Women's Health

A complete medical history and a physical exam are the first steps in diagnosing a fertility problem. Both partners need to be evaluated. The couple may also need blood tests, semen specimens from the man, and ultrasound exams or exploratory surgery for the woman. Need To Know: Your Doctor Will Want to Know During the […]

Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information about hormone replacement therapy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) offers the following pamphlets: “Hormone Replacement Therapy,” “Preventing Osteoporosis,” and “The Menopause Years.” To obtain copies, send a self-address envelope to: ACOG  Phone: 1-800-762-2264 http://www.acog.org The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Women’s Initiative has a fact

A woman’s reproductive organs include: The uterus, or womb Two ovaries, which produce eggs as well as the female hormones estrogen and progesterone (and also produce small amounts of the male hormones testosterone and androsterone ) Two Fallopian tubes, which transport the eggs from the ovaries to the uterus Two glands near the brain that release hormones, which stimulate the ovaries

Women today can expect to live 30 or 40 years after menopause. The lower amount of estrogen during these decades can affect their bodies in two general ways: It can cause physical changes and uncomfortable symptoms that are associated with menopause. However, not every woman experiences bothersome symptoms of menopause. It puts women at greater risk for

A major risk of estrogen treatment is blood clots in the veins, and pulmonary embolism, which is the movement of these clots to the lungs. These are rare but serious problems. If a woman has ever had a deep vein clot or pulmonary embolism, she should not use estrogen without a careful evaluation by her

Here are some things to consider when deciding whether to begin hormone replacement therapy: Who would benefit most from HRT? Other medicines for menopause-related concerns What about soy? Other types of therapies The decision is a personal one Who Would Benefit Most From HRT? Virtually any woman past menopause may obtain some benefit from hormone replacement therapy,

Hormone replacement therapy is available in the following forms: Tablets that are taken by mouth Implants Skin patches Creams Oral Forms There are many prescription preparations available that contain estrogen. Some have additional progesterone, which is either incorporated in the same tablet or taken separately. Estrogen can be taken every day, in 28-day cycles. Typically, a progestin is

Once a woman decides to begin hormone replacement therapy, her next big decision is when to begin. Your doctor can help you decide what is best for you. The decision will depend in large part on the reasons why you are taking HRT. For Controlling Menopause Symptoms Menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness can

Here are some frequently asked questions related to hormone replacement therapy. Q: If I have none of the risk factors, should I still take hormone replacement therapy? A: A decision that is right for one woman may not be right for another, so the answer is different for each person. The decision would depend on what

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to hormone replacement therapy. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been shown to be effective in reducing troublesome symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and disrupted sleep. A woman’s natural production of estrogen does not usually stop suddenly, but decreases over a period of several years.

Here are definitions of medical terms related to hormone replacement therapy. Alzheimer’s disease: A type of dementia that causes confusion, memory failure, speech disturbances, and inability to function. Androstenedione: One of the male hormones that is produced in small quantities in a woman’s body; the other is testosterone. Bladder: The sac within the body that stores the urine.