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FAQ
My most often asked question:
Dear Dr. Lera,
I am 45 years old and going through menopause. I want to avoid HRT if I can
for now but I feel I need to start paying more attention to my health and
perhaps add some natural supplements to my diet. The problem is there are
so many nutritional products on the market I really don't know where to start or
what might be good for me. Can you tell me where to find reliable information.
JC
answer:
I am very glad to hear that you are aware of the necessity of good
nutrition with adequate supplementation of the elements that might be missing in
a typical diet. However, I understand your problem completely.
I have looked myself for what I consider to be reliable information about the
countless products available and have found it very difficult to obtain
consistent information. For that reason I will simply refer you to a
manufacturers website that makes the nutritional supplements that I use
personally. I know from personal experience that these are excellent
products and in the end that is the best advice I can give you. I think
you will find the information on this website quite valuable as well. If you
choose to use any of these products, please drop me a line and let me know how
they worked for you.
Your Friend,
Dr. Lera
Please click here for
Supplements
For an email response to your question click here to ASK
DR. LERA
Q.
I have been under a physician's care for almost two
years because my body
doesn't seem to be able to absorb iron. I am on iron
prescriptions and take
two b-12 injections weekly. Everything was normal about 8
months ago so we
cut back on the prescriptions and when I returned 3 months later for a
follow-up I had regressed. The iron is hard on my digestive
system and my
doctor has basically said that I may have to continue this regimen
indefinitely --- I have never been able to find out why I do not absorb
iron
and I am not ready to accept this verdict. I'm still young!! I'm in my
mid-60s, quite active, and am still actively employed. Do you have any
suggestions to help remedy my lack of iron absortion? Thank you so very
much for your time.
A.
Thank you for your email,
There are a few things that will reduce your ability to absorb iron.
Among these are caffeine, calcium-rich, and high fiber foods. In contrast,
Vitamin C increases iron absorption, and Vitamin A helps the body to
better use iron stored in the liver. Many minerals can influence iron
absorption, such as Ca, Zinc, Copper, and Manganese. Iron should be taken
separately from the following medications, as they may inhibit absorption:
Antibiotics in the tetracycline or quinolone (Floxin, Cipro) families, ACE
inhibitors, levodopa, methyldopa, carbidopa, penicillamine, thyroid
hormone, Calcium, soy, Zinc, Copper, or Manganese.
There are many potential reasons for your problem and I am sure your
Doctor is doing his best to find a solution. Sometimes this
kind of problem can be resolved by simply using the right supplements to
achieve the chemical balance your body seeks. I personally have
had very good results in achieving appropriate mineral balance by using T.
J. Clark's Legendary Colloidal Mineral Formula. Minerals are
combinations of elements and they are only useful to your body in the
right combinations. You may use the Supplements link on my site
to learn more about this product.
Your Friend,
Dr. Lera
Q.
Hi, I am a 16 year old and a friend told me that she took a
vitamin to make her grow and I was wondering if this T. J. Clark vitamin
would hurt my body and if would really work! I am only 5 feet tall and
miserable. Please write me back.
Sincerely
short stuff A.
Hi, How tall you can be is genetic. How tall you will
be can depend on getting the right nutrition. In that way the
special phytogenic nutritional compounds from T. J. Clark will help. You
need more than just vitamins, minerals are especially important at your
age. There will soon be complete "Life Source" nutritional
packages from T. J. Clark. Keep a close eye on their site at http://www.tjclarkminerals.com
. Now is a very good time to begin understanding what proper
nutrition is and how it affects everything we can be.
Having said that, remember, you still have five or six years to grow,
besides the world is full of many beautiful, successful people that are
your height.
Your Friend,
Dr. Lera
Q.
Dr Lera,
Both my wife and I have been taking the Legendary Colloidal Mineral
Formula for about 18 months now. I must say that it certainly
has had beneficial effects for both of us. Although I am
continuing with the minerals, my wife has stopped taking it.... pending
the answer to the following question.
Can my wife continue to take the minerals, as we have just had it
confirmed that she is 10 weeks pregnant (by the way, at this early stage,
you are one of the first people to know !!) ?
She is currently suffering from continuous sickness and vomiting (sorry to
inflict the details on you !)....however, what she TRIES to eat and keep
down is very healthy. The problem lies in the fact that she is
not getting a balanced diet as she cannot stomach either meat or
vegetables or fruit ! ! ! Not even a staple diet of chocolate
is working !!!!
So, my thoughts are that she can at least get her mineral requirement from
the Colloidal Minerals, and supplement with the appropriate vitamins i.e.
folic acid and vitamin C.
I understand that advice for expecting mums is difficult, but could you
please help as she is becoming very tied and run down, including suffering
from the biggest cold-sore I have ever seen !
Thanks in advance for your help...... I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards and Happy New Year to you
S & J
PS Would it be possible to have the mass of each of the minerals in the
recommended daily dose... I am sure there are normal manufacturing and raw
material tolerances that vary, but an average level of each mineral would
be very helpful as I can then check this with a doctor/dietician here.
A.
Dear S & J ,
Congratulations! That is some really great news!
