I started taking vaginal estrogen and now learned my dramatic hair loss may be a side effect. I recently stopped taking this medicine. I have an appointment with my gynecologist soon, but I’m panicking as I’m losing a handful of hair every day. What can I do?

Hair loss in middle-aged females is common, affecting up to two-thirds of women after menopause. The exact reasons remain unclear, although evidence suggests a hormonal and genetic predisposition. A presentation at The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) Annual Meeting in Washington, DC, September 22-25, 2021, will address common hair loss problems and review new therapies and treatment approaches to stimulate hair growth and minimize thinning. There are many different types of…

New study evaluates prevalence of hair loss during the menopause transition and factors contributing to it, including obesity.

Hair loss is not just something that just happens with dear ol' dads, it is also very common amongst midlife women. Host Holly Thacker MD discusses when women should be concerned with hair loss and hair thinning, as well as tips and tricks to get those locks flowing!  

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What is facial aging and what causes it? Facial aging refers to how the appearance of your face changes with age. Facial aging occurs mainly as the result of skin changes and changes in the deeper soft tissues of the face. Factors that influence external skin changes include natural aging, skin type, sun exposure, facial movement, and routine skin care. Facial fat deeper within the face thins with normal aging and, as gravity pulls on the face, the underlying soft tissues droop. These two…

What Causes Wrinkles? There are many factors that contribute to the onset of wrinkles. Over time, skin begins to wrinkle and things in the environment, like ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun, make the skin even less elastic. Gravity can cause skin to sag and wrinkle. The following four factors are the most significant that contribute to aging skin. 1. Aging Wrinkles are a by-product of the aging process. With age, skin cells divide more slowly, and the inner layer, called the dermis,…

Melanoma is one of the most dangerous skin cancers and the number of new cases diagnosed each year is on the rise. Understand your options for melanoma treatment. Download our free Melanoma Treatment Guide and get the answers you need.

Read guest columnist, board certified Cleveland Clinic Dermatologist Dr. Rashmi Unwala, MD, FAAD article about skin related problems associated with menopause.

My 5 year old daughter was diagnosed with Trichorrhexis Nodosa. Is there a special clinic for this type of diagnosis?

A smoothie is a nutritious treat for breakfast, or anytime you want a pick-me-up! Have fun experimenting with different flavors by including your favorite berries and seasonal fruits.

The beauty of this hamburger is that it calls for self-expression. I got this recipe from my friend, Jay, who is a contemporary art collector willing to take a few chances with tradition!!! I love his art and his recipes. I think you will, too.

This beautiful salad is filled with plenty of hidden healthy ingredients, like lettuce and pears (antioxidants), walnuts (omega-3s) and blue cheese (a bit of calcium and lots of taste). The salad is perfect for a cool summer night or as the main course at your next get-together.

Read Dr. Holly L. Thacker’s latest blog post on beauty and why our perceptions of beauty affect health and well-being.

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?

Read Dr. Holly L. Thacker’s column on “Fun in the Sun!”

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?

Read Women's Health Fellow, Dr. Sabrina Sikka's column on cost-effective health and beauty tips that you can do in the comfort of your own home!

Chair of Cleveland Clinic’s Department of Regional Obstetrics and Gynecology

In part 1 of the column series, Updates From the 2021 North American Menopause Society (NAMS) Annual Meeting, Dr. Tara Iyer discusses the latest on weight management, hair loss and sleep problem treatments for menopausal women.

Holly L. Thacker, MD is nationally known for her leadership in women’s health. She is the founder of the Cleveland Clinic Women’s Health Fellowship and is currently the Professor and Director of the Center for Specialized Women’s Health at Cleveland Clinic and Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University. Her special interests are menopause and related medical problems including osteoporosis, hormone therapy, breast cancer risk assessment, menstrual disorders, female sexual…