If you are overweight and are serious about losing weight, the Lipotrim Pharmacy Programme could help you reach your goal, knowing you have a highly trained healthcare professional on hand for information, advice and encouragement.
FACIAL HAIR REMOVAL
Advice, support and treatment for women living with facial hair
DID YOU KNOW?
Female facial hair is extremely common. In fact, around 5-15% of women are currently living with some degree of excess hair.
For many women, obvious or excess facial hair can be a source of both distress and embarrassment. While all women have some degree of facial hair, it is usually light and unnoticeable. For some women however, the hair can be darker or thicker than usual. This can make it more obvious — something many women find upsetting.
Living with unwanted facial hair can cause a significant knock to your self-esteem and confidence, stopping you from socialising and enjoying recreational outings and activities.
Thankfully, for women who are bothered by their facial hair, there are ways to treat it. Read below for more details on the causes of unwanted facial hair, and the proven treatments available.
CAUSES OF UNWANTED FACIAL HAIR
Up to 15% of women are currently living with excess hair[1]. Although unwanted facial hair itself is not dangerous to your health, it can be a sign of an underlying condition. There are several potential causes of unwanted facial hair in women, and understanding these conditions can give you a clearer idea of what kind of treatment is necessary in order to effectively get rid of your unwanted facial hair.
The most common of these possible causes include polycystic ovary syndrome, hirsutism and facial hair as a result of hormone imbalance. Each of these conditions carry a different set of symptoms, but all involve some degree of excess facial hair.
PCOS
PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is a common condition which impacts the way a woman’s ovaries work. It is defined by three main symptoms, which are:
It is not known exactly what causes PCOS but it does tend to run in families. There is also no cure for the condition, though a healthy lifestyle can help combat symptoms, and you can treat symptoms like facial hair individually.
HIRSUTISM
Hirsutism is one of the most common causes of unwanted facial hair in women, as it causes excessive hair growth in certain areas of the body, including the:
Additional symptoms can include oily skin, acne, deep voice and irregular periods. It is caused by excess androgens, which is why these symptoms are similar to some of those found in PCOS. Effective treatment like Vaniqa (see below) can help combat symptoms, while tackling lifestyle factors like obesity can also help as obesity can be a factor in causing the condition. Excess hair growth is more common in women after the menopause.
HORMONE IMBALANCE FACIAL HAIR
Both of the above conditions involve excess levels of androgens, which are male hormones. This reflects the wider point that unwanted facial hair in women is usually a case of hormone imbalance. Testosterone is the most well-known androgen. In men, testosterone is involved in the production of sperm and the deepening of the voice.
All women produce some level of testosterone. However, producing excess levels of testosterone may produce effects like increased sex drive, menstrual cycle changes and excess facial and body hair.
This is partially why conditions like PCOS and hirsutism are more common in women who have experienced the menopause, as this change signals a dramatic shift in hormone balance.
HOW TO REMOVE FACIAL HAIR
Hormone imbalances in women can be difficult to treat. However, there are ways of treating the symptoms of these imbalances, such as unwanted facial hair. This can help women who are bothered by their excess facial hair feel more confident in their appearance, allowing you to enjoy your life without worry or self-consciousness.
FACIAL HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENT
Some women are happy to live with unwanted facial hair, but others wish to be rid of it. Effective hair removal medication does exist in the form of prescription creams. There are also other methods of removal which many people try, including bleaching, waxing, laser hair removal and electrolysis.
Not all of these methods are equal in terms of effectiveness and comfort, however. For example, both laser hair removal and electrolysis can be expensive and require multiple sessions. They can also be painful. We’ve outlined some of the most popular treatment methods below.
FACIAL HAIR REMOVAL CREAM
Facial hair removal cream is one of the most common treatment methods. Creams can cause the hair on the skin’s surface to dissolve, leaving the skin smooth. The effectiveness of this method is largely dependent on the brand chosen, as many products will not be as effective as they claim to be. Others however are proven in their effectiveness. To be safe, it is best to seek out a prescription medication like Vaniqa.
VANIQA
Vaniqa (eflornithine hydrochloride) is a prescription medication that was developed to reduce unwanted facial hair in women. Designed for application to the skin, it is advised that Vaniqa is only used on the face and adjacent areas under the chin of women affected by unwanted hair. It can take around 4-8 weeks for women to see the first signs that this medication is working – based on usage twice a day, at least 8 hours apart. It has been tested in women of multiple ethnicities, and has shown to be an effective treatment method.
Vaniqa works by slowing down the growth of facial hair by interfering with an enzyme in the follicle of the hair during the growth stage of the hair cycle. Without this enzyme the hair is unable to grow further.
