I have stage IV breast cancer and take an Aromatase Inhibitor (Letrozole) as part of my treatment. I have severe vaginal dryness and atrophy, continuous UTIs and pain in the urogenital area. I recently read an article saying "Intrarosa 0.5% DHEA nightly vaginal suppository contains NO estrogen and is safe to use in women who have to avoid estrogen." None of my doctors agree that Intrarosa would be safe for me to use because of my ER/PR+ cancer. They claim that DHEA turns into estrogen, so I should not take it.

One gynecologist did suggest the possibility of me using Intrarosa (vaginal DHEA) when my regular gynecologist was out. What are your thoughts?

From the CDC and the ACIPThe CDC and the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recently released updated recommendations regarding the influenza vaccine for the 2018-19 “flu season.” This report updates the 2017–18 ACIP recommendations. The ACIP continues to recommend that all persons 6 months and older to receive routine annual influenza vaccination with a licensed, recommended, and age-appropriate vaccine, unless they have specific contraindications. Two of the three viral…

What would cause swelling in your fingers on both hands other than gout? My first finger started itching, feeling warm and then swelling.

Accidentally, it was discovered that my B12 blood test has been always running abnormally high. This has been since 2013 after a complete hysterectomy as I had an ovarian tumor removed which was of low malignant potential. Usually, it is running in the 1100s, and in 2014 was up to 3737.

I was sent to a hemotologist who ran more blood tests and said he could find nothing wrong and perhaps my diet was so good that I run high. I do not eat red meat, but I do eat chicken, pork and fish. Now my primary doctor wants me to repeat going to an oncologist, but not sure if I should as blood cancers were ruled out last time I went. Any ideas?

Read guest columnist and medical breast specialist Dr. Holly J. Pederson's column on direct to consumer home genetic tests for breast cancer risk assessment.

I am not able to use any form of hormone replacement due to severe headaches. I had a total hysterectomy at age 50, and I am 67 years old now. I have very severe dry vaginal tissue that breaks and bleeds, and I get urinary infections from the breakage. It has been 7 years since my husband and I have been able to have relations due to my issues. I am desperate for a solution.

The FDA cautions against energy-based procedures In July 2018, the FDA released a statement of concern reiterating the need for research and randomized clinical trials before energy-based device treatments can be widely accepted, and that they are currently cleared only for general gynecologic indications and not for disorders and symptoms related to menopause, urinary incontinence, or sexual function. The FDA stated that “we have not cleared or approved for marketing any energy-based devices…

The North American Menopause Society's September issue of Menopause e-Consult features expert commentary from Dr. Heather Hirsch on midlife-related clinical issues. Dr. Hirsch is a graduate of the Cleveland Clinic Specialized Women's Health fellowship program. ► Question: After she recently screened positive for BRCA2 mutation, a 42-year-old woman in my practice underwent risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO). Now that she is postmenopausal, she suffers from significant night sweats, poor…

This Italian favorite turns into an easy and effortless one-dish recipe with layers of chicken, marinara, cheese and topped with crunchy croutons. This recipe is from Holly Clegg’s trim&TERRIFIC® KITCHEN 101: Secrets to Cooking Confidence.

Dr. Camille Moreno discusses the signs of the Female Athlete Triad and what treatments are available to help girls and women suffering from the extremes of exercise and dieting.

What does it mean to have yellow, sometimes white, but always very opaque discharge shoot out and down your leg?

This melt-in-your mouth coffeecake starts with a time-honored family pantry staple, biscuit baking mix. Holly Clegg's personal favorite recipe - she loves the naturally sweet yams with the tart cranberries.

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

I had a collision with my cat this morning when she leaped up on the bed. I reached my hand out to pet her and collided with her full-force jump. I ended up with a very painful and eventually swollen back of my hand. I've been in a lot of pain today and cannot use that hand without feeling excruciating pain. I've been icing it frequently today and took Tylenol for the pain. The swelling migrated down to one side of my wrist. Should I seek medical help or is what I'm doing sufficient?

I was diagnosed with fat necrosis in the left breast. It can be somewhat painful at times. Will this ever go away or is it something I will just have to live with? I have had repeat mammograms stating no cancer, along with ultrasound.

Read Dr. Holly L. Thacker’s column on what supplements, vitamins and medications can help for joint pain and stiffness.

I have a diagnosis of "idiopathic" Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus on my medical record. A stent was placed under my scalp to pump excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) off my brain. Can the amount of CSF increase markedly over a period of 4 - 5 years after placement of the stent?

Someone told me eating yogurt and drinking bottled water causes cancer, is this true?

Read Dr. Holly L. Thacker's column on therapies for body and muscle pain.

I have seen my gynecologist at least three times in the past year for vaginal itching. Nothing has relieved it, yet. First, I was treated for a yeast infection, but it didn't relieve anything. Then I was given a cream and instructed to take Benadryl at night. That is not working. I'm considering going to another gynecologist where I go for breast cancer care. I was having the itching problems prior to my masectomy, and nothing has ever helped. I've tried over the counter products and they don't work. My gynecologist tested me for cervical cancer and that was negative.

Lately, I have been falling asleep for no known reason. I will be sitting watching tv and nod off. Do you know what could cause this?