Saturday 14 May 2022 11:58 PM My GP says I'm too old for HRT at 68. What can I do? DR ELLIE CANNON answers ... trends now

Saturday 14 May 2022 11:58 PM My GP says I'm too old for HRT at 68. What can I do? DR ELLIE CANNON answers ... trends now
Saturday 14 May 2022 11:58 PM My GP says I'm too old for HRT at 68. What can I do? DR ELLIE CANNON answers ... trends now

Saturday 14 May 2022 11:58 PM My GP says I'm too old for HRT at 68. What can I do? DR ELLIE CANNON answers ... trends now

I am 68 and have suffered hot flushes since going through the menopause at 54. Hormone replacement therapy helped, but last year my GP switched me to a drug called clonidine, saying I'm not suitable for hormone treatment due to my age. My flushes have worsened – night-times are particularly shocking. What should I do?

Clonidine is a high blood pressure treatment – and also a drug we offer some women during the menopause, because it helps control hot flushes. Studies show it improves quality of life, although almost half of patients have problems sleeping when using it.

As with any new medication, the first thing to question is whether or not you are taking the right amount. Typically, we start women on a low dose of clonidine and build up. I would only say it isn't working once the maximum dose has been tried – or the side effects are intolerable.

Rather than continue with a treatment that's not working, it may be worth considering HRT patches rather than tablets, or lower doses, both of which might not have the same risks

Rather than continue with a treatment that's not working, it may be worth considering HRT patches rather than tablets, or lower doses, both of which might not have the same risks

Other things that might help reduce the severity of hot flushes include avoiding triggers such as spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol as well as sleeping in a cool room with a fan. Antidepressants and the painkiller gabapentin may also help.

Aside from this, I'd question a decision to stop HRT due to age.

There is no limit for how long a woman can take HRT – however other factors, such as risk of breast cancer or blood clots, might be a factor in deciding to switch to a non-hormone option.

Have an open and frank discussion with your GP about the risks and benefits of HRT.

Rather than continue with a treatment that's not working, it may be worth considering HRT patches rather than tablets, or lower doses, both of which might not have the same risks.

My wife had cataract surgery and the end of last year – and it left her almost blind in that eye. Her doctors have deliberated for months, and now say she'll need another operation. We're obviously apprehensive.

Cataract operations are considered routine, with roughly 330,000 of them done on the NHS every year in England alone.

The reason we operate is because cataracts – clouding of the lens, at the front of the eye – usually worsen over time, causing vision loss. There's really no other treatment, and surgery, which involves replacing the lens with an artificial one, has a very high success rate.

But as with any medical intervention there are risks and potential complications. Around one in 50 patients who have a cataract operation suffer blurred vision, loss of vision or a detached retina – when the light-sensitive cells at the back of the eye become damaged.

Cataract operations are considered routine, with roughly 330,000 of them done on the NHS every year in England alone. The reason we operate is because cataracts – clouding of the lens, at the front of the eye – usually worsen over time, causing vision loss. (File image)

Cataract operations are considered routine, with roughly 330,000 of them done on the NHS every year in England alone. The reason we operate is because cataracts – clouding of the lens, at the front of the eye – usually worsen over time, causing vision loss. (File image)

There is a one in 1,000 risk of permanent sight loss in the eye.

Rarely, a complication called intraocular lens dislocation occurs, where the newly inserted lens drops out of place. It has to be in the right position, directly behind the pupil, to work properly.

A second operation to correct the lens dislocation is really the only option. The surgeon may reposition the same lens or start again with a new one.

It's important to flag up any concerns, and make sure any questions you have are answered, preferably in good time before the day of surgery.

I am 76, live with chronic kidney disease stage 3 and was recently told I also have high cholesterol. My GP prescribed

read more from dailymail.....

NEXT Health service initiative offers patients a chance to see a GP on the same day ... trends now