What is Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)? Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) refers to a spectrum of conditions that causes impaired or diminished ovarian function before the age of 40. Premature ovarian insufficiency is not the same as premature menopause because ovarian function can wax and wane in women with POI. Some women with POI will stop producing sex hormones completely, but others may intermittently produce levels sufficient for ovulation, normal or irregular menstrual cycles…

Read Dr. Sabrina Sikka and gynecologist Dr. Lynn Simpson’s column on a women’s health perspective for healthy skin at all ages.

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

The North American Menopause Society's November 2018 issue of Menopause e-Consult features expert commentary by Speaking of Women's Health Executive Director Dr. Holly L. Thacker on midlife-related clinical issues.Case A 44-year-old woman presents to the clinic and reports that she has been having severe hot flashes and a diminished sex drive since undergoing endometrial ablation at age 36 for abnormal uterine bleeding. The hot flashes interfere with her daytime chores and cause nighttime…

Biotin Supplement Interferes With Lab Tests The FDA has warned that the supplement biotin may interfere with certain lab tests. Biotin is frequently taken for nails and hair. It may help nails, but has less effect on hair growth. Some physicians have recommended persons with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) take very high doses of biotin. In November 2017, the FDA issued a statement stating, “The FDA is alerting the public, health care providers, lab personnel, and lab test developers that biotin can…

Cleveland Clinic -- Charis Eng, MD, PhD, Founding Chair of Cleveland Clinic’s Genomic Medicine Institute, Founding Director of the Center for Personalized Genetic Healthcare, and internationally recognized leader in the cancer genetics field, has received the American Cancer Society’s prestigious Medal of Honor award. The annual award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions in basic cancer research, clinical research and cancer control. Dr. Eng was honored alongside four…

I'm losing handfuls of hair. I have two bald spots, one on the back of my head and one on the side. I don't know what to do. I've had my thyroid checked and it is in a normal range, and I'm doing meditation to reduce my stress.

Dr. Holly L. Thacker discusses how women can best care for their hair and scalp during the summer months.

Read Dr. Camille Moreno and Diabetic Educator and Dietician Melissa Matteo's guest column on the ketogenic diet and how to lose weight!

Dr. Melissa Piliang shares tips for healthy hair, skin and nails.

I am 38 years old and BRCA 1 positive with a family history of premenopausal breast cancer. I’m done having children and my OB suggests having a hysterectomy and removing my tubes and ovaries.

I’m very afraid of going through menopause. He suggested a low dose of Estrogen to start out. What would be the benefit (if any) of starting out on a natural hormone replacement vs estrogen? I hated taking birth control when I was younger because of the way it made me feel and I am concerned estrogen will be the same. Thank you!

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!

Read Dr. Holly L. Thacker’s year end highlight column with the latest and greatest in women’s health.

Read Dr. Camille Moreno's column on hair loss evaluation and treatments for women.

Intimate Partner Violence Intimate partner violence (IPV), previously termed domestic violence, is a serious and overwhelming global public health concern. It has affected the lives of many victims and their loved ones, leading to detrimental health consequences, including: emotional psychological physical behavioral societal economic IPV is prevalent in all backgrounds: cultural, socioeconomic, and religious entities. It is one of the most common forms of violence against women in the US…

Can I double up on vitamins to help with thinning hair and brittle nails? I have had my estrogen checked and it is normal. I am 54 years old.

About half of women begin menopause by age 51 years, according to the National Institute on Aging, and some women may experience its symptoms as much as a decade before that. “It is very important for primary care physicians to be involved and assess for menopause in women of this age because a lot of women past childbearing years do not necessarily continue to see their OB/GYN,” said Holly L. Thacker, MD, professor and chair of the Center for Specialized Women's Health at Cleveland Clinic…

June 2017 -- “Hormone therapy remains the most effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms and the genitourinary syndrome of menopause and has been shown to prevent bone loss and fracture,” says Dr. JoAnn V. Pinkerton, NAMS Executive Director and Chair of the Position Statement Advisory Panel. “NAMS discovered through its review of the literature published since the 2012 Position Statement that its previous position that hormone therapy should be prescribed only for the ‘lowest dose for the…

I just left my local hospital a few hours ago, my reason for being there was because I was experiencing burning and horrific pain in my pubic area.

A week ago I had shaved and after a few weeks ingrown hairs started to appear. I used coconut oil to stop the sting but it only lasts for a second. I’m scared to pee because it burns every time I go.

There is also a sore in the area between my butt that stings and it is very swollen. I feel horrible from this and the ingrown hairs. In addition, I haven’t been able to poop either.

It’s really hard to move under these conditions. The hospital gave me a quick assessment and told me to put a cream on it and that was the best they could do. Should I go to a different hospital for a second opinion or should I just do what this hospital tells me? I’m still in so much pain.

I have hair that grows around the areola on my breasts. I find it annoying so I shave it off. Is it safe to shave hair off your breasts?

Of course, now I feel my breasts are feeling scratchy now that the hair is gone and the area has been shaved. Any advice on how to deal with hair on your breasts that you don’t want there? Thanks!