FACIAL HAIR BLEACH
Some women may choose to bleach their facial hair rather than removing it. This can make the hair less noticeable by turning darker hairs a lighter shade. The pros of bleaching facial hair are that the process is fast, easy, affordable and can be done at home. However, it is not an effective choice for women seeking a smooth, hairless surface. It also isn’t a long-term solution, as you’ll see the return of the darker hair when it starts to grow. What’s more, it is only fully effective in disguising short, fine hairs.
WAXING FACIAL HAIR
Waxing is a longer-term solution than shaving or bleaching. Like bleaching, it can be done quickly and easily at home. It can also provide that smooth skin surface which many women look for. However, waxing can also be a painful process, and often leads to skin irritation. You’ll also have to regularly wax the skin in order to maintain the results, which can cause longer term irritation.
Sunburn is red, hot and sore skin caused by too much sun. It may flake and peel after a few days. You can treat it yourself. It usually gets better within 7 days.
How to ease sunburn yourself
Do
Don't
You can ask a pharmacist:
Non-urgent advice:
See a GP urgently or call NHS 111 if:
Severe sunburn can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be very serious.
HOW DO YOU STOP SMOKING?
Recognising the dangers of smoking is the first step to quitting for good. There are several ways to go about kicking the habit, from behavioural therapy to nicotine replacement products. There is no single way for everyone to quit smoking. But it is important to note that, statistically, only between 4 and 7% of people who try to go cold turkey without help or support will succeed.
Medication such as Champix is a proven effective method for relieving cravings and symptoms of withdrawal by reducing your body’s reliance on nicotine. Champix is unique in that it uses the active ingredient varenicline, which bonds with nicotine receptors in the brain to reduce the sensations you experience when you smoke. Champix has been proven to help individuals stop smoking in just two weeks.
WHY IS IT SO DIFFICULT TO QUIT SMOKING?
Nicotine is the highly addictive drug contained within cigarettes. It affects many parts of your body, including your brain, and over time your body develops a tolerance to the substance which makes it difficult to abandon the habit completely. Evidence suggests that between 80 and 90% of people who smoke regularly live with a nicotine addiction.
Once ingested, nicotine reaches the brain within ten seconds and releases adrenaline, giving you a buzz of pleasant energy. Once a tolerance is developed, more and more nicotine is necessary to reach this buzz. As such, smokers become dependent on smoking and often turn to it when they are feeling sad, tired, irritable or stressed.
Over time, smoking becomes a physical habit which is hard to break, and individuals who have quit smoking often describe feeling restless and lacking in something to occupy their hands in the early stages of their giving up process.
WHAT DAMAGE DOES SMOKING CAUSE?
Smoking accounts for more than 80,000 deaths each year in England alone. This makes it the single biggest cause of preventable deaths. Half of all smokers will die from a smoking-related disease.
Smoking affects your circulation, as toxins from cigarettes enter your bloodstream. This then thickens the blood and increases your chances of clot formation, as well as increasing your blood pressure and heart rate. You will also experience a narrowing of the arteries, reducing the amount of oxygen-rich blood circulating to your organs. This combination of factors greatly increases your chances of developing heart disease or having a stroke.
Smoking has a negative impact on the health of your heart, stomach, skin, bones, brains and of course your lungs. As well as increasing your chances of coughs, colds and asthma, smoking also causes fatal conditions like pneumonia and lung cancer, as well as respiratory conditions like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
In fact, smoking causes 84% of deaths from lung cancer and 83% of deaths from COPD.
WHY SHOULD YOU STOP SMOKING?
As soon as you stop smoking, you will begin to notice an improvement in your overall health and wellbeing. Stopping smoking:
You should also quit smoking for the benefit of those around you. Breathing in second hand smoke increases risks of lung cancer, heart disease and stroke, can be particularly damaging for any young children in your home.
If you have decided to quit smoking and looking for someone to help you on this journey then you have come to the right place. Research has shown that you are more likely to be successful at quitting smoking with counseling and Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRTs) then try to quit without.
The benefits of quitting smoking are huge and it’s never too late to quit. It is a process which starts with you wanting to quit. There is a wide range of NRT products available to help you with quitting smoking. You can use a combination of products to help you overcome the nicotine cravings.
One of our team will help create a plan for you and have regular reviews with you to monitor your progress and to provide information and encouragement during this journey. We are passionate about helping our customers with quitting smoking as it has huge health benefits for the customer.
We stock some of the leading brands of NRT products such as Nicorette, Nicotinell, and Niquitin. The products are available in a range of different forms such as patches, chewing gum, lozenges, inhalators, nasal sprays, and microtabs. Come into our pharmacy or contact us for more details.
