Featured Articles
Hot Flashes: What You Need to Know
Nearly all women get hot flashes during menopause. Is there anything you can do about them? Experts in the Sutter Health network weigh in.
The Latest Word on Hormone Therapy
Our experts discuss updated safety information and new formulations that might give you relief.
Menopause Mood Swings
Your dramatic mood swings in menopause are real, and likely due to hormonal fluctuations. Learn what to do about them.
Ask an Expert
Risa Kagan, M.D., FACOG
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
I'm 57 years old and going through menopause. Last week I experienced three days of bleeding. It was a light flow, but at my age I'm concerned. I'm not on any type of medication, not even aspirin. Is this something out of the normal?
This may or may not be abnormal as one's hormones can fluctuate in the perimenopausal years. If it has been over a year since your last normal menses, then this is called postmenopausal bleeding and needs immed... continue reading about I'm 57 years old and going through menopause. Last week I experienced three days of bleeding. It was a light flow, but at my age I'm concerned. I'm not on any type of medication, not even aspirin. Is this something out of the normal?
Risa Kagan, M.D., FACOG
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
I was told that my endometriosis will go away once I pass menopause. What if I decide to take hormone therapy during menopause - will that continue to aggravate the endometrial lesions?
For women who have a history of endometriosis, and they choose to go on hormone therapy, it will not stimulate endometriosis if they take continuous estrogen and progesterone. The progesterone reduces any stimu... continue reading about I was told that my endometriosis will go away once I pass menopause. What if I decide to take hormone therapy during menopause - will that continue to aggravate the endometrial lesions?
Risa Kagan, M.D., FACOG
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
I'm 63 and have had hot flashes for the last 20 years. I still have all my 'parts' and don't take hormones. I suffer from severe depression and take anti-depressants. Is there anything I can do? Can this be thyroid related? Should I move to Alaska?
It is unusual for hot flashes to persist with this severity for 20 years. Older women can still have them but they usually get less intense. Many anti-depressants are being used as an alternative to estrogen fo... continue reading about I'm 63 and have had hot flashes for the last 20 years. I still have all my 'parts' and don't take hormones. I suffer from severe depression and take anti-depressants. Is there anything I can do? Can this be thyroid related? Should I move to Alaska?
Risa Kagan, M.D., FACOG
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
I'm 57, postmenopausal, and have been on HRT for a few years. My OB/GYN took me off hormones a couple months ago. My hot flashes are through the roof and making life miserable. I'm also having a lot of depression and feel like crying all the time. Help!
Clinical studies have shown that about half of women who try to go off hormones are so symptomatic that they need to go back on. Many can take a lower dose than they were on before, and then gradually taper off... continue reading about I'm 57, postmenopausal, and have been on HRT for a few years. My OB/GYN took me off hormones a couple months ago. My hot flashes are through the roof and making life miserable. I'm also having a lot of depression and feel like crying all the time. Help!
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