Shoulder pain and injuries are extremely common – whether due to exercise, age, overuse injuries or trauma. In fact, they account for nearly 20 percent of visits to the doctor's office. When shoulder pain interferes with your ability to do the things you need to each day, its time to seek medical advice. Download our free guide that discusses common shoulder conditions and available treatment options.

There are many safe, proven treatments available that can eliminate or reduce chronic pain. The sooner you seek effective treatment, the sooner you can start enjoying life again. Download our free pain management guide to learn more about the different treatment options for chronic pain related to any type of disease, injury or accident.

Elbow pain is extremely common – whether due to aging, overuse, trauma or a sports injury. When elbow pain interferes with carrying the groceries, participating in your favorite activities or getting a good night's sleep, it's time to seek expert advice. Download our free guide that discusses common elbow conditions and injuries and treatment options.

The average person will walk the equivalent of four times around the world in his or her lifetime. So it's hardly surprising that nearly three-quarters of Americans will eventually experience some type of foot or ankle problem. Download our free guide that discusses common foot and ankle conditions and available treatment options by our specialists at Cleveland Clinic.

At some point in their lives, eight out of 10 Americans will suffer from back pain. Even the most basic tasks can become difficult and painful for people with back and neck problems. Download the free Back Pain Treatment Guide to learn more about medical and surgical treatment options for chronic back pain.

Does taking calcium supplements contribute to hardening of the arteries?

Read Dr. Holly L. Thacker's column about female orgasm, female sexual dysfunction and on-label and off-label treatments.

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

Read Dr. Kristi Tough’s educational and uplifting column about feeding your baby.

Whip up these “wow”-inducing enchiladas in no time using rotisserie or leftover chicken. Toss in a can of black beans, drained and rinsed, for added flavor and nutrition.

This recipe is from Holly Clegg’s trim&TERRIFIC® Gulf Coast Favorites cookbook.

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.

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

By Holly L. Thacker, M.D. In October 2013, the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) investigators published a comprehensive overview of findings from their two hormone therapy (HT) trials, including extended follow-up representing 13 years of cumulative data.1 When I analyzed this latest WHI report, I initially focused almost exclusively on the data presented in figures and tables within the article itself, as well as on supplemental data presented on the Internet.2 Only then did I read the…

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?

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.

Read weight expert Karen Cooper’s column on weight problems in women and available treatments, including the vexing menopausal mid-abdomen excess.

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.

Read Dr. Holly L. Thacker’s latest column about a 25 year Canadian study involving 90,000 women randomized to either yearly mammography or yearly breast exam that showed no survival benefit for women ages 40-59 getting annual mammograms.

What can I do about a burning mouth?

Know the severity of your asthma to get the appropriate treatment. Take our severe asthma questionnaire and download a free asthma guide to learn about the options available to you.