Gillian Mueller Goddard

1 week ago | parentdata.org | Gillian Mueller Goddard |Emily Oster

I am in the earlier stages of perimenopause and have started to notice an explosion of cherry hemangiomas on my torso. This also happened to me when I was pregnant, but they largely cleared up afterward. I seem to think everything is a perimenopause symptom these days, but it seems like hormones are doing opposite things compared to pregnancy, so is that the case?

2 weeks ago | parentdata.org | Gillian Mueller Goddard |Emily Oster

I am experiencing extreme mood swings for the first time, at 40. However, I have an IUD and do not get a period, so I have no idea if they have to do with a certain point in my (nonexistent) cycle or not. What is the best way to figure this out? —Feelin’ 13 again!One of the benefits of progestin-eluting IUDs like Mirena and Kyleena — in addition to being effective contraception, of course — is that many women won’t have menstrual bleeding while they have one in place.

2 weeks ago | parentdata.org | Gillian Mueller Goddard |Emily Oster

I’m hearing a lot about the potential benefits of creatine for fighting cognitive decline and age-related sarcopenia. Is there solid evidence to back this up? —AmandaCreatine is the supplement of the moment. But what exactly is it, and why might it be important? It is a molecule that can help our cells, particularly muscle and brain, make the energy they need to function. Our bodies get creatine in two ways. We get it from our diet. Creatine is present in high levels in meat, seafood, and milk.

3 weeks ago | parentdata.org | Gillian Mueller Goddard |Emily Oster

I am a 37-year-old who had severe hyperemesis gravidarum during my one (and only) pregnancy 2.5 years ago. Are there any known or suspected links between having HG and having a rough time with menopause? I still have some lingering HG symptoms (smell sensitivity is the worst, and still some nausea and food aversion), and my periods have been kind of wild even this long after having my baby. I am just trying to gear myself up for experiencing yet another roller coaster.

3 weeks ago | parentdata.org | Gillian Mueller Goddard |Emily Oster

After two miscarriages at six weeks, my doctor has recommended I take progesterone next time I get pregnant. Why? And what’s the difference between that progesterone and the one I took as a form of birth control? Would the side effects be the same? —Sad but still hopefulI am so sorry to hear about your miscarriages. That is difficult both emotionally and physically. Progesterone is one of the most important hormones during pregnancy.