Sore throats are very common and usually nothing to worry about. They normally get better by themselves within a week.
How to treat a sore throat yourself
To help soothe a sore throat and shorten how long it lasts, you can:
A pharmacist can help with sore throats
To help relieve the pain and discomfort of a sore throat, you can:
You can buy them from a supermarket or from a pharmacist without a prescription.
See a GP if:
A severe or long-lasting sore throat could be something like strep throat (a bacterial throat infection).
Antibiotics
GPs do not normally prescribe antibiotics for sore throats because they will not usually relieve your symptoms or speed up your recovery.
They'll only be prescribed if your GP thinks you could have a bacterial infection.
Immediate action required:
Call 999 if:
These symptoms can make breathing more difficult.
Causes and symptoms of sore throats
Sore throats are usually caused by viruses (like cold or flu) or from smoking. Very occasionally they can be caused by bacteria.
Symptoms include:
The symptoms are similar for children, but children can also get a temperature and appear less active.
Conditions that can cause a sore throat
We dispense private prescriptions from GMC registered doctors.
If you would like us to dispense your private prescription, please hand it in at the Pharmacy counter.
Private prescriptions are not subject to NHS charges, but you will have to pay for the medication itself. There are no exemptions for private prescriptions and all items will need to be paid for.
To get a price for your medication before you come to the Pharmacy, please call us on 020 7834 6050 or email us at info@geeschemist.net
WHAT IS PREMATURE EJACULATION?
Premature ejaculation is not an uncommon condition for men to experience at some point in their life. It refers to instances where a man comes to climax “too early some or most of the time” when they engage in sexual intercourse. However, the definition of what constitutes “too early” can change from individual to individual, though most professionals define premature ejaculation as when a man ejaculates after less than two minutes of being aroused.
Premature ejaculation can occur during all forms of sexual activity, including vaginal sex, anal sex, oral sex, masturbation and simple physical contact.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PREMATURE EJACULATION AND ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION?
Erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation are often associated with one another, and can even be confused for each other, as they are both male sexual health conditions that relate to sexual activity and the male erection.
However, it is important to differentiate between the two conditions in order to select the most appropriate treatment. The main difference between the two conditions is that premature ejaculation is ejaculating too quickly, whilst erectile dysfunction (otherwise known as impotence) is an inability to achieve or maintain an erection.
If you still aren’t sure which condition you’re suffering from, speak to one of the Express Pharmacy team today using our discreet Live Chat service or by calling 0208 123 0703.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PREMATURE EJACULATION?
It is currently difficult to gain a clear diagnosis of premature ejaculation, as the guidelines for what the specific symptoms of the condition are is often changing. This is largely due to the fact that all men have a different idea regarding how long sexual intercourse should last, so one man’s concerns may be non-existent in another man who ejaculates after the same period of time.
There has been no specific length established for how long sexual intercourse should last. However, studies into the conditions have set certain guidelines which allow us to establish two main symptoms of premature ejaculation. These include:
The regular experience of reaching ejaculation within two minutes is the surest sign that you may potentially be suffering with premature ejaculation. However, it is still beneficial to discuss your symptoms with a medical professional in order to gain a clear diagnosis.
The embarrassment associated with premature ejaculation is common but often misplaced. Infrequent or intermittent premature ejaculation can be embarrassing and inconvenient, but it does not necessarily indicate a sexual dysfunction. Perhaps the surest sign of persistent premature ejaculation is where a man finds that the problem does not ease even when they have become comfortable with their sexual partner.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF PREMATURE EJACULATION?
There are many factors which can be at the root of premature ejaculation, which is why so many men experience the condition. These causes can be both physical and psychological, or it can be brought on by lifestyle factors too.
Physical causes of premature ejaculation include:
Psychological causes of premature ejaculation include:
Lifestyle factors which can contribute to premature ejaculation include:
HOW TO TREAT PREMATURE EJACULATION
The first step to resolving your premature ejaculation is to understand what is causing the condition. This will give you a clue as to what method of treatment will benefit you. For example, if your premature ejaculation is simply due to nervousness, this will likely get better as you become more sexually confident.
Lifestyle changes can help reduce symptoms of premature ejaculation if the condition is indeed caused by lifestyle choices like drinking and drug use, whilst therapy or opening up to a partner can help alleviate premature ejaculation caused by psychological concerns. If the condition is caused by an underlying physical issue, treating this concern can help alleviate your premature ejaculation.
Prescription medication is an effective method of premature ejaculation relief, particularly SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). Premature ejaculation medication such as Priligy uses the active ingredient Dapoxetine to encourage ejaculation delay during sexual intercourse.
