What can you do for vaginal dryness beside KY Jelly?
A lubricant called “wet platinum” is available over the counter.
Dr. A. I’m 49 and perimenopausal. I also have fibroids. Are there any case studies that indicate fibroids can prohibit the progression of menopause?
Fibroids affect menses, but have not been shown to affect the time in life that a woman enters menopause.
I am 57 yrs old. I had a hysterectomy in 2006 – went straight into menopause. Why am I still having HOT FLASHES?
Hot flashes can persist beyond ten years and there are non hormonal options to manage them, which you can discuss with your provider.
Is Estroven good for menopause?
Mild symptoms can be well managed with Estroven.
My menopause was medically induced because of breast cancer. Will my symptoms be longer/worse because it wasn’t natural?
A\No, your symptoms’ duration will be affected by your health and your genetics, not medical induction.
What does soy milk do to the body?
Dietary soy milk does not provide adequate estrogen replacement, nor does it affect blood levels. There are soy products for menopause which provide soy isoflavones which have been shown to be effective in treating hot flashes. Use soy protein, foods or extract for this purpose as directed, & inform your provider that you are using them.
Why do we start growing hair on our face?
Hair growth of the face, breasts, abdomen can occur when relative levels of estrogen decline, such that more male hormone (which is always present in women in low levels) is produced.
When do the mood changes stop/or slow down?
Mood changes are most intense during initial hormonal level decline and fluctuation. These changes decrease or disappear once the low level of hormone is stabilized.
What advice do you have for women who go into surgical menopause at an early age?
Early menopause causes increased cardiovascular and bone loss risk. Assessment for temporary use of hormonal therapy, to prevent this risk, can be determined by your provider.
If a woman experiences lack of menstrual bleeding due to IUD or other by birth control, what other symptoms can they use to determine whether they’re experiencing menopause?
There are many causes of lack of regular cycles. Testing blood, ultrasound, and clinical history can determine the diagnosis.
Can you please ask the doctor if taking biotin each day is a good supplemental?
Biotin is a healthy supplement, which affects hair, skin, & nails.
Is it OK to take estrogen if you have varicose veins?
Generally, yes. A referral to a vascular surgeon for varicose veins can ensure that they are not associated with blood clotting.
Good Morning Dr A, I had just had a post-menopausal episode of a full menstrual cycle. What could be the cause? I’m 68 and have been out of menopause for a while.
Postmenopausal bleeding is always abnormal and warrants a doctor visit to do the investigative testing to determine an underlying cause.
Good morning, Dr. A. How do you feel about the pallets and testosterone cream?
Testosterone cream is prescribed to increase libido and sexual fulfillment. There can be masculine side effects. The use should be monitored.
What do you recommend for hot flashes that’s all natural?
Hot flashes cannot always be managed “naturally”, but phytoestrogens (like Estroven) and black cohosh (like Remifemin) are effective. There are also non-hormonal prescribed medications to effectively treat this symptom.
Can you have aches and pains in your body like a burning sensation when you’re going through menopause?
Aches and pains indicate arthritic changes of aging, and may be more noticeable due to the effects of menopause. Burning sensation is not a likely symptom of menopause.
There are so many multivitamins on the market. Is there one you recommend?
Digestion of vitamins is a major issue for women of all ages. Chose one with 1500mg of calcium and 600IU of Vitamin D, and discuss your digestion and daily ingestion of all pills with your provider to make the best choice that you are likely to absorb well.
How does the Dr feel about Biote? My doctor spoke to me about that.
This “bioidentical hormone” is a testosterone pellet therapy to improve mood, memory & sleep. There is limited scientific data for long-term effects of these hormones. Discuss this option, along with natural options (such as melatonin, gingko biloba,& vitamins for memory) with your provider.
I am 56 years old and still getting regular periods. Is this a sign of good health?
Many women of color continue to have regular cycles through their late 50s, & it does indicate longevity and good health.
Good morning! Is black cohosh a good supplement for hot flashes?
Yes, I have many patients who got relief from its use.