To answer some of your questions:
T. J. Clark Colloidal Minerals Formula™, are developed from phytogenic
(plant-source minerals) specifically to supplement the balance of the
body’s natural chemical production. The formula contains up to 70 of the
94 naturally occurring elements, including all of the essential minerals,
in trace (tiny) amounts. The elemental levels
contained in this product are safe and non-toxic. This formula
does not contain RDA levels of all the minerals, rather it supplies all of
the phytogenic compounds that you are unlikely to get anywhere else. To
get all of the minerals you need I suggest you try the Mineral
Package which contains Colloidal Mineral
Formula, Chelated Trace
Mineral RDA’s
and Major Minerals.
I believe if you do an honest evaluation of the foods you eat, you will
find that supplementation is very necessary and there are many nutrients
you should have at this very special time. Some of the other
things you should consider are:
The vitamin folate is particularly important before conception and during
the first twelve weeks of pregnancy. Extra folate at this time reduces the
risk of having a baby with a neural tube defect, such as spina bifida.
All women of child bearing age, especially those planning a pregnancy are
advised to take daily supplements (400 micro-grams) of folic acid (the
manufactured form of folate). Folic acid also helps stimulate the
mother’s appetite.
During the first 6 months of pregnancy, most women do not need to eat more
food than normal. The body becomes more efficient at absorbing and using
nutrients from food. For example, the additional requirement for calcium
is likely to be met without increased intake from the diet as long as
calcium intake is in line with recommendations (700mg/day) and adequate
vitamin D is obtained from food and the action of sunlight on the
mother’s skin. Vitamin D is needed for the absorption of calcium.
Adequate Vitamin A intake during pregnancy and lactation is important. The
amount is a matter of balance. Too much vitamin A, as actual, preformed
vitamin A (vitamin A Palmitate, cod liver oil, etc) should be avoided
during pregnancy and during the period of pre-conception. But the
definition of Atoo much@ is primarily a matter of speculation. As will be
seen from the following compilation of references, the estimate of what is
safe and what is not safe is based primarily on animal data,
epidemiological studies, and subject to considerable interpretive latitude
and, perhaps, bias.
There is no question but that one wants to err on the side of caution when
evaluating dosage levels of a nutrient that may affect fetal development.
But too little vitamin A can lead to problems as well. The data that
follows shows that most experts recommend a level of vitamin A during
pregnancy that ranges from 4,000 IU to 10,000 IU. My personal
recommendation, a bit more on the cautious side, would be 4,000 IU to
8,000 IU of vitamin A.
Protein. Besides more food and more calories, pregnant women need nearly
twice as much protein as the 45 grams usually required; 75–85 (even up
to 100) grams of protein are needed daily during pregnancy
Calcium is also very important. Calcium needs in general are more than 50
percent greater during pregnancy, particularly the second half. If the
mother is not obtaining sufficient calcium, her body will pull it from her
bones to nourish the growing fetus. At least 1,200 mg. of calcium are
needed daily
Iron is another crucial nutrient, needed to help build blood cells in the
mother and fetus. Iron also aids in disease resistance and elimination.
The iron needs more than double, to at least 30–60 mg. per day and
likely more. Estimates suggest that women need somewhere between 15–20
mg. absorbed, and absorption is only about 10–20 percent of that
ingested, thus pregnant women need an intake likely over 100 mg. daily
(and if anemic, probably more).
DAILY NUTRIENT PROGRAM FOR PREGNANT WOMEN
(RANGE—RDA TO OPTIMUM)
Calories* 2,300–3,200
Fiber 10–15 g.
Protein* 75–90 g.
Vitamin A* 6,000–10,000 IUs Calcium* 1,200–1,600 mg.
Beta-carotene 10,000–15,000 IUs Chloride+ 2–4 g.
Vitamin D 400–600 IUs Chromium 200–400 mcg.
Vitamin E* 50–400 IUs Copper 2–3 mg.
Vitamin K 100–400 mcg. Fluoride+ 1.5–3.5 mg.
Thiamine (B1) 1.5–50 mg. Iodine*+ 175–350 mcg.
Riboflavin (B2) 1.5–30 mg. Iron*# 40–80 mg.
Niacin (B3) 16–100 mg. Magnesium* 450–1,000 mg.
Pantothenic acid (B5) 7–250 mg. Manganese 2.5–15 mg.
Pyridoxine (B6) 2.6–100 mg. Molybdenum 150–500 mcg.
Cobalamin (B12) 4–200 mcg. Phosphorus*+ 1,200–1,600 mg.
Folic acid* 800–1,200 mcg. Potassium+ 2–5 g.
Biotin 200–500 mcg. Selenium 150–300 mcg.
Choline 50–250 mg. Sodium*+ 2.5–4.0 g.
Inositol 50–250 mg. Zinc* 20–40 mg.
PABA 10–50 mg. Essential fatty acids** 2–3 teaspoons
Vitamin C*++ 80–1,000 mg.
Bioflavonoids 100–250 mg.
There are some things which you can do to help yourself (this does NOT
apply to diabetic women!). Most strategies are directed at attempts to
keep the blood sugar levels from crashing to low levels. Eating and
drinking before one gets out of bed in the morning is the initial effort.