A Guide to Pregnancy
During pregnancy it's completely normal to have many questions and concerns. Your local pharmacy is a great place to go for support during your pregnancy (and beyond), they'll help you you make the right choices when it comes to looking after your and your baby's health.
This is a very important stage on your life and it is normal to ask yourself a lot of questions and have many concerns. Do not worry, A pharmacist can support your way during pregnancy and beyond, making sure you make the right choices and helps you looking after your health and your baby.
Healthy eating
A healthy diet is a vital part of a healthy lifestyle at any time, but is especially important if you're pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Eating healthily during pregnancy will help your baby to develop and grow.
You don't need to go on a special diet, but it's important to eat a variety of different foods every day to get the right balance of nutrients that you and your baby need.
It's always best to get vitamins and minerals from the foods you eat, but when you're pregnant you need to take a folic acid supplement as well during the first few months, to make sure you get everything you and your baby may need.
There are also certain foods that should be avoided in pregnancy.
You will probably find that you are hungrier than usual, but you don't need to "eat for two" – even if you are expecting twins or triplets. This is one of the most common myths of pregnancy.
EXERCISE IN PREGNANCY
The more active and fit you are during pregnancy, the easier it will be for you to adapt to your changing shape and weight gain. It will also help you with labour and get back into shape after the birth of your baby.
Keep up your normal daily physical activity or exercise (sport, running, yoga, dancing, or even walking to the shops and back) for as long as you feel comfortable.
Exercise is not dangerous for your baby but there are certain exercises that should be avoided, so it is always worth to check with your Doctor or pharmacist.
Postnatal depression
Postnatal depression is a type of depression that many parents experience after having a baby. t's a common problem, affecting more than 1 in every 10 women within a year of giving birth. It can also affect fathers and partners, although this is less common.
It's important to seek help as soon as possible if you think you might be depressed, as your symptoms could last months or get worse and have a significant impact on you, your baby and your family.
It is difficult to understand if you are depressed as many women feel a bit down, tearful or anxious in the first week after giving birth. This is often called the "baby blues" and is so common that it’s considered normal as you need to adjust to your new situation and sometimes it can be challenging. The "baby blues" don’t last for more than two weeks after giving birth.
If your symptoms last longer or start later, you could have postnatal depression. Postnatal depression can start any time in the first year after giving birth.
How can we help you?
Request a one to one consultation with one of our pharmacist who can answer your questions and give you advice about.
Piles (haemorrhoids) are lumps inside and around your bottom (anus). They often get better on their own after a few days. There are things you can do to treat and prevent piles.
Check if it's piles
Symptoms of piles include:
How you can treat or prevent piles
Do
Don't
Ask a pharmacist about treatment for piles
A pharmacist can suggest:
Many pharmacies have private areas if you do not want to be overheard.
See a GP if:
Your GP may prescribe stronger medicines for haemorrhoids or constipation.
Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if:
Hospital treatment for piles
If there's no improvement to your piles after home treatments, you may need hospital treatment.
Talk to your doctor about the best treatment for you. Treatment does not always prevent piles coming back.
Treatment without surgery
Common hospital treatments include:
You'll be awake for this type of treatment, but the area will be numbed.
You should be able to go home on the same day.
If these treatments do not work, you may need surgery to remove your piles.
Surgery
Surgical treatments include:
You'll usually need to be asleep for this type of treatment and may need to stay in hospital for more than 1 day.
If Immediate action required, go to A&E or call 999 if you have piles and:
What causes piles?
Piles are swollen blood vessels. It's not clear what causes them.
Things that make piles more likely:
Period pain is common and a normal part of your menstrual cycle. Most women get it at some point in their lives.
It's usually felt as painful muscle cramps in the tummy, which can spread to the back and thighs.
The pain sometimes comes in intense spasms, while at other times it may be dull but more constant.
It may also vary with each period. Some periods may cause little or no discomfort, while others may be more painful.
Sometimes you may get pelvic pain even when you do not have your period.
What causes period pain?
Period pain happens when the muscular wall of the womb tightens (contracts). Mild contractions continually occur in your womb, but they're usually so mild that most women cannot feel them.
During your period, the wall of the womb starts to contract more vigorously to help the womb lining shed as part of your period.
When the wall of the womb contracts, it compresses the blood vessels lining your womb. This temporarily cuts off the blood supply – and oxygen supply – to your womb. Without oxygen, the tissues in your womb release chemicals that trigger pain.
While your body is releasing these pain-triggering chemicals, it's also producing other chemicals called prostaglandins. These encourage the womb muscles to contract more, further increasing the level of pain.
