INFORMATION HUB

WHY VITAMIN D IS
SO IMPORTANT?

Vitamin D is often said to be used for healthy bones and healthy teeth. This is true, however, Vitamin D is used by many other processes in the body. Having adequate levels of Vitamin D will increase muscle strength, improve the immune system, reduce falls risks and improve mood and energy levels.

VITAMIN D SELF TEST

HOW CAN I AVOID GETTING
BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS?

What is a vaginal infection? A vaginal infection is also known as bacterial vaginosis. It is not a sexually transmitted disease. It is a common condition caused by the overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. This causes a change in the normal vaginal discharge which may become more noticeable or develop a fishy smell.

VAGINAL INFECTION SELF-TEST

WHO IS AT RISK OF URINARY TRACT
INFECTION (UTI)?

A UTI is an infection of anywhere along the urinary tract. This includes the urethra (the tube which we urinate out of), the bladder, the ureters (the tubes that connect the bladder to the kidneys), and the kidneys themselves. When doctors talk about a UTI, we tend to mean an infection of the bladder, also known as cystitis.

URINARY TRACT INFECTION SELF-TEST

WHAT CAUSES AN UNDERACTIVE
THYROID AND HOW CAN I TREAT IT?

An underactive thyroid is when your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone (thyroxine). This condition is also known as underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism. Thyroxine is produced in the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland sits at the front of your neck.

UNDER-ACTIVE THYROID SELF-TEST

WHAT IS MENOPAUSE AND HOW CAN I
FEEL BETTER?

Menopause is when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels. This usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55. Perimenopause is when you have symptoms before your periods have stopped. Symptoms of menopause can last for months or years and can change with time.

MENOPAUSE SELF-TEST

WHAT IS MALE INFERTILITY AND HOW
DO I IMPROVE MY CHANCE OF
BECOMING A FATHER?

A low sperm count is also called “oligozoospermia”. This is when an ejaculate has fewer than 15 million sperm per ml of semen. Having a low sperm count can make it more difficult to conceive naturally.

MALE FERTILITY SELF-TEST

IRON DEFICIENCY: WHAT SHOULD I DO
TO IMPROVE IT?

Iron is used to make haemoglobin which is found in red blood cells. Haemoglobin is important for carrying oxygen around the body. If you don't have enough haemoglobin then your body is not going to get the oxygen it requires to function at its best. This low level of haemoglobin/red blood cells is called anaemia. Iron is also important for the healthy growth of hair, skin and nails.

IRON DEFICIENCY SELF-TEST

HOW H. PYLORI BACTERIA AFFECTS
OUR STOMACH HEALTH?

H. Pylori is a bacteria that can often be found in the stomach. It is one of the most common bacteria found in the human body. About 40% of the UK adult population have H. Pylori at any one time. The vast majority of people who are infected with H. Pylori do not suffer from any symptoms. However, H. Pylori affects the effectiveness of the protective lining of the stomach. Therefore the most common symptom of H. Pylori infection is indigestion.

STOMACH HEALTH SELF-TEST

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF BOWEL
CANCER?

By noticing these symptoms early, you can prevent the development of bowel cancer:

  • Change in bowel habits such as passing bowel motions more frequently or having looser and more runny motions;
  • Unexpected weight loss - usually 5-10% of your weight in the past 6 months;
BOWEL HEALTH
VITAMIN D SELF TEST

WHY VITAMIN D IS SO IMPORTANT?

Vitamin D is often said to be used for healthy bones and healthy teeth. This is true, however, Vitamin D is used by many other processes in the body. Having adequate levels of Vitamin D will increase muscle strength, improve the immune system, reduce falls risks and improve mood and energy levels.

There are two main sources of vitamin D - food and sunlight. Foods that contain vitamin D include sardines, tuna, salmon, egg yolks, red meat and liver.

The UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey from 2008-2012 showed 23% of adults aged 19–64 years and 21% of adults aged 65 years and over suffered from vitamin D deficiency. Another survey which concluded in 2019 showed that from a population of nearly 6.5 million people, 1/3rd of people were deficient in Vitamin D.

