Estradiol is the most common form of a type of hormone known as estrogen. This hormone is present in both men and women but has most of its function in women. Estradiol helps drive the menstrual cycle and is also involved in bone strength and in puberty.

Knowing when to switch birth control pills can be fairly obvious for some women. Other women may not realize the effect her pills are having on her and continue taking them. Annual appointments with a health-care professional are important in helping a woman identify potential reasons to change birth control pills.

Topical hydrocortisone is commonly used as a steroidal medicine to relieve inflammation and other symptoms related to certain skin conditions. You might use topical hydrocortisone to treat itching, redness and swelling from dermatitis, psoriasis or eczema.

After having your tongue pierced, the healing process may take as long as four weeks to heal, says the Center for Young Women's Health.

It probably happened when you were just a kid -- the first time you noticed that corn looks remarkably similar passing from your body as it did going in.

A good diet after open heart surgery is one that follows the dietary guidelines your doctor or dietitian specifies for your condition.

Medications can be harsh on an empty stomach depending on the medication and its strength. However, some medications need to be taken on an empty stomach to increase their absorption and effectiveness. It's important to speak with your pharmacist to determine the best way to take your medications.

Certain medications, including those used to treat blood pressure problems, can lead to hair loss. The loss typically begins within a few days or weeks from the time you start a new medication or your doctor changes your dosage, says DermNetNZ.org.

Hawthorn berry is an herb that has been used for centuries for its health benefits. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it is a treatment for respiratory and circulatory disorders, as well as high blood pressure.

According to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation for Health Care, Research and Education, thumb sucking is normal and soothing in babies and young children. Thumb sucking can be the result of hunger, boredom, nervousness or tiredness. Most children stop sucking their thumbs between the ages of 3 and 6.

Mirena is a soft, flexible plastic intrauterine device, or IUD, placed into the uterine cavity by a physician. It is used to prevent pregnancy or in women who have heavy periods. The device must be placed within seven days of onset of the menstrual period and may be left in place up to, but no longer than, five years.

A bruised lung, also called a pulmonary contusion, is a common complication following a traumatic injury to the chest. The potentially life-threatening side effects of a bruised lung typically arise slowly over the first 24 hours following injury, according to the World Health Organization.