The month of March is women's month, highlighting their struggle to earn an equal status in the position. Not only in society, but also in medicine, they have been long ignored. Many conditions are not studied deeply, most of which are associated with women. The month of month is also endometriosis month. Thus, it makes a lot more sense to talk about the common myths around endometriosis and to bust them all at once!

What is Endometriosis?

It is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the womb. It also causes extreme pain and other complications. While this is a serious condition, many times women's concerns are sidelined calling it a "bad period" or an overly painful period, which delays its diagnosis.

Here are some of the common misconceptions about endometriosis:

Myth: Periods Are Normally Very Heavy and Painful

Busted: While many menstruating individuals experience cramps, endometriosis-related pain can extend beyond periods, affecting ovulation, urination, bowel movements, and even other parts of the body. Some people with endometriosis may have mild periods, while others experience severe discomfort unrelated to menstruation.

Myth: Pregnancy Cures Endometriosis

Busted: Hormonal changes during pregnancy might temporarily relieve symptoms for some, but it does not have scientific evidence to support that it eliminates the condition or prevents its progression.

Myth: Hysterectomy Cures Endometriosis

Busted: A hysterectomy removes the uterus but does not always eliminate endometriosis, especially if lesions exist outside the reproductive organs. Even removing the ovaries may not guarantee relief, as some endometriotic tissue remains hormone-sensitive.

Myth: Menopause Stops Endometriosis

Busted: Though estrogen levels decline post-menopause, some individuals continue to experience endometriosis-related pain. In rare cases, the condition can even develop later in life. Seeking medical advice remains crucial for managing symptoms.

Myth: Abortion Causes Endometriosis

Busted: The exact cause of endometriosis remains unknown, but genetic factors are believed to play a role. No research supports the claim that abortion triggers or worsens the condition.

Myth: Birth Control Pills Can Cure Endometriosis

Busted: While hormonal contraceptives can regulate cycles and reduce pain, however, it cannot eliminate the endometriotic tissue or stop the disease from progression.

Myth: High Estrogen Levels Cause Endometriosis

Busted: High levels of estrogen could play a role in development and progression of endometriosis, however, the condition is more influenced by immune responses and inflammation. Treatments that target estrogen only help manage the symptoms, but does not cure the condition.

Endometriosis is a serious condition and must be taken seriously. The pain that menstruators go through has led to them switching for less paid jobs, which is more flexible and does not require you to be in office all time. This helps those who experience this excruciating pain. As per the study published in the Office for National Statistics, titled The impact of an endometriosis diagnosis on monthly employee pay and employee status, England: April 2016 to December 2022 highlight how women suffer in work and payment, especially since their jobs are not accommodative of their conditions, meaning that they would have to switch for flexible and lower-paid jobs due to endometriosis. Experts have also suggested that following a diagnosis, many women find themselves working less hours due to the challenging posed by the debilitating condition.

Doctors are reporting a change in the way the flu is presenting as a new strain spreads across the UK. Hospital admissions linked to the flu rose sharply at the beginning of the year, with an average of 2,924 people a day admitted by January 4. Four hospital trusts have declared critical incidents, citing ongoing and intense pressure on services. These include three trusts in Surrey and one in Kent.

Surrey Heartlands Trust said winter pressures had been made worse by a rise in flu and norovirus cases. NHS national medical director Professor Meghana Pandit said the situation remains difficult, with hospitals seeing another increase in patients admitted with flu and other respiratory infections last week.

She said it is still vital for people to seek medical help when needed and reminded the public that there are many chances to get vaccinated against flu. Health Secretary Wes Streeting also stressed that flu can be dangerous, especially for older adults, young children, and those with existing health problems. He urged everyone who qualifies to get their flu vaccine as soon as possible, calling it the best form of protection.

Doctors Report Unusual Symptoms As New Flu Strain Spreads Across The UK

Doctors say this latest flu strain appears to be causing different symptoms. The virus, known as subclade K, is a variant of the A H3N2 type of influenza.

Dr Mark Loafman told NBC Chicago that many patients are experiencing much higher fevers than usual. He said the fever can last five to seven days, which is longer than people typically expect and is a cause for concern.

In some cases, doctors say the fever does not respond well to common medicines such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Lung specialist Dr Juanita Mora said this strain is linked to very high temperatures, a severe and persistent cough with heavy phlegm, vomiting, diarrhoea, and widespread joint and muscle pain.

Doctors have also noticed a rise in stomach-related symptoms, including nausea and vomiting, often referred to as gastrointestinal or GI issues. Dr Loafman said that, based on what doctors are seeing, adults infected with the subclade K strain seem to be showing more signs of GI illness than usual.

According to the NHS, flu symptoms usually appear suddenly and tend to be much more severe than those of a common cold. While most people start to recover within about a week, the illness can feel particularly harsh while it lasts.

Key Symptoms of Flu

The main symptoms usually begin abruptly and include:

• A sudden high temperature of 38C or higher
• Body aches affecting muscles and joints
• Extreme tiredness or exhaustion
• A dry cough
• A sore throat
• Headaches
• Problems sleeping
• Reduced appetite
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea, which are more common in children

How To Treat Flu at Home

Most people can deal with flu symptoms at home without needing to see a doctor. The NHS advises the following self-care measures:

• Rest and Sleep: Allow your body time and energy to fight off the infection.
• Stay Warm: Use extra layers or blankets to maintain body warmth.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Your urine should be pale yellow or clear.
• Pain Relief: Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and ease aches. Avoid taking combination flu medicines alongside paracetamol tablets, as this can lead to taking too much.
• Sore Throat Relief: Gargle with salt water if you are an adult, or have hot drinks such as lemon and honey to ease discomfort.