Simple sugars begin to enter the blood stream in the mouth. So, the
combination of a simple sugar (for example, juice) and a more complex
carbohydrate (a cookie or cracker) will begin to immediately raise one's
blood sugar and keep it above fasting levels for an hour or so. A good way
to do this is to keep some juice and cookies next to your bed. Set your
alarm to sound 20 minutes before you actually need to get up. Drink some
juice and eat a cookie and lie back down for 15 minutes. When you get up,
eat breakfast immediately. Try to eat some complex carbohydrates, some
fats and some protein with that meal in order to maintain higher blood
sugars for a longer period of time (nutritional slow-release). Then,
instead of eating 3 meals per day, stretch your daily intake over many
smaller meals throughout the day.
The vitamin, B6 (pyridoxine), may also help. In doses of 10-25 mg, taken
several times throughout the day, the vitamin has shown some value in
decreasing nausea.
Best Regards
Dr Lera Q.
I am 37 years old and nursing our 10 month old
child. He is our fifth. I
have usually started menstruating after the ninth month with all the
subsequent births. My mother stopped menstruating after her
sixth live birth
at the age of 38 years old. My eldest sister has been going
through
menopause for 5 years now. She is 43 years old. My
older sister is starting
therapy for her onset of menopause, her age is 41.
My question is: When do I realize that I am entering perimenopause or full
blown menopause? Do I assume since menstruation has not resumed
that I am on
my early path like my family members? I already have
experienced vaginal
dryness and some emotional irritability. I also have another
concern that
may be linked with early symptoms of menopause, high iron levels
discovered
6months ago.
Any help in the above mentioned question would be greatly appreciated.
Thank
you, T. M. A.
Hi,
Some women go through menopause before age 51 and some experience it a bit
later. Early menopause is defined as occurring at any age younger than age
40. Early menopause can occur naturally, but premature menopausal symptoms
may signal an underlying condition, so it is important to discuss any
symptoms with your healthcare professional. Menopause can occur as early
as your 30s and, rarely, as late as in your 60s. However, there is no
correlation between the time of a woman's first period and her age at
menopause. In addition, age at menopause is not influenced by race,
height, the number of children a woman has had, or whether she took oral
contraceptives for birth control.
What does influence the time of menopause? Genetics are a key factor. And,
cigarette smoking can cause you to reach menopause two years earlier than
nonsmokers.
Early menopause is generally diagnosed as menopause occurring prior to the
age of 40. Women who undergo an early menopause are at increased risk of
heart disease and osteoporosis. If you have an early menopause you should
therefore be strongly reassured that you can safely take hormone therapy
until the age of 50 or thereabouts. Hormone therapy from the time of early
menopause until age 50 is not associated with an increased overall risk of
breast cancer. It is generally safe to take hormone therapy until age 50
or 51 and the described risks of hormone therapy then start from that age.
Side effects are really no different.
Best Regards,
Dr. Lera Q.
I have been on HRT for 4 years and I am 56. Is there any risk
of pregnancy
now?
Thanks L. N.
A.
Hi, L N. Assuming that everything is still
working---the answer is Yes!
Dr. Lera
Q.
Dear Dr.Lera
I am a very frustrated 33 year old male. I am in good general health and
up
until about a week ago have always been enjoying a good sex life. I am
currently waiting for an appointment with a doctor to find out more, but
in
the mean time I wanted to find out as much info as possible about what is
happening to me. Whatever infomation you could provide would help greatly.
Is it possible/common that a guy can loose his erection ability? I have
always had good firm erections in the past and last week, I was with my
girl
friend (8 months) and I couldn't achieve an erection, I wanted too and was
quite aroused but couldn't perform. Since then, we have tried several more
times and still nothing. My penis remains fairly flaccid with just a
little
bit of blood coming into it. Certainly not enough to have intercourse!
Things are becoming quite hectic...even after just one week, my girlfriend
is frustrated and I am getting to the point where I start to cry...I mean
after all!! this is my maleness I'm talking about. I can't go through life
not being able to get erections and have sex. This has to be the worst
thing
a man can experience. So, I guess my concerns are, is it possible to just
loose the ability to achieve erections? What might be some of the leading
causes? What questions should I ask my doctor? And God almighty! is there
anything that can be done??
Please respond as soon as possible,
Frustrated
A.
Dear Frustrated,
Erection failure is as common as sunshine if the truth were known. During
lovemaking, women also go in and out of sexual excitement, but it's just
not as obvious.
The first possibility is that you're experiencing the normal variations in
arousal that most men start having while they're still young. Worrying
about these can create a "sex problem" that didn't need to
happen.
Another possibility is that your erections are being affected by alcohol
or by medications. Minimize alcohol use when you're hoping to make love,
and check with your physician about the effects of any meds you may be
taking.
Set up a series of no-way-to-fail experiments with your partner.
Understand that you can satisfy her with a "soft-on" too.
Plan several lovemaking encounters without intercourse. Invent new ways to
pleasure each other. Instead of focusing on arousal and orgasm,
concentrate on intimacy and pleasure.
