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Women's Health Topics
Ask an Expert
Risa Kagan, M.D., FACOG
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus
I had a partial hysterectomy in 2005 but still have my ovaries. A year later, I began to have cramps, gas and bloating every 28 days. Recently these symptoms began to appear every week. How much longer can this go on?
Many women after a hysterectomy can still have "cycles" if their ovaries are in place. They will not bleed since the uterus is no longer present, but they can still have the usual bloating and other PMS symptom... continue reading about I had a partial hysterectomy in 2005 but still have my ovaries. A year later, I began to have cramps, gas and bloating every 28 days. Recently these symptoms began to appear every week. How much longer can this go on?
Jill D. Foley, M.D., FACOG
Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation
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?
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?
Heidi Wittenberg, M.D., M.S., FPMRS
California Pacific Medical Center
I had a partial hysterectomy 18 years ago (my ovaries were not removed). Lately I've been having pain and cramping, so recently had x-rays and an ultrasound. The doctor could not find my ovaries. Can ovaries just disappear on their own?
If ovaries are not removed surgically, they are still present. After menopause, our ovaries do shrink. Pre-menopause ovaries are 3-4cm, but after menopause they can be 0.5cm-1.0cm. The older we get, the smaller... continue reading about I had a partial hysterectomy 18 years ago (my ovaries were not removed). Lately I've been having pain and cramping, so recently had x-rays and an ultrasound. The doctor could not find my ovaries. Can ovaries just disappear on their own?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
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?
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?
Jill D. Foley, M.D., FACOG
Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation
How likely is it for a woman to get pregnant after having her tubes tied?
Good question. The terms tubal ligation, tubes tied, tubal sterilization, and female sterilization can all be used interchangeably to describe the same process. In the U.S., up to one third of women use sterili... continue reading about How likely is it for a woman to get pregnant after having her tubes tied?
Arfan Din, D.O.
Sutter Medical Foundation
I am concerned because my blood sugar is fluctuating between 110 and 117, over 90 days. I have good eating habits and control my weight, but it's been harder after menopause. Should I be on a sugar-stabilizing medication such as Metformin?
As men and women age, it is very clear that metabolism changes. Part of this may be due to hormonal changes, especially in women after menopause. This may be genetic or associated with a decreasing level of exe... continue reading about I am concerned because my blood sugar is fluctuating between 110 and 117, over 90 days. I have good eating habits and control my weight, but it's been harder after menopause. Should I be on a sugar-stabilizing medication such as Metformin?
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?
Risa Kagan, M.D., FACOG
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus
I am 37 years old and experiencing longer periods - two to three weeks long. I also have some bleeding after orgasm. What could be causing this? Do I need to see a doctor?
Yes, you should definitely consult with your gynecologist and have an exam and pelvic ultrasound. There may be a structural problem in your uterus, such as a polyp or fibroid (benign muscle mass) that can cause... continue reading about I am 37 years old and experiencing longer periods - two to three weeks long. I also have some bleeding after orgasm. What could be causing this? Do I need to see a doctor?
Toni J. Brayer, M.D.
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
Why do some people lose height as they age? How much loss is too much?
After age 40, the average person loses about 1/2" of their height per decade. It happens because of gravity and wear and tear on bones, muscles and joints. Think of your skeleton as being made up of your ankles... continue reading about Why do some people lose height as they age? How much loss is too much?
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