HEALTH ADVICE
I’m worried about my thread veins I’ve got such awful thread veins in my legs and have become so self-conscious about them I’ve stopped wearing skirts. Why do they appear and are they the start of varicose veins? Can anything be done to make them look better?
Thread veins are bluish-red lines within the skin while varicose veins are lumpy and under the skin. Although thread veins can be associated with varicose veins, you can have one without developing the other. Thread veins can often run in families and are more common after
Is this the menopause?
I’m 45 and over the last few months my periods have become unpredictable – some months they’re really heavy and the timings are all over the place. Could this be the start of the menopause and do I need to do anything?
Early menopause – before 45 – is uncommon in the UK where the average age for the menopause is 52. Symptoms such as irregular periods and hot flushes can occur for several years before a woman’s last period, so your symptoms indicate you’re approaching menopause. Bleeding can be heavier or lighter, but
there’s no need for medication unless you’re bothered by symptoms such as hot flushes. Your GP can discuss hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and other alternatives and you can find out more by logging on to
patient.co.uk. If you experience unusual pains, are bleeding between periods or bleed more than a year after your last period, then see your GP.
several pregnancies or if you are overweight. Treatment is not generally available on the NHS as this is considered to be a cosmetic problem. Treatments such as injections (sclerotherapy) or laser can improve the appearance or you could use make-up to cover the veins.
You can send your problems to
dr@candis.co.uk*
The NHS offers a wide selection of routine screening tests aimed at preventing serious problems. Some cancers, heart disease and high cholesterol run in families, so if your close blood relatives have them speak to your GP.
Your health MOT
Cervical screening tests look for pre-cancerous cells in the neck of the womb. If found, they can usually be treated by colposcopy. Testing should be offered every three years from age 25 in England, age 20 in
In your 30s...
Scotland and Wales. Eye tests every two years.
Mammograms checking for early breast cancers are offered every three years to women aged 50 to 70. By 2012, this will cover ages 47 to 73. If you have any concerns about your breasts, see a GP even if your mammogram is soon.
In your 50s...
Assessments of your risks of heart disease or stroke are available from age 40, checking height, weight, blood pressure and lifestyle, with blood tests for diabetes,
In your 40s...
cholesterol or kidney function. Glaucoma tests are free if you have a family history of it.
Cervical screening is every five years if recent tests were normal.
*We regret that Dr Helen cannot answer individual letters
The surgery
Need some advice? Ask Dr Helen Crawley, our resident doctor. A mum of two, Helen is a practising GP and regularly lectures on women’s health
MY TOP TIP!
Duct tape is a cheap and effective way to get rid of warts. Place over wart. After six days soak in water and rub with a pumice stone. Repeat for up to two months.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148 |
Page 149 |
Page 150 |
Page 151 |
Page 152 |
Page 153 |
Page 154 |
Page 155 |
Page 156 |
Page 157 |
Page 158 |
Page 159 |
Page 160 |
Page 161 |
Page 162 |
Page 163 |
Page 164