Both sexual arousal in general and erection in particular come easier when
there's no pressure. I recommend that you read Dr. Bernie Zilbergeld's
book, The New Male Sexuality. If these home remedies don't get you on
track, see a urologist for a medical evaluation and then a sex therapist
for specific assistance. Often a few sessions are all that's needed to
resolve this very normal difficulty.
Dr. Lera
Q.
Dear doctor,
I would like to know what is the safest time i can have sex without
getting
pregnant?( safe period for sex)
thanks, I.O.
A.
Dear I.O.,
Forget everything you have heard about when pregnancy occurs. According to
researchers at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences,
only about 30 percent of women actually have their fertile period between
days 10 and 17 of their menstrual cycle. This adds validity to what many
'accidentally' pregnant women, have long suspected.
Researchers found that the potential for fertility exists on almost every
day of a woman's menstrual cycle. Most women in the study were between the
ages of 25 and 35--prime reproductive age and the age when menstrual
cycles are most regular. The window of fertility was found to be even more
unpredictable for teenagers and women approaching menopause.
Few days of the menstrual cycle during which some women are not
potentially capable of becoming pregnant-- including even the day on which
they may expect their next menses to begin. Thank you for your
question,
Dr. Lera
Q.
Dear Dr. Lera Before
I found out that I was pregnant, I had excessive hair loss, in which
my dermatologist prescribed me Biotin-800mcg. Can I continue to
take it
along with my prenatal pills. Or will the biotin harm my baby,
I am 13
weeks pregnant. Thank you
A.
Hi,
Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid supplemental doses of
biotin greater than the adequate intakes - 30 micrograms/day for pregnant
women and 35 micrograms/day for nursing mothers. Thank you for
your question. Dr. Lera
Q.
Hello Dr. Lera, I'm 19years old and are
experiencing some problems,
when not erect my penis is really small, only about 3inches,
yet when erect my penis reaches an average 7.5inches
I was wondering hoping for your advise to my problem as it is becoming
quite a
concern for me and has turned off women in the past,
please give me your advice and tell me what i should do
thanking u in advance,
N. M.
A.
Dear N. M.,
Truthfully, most women don't think about size all that much. Most women
report that the emotional connection they have with their partner, plus
skillful lovemaking technique that focuses on their centers of pleasure,
are what make them most satisfied. Women do not report more orgasms or
greater pleasure during intercourse with larger penises. The pleasure a
woman enjoys during intercourse is often not related to the penis' size at
all; she may enjoy the way it stimulates the nerve endings at the mouth of
the vagina, the way it bumps her cervix (though do note: some women hate
having their cervix bumped, so longer penises can be more *un*comfortable
for some women) and the contact she has with her partner's body.
Thank you for your question.
Dr. Lera
Q.
Dr. Lera,
Hi, I'm a 33 year
old white female, I haven't had a period for 7
month's now,
(I do plan on setting an appointment up with my doctor). And I know this
is a
very long time to go without seeing your doctor, but it's something you
just
put off, thinking it will come! My fear is "Not wanting to know
what's really
wrong".
What concern's me is
some of the thing's that's happening to me
also, My hand's are swollen in the morning, My back ache's terribly in the
morning time. Once I start moving around I'm fine, I have trouble sleeping
at
night, but never want to get up in the morning (I could actually sleep all
day) After releasing my urine in the morning's my side's ache, And I've
gained
about 23 pound's in the last year, and I've always been a very tiny person
I've weighed 106pound's even after my 2 children, Now I weigh 130,(WHICH
IS
A LOT TO ME) Is there any advice you can give me till I can get in to my
Doctor. Thanks so much!!!! Very
Worried... A.
Dear Very Worried,
It is very hard to tell without gynecologic examination, so based on your
common symptoms I suspect, that it can be Polycystic ovary syndrome, a
syndrome consisting of amenorrhea, hirsutism, back pain and obesity in
association with enlarged polycystic ovaries.
An ultrasound scan or laparoscopy, ovarian biopsy, urinalysis will help to
diagnose. Please, visit your doctor. Thank you for
your question. Dr. Lera
Q.
By the way, your web site is fantastic! Thank
you Thank you
I am beginning another IVF cycle shortly and want to be assured that it is
o.k. to take 1500 milligrams of Vitamin C daily. Linus
Pauling and his followers say it is o.k. - what is your distinct opinion.
Please I go in for embryo
transfer on Oct. 29th.
Thank you, V.
L. A.
Dear V. L., Thank you, for the compliment about my web
site. I am very glad that you like it.
Personally, I think 500 mg would be more appropriate. There is
some evidence that large doses could lead to miscarriage.
Best regards. And thank you for your question.
Dr. Lera
Q.
Dear Dr. Lera I am getting a B6 shot every
two weeks for weight loss along with exercise
and a prescription called adipex. It seems to be working on the weight but
I
wanted to know if the b6 pills are as good as the shots and how much of
the
pill would I have to take to get the same affect as the injection. Thank
you! N.T. A.
