Instant Appointment with Dr Chris Brown-Vanishing period/Anti-depressants/Allergic to housework
Posted 337 days ago
Vanishing period
I went back on the Pill for a year after having my second baby. I came off again four months ago, and had a period then, but nothing since. I feel fine, and I’m definitely not pregnant. Is this normal?
Pauline, Darlington
It’s not unusual to get a delay in the return of normal periods after coming off the Pill. Delays of up to six months are quite common; occasionally it can take over a year for periods to get going again. It’s important to carry on using reliable contraception during this time., if you’re not trying to conceive. If it’s been over six months, and you’re sure you’re not pregnant, see your GP to rule out other possibilities.
No more happy pills
I was prescribed Prozac by my GP almost two months ago. I was hoping that I could stop it at the end of two months, as I’m feeling so much better. But she wants me to take it for at least another month. What do you think?
Chloe, south London
It’s usual to suggest a three to six months treatment when starting someone on an anti-depressant like Prozac. Relapse rates are higher with shorter courses of treatment, which is why your doctor wants you to persevere for at least another month. It’s great that you feel so much better and feel able to get by without anti-depressant medication, but I do encourage you to take the minimum recommended course, then have another chat with your doctor.
Allergic to housework
I seem to be getting allergic to almost all my household cleaning liquids and sprays. I wear gloves, but I still get itchy and my eyes hurt. What can I use?
Mag, Bradford
Our highly chemical household cleaners can cause a variety of sensitivity symptoms including sore throats, eye irritation, coughs, skin rashes and dermatitis. These are not true allergies, involving antibodies, but are due to the chemical irritant properties of the products used. If you are suffering from chemical sensitivity, you need to find non-irritant alternatives. The British Allergy Foundation offers information and advice to sufferers of allergy or chemical sensitivity. They have put together a really useful list of alternatives to a whole range of household cleaning chemicals. This can be found at www.allergyuk/chemical-sensitivity.
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