All women aged between 25 and 64 are invited for cervical screening in the UK. Also called a smear test or pap test, it’s a test aiming to prevent cancer rather than a test for whether you have cancer. It checks for a certain virus that can disrupt the cells of the cervix (the opening to your womb from your vagina). If you have the virus, the cells of the cervix can then be checked for any changes that could, with time, lead to cervical cancer. Your local health authority will get your age and address details from your GP records and send you an invitation (usually by post). If you’re under 25, you’ll be invited every 6 months until you are 25, every 3 years if you’re 25 to 49 and every 5 years if you’re aged 50 to 64. After the age of 65 you’ll only be invited if one of your last three tests was abnormal. You then book an appointment with your general practice nurse or sexual health clinic for a test. Cervical cancer is not one of the most common cancers, but it is common in young women, usually affecting those in their early 30s. Once you have cervical cancer, treatment can be difficult and threaten your fertility and your overall health. But it's considered 99.8% preventable, so it's worth keeping up with your cervical screening.

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK and every year 55,000 women are diagnosed with it. Currently the process involved screening and then only once, diagnosed they are treated. Unfortunately, around 11,500 will die from the disease every year and the vast majority of cases of breast cancer are diagnosed after the age of 50. One of the most common treatments used in breast cancer is called anastrozole – a hormone that is given as a daily tablet. This is because some breast cancers need the hormone oestrogen to grow, and an enzyme called 'aromatase' is needed for this change to occur. Anastrozole works by blocking (inhibiting) this enzyme, which in turn reduces the amount of oestrogen in your body, which slows the growth of breast cancer cells. Under new plans just announced by the NHS, up to 300,000 women who are said to be at moderate or high risk of developing breast cancer will now be offered anastrozole as a preventive treatment in order to reduce their risk of breast cancer occurring in the first place. It has been estimated that if this roll-out is taken up in full, it could prevent 8,000 cases of breast cancer among women currently in their 50s and 60s if taken for a full 5-year course. Anastrozole has been licensed for the treatment of breast cancer since 2006, but until now has not been licensed as a preventive treatment. Who is eligible for anastrozole for the prevention of breast cancer? Any post-menopausal woman with a mother or sister diagnosed with the disease before the age of 40, or those with two close relatives with breast cancer at any age, are encouraged to come forward to their doctor for assessment. If suitable, their GP is able to prescribe anastrozole. Women have a one in seven chance of developing breast cancer but are said to be at moderate risk if this increases to around one in six. Women are said to be at high risk if this increases further to at least one in three.