A lot of people with vitamin D deficiency will not have any symptoms. Sometimes the symptoms might be very vague. Below are some of the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency:

  • Tiredness
  • Feeling generally unwell
  • Bone pain
  • Muscle aches
  • Joint pain
  • Low mood

The National Institute of Clinical Excellence puts the following people in the high-risk category of being vitamin D deficient:

  • Over 65 year olds
  • Those with low exposure to the sun. This may be due to due to cultural reasons, those who are housebound, or those who are confined to the indoors or long periods
  • Those with darker skin pigmentation
  • Those who have had certain types of abdominal surgery which makes them less able to absorb vitamin D.
  • Those with severe liver or kidney disease
  • Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Those who have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m2

How can I get more Vitamin D?

It’s very difficult to get enough Vitamin D from sunlight in the UK. That's why the UK government recommends people in the UK take vitamin D supplements during the winter months.

How much Vitamin D supplement should I be taking?

It’s recommended that all UK adults take 10 micrograms (400 International Units) a day from October to March. If you fall into one of the high-risk categories above, it is advised that you take a vitamin D supplement of 10 micrograms (400 International Units) a day all year round.

Who should not take Vitamin D supplements?

If you suffer from high calcium levels or some cancers, you should not take vitamin D supplements. Vitamin D supplements should also be taken with caution in patients on some heart medications and some blood pressure medications. If you are on any medications for these then speak with your doctor before starting Vitamin D supplements.

People with kidney disease, liver disease and those who suffer from kidney stones should also seek medical advice from their doctor before starting Vitamin D supplements.

VAGINAL INFECTION SELF TEST

How can I avoid getting bacterial vaginosis?

A vaginal infection is also known as bacterial vaginosis. It is not a sexually transmitted disease. It is a common condition caused by the overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. This causes a change in the normal vaginal discharge which may become more noticeable or develop a fishy smell.

Normally there is a healthy mix of millions of bacteria in our bodies, including the vagina. We rely on them being there and they are important to us. In bacterial vaginosis, the balance of vaginal bacteria is altered.

Some estimate that as many as 1 in 3 women develop bacterial vaginosis at some point in their lives.Bacterial vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted infection. It can however increase your risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection (e.g. Chlamydia).

Bacterial vaginosis often causes unusual vaginal discharge that has a strong fishy smell. It can also change colour and consistency, becoming greyish-white and watery. Around half of women with bacterial vaginosis do not have any symptoms. Bacterial vaginosis does not usually cause any soreness or itching, but it can sometimes cause painful urination. Bacterial vaginosis is not caused by poor hygiene. In fact, excessive washing of the vagina may alter the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina which may cause bacterial vaginosis.

Bacterial vaginosis is usually treated with antibiotic tablets or gels/creams. These are prescribed by a GP or sexual health clinic. If you have a same-sex partner, they may also need treatment. In some women, bacterial vaginosis recurs and further treatment may be needed.

URINARY TRACT INFECTION SELF-TEST

Who is at risk of Urinary Tract Infection?

A UTI is an infection of anywhere along the urinary tract. This includes the urethra (the tube which we urinate out of), the bladder, the ureters (the tubes that connect the bladder to the kidneys), and the kidneys themselves. When doctors talk about a UTI, we tend to mean an infection of the bladder, also known as cystitis.

Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder, usually caused by a bacterial infection (although there are other reasons why people can get an inflamed bladder).

Females are much more likely to get cystitis than men. This is because the tube women urinate out of (the urethra) is much shorter compared to men, therefore the bacteria are more likely to get into the bladder. Other things that can increase women’s chance of having cystitis are: pregnancy, being sexually active, going through menopause, having diabetes, having a reduced immune system, or having a long term catheter (a tube that goes into your bladder through which urine is collected).

In most cases, cystitis can be treated with a short course of antibiotics.

There are some simple things you can do to improve the chances of not getting cystitis, such as wiping from front to back, passing urine after sexual intercourse and staying well hydrated. There is some evidence that drinking cranberry juice can help with urinary tract infections however this is not conclusive.

