What does a ‘coil’ actually look like?
I think the term ‘coil’ is unfortunate – it conjures up images of something horrible! When I show women in my surgery what a coil really looks like they are genuinely surprised. I think they’re expecting me to reveal some…
I’m menopausal but don’t feel I need HRT – should I be taking anything else?
Although all women will, at some stage, go through the menopause, not everyone will suffer from debilitating symptoms that require medical treatment. For those women who don’t require HRT, or those who choose not to take it, there are numerous…
I’m menopausal and have joint pains – what can I do to help?
Joint and muscle pains are symptoms that are commonly reported by women who are peri- and post-menopausal. Estrogen has been shown to have a role in maintaining the strength of the tissues that make up our musculo-skeletal system – the…
Can the emergency contraceptive pill be delivered to your door?
It was interesting to read this article about how the makers of ellaOne have started offering ‘same day delivery’ to women requiring the emergency contraceptive pill – in fact they can deliver it within 3hrs to women living in the…
Women’s Institute proposed resolution – Don’t Fear the Smear
I was kindly invited by the Suffolk West Federation of Women’s Institutes (SWFWI) to give a presentation at their Resolution Conference which took place in Bury St Edmunds on Thursday April 17th. One of the proposed resolutions for 2019 is…
I’m menopausal and suffering from a horrific creepy crawling feeling over my whole body. Are there any suggestions to help?
This unfortunate condition is known as formication (from the latin word ‘formica‘ meaning ‘relating to ants’). It is a type of paraesthesia which gives the sensation of insects crawling under the skin. Formication can occur for different reasons. It can…
Can antidepressants help menopausal symptoms?
Antidepressants such as SSRIs (fluoxetine, citalopram, sertraline) and SNRIs (venlafaxine) are not licensed for use in controlling menopausal symptoms and they are not recommended as a first line treatment. HRT is much more effective at treating all menopausal symptoms and,…
What can I do to help me experience a better menopause?
You do not have to wait for your menopausal symptoms to start before taking action to try and improve them. There are many lifestyle interventions that can improve your experience of the menopause, and the sooner you start, the better!…
What is diastasis rectus abdominis and will it get better?
Diastasis rectus abdominis (also sometimes known as recti divarication) is when the 2 sides of the rectus abdominis muscle separate during pregnancy (this is the muscle at the front of your tummy, the so-called six-pack for the lucky few!) It…