25 Health & Beauty Q&As Here is a breakdown of questions asked by yourselves about health and beauty, answered by our dermatology specialist. 1. What is the best skincare routine for dry skin? Various factors, such as environment, genetics, or certain skin conditions, can cause dry skin. A good routine for dry skin focuses on hydration and skin protection. We suggest a simple yet complete approach, including a cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen for the daytime and a night routine that includes a cleanser, moisturiser and face oil. Some additional tips include using a Humidifier in your room to maintain moisture in the air and using a large bottle of water to ensure optimal hydration throughout the day. Would you like recommendations for specific products? Morning: CeraVe cleanser, Eucerin Dry Touch Sun Screen Evening: Cleanser, Aveeno moisturiser 2. How do you achieve the glass skin look? To achieve the “glass skin” look, we recommend following a healthy lifestyle and consistently keeping up a skincare routine that gives you an intensely hydrated complexion. This routine typically involves double cleansing, exfoliation, toning, essence, moisturiser and sunscreen. Some optional treatments would include applying sheet masks up to 3 times a week for an extra boost of hydration. Recommendations of products include ORS Hydration Tablets. 3. Is sunscreen essential, and why? Yes, sunscreen is crucial for maintaining healthy skin. It helps protect against harmful UV rays that can cause sunburn, premature ageing, and even skin cancer. It's essential to apply sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days. Some great sunscreen products include: Eucerin Sun Spray Transparent Dry Touch, Piz Buin Mountain Sun Cream, Eucerin Sun Sensitive Protect Extra Light Sun Cream & CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen. 4. How can you treat acne and anxiety-induced flare-ups with skincare? To treat acne and anxiety-induced flare-ups with skincare, I recommend using gentle cleansers and moisturisers that are non-comedogenic and fragrance-free. Also, incorporate calming ingredients like aloe vera or green tea into your skincare routine for relief benefits. Some products you can try include CeraVe cleanser, Aveeno moisturiser 5. Can consuming a lot of caffeine cause lousy skin? Caffeine can be both beneficial and harmful for the skin. Some positive effects include anti-oxidant properties and improved circulation. Some adverse effects include dehydration and increasing the stress hormone in the body. 6. How do you apply retinol? Retinol is applied as the second step in your night skincare routine. After gently cleansing the skin, apply a small amount of retinol evenly on the skin, then seal with a hydrating moisturiser. It is essential to start slowly with retinol. We recommend starting with 0.25% for new users. Acnecide is a stronger pharmacy retinol and is proven clinically effective, but is very strong and is not suitable for sensitive skin. 7. Can I use retinol in my 20s? While It may be too early to start - It depends on your skin type and is specific to your concerns and goals. Please consult a dermatologist to tailor your retinol use. 8. What will help tighten your skin? It can be approached from both products and professional treatments. Some of the recommended products include peptides, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C ingredients. Some of the professional methods we recommend include laser therapy, radiofrequency, and ultrasound therapy. Some at-home remedies, including masks and facial massages, can contribute to better circulation and more collagen production. 9. Can vitamin C irritate my skin? Should I use it in the morning or night? It depends on your skin type and the concentration of vitamin C used. You should not use Vitamin C combined with other actives, such as retinoids, exfoliating acids, or benzoyl peroxide, as that can lead to skin sensitivity and irritation. Vitamin C and a good sunscreen Acnecide, Eucerin Sun Spray Transparent Dry Touch & Berocca Orange Energy Vitamin 10. Are alcohols bad to use on the skin? It depends on the type of alcohol ingredient in the skincare product. Please consult your dermatologist for personalised advice and always patch-test the product before use. 11. What are the best vitamins for glowing skin? To achieve radiant skin, focusing on several vitamins can play a critical role in your skin’s health and radiance. Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and Vitamin K Vitamin C Benefits - Boosts immunity, helps collagen production, and enhances iron absorption. Sources - Citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli. Food vs supplements - Better absorbed from food, but supplements help if dietary intake is insufficient. Vitamin E Benefits - Antioxidant, supports skin and immune health. Sources - Nuts, seeds, spinach, vegetable oils. Food vs supplements - Prefer food for better absorption; high-dose supplements can interfere with clotting. Vitamin A Benefits - Supports vision, immunity, and skin health. Sources - Liver, dairy (retinol); carrots, sweet potatoes (beta-carotene). Food vs supplements - Prefer beta-carotene foods to avoid toxicity; supplements only if deficient. Vitamin D Benefits - Supports bone health and immune function. Sources - Sunlight, fatty fish, fortified foods, egg yolks. Food vs supplements - Hard to get from food; supplements often needed, especially in low sunlight areas. Vitamin K Benefits - Essential for blood clotting and bone health. Sources - Leafy greens, broccoli, fermented foods. Food vs Supplements - Easily obtained from food; supplements rarely needed unless deficient. 12. How to get rid of hormonal acne? There are multiple ways you could approach getting rid of hormonal acne. We recommend you first focus on lifestyle changes, including managing your diet, sleep and stress levels.  