If you are getting two or more episodes of cystitis in six months or three or more episodes in one year speak with your GP as they may want to refer you to a specialist.

If cystitis is left untreated, then it can lead to a worse infection along the urinary tract. This can lead to sepsis - a life-threatening condition that needs to be treated in a hospital.

UNDER-ACTIVE THYROID SELF-TEST

What causes an underactive thyroid and how can I treat it?

An underactive thyroid is when your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone (thyroxine). This condition is also known as underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism. Thyroxine is produced in the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland sits at the front of your neck.

In the UK, the prevalence of spontaneous underactive is 2%, and it is ten times more common in women than in men (1-2). The most common age group affected is 40-50 years (1-2).

The symptoms of an underactive thyroid are often vague and usually develop quite slowly such that you may not notice them. When the body doesn’t have enough thyroid hormone many of the body’s functions slow down.

In most cases, cystitis can be treated with a short course of antibiotics.

What causes an underactive thyroid?

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis: An underactive thyroid often occurs when the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. This damages the thyroid gland which means it doesn't make enough hormone (thyroxine).
  • Caused by previous treatment to the thyroid gland: Underactive thyroid can also occur as a side effect or complication of previous treatment to the thyroid gland including surgery or radioactive iodine therapy.
  • Lack of iodine: Not common in the UK but common Worldwide is lack of dietary iodine. This is because the body needs iodine to make the hormone thyroxine

Other causes of an underactive thyroid include viral infections and some medications.

You should think about underactive thyroid with the following symptoms:

  • Tiredness
  • Weight gain
  • Low mood
  • Being sensitive to the cold
  • Dry skin and dry hair
  • Muscle aches, weakness and cramps
  • Constipation
  • Loss of libido (low sex drive)
  • Irregular period or heavy periods
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

An underactive thyroid can be successfully treated by taking daily hormone tablets to replace the hormones your thyroid gland isn’t making. The tablet is called levothyroxine. You will usually need the treatment for the rest of your life. With adequate treatment, you should lead a normal and healthy life.

You will initially have regular blood tests until the correct dose of levothyroxine is reached. Once you’re taking the correct dose, you’ll usually have a blood test once a year to monitor your hormone levels.

This medication doesn’t usually have any side effects as the tablet is simply replacing the hormone your body is missing

Side effects usually only occur if you’re taking too much levothyroxine. If this happens symptoms may include sweating, headaches, diarrhoea and vomiting.

There is no way of preventing an underactive thyroid and if an underactive thyroid isn’t treated it can lead to complications including:

  • Heart disease: this is because low levels of thyroxine can lead to increased levels of cholesterol in your blood which can deposit in your arteries restricting the blood flow to the heart.
  • Goitre: this is an abnormal swelling of the thyroid gland that causes a lump to form at the front of your neck. This is the thyroid gland enlarging to produce more of the missing hormone.
  • Pregnancy issues: if you don’t have enough thyroxine during pregnancy there may be pregnancy related complications, including pre-eclampsia, anaemia (low red blood cells), underactive thyroid in the newborn, birth defects, problems with the baby’s development and stillbirth/miscarriage
  • Myxoedema coma: this is a rare life-threatening condition that occurs when there are severely low levels of thyroxine. Symptoms of this condition include confusion, hypothermia (low body temperature) and drowsiness.
MENOPAUSE SELF-TEST

What is menopause and how can I feel better?

Menopause is when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels. This usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55. Perimenopause is when you have symptoms before your periods have stopped. Symptoms of menopause can last for months or years and can change with time.

Menopause and perimenopause can have a big impact on your life, including relationships and work. The symptoms experienced are different for everyone. Taking a test will help you understand why you are feeling the way you are. There are treatment options available for troublesome symptoms.

