The first new flu drug in 20 years won approval Wednesday from the Food and Drug Administration.

The new antiviral, generically known as baloxavir marboxil but sold under the brand name Xofluza, is a single dose treatment. It is for use only in those aged 12 or more, the F.D.A. said, and should be taken only in the first two days after symptoms like fever, aches and sniffles appear.

The pill will cost $150, according to a spokeswoman for Genentech, which will sell Xofluza in this country. Genentech will offer coupons that lower the price to $30 for patients with health insurance and to about $90 for the uninsured.

Flu season has already begun, and last year’s was one of the most lethal in decades; about 80,000 Americans died of flu or its consequences, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said earlier this month.

The new drug is no miracle cure and it is not approved for young children, who are one of the most vulnerable groups, so the C.D.C. still strongly recommends that every American over the age of six months get a flu shot as soon as possible.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Ansh Labs' PicoAMH Elisa diagnostic test to help determine a woman's menopausal status. The PicoAMH Elisa test measures anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), a marker of ovarian function, and is meant to be used in conjunction with other clinical assessments and laboratory findings. Data from 690 women aged 42 to 62 years showed that the PicoAMH Elisa test performed "reasonably well" at determining blood AMH levels and identifying women who had…

I am 5'4 1/2" tall. When using the BMI calculator, should I use 5'4" or 5'5"?

Everyone is obsessed with these wonderful walnuts from Holly Clegg’s trim&TERRIFIC® Eating Well To Fight Arthritis cookbook. They have the perfect touch of spice, heat and sweet. Toss in salads, serve on cheese trays or eat as a snack.

Dr. Holly L. Thacker and Department Administrator for the Ob/Gyn Subspecialty department within Cleveland Clinic's Women's Health Institute Wendy Turkuc express their gratitude for the Speaking of Women's Health supporters and talk about the importance of #GivingTuesday.

TherapeuticsMD announces FDA approval of TX-001HR: BIJUVA™ (estradiol and progesterone) capsules for the treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms due to menopause. BIJUVA is the first and only FDA-approved bio-identical hormone therapy combination of estradiol and progesterone in a single, oral capsule for the treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (commonly known as hot flashes or flushes) due to menopause in women with a uterus. BIJUVA is expected to be available…

TherapeuticsMD announces FDA approval of ANNOVERA™ (segesterone acetate/ethinyl estradiol vaginal system) for birth control. ANNOVERA is the first long-acting prescription birth control that is patient-controlled, procedure-free and reversible.The ANNOVERA contraceptive vaginal system is a small, soft flexible ring that prevents ovulation for an entire year (13 cycles) and can be inserted and removed by a woman at her discretion in repeated four-week cycles (remaining in place…

Biotin Supplement Interferes With Lab Tests The FDA has warned that the supplement biotin may interfere with certain lab tests. Biotin is frequently taken for nails and hair. It may help nails, but has less effect on hair growth. Some physicians have recommended persons with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) take very high doses of biotin. In November 2017, the FDA issued a statement stating, “The FDA is alerting the public, health care providers, lab personnel, and lab test developers that biotin can…

I am considering using Nature's Naturopathic DHEA vaginal suppositories to alleviate vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse. Are they safe to use, or any other DHEA creams or suppositories?

I wasn't sure if I had a yeast infection or not, so I took a 1-day Monistat just to be safe. A day later, there is still some medicine inside me. When will this go away? Is there anything I can do to speed up the process?

Dr. Holly L. Thacker shares 12 important health tips for women for a healthy new year.

Is it normal to have a period (or cramping and bleeding every day) since having a Hysteroscopy D & C two weeks ago?

Health By Heather Hirsch

Health by Heather Hirsch is a podcast dedicated to uncovering and answering many of the myths and misconceptions surrounding women's health issues. Dr. Hirsch is an American board certified internist who completed a women’s health fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic. Her goal is to provide listeners with the most up to date information on all things women’s health through her podcast. Her mission is to help expose the current gaps in women’s health care, and with this information, reach women across the globe. In her podcast, Dr. Hirsch covers everything from female contraception, pregnancy, postpartum, motherhood, midlife, menopause and more.

I am experiencing a white, quarter-size, jelly-texture discharge from my vagina. Is this normal?

I am age 50. I had experienced all the symptoms of menopause and was finally diagnosed as being in active menopause. After coming to grips with the reality that I can no longer have children and not having a period for nearly a year, I suddenly started having periods again. They were extreme with heavy bleeding and pain. Why would this happen?

The North American Menopause Society's November 2018 issue of Menopause e-Consult features expert commentary by Speaking of Women's Health Executive Director Dr. Holly L. Thacker on midlife-related clinical issues.Case A 44-year-old woman presents to the clinic and reports that she has been having severe hot flashes and a diminished sex drive since undergoing endometrial ablation at age 36 for abnormal uterine bleeding. The hot flashes interfere with her daytime chores and cause nighttime…

I have severe osteoporosis and my doctor wants me to have a Prolia (denosumaub) injection. I have a very bad spinal vertebral compression fracture in my spine. l have an 8 compression fracture in my back. My DXA scan shows very bad results of my left hip T-score -6.1. My parathyroid hormones level is high, so my doctor doesn't want me to have Tymlos (abaloparatide) or Forteo (teriparatide) now. My question is can I shift to Forteo after taking one shot of Prolia?

Read guest columnist Dr. Pelin Batur, fellowship trained women’s health specialist who sees women at the Center for Specialized Women’s Health and in regional Gynecology, column on what women can do about hormonal headaches.

Two doses of elagolix are now FDA approved for treatment of pelvic pain caused by endometriosis. These two doses allow clinicians to opt for gentle (150 mg once daily) or strong (200 mg twice daily) suppression of estradiol to manage pelvic pain, as well as the associated effects of low estradiol levels. Endometriosis is the presence of tissue resembling endometrial glands and stroma outside of the uterine cavity. Women with endometriosis often present for medical care with at least 1 of 3…

Can I get treatment for Lymphedema at the Cleveland Clinic? What department offers that treatment?