Dear N.T., Injections work better than pills
but you can get similar assimilation with a quality liquid like the Liquid
B6 product offered by T. J. Clark & Company. You might also
try their Weight Loss System Package together with their Complete Daily
Nutrition Package (which contains all the essential elements necessary to
guarantee your body has the crucial building blocks to function properly). The
logic of these packages is simply to offset the reason you are hungry. It
is the only system I have seen that actually makes sense. To get more
information you can visit this site
http://www.tjclarkminerals.com/weight_loss/weight_loss.htm
http://www.tjclarkminerals.com/life_source_packages/weight_losspackage.htm
Thank you for your question.
Dr. Lera
Q.
My Husband will be turning 53 years old this
month, we have been married for 33 years, have 2 children and
four grandchildren. I am also going to be 53
next month. My problem is, that after 33 years of married life, we cannot
seem to agree on anything. My husband has become aggressive, not
physically,
but mentally.
Things I have done for 33 years, are irritating him, and when he discloses
with me what they are, I try my hardest to correct them. Such as, he was
unhappy because I was not keeping the kitchen clean, Sometimes I am tired,
as
I work 8 hrs. a day 5 days a week, but I have been faithful to keep it
clean, now. There is a whole list of things that irritate him, and he has
me
crying a lot of the time. I try not too, but I feel sometimes like I am
also
starting to go through the change of life, and my emotions are
stronger. Sometimes he says things, I know that he is trying intentionally
to
hurt me with, and make me cry. If I disagree with him, there is no
discussion, it is just that I am bitching. He says I always get my way,
but I
don't know what my way is anymore. He also openly flirts with other women,
in
front of me. He has changed in so many ways. Even our children have
noticed
it. They have talked to both of us about our arguing, and I have really
tried, but it just seems like he ends up hurting me terribly with
something
he says. He has gone to our Dr. and she has him taking zoloft for
depression.
It has helped a little, but he is still blowing up over little things that
are happening. Do you think I should talk to the Dr. about him? I have a
breast problem, that will prevent me from taking hormones, for risk of
breast
cancer. What do you think can be his problem? He seems healthy. But, he
seems
to be aging lately. Anything would help me right now. Please give me some
advise....Thank you for your time, N.T. A.
Dear N.T, Perhaps your husband is going through andropause. We
read a lot and hear a lot about menopause, but very little about male
menopause (andropause). Not so many people know that men go through a
change very much like women in their middle years. They, like women,
experience complex hormonal rhythms that affect their sexuality, mood, and
temperament. These changes affect all aspects of a man's life.
Male menopause is thus a psychological, interpersonal, social and
spiritual dimension. Men have reported having as many premenstrual type
symptoms as women do (reduced or increased energy, irritability, and other
negative moods, black pain, sleeplessness, headaches, confusion, etc.). Dear
N.T , you can read more about what happens with men during andropause and
what kind symptoms they go through on my site http://www.drlera.com/whatismm.htm Something
that might help get through this hard period for both of you is something
like these supplemental nutritional packages, T. J. Clark's Life Source
Staying Young After 40 - Male Package . You may see this
package for him at: http://www.tjclarkminerals.com/life_source_packages/malepackage.htm ,
and for you there is T. J. Clark's Life Source Staying Young After 40 -
Female Package ( http://www.tjclarkminerals.com/life_source_packages/femalepackage.htm ) These
packages will help you and your husband more easily go through this
period. They contain the necessary nutrients and natural hormones that
your body needs. For excessive stress I recommend you
try T. J. Clark's Life Source Emotional Support Package ( http://www.tjclarkminerals.com/life_source_packages/emotionalsupport_package.htm
) These packages contain many natural nutritional compounds to help adjust
your body's chemistry.
Understanding the changes this part of your lives brings will help you
take the steps necessary to make the transition as painless as possible. You
may find that you both may need a little stronger medicine. If
that is the case you may want to see a qualified physician who can help
you both with some hormone replacement therapy. It is quite
possible however that the nutritional packages I recommended to you will
be all that you need.
Best Regards,
Your Friend,
Dr. Lera
Q.
Dr. Lera,
Just a quick one....my husband and I enjoy a very healthy sex life, but I
was wondering if it is normal for me to feel his ejaculate running out of
me when we are finished, even when just lying there. Women in
the movies never get up to go clean up in the bathroom....just wondering
if it is normal that I have to! Thank you.
I. L.
A.
Dear I. L., Don’t worry it is normal. What we see in the
movies not always true. It all depends on the amount and concentration of
your husband ejaculate.
Best Regards,
Dr. Lera
Q.
Hi Dr. Lera I have a
brother who is 58 years old, and because of stress in business and
personally, he has not been able to sleep. His doctor finally
prescribed ambien. He says it works..when he has a couple of drinks (I am
not sure what, red wine perhaps). Is this a good idea. Is the
drug habit forming? what are the side effects of this drug? thank you. O.
N.
A.
Dear O. N., Here is Most Common Side Effects of Ambien:
· Daytime drowsiness
· Dizziness
· Lightheadedness
· Difficulty with coordination
The most commonly observed side effects in controlled clinical trials of
AMBIEN were drowsiness (2%), dizziness (1%), and diarrhea (1%).
