The People's Pharmacy

Q: Vaginal dryness has made relations with my husband uncomfortable. My doctor prescribed Premarin cream, and it works, but I am concerned about absorbing estrogen.

A: Premarin cream contains conjugated estrogens and has long been used to treat vaginal dryness associated with menopause. Research has shown, however, that estrogen is absorbed easily from the vaginal tract. That means you are being exposed to estrogen almost as if you were taking pills.

A small study more than a decade ago compared Premarin cream with the lubricant Replens and found that women were equally satisfied with the results.

Q: I love all kinds of chocolate. But no matter when I eat or drink it, I stay awake most of the night. Is there any way to get around this effect so I can enjoy chocolate and get its health benefits?

A: Chocolate has very little caffeine (about as much as a cup of decaffeinated coffee), but it does contain a related compound called theobromine. Some people are sensitive to its stimulant properties and may have to avoid chocolate.

Cocoa contains the same beneficial flavonoids as chocolate as long as it is processed without alkali. It too contains theobromine, so you may need to limit consumption.

Q: I love licorice. My daughter and I both crave it, but I understand that black licorice could be harmful. How? Does red licorice also cause trouble?

A: The only limit on red licorice is caloric. Natural black-licorice candy is flavored with extract of the licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Too much (1 ounce daily for weeks) can disrupt hormone balance, cause lack of libido, potassium loss, muscle weakness, fluid retention and high blood pressure.

In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them c/o King Features Syndicate, 888 Seventh Ave., New York, NY 10019, or e-mail them at pharmacy@mindspring.com or via their Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.org