Your Questions Answered
Thank you for submitting your health questions! Here are the answers from Amwell doctors themselves.
Q: How long does sleeplessness last for women in menopause?
A: According to the National Sleep Foundation, 61% of postmenopausal women report experiencing some degree of insomnia. For women experiencing perimenopause, lack of sleep can be attributed to hormone fluctuations. Another obstacle associated with menopause is hot flashes, which can occur at any time of the day or night and may last anywhere between a few months to several years. Additional challenges that are unrelated to menopause can increase stress and impact your sleep. Some may include raising teenagers, career obstacles, and taking care of aging parents.
Here are some measures you can take to help with your sleep:
- Keep a consistent sleep schedule.
- Make sure your bedroom is dark and at a comfortable temperature.
- Avoid using electronic devices in your bedroom.
- Try not to have large meals, caffeine, and/or alcohol right before bed.
- Exercise and stay physically active during the day.
- Talk to a therapist if you feel depressed, anxious, and/or feel like you could use some support.
Q: Can you get the flu more than once?
A: It is possible to get the flu more than once in the same season because there are multiple types of viruses that cause the flu. If you have recovered from the flu and haven’t gotten a shot yet, now is a good time. The CDC recommends getting a flu shot every year. You can find other ways to protect yourself from the flu here.
Q: Is it bad to hold in your pee?
A: It's best to try to avoid holding in your pee. Urine flushes out the kind of bacteria that can sometimes lead to a lower urinary tract infection (UTI), kidney infection, or sepsis. In other words, it is good to pee whenever you need to.
More questions? Amwell doctors are available 24/7. Schedule a visit today!