Toni J. Brayer, M.D.

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?

There are hundreds of different brands and formulations of progesterone cream. It is considered a "nutraceutical" and is not controlled or regulated by the FDA. You can purchase progesterone creams through the ... continue reading  about  Is it safe for me to use Pro-G-Yam progesterone cream for hot flashes? I have a family history of breast cancer. Is progesterone the same as estrogen?

About 10 million Americans suffer from hemorrhoids, which are veins in the rectum and anus that swell and can itch and bleed. Some hemorrhoids get small blood clots (thromboses) and these are exquisitely painfu... continue reading  about  I have hemorrhoids and banding has been recommended. What is it, what are the benefits, and what is the downside?

A bruise occurs when small capillaries under the skin rupture and blood leaks out. It is usually due to trauma but it is common for some people to "bruise easily" or find bruises and not even remember any traum... continue reading  about  I bruise very easily - and have since I was a child. Why am I like a banana?

The body regulates the blood calcium levels through complex mechanisms. Low calcium can be supplemented with vitamins and eating calcium-rich foods and dairy. High calcium, however is never from any specific fo... continue reading  about  My calcium level is high. What foods do I need to cut down on? What about dairy products, orange juice, fortified cereal and eggs, which I thought were good for me? I'm on Tamoxifen and have been through chemo. Does that contribute to high calcium?

Many women experience joint and muscle pain and stiffness around the time of menopause that they hadn't experienced before. Because there are estrogen receptors all over the body, including the joints, declinin... continue reading  about  How does menopause affect the joints and muscles in your body?

Herpes simplex is a very common virus and can break out on any moist surface of the body. A person is contagious when there is an active herpetic lesion, and close contact must be avoided during these times. Th... continue reading  about  When should you tell a potential sex partner about herpes?

A number of studies have shown that supplemental calcium is linked to both heart attack and kidney stones in some people. For this reason, women are encouraged to get their calcium from food and dairy products ... continue reading  about  I read on your site that calcium supplements are not advisable as it contributes to heart disease, but calcium ingested in food doesn't. I'm reluctant to take supplemental calcium, but have continued to take Vitamin D on the days I'm not in the sun.

This is a common question from anyone who has had a heart attack or has been diagnosed with a heart problem. The Scientific Journal, Circulation, reported on thousands of patients with coronary artery disease w... continue reading  about  How do I know if my heart is healthy enough for sex?