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Women's Health Topics
Ask an Expert
Patricia Hockett, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
Why do I still have PMS every month even though I’ve had a full hysterectomy? I thought the days of irritability, depression and bloating would be gone since it’s been four years since the surgery. I’ve talked to three doctors but they can’t explain it.
Symptoms of PMS arise as a response to hormonal fluctuations. Many women can continue to experience symptoms of PMS (and even feel like they are cycling) if the ovaries are not removed at the time of a hysterec... continue reading about Why do I still have PMS every month even though I’ve had a full hysterectomy? I thought the days of irritability, depression and bloating would be gone since it’s been four years since the surgery. I’ve talked to three doctors but they can’t explain it.
Ravin Agah, M.D., Ph.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I've been experiencing a burning sensation on my tongue for two months. It only involves one inch near the tip. There is no redness, lesions or broken skin, just the burning, which causes my mouth to water. I've heard this may be a menopausal symptom.
Burning tongue syndrome is a very common symptom which has been seen in some patients with menopausal symptoms.This also could be a manifestation of other diseases such as a B12 deficiency or an absorption prob... continue reading about I've been experiencing a burning sensation on my tongue for two months. It only involves one inch near the tip. There is no redness, lesions or broken skin, just the burning, which causes my mouth to water. I've heard this may be a menopausal symptom.
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
If HPV high risk is detected during my PAP smear result, should I get vaccinated? Or is it too late for any benefit of a vaccine? I have been monogamous for the last 10 years. Also, what's the likelihood of getting cancer once HPV is detected?
High-risk HPV detection on a pap smear indicates you are at risk for developing cervical cancer at any point in the future. With a healthy immune system, many women clear this, but sometimes severe cases requir... continue reading about If HPV high risk is detected during my PAP smear result, should I get vaccinated? Or is it too late for any benefit of a vaccine? I have been monogamous for the last 10 years. Also, what's the likelihood of getting cancer once HPV is detected?
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I'm 44 and am having a lot of highs and lows with energy, not sleeping well, but without hot flashes or loss of menses. My mother had a hysterectomy at 44, so her experience with menopause was cut short. Is this perimenopause or just hormone fluctuations?
Fluctuation in hormones and metabolism shifts are very common in women in their 40s, which occurs before you are perimenopausal. This is the most likely cause, but I recommend you make an appointment with your ... continue reading about I'm 44 and am having a lot of highs and lows with energy, not sleeping well, but without hot flashes or loss of menses. My mother had a hysterectomy at 44, so her experience with menopause was cut short. Is this perimenopause or just hormone fluctuations?
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
Since I went through menopause, I am getting more UTIs. Is this normal? Why does it happen?
Frequent urinary tract infections (UTI) after menopause are common due to lack of the estrogen hormone which keeps the vaginal and periurethral tissues healthy and able to withstand most bacteria that enters in... continue reading about Since I went through menopause, I am getting more UTIs. Is this normal? Why does it happen?
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I'm 53 and in menopause. Since perimenopause, my melasma has returned. I had it my 30s due to birth control pills. I'm using TriLuma and am fanatical about sunscreen. I'm Asian and dermatologists have told me laser or other procedures might worsen it.
Melasma is typically caused in women by exposure to estrogens. For this reason, any hormone replacement you are taking that contains estrogen can contribute, so I would refrain from using estrogens. Also, the h... continue reading about I'm 53 and in menopause. Since perimenopause, my melasma has returned. I had it my 30s due to birth control pills. I'm using TriLuma and am fanatical about sunscreen. I'm Asian and dermatologists have told me laser or other procedures might worsen it.
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
What's the difference between a yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis?
Vaginal yeast infections are caused by overgrowth of fungal organisms, usually the Candida Albicans species. Symptoms are usually itching, burning, and white, cottage-cheese appearing discharge. They are caused... continue reading about What's the difference between a yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis?
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I'm a women in her 50s who is going through perimenopause. I have only had one menstrual period this year. Is there still a possibility that I could get pregnant?
Pregnancy is very unlikely at this age and stage of minimal ovarian function. Ovulation is so rare and the egg quality is probably so poor that fertilization would not likely result in pregnancy. However, this ... continue reading about I'm a women in her 50s who is going through perimenopause. I have only had one menstrual period this year. Is there still a possibility that I could get pregnant?
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I've been on birth control for five years. I did not skip a dose, but I'm having mid-cycle bleeding after having unprotected sex. I took vitamin C for a cold and read that excessive amounts can cause birth control to stop working. Is this true?
Taking vitamin C will not interfere with the efficacy of your birth control pill. You should not be concerned about pregnancy unless you missed your pills or started your pack late. If your mid-cycle bleeding i... continue reading about I've been on birth control for five years. I did not skip a dose, but I'm having mid-cycle bleeding after having unprotected sex. I took vitamin C for a cold and read that excessive amounts can cause birth control to stop working. Is this true?
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