At the age of 66, I was taken aback when I started bleeding again, despite being past menopause. Concerned, I visited both my GP and gynecologist and had a procedure to remove fibroids. However, I was warned that continuing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) could lead to a recurrence of the problem. Unfortunately, I stopped HRT and am now experiencing bleeding once more, leaving me unsure of what steps to take next.
Post-menopausal bleeding is not normal and should be reported to a GP as soon as possible. While there are various reasons why women may bleed after menopause, approximately ten percent of cases can indicate cancer of the cervix, uterus, or vagina. Ignoring the bleeding or spotting can be a serious mistake, as it may be a sign of cancer. Understanding how fibroids function is important because they are often the cause of post-menopausal bleeding. They do not necessarily require stopping HRT. Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in and around the womb and need hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, to grow. During menopause, when hormone levels naturally decrease, existing fibroids often shrink.
However, HRT can increase the risk of fibroids growing and recurring after removal. Nevertheless, fibroids can still recur even if a woman is not on HRT, so the potential risk must be weighed against the benefits of the medication. This is a conversation that should be had with a GP. There are non-hormonal alternatives to HRT that can be explored depending on symptoms. The British Menopause Society website provides useful information on this matter.
If you have any questions for Dr. Ellie Cannon, please email her at [email protected]. Please note that Dr. Cannon cannot engage in personal correspondence and her responses should be considered in a general context.
Recently, my 51-year-old nephew, who was previously in good health, was hospitalized with lesions covering his whole body. He experienced ulceration in his mouth and throat, making it impossible for him to eat, drink, or speak. After seeking medical help, he was diagnosed with Sweet’s syndrome. He is currently receiving medication and is required to remain in isolation. No one in our family has heard of this condition, so any additional information would be greatly appreciated.
Sweet’s syndrome, named after Dr. Robert Douglas Sweet who first identified the disease, is a rare skin condition characterized by painful, blistering bumps all over the body, including genital areas and the mouth. It often causes individuals to feel very unwell and is accompanied by fevers, fatigue, headaches, and muscle aches. Although the exact cause is not fully understood, Sweet’s syndrome typically occurs after a viral upper respiratory tract infection or gastroenteritis. People with autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, or lupus are at a higher risk.
Since symptoms can mimic other viral illnesses, misdiagnosis, such as mistaking it for chickenpox or hand, foot, and mouth disease, can delay treatment. Treatment primarily involves high-dose oral steroids, such as prednisolone, which are gradually reduced over a few weeks. Investigating and managing potential underlying triggers is also important to prevent relapses. In most cases, individuals recover well with minimal long-term complications.
After undergoing bowel surgery in July, I spent two weeks in the hospital due to an infected wound. Following this, I noticed the development of a lump below the scar. My surgeon explained that this was an incisional hernia and that I would require urgent surgery to repair it. However, I recently received a letter stating that there is an 18-month waiting list for the operation. I am angry and worried as I believe they should be responsible for fixing the problem they caused. I would greatly appreciate your advice on this matter.
Experiencing post-operative complications following major surgery can be frustrating and disheartening. Incisional hernias are not uncommon after abdominal surgery, such as bowel surgery, as it can be difficult to close all layers of the abdominal wall with stitches. In some cases, stitches may come apart or complications like wound infections can weaken the area, resulting in the development of a lump when organs protrude through the weakened point. This is not necessarily the fault of the surgeon or the patient.
Symptoms can vary depending on the size of the hernia, and many individuals can live with them for years without significant issues. If there are no other symptoms present, it is best to wait for the surgical appointment. However, if new symptoms develop, such as abdominal discomfort, it should be reported to the GP, who may be able to expedite the referral. If there are sudden, severe pains, vomiting, or issues with passing urine or opening the bowels, immediate medical attention at the nearest A&E department is necessary. These symptoms may indicate a trapped piece of the gut cutting off blood supply, which can be dangerous and requires urgent attention.
It comes as no surprise that certain finger-prick tests claiming to diagnose menopause are unreliable. A study by the British Medical Journal revealed that one of the largest laboratories analyzing menopause tests in the UK produced inaccurate results. While it’s positive that more women are seeking help for menopausal symptoms, it’s unfortunate that companies are taking advantage of this by selling useless health products. These finger-prick tests rely on detecting low levels of the hormone estrogen, which is said to indicate approaching menopause. However, these tests are notoriously unreliable due to fluctuations in hormone levels throughout the menstrual cycle. Additionally, there could be other reasons for low estrogen levels, highlighting the importance of consulting a GP for proper evaluation when suspecting menopause.
If you believe you may be going through menopause, it is advised not to waste money on blood tests and instead visit a doctor for accurate assessment.
At my clinic in Glasgow, I have recently diagnosed three patients with melanoma, the most concerning form of skin cancer. Cases of melanoma are increasing due to excessive sun exposure, sunbed use, and an aging population. Therefore, I would like to remind everyone, including individuals from black and ethnic minority backgrounds, to regularly examine their entire body for any changes in their skin, such as moles, freckles, or birthmarks. Capture photographs of these marks and review them every eight weeks, comparing them for any alterations. This evaluation should include the palms and soles of the feet, as melanoma can hide in unexpected areas.
While skin cancer can be life-threatening, early detection and treatment can lead to successful outcomes. It is crucial to wear sunscreen when spending time outdoors, even in the UK.
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