Dr. Holly L. Thacker discusses the importance of bone density scans for women, especially if they are at risk for osteoporosis.

Are you the kind of person who pops a pill with every ache or sniffle; or do you wait until you feel like you’re going to die before you reach for medication? Living at either extreme can be dangerous for your health. When it comes to taking medication, follow your doctor’s orders: prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs should be used as directed, both to achieve their full benefit and lessen their possible side effects. CHECK THE LABEL Before you take any medication, read the label…

Menopause: The Good and the Bad For some women, menopause is a time of liberation. No longer saddled with fear of getting pregnant, they find their desire increases, and they can be more spontaneous with their partner. But for other women, menopause brings declining desire or uncomfortable intercourse—leaving them, as well as their spouses, sad and confused. But it doesn't have to be that way. The most common causes of sexual dysfunction after menopause are treatable. Understanding the cause…

What is ovarian cancer?Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in a woman's ovaries. Ovarian cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death among women. It most often occurs in women in their 50s and beyond.When found in its earliest stages, ovarian cancer can be cured 90 to 95 percent of the time. Unfortunately, early ovarian cancer is hard to detect. Many cases of ovarian cancer are found after the cancer has spread to other organs. In these cases, the cancer is much more…

Dr. Thacker discusses the dangers and potential addiction to tanning.

My friend just had a bone density test. What kind of test is this and do I need it?

In her second year of residency, Cleveland Clinic women’s health specialist Lynn Pattimakiel, MD, says her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.The experience was an eye opener. Her mother, a nurse, took care of her patients and her family. But she had failed to give herself the same attention and missed a couple of screenings.Caregivers need care, too“I think it was at that time that I realized how much mothers actually put themselves on the back burner,” she says. Dr. Pattimakeil also…

My sister is on hormone replacement therapy. I’m not sure if I should consider it. What are the pros and cons?

By: Andrea Sikon, MDAndrea Sikon, MD, FACP, is the Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics within the Medicine Institute, and is board-certified in Internal Medicine. She also has an appointment with the Women's Health Institute, practicing in the Center for Specialized Women's Health.As we age, our bones become thinner and lose their density. But there are steps we can take to halt the “thinning” of our bones, called osteopenia, and prevent osteoporosis. Follow these tips…

Featuring chicken, peas, sun-dried tomatoes and feta, this fantastic, marinated light pasta salad combines bold flavors with great ingredients.

Recipe submitted by Holly Clegg, author of Holly Clegg’s trim&TERRIFIC® Gulf Coast Favorites

3 Major Eye Problems People With Diabetes Need To Know To prevent eye problems, you should: Control your blood glucose. Have your eyes checked at least once a year by an ophthalmologist (eye specialist). Control high blood pressure and lipids. Contact your doctor if any of the following occur: Black spots in your vision Flashes of light "Holes" in your vision Blurred vision 1. Cataracts A cataract is a clouding or fogging of the lens inside the eye. When this happens,…

How Do Vision Correction Surgeries Work? Vision correction surgery, also called refractive eye surgery, is any surgical procedure used to correct refractive error. In recent years, tremendous advancements have been made in this field. After refractive surgery, many patients report seeing better than they had at any other time in their lives. All vision correction surgeries work by reshaping the front part of the eye, so that light traveling through it is properly focused onto the retina…

Nearly 50% of women who have had children are affected by pelvic organ prolapse. Prolapse occurs when weakened muscles cause one of the pelvic organs, usually the bladder, to drop. Discomfort and urinary incontinence may result.

Osteoporosis and low bone mass affect millions of women age 50 and older in the U.S. Download our free Osteoporosis Guide to learn more about who is most at risk to develop osteoporosis, how to prevent it, signs, symptoms and treatment options.

Download our free Fibroids and Menstrual Disorders Guide and learn more about symptoms of uterine fibroids, how uterine fibroids are evaluated and non-surgical and minimally invasive treatment options.

What most women refer to as menopause is actually a process involving three stages: perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause. Our guide will help you manage menopause and get options for improved comfort.

Being diagnosed with breast cancer raises many questions, and it is important to learn and understand about all the available treatment options for you in taking control of your health.

Gynecologic cancer is widespread and can affect any woman, regardless of age or race. Download our free treatment guide to learn more about types of gynecologic cancer, risk factors, signs and stages and tests and treatment options.

Approximately, 1 in every 6 couples will be unable to conceive a child after trying for one year. Download our free Fertility Treatment Guide for the causes of infertility, when couples should seek help and treatment options for men and women.

What is osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones, making them more susceptible to sudden and unexpected fractures. Literally meaning "porous bone," it results in an increased loss of bone mass and strength. The disease often progresses without any symptoms or pain. Generally, it is not discovered until weakened bones cause painful fractures. Most of these are fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine. Osteoporosis occurs in both men and women, although women are four times more…