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Women's Health Topics
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Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
Are mammograms effective for men?
Mammograms are effective for men. If a man feels a lump in his breast, or notices any change in the way his breast looks or feels, for instance with nipple discharge or skin changes, a mammogram should be order... continue reading about Are mammograms effective for men?
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?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
Is it okay to be taking the antibiotic minocycline (for acne) while taking birth control pills at the same time?
Minocycline is an antibiotic used to treat many different bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, skin infections, severe acne, gonorrhea, tick fever, chlamydia, and othe... continue reading about Is it okay to be taking the antibiotic minocycline (for acne) while taking birth control pills at the same time?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
My daughter (16) has very painful periods, to the point of lying on the floor and crying. A friend told me that birth control pills will help. Needless to say, I'm not thrilled at the prospect but I hate to see her go through so much pain each month.
Birth control pills often result in lighter periods with less blood flow and cramping. Prostaglandin inhibitors, such as ibuprofen and naprosyn, are also quite effective in reducing menstrual cramps, especially... continue reading about My daughter (16) has very painful periods, to the point of lying on the floor and crying. A friend told me that birth control pills will help. Needless to say, I'm not thrilled at the prospect but I hate to see her go through so much pain each month.
Toni J. Brayer, M.D.
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
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?
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?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I've heard urinary tract infections (UTIs) are getting harder to treat. Why is this and who's at risk of developing one?
Urinary tract infections are one of the most common infections doctors treat. More than half of women living in the United States will get a UTI at some point in their lives. Urinary tract infections are caused... continue reading about I've heard urinary tract infections (UTIs) are getting harder to treat. Why is this and who's at risk of developing one?
Steven Machtinger, M.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Group
My asthma seems to get worse during my menstrual period? Is this possible?
Not only is increasing asthma possible during the menstrual period, it's common. When women with asthma are asked about this complaint, 20-45 percent of them state that they have noticed worsening asthma during... continue reading about My asthma seems to get worse during my menstrual period? Is this possible?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
How often should I have a mammogram? I am 77 years old and had breast cancer, and my mother died of breast cancer.
After diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer, national guidelines recommend annual mammography. Also, MD exams are recommended every six months for five years, then annually.If you have been taking endocrine... continue reading about How often should I have a mammogram? I am 77 years old and had breast cancer, and my mother died of breast cancer.
Wesley S. Hilger, M.D., FACOG
Surgery Center Division
An ultrasound showed that I have eight fibroids, one the size of an orange. I've had fibroids in the past and had a myomectomy. I'm 45, have no symptoms other than frequent urination and bloating. Will they continue to grow and will they multiply?
Uterine fibroids (leiomyoma) are common condition found in up to 80 percent of women by age 50. The reason that the fibroids develop is unknown but it is generally considered a benign growth with less than one ... continue reading about An ultrasound showed that I have eight fibroids, one the size of an orange. I've had fibroids in the past and had a myomectomy. I'm 45, have no symptoms other than frequent urination and bloating. Will they continue to grow and will they multiply?
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