The vast majority of breast lumps are caused by benign breast disease, however, each and every breast lump or mass must be evaluated to ensure that cancers are diagnosed and treated promptly. Your healthcare provider will consider your risk factors, do a physical exam, and may or may not order imaging studies or further testing to determine what the cause of your breast mass may be.

Endometrial cells are shed from the inside lining of your uterus. If you are 40 years old or older and your pap smear shows benign-appearing endometrial cells, they will be reported. The presence of these cells may be normal if you are in the first portion of your menstrual cycle. In a small number of women, however, endometrial cells on your pap smear can be associated with hyperplasia or carcinoma, especially if associated with abnormal bleeding. Your healthcare provider will determine if further evaluation is needed.

Most cases of yeast infections or vulvovaginal candidiasis occur without a recognizable source. However, there are many factors that can make you more prone to developing yeast infections. These factors include antibiotic use, the use of immunosuppression drugs, diabetes, increased estrogen levels (which can occur during pregnancy or as the result of taking oral contraceptive pills), and the use of some contraceptive devices such as sponges, diaphragms, and IUDs.

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Fatigue, weakness, cold intolerance, weight gain, constipation, dry skin, depression, and menorrhagia (heavy periods) are all indicators of hypothyroidism, which is five to eight times more common in women than in men and highly underdiagnosed. A simple blood test can screen for this disorder. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should let your healthcare provider know.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), women aged 65 to 70 years of age and older, have had three or more consecutive normal pap smears and no abnormal pap smears in the last 10 years, no longer need pap smears. It is still important, however, to get regular check-ups.

For most women, menopause occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, when a woman stops having monthly periods. Menstruation ends when the ovaries stop releasing eggs and producing hormones. During perimenopause (the period of time prior to menopause), most women will start to have periods either more often or less often, have periods that are shorter than before, and experience symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness, and mood changes. Once a woman does not have her period for a full year, she has gone through menopause.

All postmenopausal women with uterine bleeding should be evaluated for endometrial cancer. However, the most common cause of bleeding in postmenopausal women is related to atrophy of the vaginal mucosa or endometrium. If you are postmenopausal and are experiencing some bleeding, please call your healthcare provider immediately for evaluation.

You are not alone! About 75% of menopausal women in the United States suffer from hot flashes. If the hot flashes are severe enough to cause sleep disturbances, then you should consider talking with your healthcare provider about your treatment options. Most women are encouraged to make lifestyle changes including keeping their core body temperature cool and getting regular exercise. There are a few nonprescription therapies available including soy foods, evening primrose oil, red clover, black cohosh, and vitamin E. If symptoms persist, some women are prescribed estrogen therapy, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), or gabapentin.

Vaginal dryness (also known as atrophic vaginitis) is a common disorder in women who are postmenopausal. There are two treatment options for women with vaginal dryness: lubricants and vaginal estrogen. Both treatment options are temporary, and the dryness may recur once the treatment is stopped. Vaginal moisturizers/lubricants can be purchased over-the-counter, do not have any hormones, and do not have any associated side effects. Vaginal estrogen must be prescribed by a healthcare provider. There are various types of estrogen products including creams, rings, and tablets, and most of these products result in little to no estrogen absorption into the bloodstream.

Bone changes associated with bone loss are mostly irreversible, so women should be doing everything they can to minimize bone loss. One of the most beneficial things women can do for bone health is to maintain good nutrition, including consuming adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D. In postmenopausal women, a daily intake of 1200 mg of calcium and about 800 IU of Vitamin D is recommended. Physical activity, including high-impact exercise, is helpful to maintain good bone health. You should also quit smoking and lessen your alcohol intake to decrease your chances of developing osteoporosis. You should also discontinue the use of some known medications that are harmful to bone health, such as glucocorticoids. In high-risk women, pharmacological therapies can be implemented to prevent osteoporosis, and this is something you should discuss with your healthcare provider.

With the use of vaginal estrogen, a very small amount of estrogen can be absorbed from the vagina into the bloodstream. In women with a past medical history of breast cancer, the safety of vaginal estrogen is unknown. If you have a history of breast cancer, talk to your healthcare provider about your risks.

Male sexual partners do not need treatment, but female sexual partners should be tested and, if necessary, treated.

A “fishy” vaginal odor may mean that you have a vaginal infection called bacterial vaginosis, also known as BV. BV is very common and occurs when there is an alteration to the number and types of bacteria usually present vagina. BV is not thought to be sexually transmitted. However, if you suspect you have BV, you should visit your healthcare provider to get tested. Medication is usually prescribed to treat BV.

Your body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium. If you do not have enough vitamin D, you are susceptible to developing weak bones and muscles. Luckily, you can change your diet, so it includes foods and drinks rich in vitamin D. These foods and drinks include: milk, orange juice, some yogurts, cooked salmon or mackerel, canned tuna fish, vitamin D-enriched cereals, and cod liver oil. People’s bodies also produce vitamin D from sunlight. If needed, supplements are another way people can get vitamin D.