HEALTH notes

HORMONE TO HELP PREGNANCY

WOMEN with a history of miscarriages have a sixth higher chance of having a child if they are given a safe and cheap natural hormone treatment before trying to conceive, a US study shows.

Progesterone – which helps stabilise the womb lining – was prescribed during the second half of the women’s menstrual cycle when the lining matures in preparation for a possible pregnancy. Scientists found twothirds of pregnancies were successful in women given a vaginal progesterone, compared to barely half in those without it.

Professor Mary Stephenson, of the University of Illinois, said: “These results reinforce the evidence that progesterone could be a very beneficial, inexpensive and safe treatment for many women with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss.”

WAX CAN CAUSE HEARING DAMAGE

HAVING ears full of wax may trigger permanent damage to your hearing, says a study.

Researchers at the University of Buffalo, New York, believe even shortterm blockages — which stop sound travelling less freely from the outer to the inner ear — can lead to changes in the auditory system.

These faults may not fully repair when hearing returns. In experiments they found mice with blocked ears used up reserves of chemicals that help send signals from the ear to the brain.

PANCREATIC CANCER AWARENESS

ONE person dies of pancreatic cancer every hour in the UK – and yet most of us cannot name a single symptom of the disease, according to the latest research.

While 98% had heard of the illness, only 26% could name at least one of the signs that you may have it.

The first noticeable symptoms are often pain in the back or stomach area, unexpected weight loss and jaundice as well as nausea and vomiting, bowel changes, fever and shivering, indigestion and blood clots.

Pancreatic Cancer UK thinks the lack of knowledge is worrying because it may delay people being diagnosed.

The charity’s Alex Ford says: “We know that the earlier someone is diagnosed, the higher their chances of being able to have surgery.

“This is the one treatment which can save lives.”