Second, implement a skincare routine and be consistent with it. Third, you could consult a dermatologist if the case persists. Finally, you could try topical treatments, including retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, etc. 13. How can you prevent skin from ageing? To prevent skin ageing, you could implement multiple strategies in your lifestyle choices and skincare routine to maintain skin health and avoid skin issues that may arise with age. Using SPF consistently. Follow a healthy diet and limit sugar intake. Implement healthy habits avoid alcohol avoid smoking and get 8+ hours of sleep per night. Manage stress levels. Regular dermatologist visits for specific advice tailored to your concerns. 14. What are the best products for dark circles under the eyes? There are many products you can use for dark under-eye circles. Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and caffeine in under-eye creams can offer instant benefits and enhance the darkness immediately upon use. If darkness persists with consistent use of products, we recommend checking your lifestyle routine and consulting a dermatologist. 15. Is there a DIY treatment for blemishes? To create any DIY treatment that targets blemishes on the skin, you would have to make a concoction that reduces inflammation, kills bacteria and promotes healing. Please note that it is essential to patch-test them on a small skin area before the entire application. 16. Is my skin dry or just dehydrated? The difference between dry and dehydrated skin can be determined by learning the characteristics of both types and considering a few tests, such as the pinch test. If unsure, visit a dermatologist to help diagnose your skin and recommend the best treatment tailored to your concern. 17. Should my skincare lineup change from AM to PM? It depends on what you are trying to target and your goal. Here are key questions you can ask yourself to determine if your skincare lineup should change from AM to PM: What are my skincare goals? Are you focusing on hydration, anti-ageing, acne, or protection from environmental damage? How does my skin behave throughout the day? Does it get oily, dry, or sensitive during different parts of the day? Do I need sun protection at night? Sunscreens are vital during the day but unnecessary in the evening. Am I using products that target different concerns for day vs night? Antioxidants (like Vitamin C) protect during the day, while retinoids or exfoliants work better at night for repair. How sensitive is my skin to certain ingredients? Some active ingredients (like retinoids or AHAs) can make your skin more sun-sensitive, so they're better used at night. What kind of environment am I in during the day? Do you need more protection from pollutants and UV in the morning compared to the evening when your skin can recover? How much time can I dedicate to skincare in the morning vs the evening? Does your schedule allow for a more intensive routine at night, or do you need something simpler for the AM? Answering these questions will help tailor your routine to your specific daily and night needs. 18. What do you recommend for sensitive skin? A few recommendations for sensitive skin include the following: Using only gentle products, avoiding alcohol-based products and always doing a patch test on a small area of the skin of any new products before application to ensure they don’t irritate you. 19. Do you recommend taking skin supplements? It depends on your specific deficiencies and overall health needs. Both supplements and natural intake of vitamins and minerals are effective ways to provide your skin with the necessary needs. Some top-rated skin supplements: Vitabiotics Immunace Original 20. How to fix an uneven skin tone? To successfully address uneven skin tone, you need to approach the following: a Using SPF consistently b. Gently exfoliate your skin 3-4 times per week  \*include benefits and recommended products c. Follow a healthy lifestyle \*include info on diet, hydration, activity, etc. d. Consider hydroquinone \*include info and recommended products e. Consult a dermatologist for specific advice and a tailored approach to uneven skin tone. 21. How do I find out my skin type? Understanding your skin type will help you take care of it and choose the right products and routines that will allow you to maintain it and get the best results. A way to find out what your skin type is is through our method here. 22. Should I wear sunscreen indoors? Whether you need sunscreen indoors depends on the environment you’re spending your day in. If you are subjected to light through windows or screens for long periods, then yes, wearing sunscreen with at least SPF 25 indoors will be beneficial and prevent the harm and effects of UV radiation on your skin and overall health. 23. How should I layer my skincare products? For your skincare routine to be effective and achieve the maximum benefits and results, we advise you to layer it as follows, allowing absorption time before applying the next. Step 1 - Cleanser. Step 2 - Toner. Step 3 - Serum. Step 4 - Moisturiser. Step 5 - Sunscreen. Please be aware that combining or layering active ingredients (such as retinoids and vitamin C or AHA/BHA acids or Ninacinamide) can irritate when used together. 24. How to control oil production on the face? Some effective methods you could implement include:- Opting for gentle cleansers that don’t interfere with - Regular exfoliation- Opting for oil-free or water/gel-based products.- Incorporate mattifying products if needed such as pore erasing primers include links and blotting paper or powders can help absorb oil. - Focus on Hydration - O.R.S. hydration tablets - Consuming a healthy diet of natural foods can help overall skin condition and health. 25. How effective are facial laser treatments? It varies from one individual to another, but in general, facial laser treatments are considered highly effective for multiple concerns, including acne, fine lines, hyperpigmentation. Here at healthwords.ai we if anything persists, consult your dermatologist for a suitable treatment that is subjective to their fears for optimal results.

