The use of vaginal estrogen can assist the smear taking process. Also, a small brush can be used even if the cervical opening is tiny. If the smear cannot be taken at your GP practice, then you may be best to be referred to gynaecology. Best wishes Dr Heather Currie MD Menopause Matters Ltd www.meno...

This is worth having checked but unlikely to be anything serious. Small polyps are rarely suspicious and sometimes the appearance can be of a small polyp but it may be a normal appearance when looked at closely.

A total hysterectomy involves removal of the womb and cervix so if this was the procedure then no further smears would be required. Occasionally, if there have been changes found in the cervix from the hysterectomy specimen, then a smear from the top of the vagina is recommended, but I'm sure you wo...

PMS can indeed cause huge distress and is under reported, but can be treated. She should ask to be referred to a specialist, either at Sexual Health or gynaecology, depending on local expertise. The symptoms are due to fluctuating hormone levels produced by our ovaries. Adding in hormones in a way t...

PMS can be triggered by the fluctuating hormone levels leading up to a period. Estrogen patches have been shown to be very useful by providing steady hormone levels. To prevent the estrogen stimulating the womb lining, some form of progestogen needs to be used as well. These would all need to be pre...

Hormonal methods can be very helpful for controlling bleeding but are contraceptive so would not be appropriate if you are trying to become pregnant. If not tried already, Tranexamic acid can be used at the time of your period and would not be contraceptive. If you have used these already and not he...

If still uncomfortable then best to see your doctor. A prolapse can recur. Also, if you are postmenopausal, vaginal estrogen may be required. If the operation was very recent there may be an infection so certainly worth review. Best wishes Dr Heather Currie MD Menopause Matters Ltd www.menopausematt...

Being a gynaecologist I would say a gynaecologist would be preferred (!) and indeed in the UK this operation is usually carried out by gynaecologists rather urologists. I would also recommend vaginal estrogen which helps strengthen the tissues and aids healing after the operation, along with pelvic ...

Completely agree with Peter, Vagifem is licensed, and recommended to be used long term. If not, the symptoms just keep returning. Suggest provide this information and, when prescribed, continue using it twice weekly. Best wishes Dr Heather Currie MD Menopause Matters Ltd www.menopausematters.co.uk C...

The sleep disturbance and hot flashes could well be due to early stages of menopause, but also Tamoxifen can cause hot flushes. A blood test at this stage is unlikely to be helpful in measuring hormone levels since they fluctuate significantly. These symptoms, as well as the tender area, should be d...