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| Sun, 22nd April 2012 |
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Having a baby, especially the first, is exhilarating, and the dream of most women. However, happy expectations are often dashed, as miscarriage after miscarriage takes place. This is common, even after a normal baby has been born. But it is little comfort to parents who want to increase the family numbers. "Recurring miscarriage" means loss of a developing embryo before twenty weeks, for three or more times in a row. It is more common in women aged under 18 or over 35. Older eggs rapidly lose their initial good health and rapidly deteriorate as countless women specially following a professional life or having job security have discovered. Many doctors believe it is natures "quality control", believing there was some inherent defect in the embryo, and nature is being kind simply deleting a potential future problem. There is a lot of evidence up to 80 per cent of miscarriages are defective embryos, especially in the first few months. It may simply be a "missed or late period". Today, the baby business is taken seriously, and an enormous number of interventions are possible. Medication, examining the inside of the uterus ("hysteroscopy"), anti-coagulant treatment to name but a few. However, as a major a medical journal recently wrote, "without any intervention a subsequent pregnancy may still result in a live birth for two thirds of couples". Do not despair. Keep trying. That means more sex! That's pretty simple, and doesn't come as a tablet from the pharmacist. |
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| PERIOD PROBLEMS |
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I am 18, eat sensibly, workout and exercise every day, and am also into ballet. My MPs have not yet started. I am very healthy and slim. Is this abnormal? | |
A: | Not at all abnormal, and is similar for many thousands of other sensible teenagers who care for their body. All your activity is suppressing the normal production of the female hormone that impinges on the ovaries, called oestrogen. Without this, the half million "immature" eggs in your ovary will not surface, and which allows other hormones to be produced leading to periods. Live normally, wait and all will get into gear in due course. | |
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| GAY |
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I've recently discovered I am gay. Is this just me or an inherited issue?
It just seemed to happen without any special coercion on my part. | |
A: | Like so many other issues in life, bits of DNA probably floating around for centuries have found their way into your own DNA, via your parents. This occurred at the moment of conception, and over which you had no control. We all have a DNA profile. Others inherit a tendency to diabetes and heart disease, cancer, a large or small body frame, or certain weird disorders, both common or rare. However, personal and lifestyle choices can encourage, modify or inhibit inherited traits. | |
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| BULGE ON TOE |
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Mum has a bulge at the base of her big toe. It is getting bigger and pushing the other toes outwards. It rubs on her shoe and is sore. | |
A: | This particular spot is vulnerable, as more and more calcium is laid down with age. Its common name is "bunion". Foot gear is available which allows extra room, and reduces rubbing and discomfort. Final cure is surgical removal of the lump and straightening of the toes. But it is a painful procedure. | |
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| CONSTIPATION |
Q: |
Does constipation need treatment from the doctor? | |
A: | Most cases are self-inflicted by ignoring natures "call". Also, inadequate bulk in the colon (large bowel). Eat plenty of high fibre foods, especially wholemeal breads, wheat bix, wheat bran, fruits, legumes and veggies. These absorb water in the large bowel, causing mild distension which gives the mental signal. Do not get hooked on laxatives. Sudden constipation in an older person may be the first and only symptom of bowel cancer and needs a prompt doctor examination, and probably colonoscopy. | |
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| COLONIC LAVAGE |
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My alternative practitioner is suggesting I have "colonic lavage" to clear my system of the build-up of toxins which are causing fatigue. Is this a good idea? | |
A: | Colonic lavage has been around since the 1850s. Large amounts of water are passed into the colon (large bowel). Here it circulates and is then washed away. Supposedly with all the evil toxins of body metabolism. There is absolutely no need for this, and it is not going to improve your health. There is generally a cause for fatigue, commonly being anaemia, especially in women with excess blood loss at MP time. "Enemas" are still occasionally given to relieve constipation. | |
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