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Women's Health Topics
Ask an Expert
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
Does the clitoris disappear with age? After 70?
The clitoris never actually disappears, but it can become smaller over time after the loss of circulating female hormones with menopause. This is part of a normal condition with aging called urogenital atrophy.... continue reading about Does the clitoris disappear with age? After 70?
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
Since I went through menopause, I am getting more UTIs. Is this normal? Why does it happen?
Frequent urinary tract infections (UTI) after menopause are common due to lack of the estrogen hormone which keeps the vaginal and periurethral tissues healthy and able to withstand most bacteria that enters in... continue reading about Since I went through menopause, I am getting more UTIs. Is this normal? Why does it happen?
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
How do I prevent, or treat, recurring urinary tract infections?
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?
Patricia Hockett, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
Why do I still have PMS every month even though I've had a full hysterectomy? I thought the days of irritability, depression, and bloating would be gone since it's been four years since the surgery. I've talked to three doctors but they can't explain it.
Symptoms of PMS arise as a response to hormonal fluctuations. Many women can continue to experience symptoms of PMS (and even feel like they are cycling) if the ovaries are not removed at the time of a hysterec... continue reading about Why do I still have PMS every month even though I've had a full hysterectomy? I thought the days of irritability, depression, and bloating would be gone since it's been four years since the surgery. I've talked to three doctors but they can't explain it.
Jane Varner, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I'm 54, eat well and exercise five times per week. Yet my BMI is 27, which translates as obese. Is a BMI of 27 really that indicative of my overall health?
First of all, congratulations on getting all of that wonderful exercise! Exercise is so good for your physical AND mental health. Don't go calling yourself obese just yet. Technically, a BMI of 27 classifies yo... continue reading about I'm 54, eat well and exercise five times per week. Yet my BMI is 27, which translates as obese. Is a BMI of 27 really that indicative of my overall health?
Deborah Quinn-Chen, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I am 51 years old. What is my chance of still getting pregnant, and how should I handle birth control as I move through menopause?
Women commonly believe that after a certain age they cannot conceive because they are too old. That is not entirely true. As a woman ages her fertility declines. A 45-year-old woman is less likely to conceive t... continue reading about I am 51 years old. What is my chance of still getting pregnant, and how should I handle birth control as I move through menopause?
Suzanne E. Pertsch, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
Will taking progesterone help prevent a migraine?
Taking progesterone alone as a cream or tablet has not been scientifically established as an effective treatment for migraine headaches. Many women experience migraines with their menstrual cycles, especially w... continue reading about Will taking progesterone help prevent a migraine?
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
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?
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?
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I had a hysterectomy in June. I still have my tubes and ovaries and a small bit of cervix. Why and how am I still having full periods every month? Where is this blood coming from?
The type of surgery you had is a supracervical hysterectomy. If your ovaries are still functioning, then you are still having monthly ovulatory cycles. The monthly cycle causes bleeding from the endometrial tis... continue reading about I had a hysterectomy in June. I still have my tubes and ovaries and a small bit of cervix. Why and how am I still having full periods every month? Where is this blood coming from?