Dr Elise Dallas is a GP whose expertise you can trust
Mysterious symptoms
Q I’ve been suffering from fatigue and hair loss lately – I’ve also put on weight.
What could be the cause?
A These symptoms could be a sign of hypothyroidism, where your thyroid gland isn’t producing enough thyroid hormone. This can slow down your metabolism, leaving you feeling sluggish and sleepy.
However, it’s essential to rule out other potential causes like sleep apnea or anaemia, which can mimic these symptoms.
To get to the bottom of things, a thyroid test is key. This simple blood test checks your hormone levels and how your thyroid is functioning. If hypothyroidism is confirmed, don’t worry. Treatment typically involves taking synthetic thyroid hormones to get your levels back on track. Be patient, it may take some fine-tuning and regular check-ins to ensure your thyroid is running smoothly.
THIS INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED TO SUBSTITUTE PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE AND SHOULD NOT BE RELIED ON AS HEALTH OR PERSONAL ADVICE. NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING IT. ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR PHARMACIST OR GP FOR GUIDANCE. IN AN EMERGENCY, CALL 999 AND SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP IMMEDIATELY
Is my bleeding normal?
Q I’m 52 and going through the menopause.
I’m suffering agonising womb pain and leak blood without warning – I never know when it’s going to happen.
I often get discharge, too, which is an off-yellow colour and smells like wet cereal. Are these normal for my age?
A While many women experience various symptoms during menopause, such as hot flushes and mood swings, persistent pain in the womb and unexpected vaginal bleeding aren’t typical menopausal symptoms and deserve a closer look.
Though irregular periods are typical, bleeding outside of your usual cycle could signal underlying issues like f
