I am 54 years old and just had a total hysterectomy with ovaries removed a month ago. My menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats) are not bad and I can tolerate them.

My doctor has not put me on HRT yet, but I am worried about osteoporosis and I am experiencing some depression, vaginal dryness and dry skin and hair. I will be seeing my doctor soon, and would like to ask for estrogen replacement therapy.

My concern is that I have high blood pressure, which is under control by medication. I take plavix as I was diagnosed with TIA 4 years ago (blurred speech, last few seconds; no damage done). Since then I follow a good diet and exercise regularly. My last blood test was excellent. My mom had a mild stroke when she was 74 due to poor diet and she recovered from it.

My question is: Is it ok for me to go on estrogen therapy? I am not quite myself. Please help.

Fajita and pizza together in one recipe can only mean instantaneous deliciousness. This recipe is from Holly Clegg's trim&TERRIFIC KITCHEN 101: Secrets to Cooking Confidence: Cooking Basics Plus 150 Easy Healthy Recipes.

Unlike Viagra, which men take before sex, women would take flibanserin every day for the rest of their sex lives. Sprout has asked the FDA to approve flibanserin for premenopausal women whose lack of sex drive is not caused by a medical or mental health condition or by a medication, such as antidepressants.

August 2015 -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) could soon approve a drug that’s been called a “female Viagra”—the first medication to treat a lack of sexual desire among women. The agency is expected to make a decision on the drug, known as flibanserin, on Tuesday. The drug, which is supposed to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder, has already been rejected twice. Medical experts who oppose its approval argue flibanserin’s results are not very encouraging, and that the…

I am a 79-year-old woman concerned about gluten. I love cream of wheat. Generally speaking, should I avoid eating cream of wheat or eat it in moderation?

For your reference, I have heartburn and osteoporosis. I am a breast cancer survivor and have had a lumpectomy and hysterectomy.

Every woman knows that menopause is in her future. But most women don’t realize that they’ll spend far more time in perimenopause than in menopause. Or that postmenopause will last longer than perimenopause and menopause combined. In this infographic, we explain each stage of menopause, how long it lasts and why symptoms occur. Empower yourself — learn about this natural phase in every woman’s life. Then pass it on to your sisters and girlfriends! Download our free Menopause Treatment Guide…

Read Dr. Holly L. Thacker’s column on the ‘hot topic’ of the recent approval of Flibanserin (Addyi) for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) for pre-menopausal women.

Addyi®, FDA-Approved Medication For HSDD Hooray! The first ever FDA approved medication for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) is now finally a reality. Officially known as Flibanserin or Addyi®, it has been also been called the "Pink Viagra" by lay commentators. Many women suffer with low sexual desire, which can cause significant distress. Many women want to be more engaged and be able to enjoy sexual activity rather than just going through the motions. Women finally have a new option…

This Eggplant Beef Bake is from Holly Clegg's Trim & Terrific Gulf Coast Favorites: Over 250 easy recipes from my Louisiana Kitchen. Plentiful amounts of eggplant, beef, marinara and cheese give you an instant, one-dish casserole great for everyday meals.

August 2015 -- Dr. Holly L. Thacker discusses the FDA-approval of the drug flibanserin, the first medication to treat a lack of sexual desire among women.

Easier than a sweet potato casserole but with the same sweet flavors — candied yams at their finest with a surprise of cayenne to add just a slight kick! This recipe is from Holly Clegg's trim&TERRIFIC KITCHEN 101: Secrets to Cooking Confidence: Cooking Basics Plus 150 Easy Healthy Recipes.

Today, only a subset of patients with Major Depressive Disorder respond to conventional treatments like antidepressants and psychotherapy. Dr. Murat Altinay discusses how Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) can help these patients.

Dr. Holly L. Thacker discusses the difference between pap smears and pelvic exams. She recommends women still see their doctor every year whether they need a pelvic exam or a pap smear.

Two new studies published Tuesday in the journal The BMJ add to growing skepticism over whether older adults should increase calcium via supplements in order to prevent osteoporosis and risk for bone fractures. For older adults, a daily intake of 1,000 to 1,200 mg of calcium has long been recommended. But the two papers, written by the same team of New Zealand researchers, find little evidence to support the recommendations. Recent concerns over calcium intake have emerged, suggesting that…

What can I do for my husband and I to enjoy sex?

The withdrawal of postmenopausal hormone therapy can raise the risks for cardiovascular mortality and stroke, particularly in the first year after discontinuation and in recently menopausal women, according to research in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. “Our findings question the safety of annual discontinuation practice to evaluate whether a woman could manage without HT,” Tomi S. Mikkola, MD, PhD, of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Helsinki University…

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.

The medication, Addyi, is now available in select pharmacies by approved prescribers. Below is Dr. Holly L. Thacker's, Executive Director of Speaking of Women's Health, statement for the upcoming Innovation Summit where flibanserin is listed as one of the Top 10 Innovations of the year.

I can’t seem to have an orgasm. I need help, please.

I am 34 years and I have one child and I am not looking to have another. I have high blood pressure and my first child was a risk. What are my options for permanent sterilization?