Health Experts
GP
Q&As with our online GP
Dr Margaret answers online readers' questions on menopause symptoms recurring long after the menopause has finished, and when to have an arthritic hip replaced
Can menopause symptoms recur?
Q: I am a 73-year-old woman suffering from menopausal symptoms for approx three years; they include feeling as if I am in a sauna several times a day lasting for up to an hour. I am at present taking simvastatin, Zantac, ramipril, and water tablets, and have been for a number of years. My GP suggests I am going through the menopause as he says this can recur. As I had no symptoms at the age of 50, please could you advise me? I am also putting weight on rapidly.
A: It is strange that you are getting hot flushes when you are long past the menopause and it is hard to suggest a cause. There are a few conditions that can lead to this and I wonder if you have had blood tests done to see if there is a problem. I see that you are taking medication for high blood pressure and raised cholesterol so I expect that various checks will be done regularly, but it would be a good idea also to test your thyroid function and blood glucose in view of your weight gain. If matters don't improve your GP might agree to refer you for a specialist opinion, perhaps to a geriatrician - a general physician with an interest in older patients' healthcare.
Arthritic hip
Q: I’m 72 and have arthritis in my left hip which has worsened over the last few months, interfering to some extent with my mobility. I am dealing with the inflammation reasonably well but my doctor says that the decision to have surgery is entirely up to me and I don't know at what point that should be. Should I leave it as long as possible or have it done sooner rather than later as my family are pushing me to do?
A: The general opinion is that it is a good idea to have a hip replacement before the arthritis gets so bad that your mobility is badly affected and your muscles become weaker. Then your rehabilitation should be much quicker. To have surgery when you are in good general health is also wise, though many 90-year-olds have had successful hip surgery. So I can understand why your family are suggesting you go ahead soon especially since this is usually such a successful procedure. It can sometimes be helpful to talk to a patient who has had the operation and who can fill you in on the details and your doctor might be able to suggest someone you could contact about this. Alternatively he could refer you to a hospital consultant or specialist nurse to discuss any concerns you might have.
More advice from our experts
- Visit Dr Margaret's archive to read more Q&As
- Down in the mouth? Visit our online dentist's archive of Q&As
- Read the Knife Coach's advice here
Making the most of your time with the doctor
- Orthopaedics: questions to ask health professionals who treat painful and damaged joints
- The doctor will see you now: how to make the most of your eight minutes with the GP
- Find a consultant
Useful Saga Link
The Saga Joints Replacement Plan concentrates on renewing hips, knees and wrists etc. Please click here to find out more about it
Information on this site is for interest only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult your own doctor about any specific health concerns.