You may find that sleep medicines make you sleepy during the day. How
drowsy you feel depends on how your body reacts to the medicine, which
sleep medicine you're taking, and how large a dose your doctor has
prescribed.
Daytime drowsiness is best avoided by taking the lowest dose possible that
will still help you sleep at night. Your doctor will work with you to find
the dose that's best for you.
To manage these side effects while you're taking this medicine:
· When you first start taking AMBIEN (or any other sleep medicine), use
extreme care while doing anything that requires complete alertness, such
as driving a car, operating machinery, or piloting an aircraft, until you
know whether the medicine will have some carryover effect on you the next
day.
· Never drink alcohol while you are being treated with any sleep
medicine. Alcohol can increase its action and side effects.
· Do not take any other medicines without asking your doctor first. This
includes medicines you can buy without a prescription. Some medicines can
cause drowsiness and are best avoided while taking sleep aids.
· Always take the exact dose of sleep aid prescribed by your doctor.
Never change your dose without talking to your doctor first.
Special Concerns
Some special concerns that may arise while taking sleep medicines include
memory problems, tolerance, dependence, withdrawal, and changes in
behavior and thinking.
Dependence
Addiction, or dependence, can be caused by some sleep medicines,
especially when they are used regularly for longer than a few weeks or at
high doses. People who have been dependent on alcohol or other drugs in
the past may have a greater chance of becoming addicted to sleep
medicines.
As an alternative to prescription drugs your Brother might try Melatonin.
Melatonin is a natural anti-aging hormone secreted by the pineal gland. It
has been found to be a safe and effective sleep aid with no side effects.
More information about Melatonin can be found at http://www.tjclarkminerals.com/Products/melatonin.htm
Thank you for your question.
Your friend,
Dr. Lera
Q.
Dr. Lera;
What kind of side effects are possible when taking testosterone
injections, Can you give me the pros and cons of this type of treatment.
Thank you
K. L.
A.
Dear K. L.,
Hormone Replacement Therapy can provide some desirable benefits but it is
not without its downside. You can find some information on
Testosterone at http://www.888younger.com/testosterone_display.html
The first step is to determine your existing levels before supplementation
is initiated. You should seek competent help with any program
of HRT. You might find that a simple combination of DHEA and
Androstenedione will bring your Testosterone levels into your desirable
range. You can find information on these two hormones at http://www.tjclarkminerals.com/Products/dhea.htm
and http://www.tjclarkminerals.com/Products/androstenedione.htm
Best Regards,
Dr. Lera
Q.
Hi, am a 25 year old wife and mother of 2. My
husband and I have been
together for 7 years, and he is 11 years older than me, he also works out
of
town 95% of the time, so sex is few and far between. I find myself too
tired
to have sex I have even fallen asleep during, I try using that as an
excuse
the truth is I'm really not interested any more, it's too messy, and I
find
myself wanting to bathe before and after. So sex has lost it's
"spark", When
my husband and I are "together" I find myself climaxing way
before he does.
I'm scared, and I want to please my husband but I don't know how to get
over
every thing, especially my "hitting the big O" before he does,
please help...
I am afraid that if I don't make him happy sexually that he we find it
else
where... Scared
A.
Dear Scared,
Sounds like you might just need some more energy. I suggest
that you make sure your chemistry is in proper balance, i.e., proper
nutrition, hormone levels and no unnecessary medications.
Thank you for your question,
Dr. Lera
Q.
Dear Dr. Lera, I am 41 years old and feel I
am in the early stages of menopause. I take a multivitamin, but
would like to take extra vitamin B. What should take and how
much?
A.
Hi,
I suggest you try a complete complement of needed vitamins, minerals and
hormones to make the transition as painless as possible.
You might try:
http://www.tjclarkminerals.com/Products/complete_b.htm
http://www.tjclarkminerals.com/life_source_packages/femalepackage.htm
http://www.tjclarkminerals.com/life_source_packages/complete_package.htm
Good supplements will go a long way toward balancing your chemistry and
may be all you need. If you find your symptoms too
uncomfortable even with the supplementation, I suggest you visit your
Gynecologist for some additional HRT.
Thank you for your question,
Dr. Lera
Q.
Dear Dr. Lera,
I am 35 years old. I had my first child at the age of 32 years. I
was
a single woman until the age of 31 years. I am with a 49 year
old
man who I love very much. He is the father of my child. We
have been
together for over 4 years. Since I had my son I have lost
sexual desire. I
mean I don't even get excited over anything!!!! My husband is
at a lost.
He has been very open about needing some kind of sexual relationship, but
if
I don't have sex I really don't care.
I was the type of person (before I had my son) to have regular orgasms.
Either on my own or with someone. My sexual relationship with
my partner
now was great!! Before I had my son. Now it's just
nothing!!!
I can go months without. And my husband is very fustrated!!! He
still
has desires!
What can I do? Please let me know as soon as you can!!!
Lost for loving feelings,
L. V.
A.