Vaginal dryness is when your vagina feels sore, itchy or painful. This can cause discomfort when having sex or passing urine. It’s a common problem and can be caused by a number of conditions, medications and lifestyle factors. It’s not often a symptom of serious concern and there are several ways to prevent, manage and treat the symptoms.

Menopause is a significant transition in a woman's life, often accompanied by various physical changes. The increased incidence of joint pain and osteoarthritis is among the concerns. Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis after menopause. Approximately 6 in 10 of postmenopausal women show radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis. Understanding the connection between menopause and osteoarthritis is crucial for women experiencing these symptoms and looking for effective management strategies.

Zoely is a combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP). The pills contain oestrogen (estradiol) and progestogen (nomegestrol) hormones. It is an everyday COCP. Each pack contains 24 active pills followed by four inactive pills. It is a monophasic COCP, which means all active pills have the same amount of hormones. You should try to take your pills at the same time each day. If you do not take your pill within 12 hours of your regular pill-taking time, it is classed as a missed pill.

Contraceptives are used to prevent pregnancy. The combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) is a type of contraception for women. The COCP is sometimes referred to as just the pill. It contains two hormones, oestrogen and progestogen. These hormones closely resemble the oestrogen and progesterone hormones produced by a woman’s ovaries. There are lots of different COCPs available. Some COCPs contain 21 pills which are followed by a seven-day break. Other COCPs contain 28 pills, with seven inactive (dummy) pills at the end of the pack. You should try to take your tablets at the same time each day. If you do not take your pill within 12 hours of your regular pill-taking time, it is classed as a missed pill. Below we will look at steps you should take if you miss any pills. Note the guidance in this article does not apply to Zoely, Qlaira, and Eloine. Remember, the advice only applies to missed active pills. If you miss any inactive pills, you can just disregard these pills.

Qlaira is a combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP. The pills contain oestrogen (estradiol) and progestogen (dienogest) hormones. It is an everyday COCP. Each pack contains 26 active pills, followed by two inactive pills. It is a multiphasic COCP, which means different pills contain different amounts of hormones. They should be taken in the order marked on the pack. You should try to take your pills at the same time each day. If you do not take your pill within 12 hours of your regular pill-taking time, then it is classed as a missed pill. If you miss any inactive (white) pills at the end of the pack, you can just disregard these pills. You will still be protected against pregnancy.

Eloine is a combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP. The pills contain oestrogen (ethinylestradiol) and progestogen (drospirenone) hormones. It is an everyday COCP. Each pack contains 24 active pills followed by four inactive pills. It is a monophasic COCP, which means all active pills have the same amount of hormones. You should try to take your pills at the same time each day. If you do not take your pill within 12 hours of your regular pill-taking time, it is classed as a missed pill. If you miss any of the four inactive (white) pills at the end of the pack, you can just disregard these pills. You will still be protected against pregnancy.

As a doctor, I feel privileged to share in both the highs and lows of my patients’lives. Miscarriage is one of the more frequent events, and one of the saddest. One in every four to five pregnancies end in miscarriage. This means the pregnancy has not carried past the first trimester, and it brings a host of emotions and changes to your physical and psychological well-being. It’s not often talked about in public, but patients turn to us for answers. Let me take you through some of their most pressing questions.

Miscarriage, or early pregnancy loss, is defined as the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before 24 weeks gestation (time since conception). After 24 weeks, this is known as a stillbirth. The majority of miscarriages – around 80% - occur before the 13th week of gestation and these are called early miscarriages. If a miscarriage happens during weeks 13 to 24 of pregnancy this is called a late miscarriage. Miscarriage is far more common than many people think with 20-25% of pregnancies ending in miscarriage. A miscarriage is a very difficult and emotional experience, with physical, mental health, and social impacts linked to it. If you have had a miscarriage and are worried about it, we want you to be reassured that there isn’t anything you have done wrong, and there is nothing you could have done differently or better. A miscarriage or even multiple miscarriages does not mean that you are not going to be a parent. It is thought that most miscarriages are caused by faulty chromosomes in the developing baby, and this is nature’s way of stopping the pregnancy from continuing. Genetic problems can increase with increasing age and so miscarriage can be more common in older mothers as a result. Other risk factors include smoking and drinking alcohol during pregnancy, using recreational drugs, having poorly controlled diabetes or a history of fertility problems. Recurrent miscarriages (more than three miscarriages in a row) happen in around 1% of women, and most women who miscarry go on to have a successful pregnancy the next time they try.

Libido refers to your sex drive. Normal levels of libido and sex drive are different for each person and there is no standard that anyone should be compared to. Loss of libido is a type of sexual dysfunction and means a drop in your normal sex drive (not just lower than another person's). It is a common thing for people to experience and can be due to many different things, such as fatigue, stress, symptoms of mental health conditions like depression, difficult personal circumstances, relationship difficulties, physical health conditions or side effects of certain medications.