The average age of a person going through natural menopause is 51 years, but it can happen earlier or later. If you’re younger than 45, it is called ‘early menopause’. If symptoms start before the age of 40, it is known as ‘premature menopause’ or ‘premature ovarian insufficiency’ (POI). By the age of 54, 80% of women will have stopped having periods.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

  • Changes to your periods – they may become irregular and eventually they will stop altogether.
  • Effect on your well-being: changes in mood are common including low mood, anxiety, mood swings and low self-esteem. There may also be problems with memory and concentration (sometimes called ‘brain fog’).
  • Physical symptoms:
    • Hot flushes
    • Difficulty sleeping
    • Night sweats
    • Headaches and migraines may be worse than usual
    • Muscles aches and joint pains
    • Changes in body shape and weight gain
    • Skin changes including dry and itchy skin
    • Reduced sex drive
    • Vaginal dryness and pain, itching or discomfort during sex

How does menopause affect the body?

  • Skin and hair – we tend to lose skin protein (collagen) after menopause. This can make the skin drier thinner and more likely to itch.
  • Genital area – the lack of oestrogen can cause the tissues in and around your vagina to become thinner and drier. This can cause the skin to be thin, dry and itchy.
  • Thinning of the bones (osteoporosis) – oestrogen helps to protect against bone thinning. With lower levels of oestrogen, bones can become thinner and therefore more prone to breaks or fractures

What lifestyle changes can I make to help menopause and perimenopause symptoms?

  • Get plenty of rest including keeping to a regular sleep routine
  • Eat a healthy balanced diet containing the four main food groups (fruit and veg, carbohydrates, dairy, and protein.
  • Exercise regularly including weight bearing exercises to improve bone health
  • Do relaxing things such as yoga and meditation
  • Talk to others going through the same thing as you.

What can I do to ease vaginal dryness? There are vaginal moisturisers and lubricants that you can get without a prescription at the pharmacy. There are other treatments for vaginal dryness that a doctor can prescribe.

How can I protect against weak bones? The Royal Osteoporosis Society recommends the following to help protect against weakening bones

  • Exercise regularly, including weight-bearing exercises
  • Eat a healthy balanced diet containing the four main food groups (fruit and veg, carbohydrates, dairy, and protein.
  • Ensure you have adequate vitamin D levels. (Link here to vitamin D test)
  • Stop smoking and cut down on alcohol.

You can also take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

What is HRT? One treatment for menopause and perimenopause symptoms is hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This replaces the hormones that are at low levels during menopause.

There are different types and doses of HRT. Using the right dose and type usually means your symptoms improve.

HRT comes as:

  • Skin patches
  • Gel or spray to put on the skin
  • Implants
  • Tablets

The benefit of HRT is that it can relieve most menopause and perimenopausal symptoms including hot flushes, brain fog, joint pains, mood swings and vaginal dryness. It can also reduce the risk of hormone-related health problems including osteoporosis and heart disease. As with all medications, there are some risks of HRT. A GP can discuss the benefits and risks with you in greater detail.

MALE FERTILITY SELF-TEST

What is Male Infertility and how do I improve my chance of becoming a father?

A low sperm count is also called “oligozoospermia”. This is when an ejaculate has fewer than 15 million sperm per ml of semen. Having a low sperm count can make it more difficult to conceive naturally.

In many cases, it is not obvious what causes low sperm count. Low sperm count can be caused by the following conditions:

  • Hormone imbalance
  • Genetic problems e.g. Kleinfelter’s syndrome
  • Having had undescended testicles as a baby
  • Structural problems e.g. blockage in the tubes carrying sperm
  • Genital infection e.e. chlamydia
  • Varicoceles
  • Testicles becoming overheated
  • Certain medications
  • Excessive alcohol/smoking
  • Being overweight or obese

Sperm problems may be the cause of infertility in 50% of couples suffering from infertility. The main sign of male infertility is the inability to conceive a child. Male infertility can be caused by:

  • Sperm disorders: This includes not enough sperm, sperm that don't move fast enough, or sperm that are a different shape to normal.
  • Hormonal problems - those with “hypogonadism” don't produce enough of the hormone testosterone. This may affect your sperm count, sex drive (libido) or mean you can't get an erection/ ejaculate.
  • Ejaculation disorders
  • Other things that can affect fertility include: smoking, alcohol, illegal drugs, infections, your scrotum being too warm, medicines and obesity.

