Yours is a good question. First, I want to help you understand hormone production in a normal menstrual cycle. After that, we can talk about how the pill works to prevent pregnancy and why, in some women, it re... continue reading  about  I’ve taken the birth control pill Loestrin for eight months. After starting on the pill, my period came once every two months. It’s been 14 weeks since my last period. I had unprotected sex but took the morning-after pill. Should I be concerned?

All birth control pills are formulated with a synthetic estrogen and progestin hormone (with the exception of one that has progestin only). Most common side effects of birth control pills occur when you first b... continue reading  about  My physician recently changed my brand of birth control pills. I read reviews that described bad side effects for the new brand. Do all birth control pills have the same ingredients? If so, why would some cause different side effects?

After undergoing a hysterectomy where the ovaries are removed, a premenopausal woman may experience menopausal symptoms. These menopausal symptoms may include hot flashes which can have a detrimental effect on ... continue reading  about  I underwent a total hysterectomy in February of last year. Is it normal that my stomach still feels swollen? I'm using topical Evamist (two sprays each day) that my doctor recommended.

If your major goal, in addition to reliable contraception, is to reduce the menstrual flow and frequency of periods, then a Mirena IUD, which secretes progesterone-like hormone locally in the uterine cavity wit... continue reading  about  I'm 38 and have been in a relationship for three years. I've been on the pill for 20 years and don't want more kids, but I don't like the melasma side effect of birth control pills. I've considered an IUD but know someone whose device migrated. Options?

In general, tubal ligation is a very safe procedure associated with the small risks of laparoscopy and anesthesia in a healthy woman, regardless of her age. However, other permanent methods of tubal steril... continue reading  about  What are the risks of getting your tubes tied? Are your early 20s too soon to get this procedure done?

First of all, you are not alone. Millions of women experience pain during intercourse, but most are too shy or embarrassed to bring it up. I congratulate you for raising the question! Intercourse is a wonderful... continue reading  about  I'm a woman (60) who had not had sex for 10 years. I recently decided to start again, but intercourse was very painful. I have tried several times, but with the same results. What causes this pain and what can I do that will help?

About 15-20 percent of women continue to have menopausal symptoms long after menopause, although they should diminish in intensity with time. There have been many research studies on non-estrogen treatments for... continue reading  about  I'm 53 and take Mimvey for hot flashes and sleeplessness. I've tried to stop but the symptoms return. Is there a "hump" to get over before they stop? How long is HRT recommended? Also, are my electrical and heart problems due to hormones? Can HRT help?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common in women. This is due to the short urethra that leads from the bladder to outside the body and the plethora of bacteria that reside in the surrounding areas inclu... continue reading  about  How do I prevent, or treat, recurring urinary tract infections?

Pain and/or tenderness are two of the most common breast symptoms experienced by women. The discomfort can be severe enough to interfere with usual daily activities. The causes of mastalgia (or breast pain) are... continue reading  about  Is tenderness in the breast a concern for cancer? I have tenderness in just one fingertip size area to the left of the areola of the right breast.