A drug prescribed for depression also may decrease hot flashes, a study suggests. The study included 205 women. All were beginning menopause or had completed it in the last year. They were randomly divided into two groups. One group took escitalopram (Lexapro), a depression medicine. The other took identical placebo (fake) pills. After 8 weeks, 55% of the women in the escitalopram group said their hot flashes were reduced by at least half. About 36% of those in the placebo group had such a decrease. Women who got the real drug were also more likely to say their hot flashes were less severe or bothersome than before. Researchers said the drug could be an option for women who don’t want to take hormones for hot flashes. Hormones are effective but have risks. The Journal of the American Medical Association published the study.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Everyone wants to believe that eating chocolate will offer some protection to the heart and arteries, but so far the mdeical evidence to support this idea isn’t there.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
In the past, people taking an antiplatelet medication were usually told to stop taking it temporarily before dental surgery, but doing so may increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke in the weeks following the procedure.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
In your article about blepharitis, you didn’t say anything about the best way to remove eye makeup. Are oil-based products bad for this condition?
Content restricted. Requires subscription
I recently had a pacemaker implanted. While the process was going on, I felt a pulsation. I still feel it months later. My primary care doctor thinks that my vagus nerve could have been damaged when the pacemaker was implanted. Is that possible?
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Chronic shortness of breath is a common adjunct to heart disease. Researchers have formulated new guidelines to identify and treat this condition in those who suffer from it.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
Lack of moisture in the air during the winter months tends to dry out skin. Dry skin is also a common adjunct to aging. Keeping your skin properly moisturized can help prevent conditions like eczema.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
I am a 72-year-old male in excellent health. I have been diagnosed with a 3.7-centimeter aortic aneurysm. My doctor recommends an ultrasound every six months. Are six-month checks adequate? And when should surgery be considered?
Content restricted. Requires subscription
By age 60, about 40% of people have diverticular disease, a condition characterized by protruding pouches on the colon. It’s thought that a low-fiber diet, obesity, and lack of exercise contribute to the disease.
Content restricted. Requires subscription
People who take the blood thinner warfarin have a new option, Pradaxa, which is not affected by diet and does not require its dosage to be fine-tuned.
Content restricted. Requires subscription