In some cases, an underlying problem does have signs and symptoms. These may include

  • Pain and swelling in your testicles, or prominent veins in your testicles may suggest there is an issue with the blood supply to your testicles.
  • A problem with your prostate gland or tube that carries sperm from your testicles may cause fertility problems. This can present as blood in your semen, pain when ejaculating or trouble ejaculating when you have sex
  • Low hormone levels may cause problems getting or keeping an erection, changes to your mood, tiredness, weight gain, lower sex drive (libido), growth of male breasts, or less facial hair. Low hormone levels will have an effect on your sperm.

What are the treatments for low sperm count? There are several options available.

  • Keep trying, you may still be able to conceive it might just take longer. One of the main things is having regular vaginal sex. Regular sex means every 2-3 days. You can also optimise the time when you have sex with when your partner ovulates.
  • Lifestyle changes including: stopping smoking, alcohol within recommended limits, no recreational drugs, healthy diet, health weight and keeping your testicles cool.
  • Assisted conception - IVF (in vitro fertilisation), ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), or gonadotrophin medicine (helps to stimulate sperm)

There are also a number of lifestyle changes you can make to improve your chances of becoming a dad.

  • Sperm temperature - keeping your testicles cool can help to produce high-quality sperm. You can keep your testicles cool by not using tight-fitting underwear and avoiding hot baths/hot tubs.
  • Smoking - smoking can reduce fertility and so you should give up to improve your chance of becoming a Dad.
  • Alcohol - drinking above the recommended weekly units of alcohol (14 units) can reduce the quality of your sperm.
  • Recreational drugs - some recreational drugs can reduce sperm quality. These include, but are not limited to cannabis, cocaine and anabolic steroids.
  • Medicine - some medicines may reduce the quality of your sperm so discuss with your doctor if you are taking a medicine and want to see if it affects your fertility.
  • Diet, weight and exercise - eating a healthy, balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight are essential for high-quality sperm
IRON DEFICIENCY SELF TEST

Iron Deficiency: What should I do to improve it?

Iron is used to make haemoglobin which is found in red blood cells. Haemoglobin is important for carrying oxygen around the body. If you don't have enough haemoglobin then your body is not going to get the oxygen it requires to function at its best. This low level of haemoglobin/red blood cells is called anaemia. Iron is also important for the healthy growth of hair, skin and nails.

If you are iron deficient, then you can experience a wide variety of symptoms. These include:

  • Tiredness
  • Becoming fatigued quickly during exercise.
  • Looking pale
  • Memory problems
  • Brittle hair and nails
  • Poor concentration
  • Getting out of breath quicker than normal
  • Slow wound healing.

If your iron deficiency goes untreated, then it can lead to other problems within your body, such as heart problems, liver problems and the ability to fight infections.

It’s important to remember that for the vast majority of people iron deficiency is due to easily managed conditions, such as heavy periods or nutritional intake. Iron deficiency can sometimes be caused by diseases such as stomach ulcers, inflammation of the bowel, and some cancers.

If your low iron is due to a disease, then you need to treat the disease. Without treating the disease, it’s a bit like running a bath without the plug in - it’ll never fill up!

If your low iron is not due to a disease, then you can increase your iron intake. Foods rich in iron include: Liver (do not eat during pregnancy), red meat, beans (such as red kidney beans, and chickpeas), nuts, and dried fruits.

You can also do some things to help your body absorb more iron such as ensuring you are taking enough vitamin C, avoiding cow’s milk at meal times (calcium interferes with absorption) and avoiding tea and coffee at meal times (the phenols in tea and coffee can also interfere with absorption).

It is important to find the cause of iron deficiency when it is diagnosed. It is likely your doctor will want to do further blood tests to check other things such as your kidney and liver function. They may also ask for a urine and poo sample.

If the cause is easily identified and treated, then further tests are not usually necessary, however if your doctor can’t find the cause, then you might need to go for further tests such as scan or camera tests of your bowel.

