Ovarian Cysts, Heartburn and Healthy Eating: Top ASKs of the Week

This week we saw a wide variety of questions come into our community. Women asked about hip fractures, ovarian cysts and sinus infections. Our moderators provided resources and answers to these health questions as well as many others. Do you have a health question you need an answer for? Post it to our community, and we promise to respond within 24 hours.

Here are some of our top ASKs in the EmpowHER community this week.

1. I have two cysts on my right ovary, can I treat them without getting surgery?

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A: The 6.4 x 5.9 x 5.7 cm ovarian cyst is large. Some doctors will remove a cyst if it’s larger than 5 centimeters in diameter.Your doctor can surgically remove the cyst through a large incision in your abdomen. They’ll conduct an immediate biopsy, and if they determine that the cyst is cancerous, they may perform a hysterectomy to remove your ovaries and uterus.

The 3.7 x 3.9 x 3.9 cm ovarian cyst is slightly smaller. If it were the only cyst, your physician might opt for a "wait and see" approach, to see if it disappears after a few weeks or months.

2.I have a sinus infection on my tailbone and was given antibiotics. Is this the best treatment plan for someone going through chemo?

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A:I'm sorry you are dealing with this issue as well as breast cancer treatment - that's a lot for one person to handle. I hope you have a lot of support around you.

It sounds like you have what's called a pilonidal sinus which can be quite painful. This is a cyst that, as you said, grows on the tailbone, often caused by ingrown hairs. All patients are put on antibiotics if they are infected - this sounds the case for you.

3. I am having frequent heartburn, what could be the reason?

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A:There are many reasons for heartburn and it's very uncomfortable, I know. I had severe heartburn in pregnancy, I thought my digestive tract was on fire. Pregnancy is a common cause - is there any chance you could be pregnant which could also explain some weight gain? If there is a chance then a test can let you know. If pregnancy is not an issue, other reasons include:

4. How can i get my husband to start eating healthier?

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A:You do have a challenge! Just like a child, you cannot force your husband to eat healthy. But, you can convince him, that if he wants to live to the age of 40 and longer, he had better chance his lifestyle- today.

Work on eating healthy in baby steps. Indulge his craving for ham but pair it with collard greens and black eye peas. Aim for one meatless meal a week. Pasta in a hearty tomato sauce along with garbanzo beans can be tasty and healthy.

5.Does sinusitis and tonsillitis effect me having hyperthyroidism?

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A:There are 3 main causes of hyperthyroidism, none if which are related to the tonsils or sinuses.

--Grave's disease: an autoimmune disorder

--Hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules (toxic adenoma, toxic multinodular goiter, Plummer's disease): This form of hyperthyroidism occurs when one or more adenomas of your thyroid produce too much T-4. An adenoma is a part of the gland that has walled itself off from the rest of the gland, forming noncancerous (benign) lumps that may cause an enlargement of the thyroid. Not all adenomas produce excess T-4, and doctors aren't sure what causes some to begin producing too much hormone.