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Women's Health

Your body goes through many changes as you age. Learn about common gynecologic issues and how to lower your risk for cancer.

Health Benefits of Exercise

Learn four reasons to get moving today, no matter what your age.

Hot Flashes: What You Need to Know

Nearly all women experience hot flashes during menopause. Here’s what you can do about them.

Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is all too common, but there are some easy steps you can take to lower your risk.

    Women's Health Topics

    • Breast Cancer
    • Gynecologic Health
    • Menopause

    Download Our Birth Control Guide

    Ask an Expert

    Ryszard J. Chetkowski

    Ryszard J. Chetkowski, M.D.

    Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus

    What are the risks of getting your tubes tied? Are your early 20s too soon to get this procedure done?

    In general, tubal ligation is a very safe procedure associated with the small risks of laparoscopy and anesthesia in a healthy woman, regardless of her age. However, other permanent methods of tubal steril... continue reading  about  What are the risks of getting your tubes tied? Are your early 20s too soon to get this procedure done?

    Deborah Quinn-Chen

    Deborah Quinn-Chen, M.D.

    Mills-Peninsula Medical Center

    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?

    Susan Maayah

    Susan Maayah, M.D.

    Mills-Peninsula Medical Center

    I'm 53 and in menopause. Since perimenopause, my melasma has returned. I had it my 30s due to birth control pills. I'm using TriLuma and am fanatical about sunscreen. I'm Asian and dermatologists have told me laser or other procedures might worsen it.

    Melasma is typically caused in women by exposure to estrogens. For this reason, any hormone replacement you are taking that contains estrogen can contribute, so I would refrain from using estrogens. Also, the h... continue reading  about  I'm 53 and in menopause. Since perimenopause, my melasma has returned. I had it my 30s due to birth control pills. I'm using TriLuma and am fanatical about sunscreen. I'm Asian and dermatologists have told me laser or other procedures might worsen it.

    Ryszard J. Chetkowski

    Ryszard J. Chetkowski, M.D.

    Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus

    My FSH level is 77. Can menopause be a reason that my knee joints hurt? I don't have any sports injury. Will it resolve in time?

    High FSH does not directly cause joint pain or the inflammatory joint disease known as arthritis. If the pain persists and is associated with swelling, an X-ray or MRI may be appropriate. Non-steroidal anti-inf... continue reading  about  My FSH level is 77. Can menopause be a reason that my knee joints hurt? I don't have any sports injury. Will it resolve in time?

    Risa Kagan

    Risa Kagan, M.D., FACOG

    Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Summit 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?

    Ryszard J. Chetkowski

    Ryszard J. Chetkowski, M.D.

    Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus

    What are the proper steps to take when researching unexplained infertility?

    Infertility may be called unexplained only after the standard evaluation yields no obvious cause. The three major factors causing infertility are: 1. sperm abnormalities; 2. disorders of ovulation; 3. anatomic ... continue reading  about  What are the proper steps to take when researching unexplained infertility?

    Toni J. Brayer

    Toni J. Brayer, M.D.

    Sutter West Bay Medical Group

    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?

    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?

    Ask the Expert Team

    Ask the Expert Team

    Sutter Health

    Breast cancer runs in my family (mother). Should I get a mammogram earlier than 40?

    This is a complicated question and involves both assessment of your actual risk, then consideration of how that should inform your screening process. Consult with your doctor to calculate your actual risk, base... continue reading  about  Breast cancer runs in my family (mother). Should I get a mammogram earlier than 40?

    Toni J. Brayer

    Toni J. Brayer, M.D.

    Sutter West Bay Medical Group

    What is the more appropriate way to treat menopausal depression, hormone replacement or SSRIs?

    There is no one answer to treating "menopausal depression". Restoring hormones (HRT) and SSRI antidepressants have both been shown to help with depression in mid-life women. There are other things that have bee... continue reading  about  What is the more appropriate way to treat menopausal depression, hormone replacement or SSRIs?

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