I was postmenopausal before the age of 30. How uncommon is that for Black women?
That is uncommon. It is important that you continue to review the health impact of early menopause (including bone loss, genitourinary syndrome,& cardiovascular risks) with your provider.
What are your thoughts on wild yam cream and muscadine grapeseed skin extract?
These natural products can be effective, and have minimal side effects. If they provide relief or improvement, be sure that your provider is aware that you are using.
I am a 5-year breast cancer survivor and continue to experience hot flashes. However, I notice when I exercise, the hot flashes aren’t as bad. Is there any evidence that exercising helps to reduce hot flashes?
Exercise does reduce this vasomotor symptom and release endorphins. Good weight management and health can minimize or eliminate hot flashes. There are also non-hormonal prescription options.
Hi Dr A, I’m 54 and had my IUD removed 30 days ago. My cycle has not returned. Should I get another IUD just in case? I DO NOT want a late in life pregnancy.
It is normal that your menses has not returned, and blood tests can determine if you are still fertile and need contraception.
What of you go 12 consecutive months with no periods and then 6 months later start having periods again?? I’m in the full-blown menopause stage now.
An evaluation for the underlying cause of bleeding should be done by your provider.
My wife went through irregular periods in her early 30s where she would be on when she should have been off and off when she should have been on. Then a couple years later we started having kids back to back. Our youngest out of 4 kids is 22 months and she’s going through irregular periods again and she’s almost 50. Should I beware of more kids?
Her irregular cycles are likely due to a medical cause which is not menopause (like irregular ovulation). Blood tests can confirm if she is fertile.
is there is something I can take for my flashes that don’t raise my blood glucose levels?
There are options to treat hot flashes in diabetic women; your provider can select the type, dose, & duration based on your medical history.
Question for Dr. Afriye Amerson: Is there any specific weight loss regimen that’s good / bad for women in menopause? Battle of the bulge is getting epic!
The specifics of your health history must be reviewed to devise a specific program. Reduction of saturated fats, total caloric intake, & increasing exercise to at least 3 times weekly is a good start.
What natural supplement can I take for hot flashes and insomnia?
Melatonin is effective for insomnia. Phytoestrogens and black cohosh are useful for hot flashes.
I’m 48 and 2 years ago I was diagnosed with uterine fibroids. In 2017, I had DVT/PE my OB Dr. recommended hysterectomy but I’m not interested in going having surgery because of my blood clots. I’m on blood thinners now. What do you suggest for me and does drinking coffee make it worse?
Caffeine does not have an effect. Your complicated medical history makes fibroid management challenging, but the key in management is to prevent anemia from blood loss, and to control pain from fibroids.
DR. AFRIYE ((PRONOUNCED AF-FREE-YAY)) AMERSON IS A BOARD-CERTIFIED OB/GYN. SHE IS LICENSED IN BOTH NEW JERSEY AND ILLINOIS, AND CURRENTLY PRACTICES IN ILLINOIS. DURING HER TRAINING AT GEORGE WASHINGTON MEDICAL SCHOOL, DR. AMERSON ALSO STUDIED EASTERN AND AFRICAN HEALING ARTS. SHE BECAME A REIKI MASTER, AND PRACTICES HOLISTIC HEALING AS WELL AS TRADITIONAL WESTERN MEDICINE.
AFFECTIONATELY KNOWN AS “DR. A”, SHE JUGGLES A JAM-PACKED SCHEDULE OF SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS, PATIENTS, LAB RESEARCH, HOSPITAL DEMANDS, AND SPIN CLASS. IN HER 18-YEARS OF PRACTICE, DR. AMERSON HAS ENCOUNTERED A WIDE SPECTRUM OF ISSUES FACING WOMEN’S HEALTH AND FAMILIES, INCLUDING SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF FIBROIDS & OVARIAN TUMORS, MANAGEMENT OF MENOPAUSE, PRENATAL CARE & DELIVERY, COUNSELING ON SEXUAL HEALTH & WELLNESS, FEMALE CANCERS, INFERTILITY AND MORE.
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