Can amitriptyline cause stroke or stroke symptoms?

I was recently put on amitriptyline for throat spasms. My spasms were severe in my neck and throat area. But amitriptyline has given me terrible side effects - I thought I was having a stroke. I had to go on blood pressure medicine because amitriptyline gave me high blood pressure.

Mary Clarkin, retired Cleveland Clinic Certified Nurse Practitioner, shares her Cheese Ball recipe. It's one of Mary's favorite recipes and always a big hit at family gatherings and during the holidays!

Mary Clarkin, retired Cleveland Clinic Certified Nurse Practitioner, shares her amazing Artichoke Dip. Her secret ingredient is fried onions!

Read guest columnist and OBGYN and sex therapist Dr. Michael Krychman's latest column on sex.

Read Nurse Alecia Parks, RN column about different types of Health Care Providers and when to be seen in person or even virtually!

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has published its recommendation against the use of combined estrogen and progestin and of estrogen alone in women with prior hysterectomy for the prevention of chronic conditions in postmenopausal women (a D recommendation).

I’m 46 years old and have recently been told by my Primary Care Physician that I am post-menopausal. As a result, it’s been hard maintaining vaginal pH levels.

I’ve developed an odor that is not related to any infection. I’ve been told to try probiotics, but I’m not sure which ones to use to address the issue. Do you have any suggestions on what types of probiotics (or prebiotics) I can try?

I am 66 years old, relatively healthy. Lately, I have problems with vaginal smell. Sometimes when I use the bathroom either I smell, or my urine smells. This changes hourly or daily. What can it be and who do I see? On occasion it hurts terribly when I do urinate, and then the next time it’s fine.

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

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!

Make my easy Chicken and sausage gumbo wherever you live to enjoy a good Cajun recipe. The browned flour replaces the traditional roux as a thickening and flavor agent. The gumbo freezes well. This recipe is from Holly Clegg's trim&TERRIFIC® Gulf Coast Favorites cookbook.

Women who undergo hysterectomy before age 35 may face significantly higher long-term heart risks, even if their ovaries are preserved, a study found. The research by experts at Mayo Clinic focused on more than 2,000 US women who had their uterus removed but left their ovaries intact -- widely considered the most desirable option if possible because it prevents a woman from entering early menopause.

Read medical breast specialist Dr. Holly Pederson and OB-GYN resident Dr. Sarah Hershman's column on the recent research on hormonal birth control and breast cancer risk.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has extended the approval of olaparib (Lynparza, AstraZeneca) to include the treatment of metastatic breast cancer in patients who carry the specific inherited BRCA mutation. These patients can be identified by using the FDA-approved genetic test, BRAC Analysis CDx (Myriad Genetic Laboratories). About 10% to 15% of patients with any type of breast cancer have a BRCA mutation, the agency notes. Olaparib acts as an inhibitor of the enzyme…

Fancy, but have no fear as you can make this infamous dessert with my simple version- all the indulgence without the bulge! Romance in the air!

This recipe is from Holly Clegg’s trim&TERRIFIC® Too Hot in the Kitchen.

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!

The American Heart Association issued a stark warning Thursday for women with breast cancer: Lifesaving therapies like chemotherapy and radiation can cause heart failure and other serious cardiac problems, sometimes years after treatment. The organization said patients and doctors shouldn’t avoid the treatments but instead take steps to prevent or minimize the cardiac risks. It stressed that breast cancer survivors can improve their chances of a long, healthy life by exercising regularly and…

The number one killer of women is heart disease, and that risk increases after menopause.

I had knee replacement surgery a month ago. My surgeon was very concerned about my bones. He said they were very soft. I previously had primary hyperthyroidism and had surgery in June. How long after my total knee replacement surgery should I wait to start treatment for osteoporosis?

I had my aortic valve replaced in 2015. Everything is normal now, but should I use hormone therapy for heart protection? I am post-menopausal since 2008.