Category: ask-the-doctor

I am a fair skinned Black female, aged 50. I recently lost about 60 pounds, and I am going to lose more. Losing weight has been a boost to my overall appearance but I am getting stretch marks and a “sagging” look on my lower abdomen and upper arms. My face has also gotten a lot thinner. I have found beauty products at stores that help my face not to sag or wrinkle. What products or treatments are available to help my stomach and upper arms to appear less sagging and reduce the stretch marks?

I have a friend who has type 2 diabetes. He is confused about whether to count carbs or calories? Which is better for diabetes management?

I was diagnosed with arthritis in my lower spine. Recently, a doctor told me I may have spinal stenosis, not arthritis. What is the difference between the two?

How much folic acid does a woman need during pregnancy?

Is there a cure for macular degeneration? If not, what can I do to prevent it from getting worse? Will my children get it? What causes it in the first place? Could I have prevented it by doing something earlier in life? (I am 78.)

I get recurrent yeast infections after I have sexual intercourse. Does this mean my partner has an infection that needs to be treated?

Is it necessary to get a yearly pap smear after you have had a hysterectomy?

How often should a 65-year-old man have a stress test? What other tests for my heart are recommended?

I am a 20-year-old female. I have hair on my chest, back, and stomach. According to a TV show, women get hair in those areas when they are pregnant because of hormones and the hair goes away upon delivery. I am not pregnant. I am wondering if I have a hormone problem. If so, is there a way to treat it?

My mom (age 62) is experiencing a lot of hair loss. She had her thyroid tested and the results were normal. But her hair still keeps coming out. What are other possible causes? Are there any other tests or treatments you recommend?