Physician WritersMegan McNamaraPelin BaturKristi Tough DeSapri Diagnosis What is perimenopause? Perimenopause is a transitional time late in a woman's reproductive life before the final menstrual period (FMP). Menopause is de-fined retrospectively by 12 months of amenorrhea and loss of ovarian follicular activity. The mean duration of perimenopause is 5 years, but symptoms may begin 8 years or more before the FMP (1). The average age at onset of menstrual irregularity is 47.5 years (2).…

Read women's health fellow and bride-to-be Dr. Heather Hirsch's column on wedding health. This is a must-read if you are engaged, about to be engaged or are the mother of the bride-to-be.

Corn chowder packed with fabulous flavors and good nutrition - all in one bowl.

This recipe is from Holly Clegg's trim&TERRIFIC EATING WELL TO FIGHT ARTHRITIS: 200 easy recipes and practical tips to help Reduce Inflammation and Ease Symptoms.

I am a healthy 68 year old yoga teacher with mild anxiety. My blood pressure and lipids are normal. I do yoga 3 times per week and walk 35 minutes, 4 times per week. But I found out I have pre-diabetes (fasting sugar of 116). I eat well, I love carbs like bread and pasta, and I cook fresh food every day. What can I do to bring down my Glucose level?

I am a 50 year old woman and was diagnosed with GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease) 2 years ago. This started after I began treatment for my ulcerative colitis with mesalamine. I now take omeprazole before dinner and have noticed some benefit. I would like to get off the omeprazole. Do you have any recommendations?

I am a 70 year old woman and I have a pacemaker for atrial fibrillation. I was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia and my physicians do not seem concerned about it. They didn’t explain whether the hernia required treatment and I am worried. What do you recommend regarding my inguinal hernia?

Biology determines when women hit menopause, but exposure to some common household products and pollutants may drive that timing even earlier.Menopause, like puberty, is a reproductive rite of passage, and marks for women the end of their fertility and child-bearing years. But studies show that it’s not just age that can determine when menopause starts — exposure to certain chemicals and pollutants can also play a role.In one of the most comprehensive looks at possible menopause-disruptors to…

Dr. Holly L. Thacker discusses what health tests women should be considering in 2015.

Read Dr. Holly L. Thacker's column on the recent measles epidemic and what you can do about it.

Need to hint to your honey about the big day, or looking for a calming comfort food? Think of this as a first-rate chicken soup with mini-meatballs and loads of flavor.

This recipe is from Holly Clegg's trim&TERRIFIC Too Hot in the Kitchen: Secrets to Sizzle at Any Age - 200 Simple and Sassy Recipes.

Dr. Lisa Larkin is a board-certified internist who has been practicing internal medicine and women's health in Cincinnati since 1991. After 11 years of teaching and practicing at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in the Department of Internal Medicine, she opened her own internal medicine and women's health practice guided by a philosophy of providing high-quality, evidence-based personalized care to patients. Her larger vision was to create a comprehensive, evidence-based,…

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?

Deciding to undergo kidney transplantation is a decision for you, your family and physician to make after careful thought and discussion. To help you evaluate all of your treatment options, we have created a comprehensive guide to assist you during the decision-making process.

Download our Genitourinary Reconstruction Treatment Guide to learn about treatment options for conditions including erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, Peyronie's disease, penile fractures, urethral strictures and urinary fistulas and congenital and urological conditions (birth defects).

Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curvature and rotation of the spine. The good news is that treatment is available for adults with worsening or painful curves to help improve symptoms and correct the spine's deformity. Download our free Adult Scoliosis Treatment Guide to learn more about types of scoliosis seen in adults, causes and symptoms, medical and surgical treatments and the difference between scoliosis and kyphosis.

Scoliosis can lead to severe consequences in adulthood, including lung and heart problems and potential back pain. That's why it is important to detect scoliosis as early as possible, monitor its progress and intervene when necessary. Download our free pediatric scoliosis guide to learn more including the main types of scoliosis in children and how to identify scoliosis early through new innovative tests.

Although some forms of vasculitis can be mild and resolve on their own, other types may involve critical organ systems in the body and can be life threatening. Download our free Vasculitis Treatment Guide to learn more about the types of vasculitis, symptoms, who is most at risk for developing vasculitis, how vasculitis is diagnosed, the latest treatment options and tips on how to live with vasculitis.

Download our free treatment guide to learn more about the latest medical and surgical treatment options for movement disorders including Parkinson's disease, Essential tremor, Huntington's disease, Dystonia, Obsessive-compulsive disorder, Restless legs syndrome and Tourette syndrome.

Download our free Epilepsy Patient and Surgery Guides to learn more about the latest treatment and management information including diagnostic, imaging and testing tools, advanced monitoring technology for patients with severe epileptic seizures, types of seizures and surgery options and post-surgery recovery and follow-up.

Every year over one million Americans suffer a concussion from falls, sports activities and car accidents. Educating yourself about concussions and their potential dangers can help lead to more prompt recognition, evaluation and recovery. Download our free Concussion Guide to learn more about identifying concussion signs and symptoms, evaluation, diagnostic testing and treatment and steps for recovery and return to activities.