Dear L. V.,
There can be many reasons why you lose your sexual desire. Not
wanting to have sex does not mean that you don't want closeness with your
partner. It's common to still want to cuddle your partner but not want
intercourse.
causes of loss of desire can be;
· after childbirth
· extreme tiredness
· depression
· side effects of medication such as anti-depressants
· hormone imbalance (eg after hysterectomy)
· alcohol and drug abuse
· relationship discord
· stress or anxiety at home or work
Your doctor may refer you to a gynecologist for a check up. Your hormone
levels may also be checked (complete hormonal evaluation including a free
or bio available testosterone level). If free testosterone is low normal
or below normal, she may need to have her physician order a 1%
testosterone cream to be applied to the vulvae area daily.
And also, any medication that you are taking may be reviewed if it is
suspected that it might be causing the problem.
If your doctor, after assessment, decides that your loss of sexual desire
is related to anxiety, stress or depression, trauma or relationship
problems, he may refer you for appropriate counseling or psychosexual
therapy.
Best regards and thank you for your question,
Dr. Lera
Q.
DR.
MY HUSBAND WAS TOLD BY HIS DOCTOR
THAT HIS TESTOSTERONE WAS VERY LOW. HE HAS NOT GONE BACK FOR HIS RECHECK.
MANY OF HIS FRIEND HAS TOLD HIM THAT IS ONE SIGH ON CANCER. DO YOU FIND
THIS TO BE TRUE? N. L. A.
Dear Lisa,
Low level of testosterone isn't the sign of cancer.
Testosterone is the hormone, which regulates the structure of all body
proteins and assures the development and integrity of the genitals in
males.
Lowered testosterone secretion causes low functioning of the body organs
resulting in the eventual failing of memory and resulting irritability
associated with general fatigue. The development of arteriosclerosis,
varicose veins, hemorrhoids, increase in body fat, atrophy of the skin,
systolic hypertension and increased cholesterol are aging associated
changes of males that are reversible with testosterone supplementation. Also,
low hormone levels of testosterone in men, have detrimental influences on
both mood and mental abilities, including decline of memory, and loss of
youthful sexual functioning. Studies have shown that the sexual aging
process results in organic impotence, erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory
and urinary problems, decreased sexual drive or libido and deterioration
of the general physique.
There are health problems in aging men associated with testosterone
administration. High level of testosterone can led to enlargement of the
prostate, accelerated progression of undiagnosed prostate cancer,
increased hematocrit and a variety of liver lesions can occur.
Thank you for your question,
Dr. Lera
Q.
HI I have iron
deficiency (although hemoglobin fine) but dr. wants me to take
supplements. Too many conflicts regarding when to take...Some say empty
stomach, some say between and some say after. I've spent all day
researching
and no clear cut answer.
Also have you heard of chelate iron supplement eg. Solgar 25 mg. more
absorbable?
Thanks, T. R.
A.
Dear T. R.,
Thank you for your email,
Most patients with iron deficiency anemia can be treated with oral iron
supplements, usually in the form of an iron salt such as ferrous sulfate,
ferrous fumarate or ferrous gluconate. (Iron supplements should never be
prescribed without first confirming the patient is iron deficient and
anemic. Unnecessary iron supplementation can cause gastrointestinal
problems.) The standard adult dose of ferrous sulfate is one 300-mg tablet
three times daily. Other oral forms of iron supplements for adults include
a slow release ferrous sulfate and an iron complex, which have fewer side
effects than regular iron salts. If iron is not tolerated orally, an
injectable form is available, but it is not used often due to sometimes,
severe side effects. Ask your pharmacist about side effects of iron
supplementation, such as nausea, stomach complaints, or dark stools.
Taking Iron Properly: Iron is absorbed best on an empty stomach, but many
people take it with food to avoid stomach upset. Iron is not well absorbed
when taken with milk or antacids. Therefore, the latter should not be
taken until two hours have passed after iron supplements have been taken.
With sufficient supplementation, the hematocrit should return to normal
after approximately two months of daily treatment. Iron supplements should
be continued for 6 to 12 months to slowly replenish the depleted body
stores of iron. Iron-rich foods include meats, fish, and poultry; egg
yolks; beans; whole grain breads and cereals; and green leafy vegetables.
There are a few things that will reduce your ability to absorb iron.
Among these are caffeine, calcium-rich, and high fiber foods. In contrast,
Vitamin C increases iron absorption, and Vitamin A helps the body to
better use iron stored in the liver. Many minerals can influence iron
absorption, such as Ca, Zinc, Copper, and Manganese. Iron should be taken
separately from the following medications, as they may inhibit absorption:
Antibiotics in the tetracycline or quinolone (Floxin, Cipro) families, ACE
inhibitors, levodopa, methyldopa, carbidopa, penicillamine, thyroid
hormone, Calcium, soy, Zinc, Copper, or Manganese.
Sometimes, this kind of problem (iron deficiency anemia)can be resolved by
simply using the right supplements to achieve the chemical balance your
body seeks. I personally have had very good results in
achieving appropriate mineral balance by using T. J. Clark's Life Source
Health Complete Daily Nutrition Package at http://www.tjclarkminerals.com/life_source_packages/complete_package.htm. Minerals
are combinations of elements and they are only useful to your body in the
right combinations.
Your Friend,
Dr. Lera
Q.
