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Patricia Yarberry Allen, M.D. is a Gynecologist, Director of the New York Menopause Center, Clinical Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Weill Cornell Medical College, and Assistant Attending Obstetrician and Gynecologist at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. She is a board certified fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Allen is also a member of the Faculty Advisory Board and the Women’s Health Director of The Weill Cornell Community Clinic (WCCC). Dr. Allen was the recipient of the 2014 American Medical Women’s Association Presidential Award.

Ask Dr. Pat · Sex & Sexuality

Sex After the Age of Aquarius

By Patricia Yarberry Allen, M.D.

Learning the physical mechanics — and, more importantly, the emotional dynamics — involved in a sexual relationship can be a slow process. It takes self-confidence, knowledge of one’s erotic needs, and the capacity and interest to please a partner.

Ask Dr. Pat · Health

Vanity Causes a Spring Cold

By Patricia Yarberry Allen, M.D.

I did not take any of my usual precautions when flying since this was such a quick trip. No Borelium, no Purell, no Clorox, no gloves, and no mask. By the following Wednesday, I knew I was dealing with the start of a nasty spring cold.

Ask Dr. Pat · Menopause

Is It Depression or Menopause?

By Dr. Patricia Yarberry Allen and Megan Riddle, Ph.D., M.S

Dr. Megan Riddle provides a thoughtful discussion of depression and the menopausal transition that will be helpful for women who need more than just a lifestyle change, meditation, exercise, or even hormone therapy for control of depression.

Ask Dr. Pat · Health

Testing for a Healthy Heart

By Patricia Yarberry Allen, M.D.

As we wrap up February, National Heart Health Month, cardiologist Dr. Kirsten O. Healy discusses a number of diagnostic tests to further our understanding of heart disease and help patients determine if they are at risk.

Ask Dr. Pat · Health

By Patricia Yarberry Allen, M.D.

The first step to living a heart healthy life is to have the tools to make effective lifestyle changes. Here are key things you can do to keep your heart beating strong for years to come.

Ask Dr. Pat

Menopause and Delicate Skin:
Seasonal Change and Complexion Care

By Patricia Yarberry Allen, M.D.

Dear Dr. Pat: I need fall protection for my complexion before winter damage sets in again. I am two years into menopause and my complexion is getting drier, redder and more irritated every year, with the most unpleasant change occurring in winter. I am of Irish-American ancestry and have always had a delicate complexion. I saw a dermatologist before I…

Ask Dr. Pat

Cholesterol Management: Prescription for Lifestyle Change Or Prescription for Medication

By Patricia Yarberry Allen, M.D.

Today's Medical Monday looks at the timely change in recommendations for cholesterol-lowering medications.

Ask Dr. Pat

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness
Are There Early Warning Signs?

By Patricia Yarberry Allen, M.D.

Ovarian cancer accounts for only 4% of cancer in women, but due to its lethal nature, it is the 5th leading cause of cancer death in women. Since screening for ovarian cancer is currently inadequate, it's important for women to be aware of the signs and symptoms--and listen to their bodies.

Ask Dr. Pat · Fitness

Ask Dr. Pat: What Causes Shoulder Injuries? How Can I Prevent Them?

By Patricia Yarberry Allen, M.D.

Women in mid-life are more likely to develop shoulder problems, which can be minor or serious. Shoulder injuries most commonly occur during sports activities, exercise without proper form or with the use of weights that are too heavy, and work-related tasks or projects around the home.

Ask Dr. Pat

Ask Dr. Pat: Vertigo, Cause and Treatment

By Patricia Yarberry Allen, M.D.

Vertigo has many causes; can be brief or chronic; completely benign, or, much less commonly, the first symptom of something serious, like a stroke.

Ask Dr. Pat · Health

Cervical Cancer and Pap Smear Guidelines

By Patricia Yarberry Allen, M.D.

It is imperative that women do not stop cervical cancer screening with Paps and HPV testing when they reach their 40s. When older women get HPV they have an increased risk of developing a persistent infection.

Ask Dr. Pat · Health

Glaucoma: The Eye Disease You Don’t Know You Have Until You Have Loss of Vision

By Dr. Pat Allen and Dr. Leila Rafla-Demetrious

Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve in the eyes, in which the pressure in the eye is too high for the optic nerve, and causes progressive damage.

Ask Dr. Pat

The World Is Not Coming to an End

By Patricia Yarberry Allen, M.D.

Dear Dr. Pat: I worry about everything, loss of health care, contraception options that could affect my daughters and the anger that is tearing communities apart.

Ask Dr. Pat · Health

Urinary Urge Incontinence

By Patricia Yarberry Allen, M.D.

Up to 43 percent of women, young and old, experience symptoms of overactive bladder. It represents one of the most commonly seen urologic conditions in women.

Ask Dr. Pat · Health

Influenza 2016: Do I Really Need to Get a Flu Shot?

By Patricia Yarberry Allen, M.D.

The flu is a contagious, acute respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.

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