| Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS website. |
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| Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives. |
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Other Medicines For Menopause SymptomsFind out about the alternative ways you can relieve your menopause symptoms if you cannot take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or do not want to.Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the most common treatment for menopause symptoms, but it's not suitable for everyone. If you've had breast cancer, for example, you'll usually be advised not to take it. If you cannot take HRT or do not want to, you may still be able to take other medicines that can help your menopause symptoms. Ask a GP for advice. AntidepressantsAntidepressants can help with mood symptoms if you've been diagnosed with depression or anxiety. There are 2 types of antidepressants - selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Your doctor will discuss the possible benefits and risks with you. Side effects of SSRIs and SNRIs can include feeling agitated, shaky or anxious, feeling sick, feeling dizzy and a reduced sex drive. Any side effects will usually improve over time, but see a GP if they do not. ClonidineClonidine is a prescription medicine that can help reduce hot flushes and night sweats caused by menopause. You take it as tablets 2 times a day. It does not affect hormone levels, so unlike HRT it does not increase the risk of breast cancer. Clonidine can also cause side effects such as dry mouth, drowsiness, depression and constipation. It may take 2 to 4 weeks to notice the effects of clonidine. Speak to a GP if your symptoms do not improve or you have problems with side effects. |
| OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic. | | |
| Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com. | ||