About half of women begin menopause by age 51 years, according to the National Institute on Aging, and some women may experience its symptoms as much as a decade before that. “It is very important for primary care physicians to be involved and assess for menopause in women of this age because a lot of women past childbearing years do not necessarily continue to see their OB/GYN,” said Holly L. Thacker, MD, professor and chair of the Center for Specialized Women's Health at Cleveland Clinic…

Can I double up on vitamins to help with thinning hair and brittle nails? I have had my estrogen checked and it is normal. I am 54 years old.

Intimate Partner Violence Intimate partner violence (IPV), previously termed domestic violence, is a serious and overwhelming global public health concern. It has affected the lives of many victims and their loved ones, leading to detrimental health consequences, including: emotional psychological physical behavioral societal economic IPV is prevalent in all backgrounds: cultural, socioeconomic, and religious entities. It is one of the most common forms of violence against women in the US…

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

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!

Read Dr. Holly L. Thacker's column on nutrition and menopause.

Read Dr. Camille Moreno and Diabetic Educator and Dietician Melissa Matteo's guest column on the ketogenic diet and how to lose weight!

Dr. Ahmed El-Sohemy is the Founder of Nutrigenomix Inc. and serves as the President and Chief Scientific Officer. He also serves as Chair of Nutrigenomix’s International Science Advisory Board (SAB), which consists of key opinion leaders in the field of nutrigenomics. Dr. El-Sohemy obtained his PhD from the University of Toronto and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Harvard School of Public Health. He is currently a Professor and holds a Canada Research Chair in Nutrigenomics at the…

Cleveland Clinic -- Charis Eng, MD, PhD, Founding Chair of Cleveland Clinic’s Genomic Medicine Institute, Founding Director of the Center for Personalized Genetic Healthcare, and internationally recognized leader in the cancer genetics field, has received the American Cancer Society’s prestigious Medal of Honor award. The annual award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions in basic cancer research, clinical research and cancer control. Dr. Eng was honored alongside four…

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…

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…

Read Dr. Sabrina Sikka and gynecologist Dr. Lynn Simpson’s column on a women’s health perspective for healthy skin at all ages.

What is Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)? Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) refers to a spectrum of conditions that causes impaired or diminished ovarian function before the age of 40. Premature ovarian insufficiency is not the same as premature menopause because ovarian function can wax and wane in women with POI. Some women with POI will stop producing sex hormones completely, but others may intermittently produce levels sufficient for ovulation, normal or irregular menstrual cycles…

Think of this as a delicious smothered chicken with fancy flair. Serve with rice or over angel hair pasta tossed with olive oil in garlic.

I have had Hashimoto's disease for two years and many arthritic symptoms. Can I take Amour® (dessicated thyroid) even though my TSH is normal?

Authors Julie A. Elder, DOHolly L. Thacker, MD Published: October 2013 Last reviewed: February 2016 Definition Menopause is defined as the absence of menses for 1 year. Women usually experience menopause between 40 and 55 years of age, with the median age being 51. Smokers and women with chronic illnesses tend to experience menopause at an earlier age. Menopause transition consists of fluctuating ovarian function and occurs 2 to 8 years before menopause and up to 1 year after the final…

Read Women’s Health Specialist Dr. Holly L. Thacker’s and Cleveland Clinic Rheumatologist Dr. Feyrouz Al-Ashkar‘s column on autoimmune diseases in women and what you need to know!

(HealthDay News) -- Many older men take testosterone to boost their sex drive, but new research suggests that postmenopausal women who struggle with a sagging libido might want to follow suit. Applied topically, the hormone appears to increase women's sexual function and satisfaction, according to a new review of 36 clinical trials involving nearly 8,500 women. Women naturally produce testosterone as well as estrogen, said lead researcher Susan Davis, a professor of women's health at the…

Speaking of Women's Health guest columnists Dana Leslie, CNP and Dr. Ula Abed Alwahab discuss Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and the symptoms women should look out for.

Read Speaking of Women’s Health Founder and Chief Creative Strategist, Dianne Dunkelman’s column on her inspiring story on fatty liver and the hidden links to cirrhosis of the liver, along with our Executive Director, Dr. Holly L. Thacker.