Liver forever
My doctor says I have low liver function? Should I be worried?SM, Mackay, Qld
The liver is a detoxifying powerhouse that regulates metabolism. A common issue is fatty liver disease (too much excess fat stored there), causing inflammation and, in some cases, cirrhosis. Others are medications, alcohol, hepatitis and a stack of weird diseases. If the next test is the same, you’ll need an abdominal ultrasound to actually look at your live.
Fit for fertility
Can you exercise too much when trying to conceive?NN, Freshwater, NSW
A 2001 review in the Journal of Endocrinology found over-exercising can stop ovulation and menstruation (reversed if you eat enough to compensate for the extra kJs burnt). But a Mexican study found smoking, exercise, contraceptives, alcohol, drugs and coffee weren’t significant. So, what of the conflicting advice? Be sensible. Everything in moderation and you should be fine.
Nice shot
Is it too late for women over 30 to get the Gardasil vaccine?JL, Cottesloe, WA
No, it’s not too late. You may have already come in contact with the HPVs (human papilloma viruses) covered by the vaccine. If you’re in a relationship and not planning to sleep with anyone else, you might never come in contact with HPV again. But
we can’t test you for exposure in your past so you’re taking a punt. I’ve seen too many women fall apart emotionally when they have an abnormal pap test not to recommend it.
That's real swell
I'm getting all my wisdom teeth removed. What can I use to relieve swelling?LB, Bondi, NSW
Ice! Holding an ice pack on your cheek for five minutes, three times a day, is excellent. You can also deliver an anti-inflammatory treatment to your gums and cheeks by swishing ice cold water around your mouth. Next cab off the rank: anti-inflammatory medication. Try an over-the-counter one like ibuprofen.
Hair despair
I'm 24 with very thin hair that doesn't grow! PS: I'm vegan.KB, Dee Why, NSW
Well, that could be why. A lot of vegans talk about hair thinning and loss. Research is a bit, erm, thin on the ground. We used to think zinc deficiency caused hair thinning, but supplements haven't been shown to help. We do know that iron deficiency can cause hair loss, though, so an iron supplement might help. If you do this, consider also taking a supplement of the amino acid L-lysine which, for non-meat eaters, is only available in legumes. The two supplements together appear to work better than iron alone for treating hair loss in vegans.
The mole story
Is it possible to use a cream and laser to remove potentially cancerous moles?BB, Claremont, WA
Yes. There is a very good cream that you can apply called Imiquimod (Aldara). It is used for basal cell cancers (BCCs) and sun spots or "actinic keratoses". BCCs are also sensitive to laser as is another cancer called Bowen's disease. All other skin cancers need another form of therapy. Melanomas and squamous cell cancers need surgical excision. Best get an opinion from your doctor.
Helping hands
What can I do for my hands wrecked by steroid cream used to treat eczema?TE, Bundaberg, Qld
Ask your GP about a new non-steroid cream for eczema - Elidel - which works in short bursts without the side effects of steroids. To reverse the damage, ask your GP to recommend a cosmetic physician. The Fraxel laser is great for resurfacing and improving skin texture. Or a hyaluronic acid filler (like Restylane) can be injected into hands once every 12 months.
Drink and dive
Why do I feel unmotivated, anxious and even a bit depressed after boozing?AK, Curl Curl, NSW
Alcohol is a nervous system depressant, so it slows your nervous system. The depressant effects are different in everyone. People with a tendency towards depression will often feel the down effects more severely than others. If you binge drink or combine alcohol with drugs (prescription or recreational) the effects can be even worse. If this tends to happen to you, you might want to cut down to one or two drinks per session.
Running on empty
For how long after taking the pill is vomiting or diarrhoea a problem that cancels out the pill's effectiveness?JA, Toorak, Vic
If the diarrhoea or vomiting happens within two hours of taking your pill, consider it a missed pill. If the diarrhoea or vomiting goes on, the pill won't be fully absorbed until the gastro bout is done and dusted. Keep taking it, unless you can't hold anything down, but don't rely on it. Use another form of contraception for a week after the last bout of the runs or vomiting
Smear campaign
Q: When is the best time of the month to get a pap smear?
RB, Belconnen, ACT
A: The text books say mid-cycle is the best time, as you're most likely to have a smear which captures all the relevant cells. But I reckon unless you have your period, the right time is when you have the courage! So many women try to back out of a pap test with whatever excuse comes to hand. Remember, you need a pap test every two years.
Lipid assets
Q: My cholesterol levels are very low. I'm told that's not good.
NW, Engadine, NSW
A: We still don't know for sure if there's such a thing as cholesterol that's too low. Some studies have linked low levels of "bad" cholesterol (LDLs) with some types of cancer. And there are studies linking low cholesterol with depression and anxiety. We also know pregnant women with low cholesterol have a higher likelihood of premature birth. Also, not all cholesterol is bad. HDLs are the good cholesterol that protect against heart disease, and you don't want them to be too low.
Crack addict
Q: I go to the gym regularly and my joints crack a lot. Is this bad for me?
NW, Bayview, NT
A: Cracking joints are normal, and won't do you any damage down the line. We don't really know why joints crack, but there are several theories: it could be ligaments tightening and snapping into place when the joint moves. It could be nitrogen bubbles in the fluid inside the joint floating to the surface when the joint is moving. However, if your joints hurt when they crack or become swollen, see your GP.
Check out Dr Ginni Mansberg's website: www.drginni.com.au
Send your questions for Dr Ginni Mansberg here
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