STOMACH HEALTH SELF TEST

How H. Pylori bacteria affects our stomach health?

H. Pylori is a bacteria that can often be found in the stomach. It is one of the most common bacteria found in the human body. About 40% of the UK adult population have H. Pylori at any one time. The vast majority of people who are infected with H. Pylori do not suffer from any symptoms. However, H. Pylori affects the effectiveness of the protective lining of the stomach. Therefore the most common symptom of H. Pylori infection is indigestion.

H. Pylori is the leading cause of stomach and duodenal ulcers (also known as peptic ulcers) which can be quite unpleasant. In mild circumstances they can cause discomfort and indigestion. More serious complications include bleeding and perforation (a hole in the stomach). H. Pylori has been classed by the World Health Organisation as a cause of cancer in humans. The main type of cancer that it can cause is stomach cancer, which is the fifth most common cancer in the world. However, the risk of developing stomach cancer from H. Pylori infection is still very low. Cancer Research UK says that about 1 to 3 people out of every 100 infected will go onto develop stomach cancer.

It is not clear how people become infected with H. Pylori. It seems that most people catch it from other human beings but the mode of transmission is not completely known. Therefore, there is nothing that can be done to prevent people from getting H. Pylori.

H. Pylori is easily treated with a combination of antibiotics and a certain type of antacids, also known as proton pump inhibitors (or PPIs). These can all be taken orally, therefore people infected with H. Pylori do not have to be admitted to hospital. The tablets are usually taken for 1 week however your doctor will be able to advise you further on the treatment options. Be sure to tell your doctor of any allergies to medications you might have as this will affect your treatment.

There are lots of things you can do to help relieve heartburn and indigestion.

  • Stopping smoking - Smoking can cause heartburn and indigestion because it relaxes muscles around the stomach and food pipe (oesophagus). Stopping smoking can help with this, not to mention numerous other health benefits.
  • Dietary changes - peppermint, tomatoes, chocolate, spicy foods and hot drinks have been suggested to make symptoms worse. If you are suffering from indigestion then you might like to try cutting out some of these foods.
  • Lose weight - increased weight puts pressure on your stomach and oesophagus. Losing weight can help alleviate this pressure and relieve symptoms.
  • Cut out alcohol - similar to smoking, alcohol relaxes muscles around the stomach and oesophagus. Cutting out alcohol can prevent this relaxation and help with symptoms.

If you are suffering from any of the following, you should seek advice from your GP: vomiting, unintended weight loss, and painful or difficulty swallowing. This is because these symptoms may require further investigation.

BOWEL HEALTH SELF TEST

What are the symptoms of bowel cancer?

By noticing these symptoms early, you can prevent the development of bowel cancer:

  • Change in bowel habits such as passing bowel motions more frequently or having looser and more runny motions;
  • Unexpected weight loss - usually 5-10% of your weight in the past 6 months;
  • Stomach pain, discomfort or bloating after eating.

Pay special attention on the next symptom: visible blood in your poo.

There are many reasons why you might have blood in your poo. One reason is bowel/colon cancer, however this is not the only reason. Other reasons could be haemorrhoids, diverticular disease, inflammation of the bowel, polyps, stomach ulcers and some medications such as warfarin or aspirin.

Sometimes the amount of blood is very small or mixed in with the poo. Therefore, you can’t see the blood with the naked eye. The Silex test is 98% accurate for blood in poo so even if you can’t see it and you get a positive test, it doesn’t mean the test is incorrect. You should speak with your GP. There are many causes for a positive test, however your GP will be able to advise further if more tests are needed.

What other risk factors are there for bowel cancer?

  • Increasing age - 9/10 bowel cancers occur in those over the age of 50 and 6 out of 10 occur in those over 70.
  • Diet - Eating large amounts of red and processed meats can increase your risk of bowel cancer.
  • Smoking and alcohol have been shown to increase the risk of bowel cancer.
  • Some inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease can increase the risk of bowel cancer. (Please note, IBD is different to Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS does not increase your risk of bowel cancer)
  • Some other genetic disorders such as Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) or Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC) increase the risk of developing bowel cancer.