It's not known why some women have more period pain than others. It may be that some women have a build-up of prostaglandins, which means they experience stronger contractions.
Period pain caused by a medical condition
Less commonly, period pain can be caused by an underlying medical condition.
Period pain linked to an underlying medical condition tends to affect older women. Women aged 30 to 45 are most commonly affected.
Medical conditions that can cause period pain include:
Period pain caused by contraceptive devices
An intrauterine device (IUD) is a type of contraception made from copper and plastic that fits inside the womb. It can also sometimes cause period pain, particularly during the first few months after it's inserted.
You may notice a change in your normal pattern of pain if your period pain is linked to a medical condition or a contraceptive IUD. For example, the pain may be more severe or it may last much longer than normal.
You may also have:
See your GP if you have any of these symptoms as well as period pain.
How long will my period pain last?
Period pain usually starts when your bleeding begins, although some women have pain several days before the start of their period.
The pain usually lasts 48 to 72 hours, although it can last longer. It's usually at its worst when your bleeding is heaviest.
Young girls often have period pain when they begin getting periods. Read more about starting periods.
Period pain that does not have an underlying cause tends to improve as a woman gets older. Many women also notice an improvement after they've had children.
How can I treat period pain?
In most cases period pain is mild enough to treat at home.
Painkillers
You can take ibuprofen and aspirin to help manage your pain.
However, do not take ibuprofen or aspirin if you have asthma or stomach, kidney or liver problems. Aspirin should not be taken by anyone under 16 years of age.
You could also try paracetamol, but studies have shown that it does not reduce pain as well as ibuprofen or aspirin.
If ordinary painkillers do not help, your GP may prescribe a stronger painkiller, such as naproxen or codeine.
Other self-help measures to try
You could also try:
When should I see my GP?
See your GP if you have severe period pain or your normal pattern of periods changes – for example, if your periods become heavier than usual or irregular.
Contraceptives that can help period pain
Your GP may give you the contraceptive pill. This can ease period pain because it thins the womb lining and reduces the amount of prostaglandin your body releases.
A thinner womb lining means the muscles of the womb do not have to contract as much when it sheds. Your period will also be lighter.
If the contraceptive pill is not suitable for you, the contraceptive implant or the contraceptive injection are good alternatives.
The Mirena intrauterine system (IUS) can also sometimes help with painful periods.
Having a pelvic examination
Your GP may want to carry out a pelvic examination to help diagnose or rule out other causes of your period pain.
They'll insert gloved, lubricated fingers into your vagina to feel for any abnormalities in your womb or ovaries.
The examination won't be carried out without your permission. You can also ask to have a female doctor, choose to have a friend or relative present, or a practice nurse to act as a chaperone.
In some cases your GP may also order a pelvic ultrasound, which may show any abnormalities.
Referral to a specialist
If your period pain has not been controlled after 3 months of treatment with painkillers or a suitable hormonal contraceptive, your GP may refer you to a specialist, which will usually be a gynaecologist.
This is for further tests to rule out an underlying medical condition.
Further tests
To help find out the cause of your period pain, a gynaecologist may need to carry out:
Treating an underlying medical condition
If your period pain is caused by an underlying medical condition, your treatment will depend on which condition you have.
For example, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) may require antibiotics to treat the infection, while fibroids may need to be surgically removed.
Can period pain affect fertility?
Period pain that's part of your normal menstrual cycle will not affect your fertility. However, if the cause is a medical condition, this may affect your fertility.
For example, endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease can cause scarring and a build-up of tissue in your fallopian tubes, making it harder for sperm to reach and fertilise an egg.
Period pain is a normal part of a women’s menstrual cycle. It is often felt as painful muscle cramps in the lower abdomen which can spread to the back. The pain is caused by the muscles in the womb tightening, which compresses the lining of your womb; temporarily cutting off the blood supply, triggering pain in the abdominal area.
The most common symptom suffered by women are lower stomach cramps and pain. These can be experiences as a constant pain or intense spasms. However, these symptoms may vary each month, affecting different parts of the body including thighs, lower back and hips. However, the associated symptoms may also be headaches.
Mefenamic Acid can be used to treat period pain by reducing inflammation and provides an effective pain relief.
It is advised not to take Mefenamic acid if you smoke or drink, and are taking other NSAIDs at the same time, such as Ibuprofen. Furthermore, long-term use of Mefenamic acid is not recommended as it may increase the risk of its side effects. One tablet is to be taken three times a day, for a maximum of three days. If your symptoms do not improve, please seek further advice from a doctor or healthcare professional.