I am one year into menopause and am age 50. My new gynecologist told me that I am at risk for Osteoporosis because I am tall and thin and have been taking thyroid hormone for the past 25 years.

Would it be worthwhile for me to have a bone density test to establish a baseline measurement? Unfortunately, due to severe back problems, for the past 10 years I have not done the recommended weight bearing activities that would have helped maintain my bone density and I am concerned. Thanks for your advice!

Is lightheadedness a symptom of menopause? I have had very bad hot flashes recently with the weather being so hot and started experiencing the lightheadedness.

My 9-year old grandson went to the dentist and the dentist told his Mom that his bad breath was due to his sinuses. What should be the recommended course of treatment?

How do I know which birth control pills are right for me?

Is there anything I can do to revive my low sex drive?

It’s common for people to attribute headaches to stress, but there’s no official headache classification of "stress headaches." However, stress certainly plays a role in causing a headache or making any headache worse. During stressful events, certain chemicals in the brain are released to combat the situation (known as the "flight or fight" response). The release of these chemicals can provoke vascular changes that can trigger headaches or make them worse. Learning relaxation techniques can…

Headache pain results from signals interacting among the brain, blood vessels and surrounding nerves. During a headache, specific nerves of the blood vessels and head muscles are activated and send pain signals to the brain. It’s not clear, however, why these signals are activated in the first place. There is a migraine "pain center" or generator in the mid-brain area. A migraine begins when hyperactive nerve cells send out impulses to the blood vessels, causing constriction, followed by the…

Your family physician may recommend different types of treatment to try, he or she may recommend further testing or refer you to a headache specialist. You should establish a reasonable time frame with your family physician to evaluate your headache symptoms. Headache Treatment Options The proper treatment will depend on several factors, including the type and frequency of the headache and its cause. Not all headaches require medical attention. Treatment may…

I tend to urinate frequently, especially at night, sometimes three or four times a night. I have seen a Urologist and had a scope done. The doctor said that I was fine. What causes me to urinate this much at night?

Breast Cancer Risks Cancers have different associated risk factors, breast cancer included. From genetics to lifestyle, the list below details the risk factors associated with developing breast cancer. Significantly Higher Risk History of previous cancer: already having cancer in one breast, especially if it occurred before menopause, increases a woman’s risk of developing a new breast cancer unrelated to the first one. Breast cancer genes: those carrying the genes BRCA1 or BRCA2 are at…

The Stages of Breast Cancer There are different stages in the progression of breast cancer. Stage 0 Stage 0 breast cancer is when the disease is localized to the milk ducts (carcinoma in situ). Stage I Stage I breast cancer is when the cancer is smaller than 1 inch across and hasn't spread to other parts of the body. Stage II Stage II breast cancer is one of the following: The tumor is less than an inch across but has spread to the underarm lymph nodes (IIA) The tumor is between 1…

Breast Cancer Treatments If the tests find cancer, you and your doctor will develop a treatment plan to eradicate the breast cancer, to reduce the chance of cancer returning in the breast, as well as to reduce the chance of the cancer traveling to a location outside of the breast. Treatment generally follows within a few weeks after the diagnosis. The type of treatment recommended will depend on the size and location of the tumor in the breast, the results of lab tests done on the cancer…

During your regular physical examination, your doctor will take a thorough personal and family medical history. He or she will also perform and/or order one or more of the following: Breast Examination During the breast exam, the doctor will carefully feel the lump and the tissue around it. Breast cancer usually feels different (in size, texture and movement) than benign lumps. Certain tests can be used to view the tissue better: Mammography: An X-ray test of the breast can give important…

Is It Safe to Drink During Pregnancy? No, alcohol can harm the baby of a mother who drinks during pregnancy. Although the highest risk is to babies whose mothers drink heavily, it is not clear yet whether there is any completely safe level of alcohol during pregnancy. Does Alcohol Affect Older People Differently? Alcohol's effects do vary with age. Slower reaction times, problems with hearing and seeing, and a lower tolerance to alcohol's effects put older people at higher risk for falls,…

This can be a challenge. An alcoholic can't be forced to get help except under certain circumstances, such as a traffic violation or arrest that results in court-ordered treatment. But you don't have to wait for someone to "hit rock bottom" to act. Many alcoholism treatment specialists suggest the following steps to help an alcoholic get treatment: Stop all "cover ups" Family members often make excuses to others or try to protect the alcoholic from the results of his or her drinking. It is…

What makes your body more efficient at metabolizing sugar?

I’m trying to get pregnant but haven’t so far. How long should I wait before I see a fertility specialist?

I recently heard that osteoporosis drugs can actually increase the risk of fractures in older women. Should I stop taking this medication?

What are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)? NSAIDs are drugs that can reduce pain, fever, and inflammation. Inflammation is the body’s protective response to irritation or injury and is recognized by redness, warmth, swelling, and pain. NSAIDs can be used to treat the symptoms of many types of arthritis and soft tissue inflammation such as tendonitis, bursitis, and sprains. It can also be used for gout attacks. It is important to remember that NSAIDs treat the symptoms and do not…

I recently read that women over 40 should stop taking calcium supplements. Is that true?