What is a migraine headache? A migraine headache is a primary headache disorder that effects approximately 12 percent of the population. It is a headache that tends to recur in an individual and is moderate to severe if left untreated. It can be one sided, throbbing and aggravated by routine physical activity. It can be associated with light and sound and even smell sensitivity and many patients will become nauseated with it. In a minority of patients there can be visual or sensory changes…

7 Helpful Tips for Sustaining Energy Throughout the Day When our bodies crave a “pick-me-up,” we typically choose sugar or caffeine. True, they boost our energy levels, fast. But they don’t have staying power. Our bodies break all foods down into simple sugars for energy, whether they are highly refined carbs, complex carbs, proteins or fats. Highly processed foods, such as white bread, candy and desserts, are absorbed and digested so quickly that they spike our blood sugar levels, which then…

I am almost 32 weeks pregnant and have been getting constant headaches for the past 1-2 weeks. My blood pressure and urine have been normal.

Please advise what I can do? And what could be causing this?

Like most stir-fries, this can be made in minutes if you have all the ingredients chopped and ready to go. Purchase soba noodles that are low in sodium, or substitute wide whole wheat noodles, which also are low in salt.

You can find hoisin, a sweet sauce made from soybeans and spices, and Thai chili sauce in most supermarkets.

What is post-traumatic stress disorder? Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that a person can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event or life-threatening situation. A traumatic event can be any situation that causes stress, horror, helplessness, serious injury, or the threat of serious injury or death. What are the symptoms of PTSD? People who have PTSD may have the following symptoms: Flashbacks (vivid feelings that the traumatic event is…

Read Dr. Holly L. Thacker’s blog about Labor Day, labor, and the last long weekend of summer.

I’m 45 years old. I am not pregnant and do not have a period. I do have a large fibroid.

Can the fibroid shrink on its own if I’m going through menopause? Should I get a hysterectomy to get rid of the large fibroid?

I am on topical, bioidentical estrogen and progesterone creams. I still get vaginal dryness and itching and urinary tract infections. Is there anything else I can do to alleviate those symptoms?

Article written by Diane Sieg Sometimes You Need to Get Away to Come Back Home “I need a vacation from my vacation,” the familiar line goes and those who use it aren’t really joking. It seems some 50 percent of Americans polled admit to being more exhausted after their vacation than before it started! In these days of Wi-Fi, smartphones, Facebook, plane travel as hostage crisis and ever-lengthening lines at popular attractions, “vacation stress” is a reality. There’s so much preparation that…

Open a few cans combined with fresh ingredients for a simple and super snazzy salsa. You can make homemade tortilla chips or pick up a bag. The homemade tortilla chips make a great snack and for variation, sprinkle with your favorite seasonings.

This recipe is from Holly Clegg’s trim&TERRIFIC™ Too Hot in the Kitchen: Secrets to Sizzle at Any Age.

I am scheduled for a full hysterectomy for 16 week fibroids. I have a lot of anxiety and fear for the upcoming surgery. Shouldn’t I have been presented with other non-invasive treatment options? I’m not 100 percent on board with this surgery.

I am getting ready to start Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) after a complete hysterectomy. Will the estrogen patch cause weight gain? I am prescribed 0.075 mg.

Senior Women's Health fellow scholar, Dr. Manisha Yadav and Dr. Holly L. Thacker discuss the Centers for Disease Control's new recommendation about Hepatitis C screening.

Dr. Holly L. Thacker shares what screenings women in their 70s should be getting at their women's health appointments.

Dr. Holly L. Thacker shares what screenings women in their 60s should be getting at their women's health appointments.

Dr. Holly L. Thacker shares what screenings women in their 50s should be getting at their women's health appointments.

I wonder if I can have too much calcium in my diet? I eat a lot of non-fat Greek yogurt, low-fat cheese and drink at least two glasses of non-fat milk daily. I take a Nature Made 600 mg calcium supplement (60 percent DV) and a Nature Made Multi for Her + 50 (I’m 70), which has 30 percent DV. I also take 1000 IU of D3 and take a D3 supplement of 1000 IU.

I am 49 and I have not had a period for two years. I got the Mirena® back in 2009, but they could not find it on the ultrasound when I came back for a checkup. Either it came out or fibroid tissues have surrounded it. My question is can I get pregnant even though I have not had a period?

Every woman varies in her journey through menopause. 75% of postmenopausal women suffer from Vasomotor Symptoms (VMS), including hot flashes, dry skin and sleep issues. Dr. Lauren Weber discusses the different treatments available to help women control their VMS symptoms.

I am 59 years old, post-menopausal, in good health, and at a healthy body weight. For the last 3 - 4 years I have had problems with thinning of the skin on my hands, arms, and upper body, and excessive bleeding under the skin. At this point, the slightest bump or scrape results in skin tears with a lot of bleeding, and/or large (sometimes painful) ’blood blisters’ (1" to 3" or more in diameter). I often attract comments from total strangers who assume I am taking blood thinners. Articles I have read essentially credit this sort of thing to aging (but cite 70s+ as the bracket) or some condition, (ex: adrenal tumors) which my general good state of health would seem to exclude.

I eat a balanced diet, including taking a green food supplement and a liquid-form multi-vitamin daily. The only medication I take is Vesicare (on it for less than 8 months). I do not see a doctor, other than my OB/GYN, routinely.

Is this actually ’normal’ at my age or should I be concerned? Is there anything diet-wise that might improve the situation?