything. I would appreciate any input you could give to help me better understand and decide if I should begin the Estrace again. I do not like what is going on with the flashes and weight gain! Thank you.

How can I remove my pregnancy mask? I am from Bhutan and am 29 years old.

Does taking calcium supplements contribute to hardening of the arteries?

I was reading your article about the new study on mammograms and it mentioned high and low breast cancer risk, how do you know what group you fall in, what’s the criteria?

I had a partial hysterectomy last year, and since then I have gained almost 25 pounds. I am still very active as I was prior to the hysterectomy.

I get hot more often than not, but don’t feel it is a true hot flash. I am not sure if the weight gain is from lack of hormones, but would appreciate any suggestions.

I started on a hormone therapy pill back in September (Estradiol 1 mg). A month after starting the hormone therapy pill, I completely stopped having periods. I then got my period about 4-5 months later and it’s still going. It stops for a day or two and then starts right back. I recently quit taking the hormone pill, hoping to stop the bleeding. My period is now light, but still there.

Is it common to bleed like this?

Is the sodium in nasal sprays enough to raise blood pressure if used daily to flush the nose?

I am a 43 year old woman with a 4 year old child delivered by c-section. In 2007, I had a myomectomy for uterine fibroids (in order to help with infertility) and an appendectomy in 1981. For the past year, I have had some terrible upper abdomen pain that only comes during the first 3 days of my period (however, not every month). It is a constant mild pain for those few days, but comes in very severe waves of pain after I eat anything, even water. I become nauseous and my stomach becomes very bloated and painful when even mildly touched. Curling into the fetal position is the only thing that has helped ease the pain.

My gynecologist did an ultrasound and found no cysts on my ovaries, but did find some new small fibroids and said my uterus was slightly larger than normal. She said all looked normal, though, and suggested I take ibuprofen during my period to help with pain. Do these things have to do with menopause approaching?

My hair is falling out of my head. I have had bloodwork done, but no doctor seems concerned. I am in the beginning stages of menopause and have read that hair loss is normal.

What type of doctor should I see for potential hormone treatment? I really don’t want to wait until I am bald to get help!

I feel like I continue to gain weight while on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). I’ve exercised five to six times a week since I was 18 years old. I also do cardio five days a week.

I went on bio-identical HRT three years ago and my body composition has changed in an awful way. I have gained roughly 10 pounds. Is it the hormones or would it have happened anyway? I get so down about it that I feel like I don’t want to go to the gym anymore because it’s a waste of my time.

What are some food choices that can help strengthen my bones?

I seem to have anxiety and headaches while at work. My physician said that it could be from stress.

I excercise 4-5 times a week to help with the anxiety. And I was placed on medications, but I could not take them because the itching side effect was terrible.

Is there anything else I can do to help with the anxiety since I cannot take the medications my physician suggested?

I am a 60 years old female with Type 2 diabetes, and I take blood pressure medication as well as Synthroid, Crestor, Metformin, and Januvia. I’m developing swelling in both my ankles and lower legs. Most of the swelling is gone in the morning when I wake up.

I walk two miles a day and go to the YMCA 3-4 days a week for aerobic water exercise. Could you give me some ideas on what could be causing the swelling. Thank you very much!

For more than a week now, I have been experiencing a burning sensation on the innerside of my lips. There is a dark red area with what looks like tiny white spots. In addition, my tongue has a milky white coating.

I am not certain what is causing these symptoms, but tea, cola and other drink and food items cause further discomfort. Can you help, please?

Are there any special products for vaginal dryness? I am 55 years old, going through menopause and experiencing vaginal dryness and painful intercourse.

I’m a post-menopausal breast cancer patient. I was Stage I, had a mastectomy, and had no lymph node involvement. They got everything, so I didn’t need chemotherapy because the Oncotype testing ruled it out.

Based on a recommendation from a Nurse Practitioner, a friend of my Primary Care Physician, I’m seeking a hyaluronic cream vaginal lubricant. It’s been a year and a half since I’ve been able to have sexual relations. I’ve been using a very small amount of HRT, but it’s not helping enough - and this is what the docs want me to do! Any advice on which ones and where to obtain them.