This week we saw a wide variety of questions come into our community. Women asked about nose bleeds, pain in their legs and when to get a lump checked by a doctor. 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. How should people with acne care for their skin?


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A: It can be difficult to prevent acne from occurring, because it can be difficult to control the factors that cause it. But there are some things you can do to keep your acne from getting worse.

Gently wash your face with mild soap and warm water twice a day (no more than twice) to remove excess oil. Scrubbing or washing too often can make acne worse. Read the full answer here.

2.Why do I have a dull pain in my armpit after the removal of my IUD?


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A: The most common symptoms after removal of the Mirena (IUD) are mild bleeding, irritation, sensitivity and mild cramping according to the Mirena prescription information sheet.

When you have the Mirena placed one of the side effects is breast tenderness. Since there are lymph nodes under your arms leading towards and in and around your breast area, it sounds like you are experiencing this side effect after the removal. Read the full answer here.

3. I received the flu shot seven days ago and I’m still experiencing body aches. Is this common and when will it go away?


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A: Sometimes you might experience some aching and pain in the muscles throughout your body after getting a flu shot. Soreness at the injection site is the most common side effect. This pain and soreness usually lasts less than two days. As for the rest of the body, taking pain relievers can help alleviate some of the pain. Read the full answer here.

4. What should I expect after having my thyroid removed?


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A: Your throat will probably feel sore for several days. This can be relieved with over the counter over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. You should be able to resume most of your normal activities the day after surgery. Ask your doctor how long you should wait to engage in strenuous activities such as high-impact exercise, etc. Read the full answer here.