Top Screwups Doctors Make and How to Avoid Them: Health care screwups are one of the leading causes of death in America, killing as many as 750,000 people annually. That’s more than heart attacks or cancer. And yet most people don’t know this, including most physicians. From diagnostic disasters to deadly drug interactions, the bestselling authors of The People’s Pharmacy expose the alarming epidemic of medical mistakes in America—and offer a lifesaving prescription to make the healthcare system safe again. Only $26.00 +s/h
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Q. In January I started taking birth control pills. Since then, I have not only gained weight, I've also lost all desire to have sex.
I am 22 years old and have been married for 3 years to a wonderful man. This is very frustrating for both of us. Could this be due to birth control pills?
A. The effect of oral contraceptives on libido remains controversial. Some studies suggest that birth control pills may lower testosterone and diminish sexual desire. A study in chimpanzees showed lower levels of sexual activity when the females were given oral contraceptives.
Other research indicates that women vary in their response to such hormones. Some report greater enjoyment, but there does not appear to be consensus on whether birth control pills increase, reduce or have no impact on libido in general.
Since you have noticed a change in weight as well as sex drive, you might be especially sensitive to the effects of your contraceptive. Please check with your health care provider to inquire about other options.
Q. I have suffered from severe dandruff all of my life, and nothing helped. I tried washing my hair with Listerine, and have been dandruff free since. It's nothing short of a miracle cure.
A. We are delighted that you have had such success. Many others have written to report that Listerine was once promoted as a dandruff treatment and that they too have found it helpful.
Q. Do you know why they took a cough medicine called terpin hydrate off the market? It always worked for me. This stuff was great but tasted terrible. Is there anything like it on the market?
A. Terpin hydrate was used as an expectorant to loosen mucus and relieve coughs and congestion for more than 100 years. It was derived from compounds found in plants like oregano, thyme and eucalyptus.
An FDA official once confided to us that he personally found terpin hydrate helpful. However the agency banned the product because of a lack of data demonstrating effectiveness.
You may find thyme tea can help ease a cough. Just brew a cup with half a teaspoon of thyme leaves from the kitchen spice shelf and sweeten with honey.
Q. I am taking Lipitor. When I started the drug (10 mg per day), I experienced short-term memory loss. I negotiated with my doctor to reduce the dose to 5 mg, and the improvement was remarkable.
Some doctors are now saying I should be taking as much as 80 mg per day. I may live longer, but I won't remember anything. Do you have any information on this problem?
A. Recent studies demonstrate that lowering LDL cholesterol below 100 provides significant protection from heart disease in high-risk patients. Many people will need a statin-type drug like Lipitor to achieve this goal.
Not everyone can tolerate such drugs, though. Some people have muscle pain and weakness, and others report trouble with memory.
We are sending you our Guides to Heart Health and Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs for a better understanding of statin side effects and additional strategies to get your cholesterol down to the range your doctor recommends. Anyone who would like copies, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. CL-75, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.
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