Ask our Doc

Don’t be shy – Chat’s Dr Martin edwards is a family Gp who’s seen it all before…

Dry eyes

Q Since I started the Pill, I can’t wear contacts because they make my eyes sore.

Am I stuck with specs from now on, then? Vikki, 23

A Oestrogen in the Pill can reduce tears, leading to dry eyes which can’t cope with lenses.

Rarely, it may alter the shape of your eye, changing your lens prescription.

Your optician might be able to suggest different lenses which will suit you better.

Saggy bottom

Q I hit 50 and my butt dropped! How can I get my pert bot back? Polina, 50

A sagging bottom is the result of lowered muscle tone in the gluteal muscles in your butt, together with more fat and saggier skin, partly due to age and the menopause.

A buttock lift is available for a price, but exercise to boost muscle tone is your best bet.

Shaky hands

Q My hands shake all the time, especially when I’m nervous.

But as soon as I have a glass of wine, I’m fine! Nina, 31

A This sounds like essential tremor. We all experience a slight, constant muscle shake – but in people with essential tremor, it’s simply a lot more marked.

Alcohol can improve it temporarily, but only for an hour or two. Your doctor can confirm the diagnosis and suggest drugs if necessary.

Q My bladder is tiny, so I wee two or three times as often as my mates.

Is there a way to make it any bigger? Trish, 47

A If you wee little and often, your bladder is probably normal size but sends signals that it’s full too early.

Your GP can check for infection and inflammation and might even suggest exercises to retrain your bladder plus drugs to help relax bladder muscle.

‘Erm,it’s a bit... personal’ Wee emergency