People across the UK are being urged to follow basic safety steps as concerns grow over so-called “evolving” bacteria. A few decades ago, antibiotics were routinely prescribed for a wide range of illnesses and minor infections.

Today, many GPs are far more cautious about giving them out, largely because of the steady rise in bacteria that no longer respond to treatment. Figures from the UK Health Security Agency show that close to 400 antibiotic-resistant infections are being recorded every week in England.

What Are Antibiotic-Resistant Infections?

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), antibiotic-resistant infections develop when bacteria change over time and stop responding to the medicines meant to kill them. As a result, infections that were once easy to treat become much harder, and in some cases impossible, to cure. This can lead to serious illness, longer hospital stays, and a higher risk of death.

While antibiotic resistance can occur naturally, the WHO warns that misuse and overuse of antibiotics in both humans and animals greatly speeds up the process. This allows resistant bacteria, often referred to as “superbugs,” to survive, multiply, and spread more easily.

Why Is Antibiotic Resistance Dangerous?

The biggest risk linked to these “superbugs” is that they are much harder to treat because standard antibiotics no longer work against them. Infections caused by resistant bacteria can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and bloodstream infections, which can be life-threatening if not controlled quickly.

In a post shared on X, the UKHSA said: “Bacteria are evolving against antibiotics, with nearly 400 new resistant infections appearing each week in England.” NHS guidance has also warned that several bacteria have already developed resistance as a result of antibiotic overuse. These include MRSA, Clostridium difficile, and the bacteria linked to multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

A major concern is that this growing trend could eventually lead to new strains of bacteria that cannot be treated with any existing antibiotics.

How To Reduce The Risk Of Antibiotic-Resistant Infections?

According to UKHSA advice, people can play a role in slowing the spread of resistant bacteria by following a few simple precautions in daily life. These include:

• Returning unused antibiotics to a pharmacy so they can be disposed of safely and do not contribute to resistance in the environment
• Practising safe sex, particularly to reduce the spread of infections such as gonorrhoea, which is becoming harder to treat
• Staying up to date with vaccinations, which can help prevent infections in the first place
• Talking to a healthcare professional before taking antibiotics, as they are not always necessary
• Washing hands thoroughly and staying at home when feeling unwell to avoid spreading infection

Many people rely on over-the-counter medicines, but a pharmacist has recently cautioned against the frequent use of some well-known remedies. Occasional indigestion or heartburn is common, but if these symptoms keep returning, there are important health points to be aware of to avoid creating bigger problems.

A pharmacist who goes by Pharmacist Anum on TikTok has shared a warning for people who regularly turn to these treatments. She explained that using certain medications too often can lead to complications, and said it is crucial for people to understand the risks before depending on them long term.

Health Warning For Taking Indigestion Medicines

This is not the first time she has offered such guidance. Only a few weeks earlier, she highlighted key concerns around taking excessive amounts of paracetamol. In her recent video, Pharmacist Anum said: “If you’re taking over-the-counter medicines without being properly checked, you could actually be doing more harm than good. The first group of medicines I’m talking about are those used for indigestion.

“Think about products like Gaviscon, Rennies, and esomeprazole. These are easy to buy over the counter in the UK and, for most people, they are safe when used for a short time.

“Problems arise when people start depending on them, taking them several times a week or even more often. If that sounds familiar, I would urge you to speak to your GP so they can look into what’s really causing your symptoms. Using these medicines too much can raise the risk of side effects and may also hide symptoms of a more serious issue.” In the same video, she also spoke about the risks linked to overusing common painkillers. She added that there are specific things people should understand about indigestion treatments.

What To Do If You Take Indigestion Medicines

Taking indigestion medicines too often, including antacids and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), can conceal serious health problems and may lead to notable side effects. These can include kidney-related issues, such as stones or damage, as well as electrolyte imbalances, including low sodium or potassium levels.

Using the recommended dose for a short period is generally safe, but long-term use can interfere with normal digestion and may even lead to dependency. This is why it is important to seek medical advice if symptoms continue, so the underlying cause can be identified.

If you have been using these medications for an extended period, or even for years, it is important to speak with your doctor. A discussion about the risks and benefits can help determine whether there may be another health issue behind your symptoms.

What The NHS Says

According to the NHS website: “Always follow the instructions provided with Gaviscon or the guidance given by your doctor. The dose you need depends on the type of Gaviscon you are using.

“If you experience occasional mild heartburn or indigestion, take Gaviscon only when needed. If heartburn or indigestion is frequent, Gaviscon can be taken up to four times a day.

“The most effective times to take it are after meals and before bedtime, whether or not symptoms are present, as discomfort often worsens during these periods.

“If you have been taking Gaviscon for more than seven days and still feel uncomfortable or in pain, speak to your doctor. If you have used Gaviscon regularly over a long time, consult your doctor before stopping, as stopping suddenly may cause symptoms to return.” Further details are available on the NHS website.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always follow the instructions on medication labels and consult a qualified healthcare professional or your GP before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If symptoms persist, worsen, or recur frequently, seek medical advice promptly.