Embarrassing health questions

IS IT THE MENOPAUSE?

Q: I'm 36 and keep getting hot flushes, cold sweats and my periods are irregular. Friends have joked that I'm starting the menopause, but could they be right? Mandy, 36

A: The average age for the menopause is 50, but an early one is not unheard of. Have you also experienced irritability, depression, loss of concentration, dry skin, thinning hair and vaginal dryness? A blood test can reveal if you're going through an early menopause, and if so, you can try hormone replacement therapy to restore regular periods, prevent osteoporosis and reverse symptoms. The Daisy Network (Daisynetwork.org.uk) offers advice to women having a premature menopause.

HERPES HORROR

Q: What are genital herpes? My boyfriend says he used to have them, but I've heard that once you get them they don't go away. I'm worried I'm now infected and that it will affect my fertility. Anna, 29

A: Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. It leads to recurrent outbreaks of crops of small, painful blisters on a man's penis or a woman's inner vaginal lips. A vaginal swab and a blood test will confirm the diagnosis. If you have been infected, an antibacterial such as acyclovir will reduce the severity and duration of each attack. Don't worry, it won't affect your fertility and if you're pregnant it wouldn't be passed on to your baby unless you had a herpes attack during childbirth - then a Caesarean section might be needed.

I'VE GOT THRUSH

Q: I've just started a new relationship and I keep getting bouts of thrush. How can I stop it? Helena, 27

A: Thrush is an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina which causes itching, soreness, and a whitish discharge. The fungus that causes thrush won't do any long-term damage, but the symptoms are unpleasant. It's essential you and your boyfriend are both treated, otherwise you can keep transferring the infection. In addition, the fungus may be living in your digestive system, so ask your pharmacist for an oral anti-thrush medication to eradicate it. Your boyfriend should use an anti-fungal cream such as Canesten.

IS THE PILL BAD FOR ME?

Q: I've been on the Pill for 10 years and am concerned about the effect it's having on my body - is it bad for me to be on it for so long?
Frankie, 33

A: The idea that it's good for your health to 'have a break' from the Pill is unfounded. The increased risks of breast cancer and deep vein thrombosis are really small, and the effect on your cholesterol is much less than the effect of smoking, obesity or leading a sedentary lifestyle. If there's a suitable, reliable alternative you're happy to try, you could see how you feel by stopping it, but medically there's no real need.

Email your health questions to drhilary@fabulousmag.co.uk

COMPILED BY: JO UPCRAFT PHOTOGRAPHY: ALAMY, SCOPE BEAUTY *ACCORDING TO NETDOCTOR.CO.UK

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