Hello.
My doctor tells me that I have a Retrosecal (not sure how to spell that)
Appendix.
Would you be able to give me any information on this?
Thanks very much,
L. U.
A.
Dear L. U.,
The appendix usually lies either behind the colon (retrocolic) or behind
the secum (retrosecal). About 2/3 of people have a retrosecal
appendix.
Thank you for your question,
Dr. Lera
Q.
Doctor,
Can a woman get pregnant while she is going through menopause?, I thought
if a woman still is menstruating she can get pregnant. I am 46
and I am not taking anything-a multi vitamin. I don't feel bad but my
cycle is way off and my doctors just say exercise and watch your diet.
A.
Dear,
During perimenopause, women may experience irregular periods while
still maintaining the ability to become pregnant. However, about
two-thirds of women ages 40 to 48 still ovulate regularly and are at risk
for an unintended pregnancy.Until you have gone one year without a
menstrual period, use birth control if you don't wish to become pregnant.
I suggest you need to see your doctor.
Best Regards,
Dr. Lera
Q.
Hello Dr. Lera
I am a 32 y/o BF and was just diagnosed with:
1. Complex left ovarian cyst
2. Cystic lesion arising from the right ovary or in a right paraovarian
location
3. 2.1 x 1.8 x 1.3 cm left ovarian hypoechoic lesion
4. Two small uterine fibroids
I have been scheduled for a follow up ultrasound the week 22 April.
About 10 years ago I had a Dermoid Cyst removed.
What does all of this mean and what type of questions should I ask my
provider? Do I need to be concerned about Cancer? Do
I need a CA125?
Thank You,
I. K.
A.
Dear I. K.,
There can be different appearances of cysts, but the size of yours is
small and is low risk for caner. Hormones such as birth control pills are
used to shrink existing cysts and can also prevent new cysts from forming.
This is because oral contraceptives prevent ovulation and so the ovaries
cease to produce an egg every month. If you have recurring ovarian cysts
that do not mean that you are at increased risk for ovarian cancer.
There are only two treatment options available to deal with ovarian cysts
- you can either watch them for awhile or you can operate on them.
Sometimes the choice is quite simple and straightforward; sometimes it is
not quite so easy. The surgical method that is used, whether laparoscopy
(a telescope through the navel) or laparotomy (regular surgical incision),
depends on the individual situation and is best discussed with an
experienced gynecologic surgeon.
Thank you for your question,
Dr. Lera
Q.
Dr. Lera,
I am 42 years old with 3 kids. My wife(42yrs)- disappointed and frustrated
as- haven't got orgasm as she expected. She told me the ratio of her
getting orgasm is 2 in 10 times. I felt very disappointed and frustrated
too. What I should do? How to overcome this problems?. I don't think
she is enjoy making love with me. My erection won't last longer-not even
two minutes before she achieve her orgasm.
>I felt useless and confused. Sometimes, I avoid to have sex because I
don't want she get frustrated and keep saying I am only thinking my own
satisfaction not hers but I can't control myself. Only can last for 4
days. After that I will feel uneasy, headache, down. Is this normal to
man? U. N.
A.
Dear U. N.,
The bottom line is every woman is different. Events such as an
illness, a new medication, worry or stress are all things that commonly
alter ones sexual functioning.
These factors should be investigated before jumping to the following
suggestions so as not to create additional anxiety. The more effort that
one puts into having an orgasm can actually cause unnecessary stress.
Sexual experiences should be concerned with pleasure and not a specific
goal such as orgasm. Many women find that they require other forms of
stimulation in addition to vaginal stimulation to reach orgasm.
Some women may not have orgasm every time they have sex. For
some women, sex doesn't provide enough clitoral stimulation. Some
women experience orgasm through clitoral stimulation rather than vaginal
stimulation. So if a woman is having difficulty reaching orgasm, she may
want to try clitoral stimulation during, before, or after vaginal
intercourse. The female superior position allows for more direct
stimulation of the clitoris and many women require direct stimulation of
the clitoris in order to achieve orgasm. Many women find that oral sex
gives them the right stimulation to reach orgasm. Many women often find
that using a vibrator applied to the breasts and/or clitoris during
intercourse helps them to reach orgasm. As for positions you may want to
try having your wife in the superior position (on top) as this often
provides for better clitoral stimulation. The female superior position
often facilitates orgasm because it allows for better clitoral stimulation
and it leaves both partners with their hands free to explore and caress
each others bodies. With hands being free it also will make it easier to
incorporate a vibrator into your activities.
Some women become aroused but are unable to achieve an orgasm. The fact is
that only about one in three women reaches a climax regularly through
intercourse alone, without additional stimulation of the clitoris. About
10 percent of women never achieve orgasm. But it is possible and even
common to have a pleasurable sex life without orgasm. Lack of orgasm might
be considered a dysfunction only if it represents a change or causes
anxiety.
A lot of things depend on a regular, happy sex life. And if you
are not satisfied with your sexual life you will develop uneasy, headache,
depression…
Thank you for your questions,
Dr. Lera
If you have questions, you can ask doctor Lera at
drlera@drlera.com |
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