DR ELLIE CANNON: Is it safe for my doctor to prevent me from taking the pill 36 years later? –

I am 52 years old and have been using the combined contraceptive pill since I was 16 years old.

In February I ordered my recipe to be repeated as usual.

A new general practitioner I haven’t met yet called to say I couldn’t take it anymore at 50.

I’m afraid my body will go into shock if I stop.

What do you think?

What primary care physicians can and cannot treat with each drug is subject to national prescribing guidelines.

They are based on evidence from clinical trials and other types of scientific research. That’s why we know as much as possible what works and what doesn’t for a particular type of patient with a particular disease or condition.

We can prescribe the combined birth control pill, which contains synthetic versions of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, as well as for heavy periods or skin problems. It can be offered to women up to age 50, according to national guidelines.

After this age, the risk of possible side effects such as blood clots and breast cancer increases.

If a woman still needs contraception, we can offer the mini-pill that contains progesterone but no estrogen – estrogen is associated with the greatest risks.

An ignition coil may be another option.

It is safe to stop taking the pill – there is no need to gradually reduce it.

The average age of onset of menopause is variable, but usually occurs between the ages of 47 and 52.

A woman who quits the pill at age 52 is unlikely to experience an intense and uncontrolled cycle, and if discontinuing the pill at this age develops menopausal symptoms, HRT should be considered.

Although HRT usually contains estrogen, the dose is completely different from the pill and HRT has been shown to be safe during menopause.

I suffer from terrible irritable bowel syndrome and have always been told that no one knows what causes it. But I recently read that it could be caused by something called SIBO, which can be diagnosed with a breath test. Can I have this on the NHS?

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a common condition characterized by regular abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea or constipation. It should not be diagnosed until other conditions such as Crohn’s disease or colitis have been ruled out. Diseases such as endometriosis, a hormone-filled pain disorder, and even ovarian cancer can cause similar symptoms.

SIBO refers to an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine and occurs when the upper part of the intestine is overrun by bacteria, which is usually only in the lower part of the intestine. Symptoms are very similar to IBS, including diarrhea, gas, and pain. Tests, including a breath test, are available on the NHS at the request of a gastroenterologist.

If a doctor thinks this is possible, it may be worth treating SIBO without even testing – this includes a range of specific antibiotics and improvements can begin within a week.

It is very important to rule out colon cancer in anyone diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome, but especially in an older person. Although the intestines have been abnormal for years, cancer can be masked by symptoms. This can be tested at the primary care physician with stool tests, FIT testing, as well as general blood tests.

I am complaining of itching in my groin area. At first everything looked normal and I thought it was a bit of dermatitis, but last week I discovered dark acne-like bumps around my vulva.

I’m not ashamed to go to my doctor, but I wouldn’t.

do i have to worry?

I am 66 years old.

A woman over 60 should always look for new symptoms in the groin area or vulva.

Vulvar cancer is rare and over 1300 cases are diagnosed each year in the UK. But it is more common in women over the age of 60.

Symptoms include persistent itching of the vulva, raised or dark thickened patches on the vulva, and moles that change shape or color.

If these symptoms occur, an examination with a gynecologist or general practitioner is crucial.

However, many noncancerous conditions can cause itching and changes in the skin.

Dermatitis or eczema can occur in this area and require the same treatment with moisturizers and possibly steroids as elsewhere.

Thrush usually occurs in the genital area and causes skin changes that itch and itch – this can be easily treated with a pharmacist’s cream.

Also, menopause is associated with irritation of the vulva.

Decreased estrogen levels lead to thinner, drier skin that is prone to itching.

An estrogen cream can be used to make things better.

Lichen sclerosus is a skin condition that causes itchy patches on the genitals, especially in women over 50. The spots are usually lighter than dark and usually appear on the vulva.

It is important to treat it to prevent long-term damage to the genitals and also increases the risk of cancer.

Any woman suffering from genital itching should remember to avoid heavily scented soaps, bubble baths, and laundry products, including organic fabric softeners and detergents.

Watch out for sharks that offer you money for treats

Beware of companies that demand ongoing maintenance for a high upfront payment

I’ve heard disturbing reports of companies charging thousands of vulnerable seniors to “help” them organize NHS-funded home care.

It refers to something the NHS calls continuing healthcare: money set aside to pay for in-home nursing care for some patients with extremely complex needs.

Accessing it can be a complex process, and there are online companies that claim to be able to do the paperwork, but at a huge upfront cost.

I have been told that these companies target people who are clearly not eligible for ongoing care and therefore do not offer reimbursement if they do not receive assistance.

I want to finish. If anyone has contacted such a company, please write to me. And talk to your family doctor for real advice on the NHS’s ongoing health care.

Ignore the lung scan letter

If you get a letter or message inviting you to have a lung health checkup, go!

The NHS has recently launched its first lung cancer screening programme.

In the coming weeks, large trucks equipped with mobile lung scanners will be parked in supermarket parking lots across the country, making it easier for smokers and ex-smokers to get a quick and potentially life-saving MOT from the ballot box.

There are now highly effective treatments for lung cancer, but most are only available to patients if their disease is detected early. The pilot of the program, which had previously diagnosed 600 people, was launched last summer.

There are currently about 23 trucks on the road and 20 of them ready for action. If you are eligible, you will receive an invitation. It can save your life.