Latest news with #HormoneReplacementTherapy
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Tracy Beaker star Dani Harmer reveals she's been diagnosed with perimenopause: ‘I felt like I was being possessed'
Tracy Beaker star Dani Harmer has revealed that she has been diagnosed with perimenopause after noticing symptoms related to her mental health. The 36-year-old actor, who rose to fame for her starring role in the CBBC TV adaptation of Jacqueline Wilson's novel The Story of Tracy Beaker, explained in a new TikTok video that she went to the doctors after experiencing brain fog, night sweats and difficulties with her mental health. In the video, Harmer pulled back some of her hair to reveal that her curly hair, which had become known as Tracy Beaker's signature locks, was thinning out as a result of the condition. 'I am losing it – it is thinning so badly you can see, like, the bald patches coming in, but just, like, the texture. It's thinning – it's bad, right?' she said. She added that the hair loss was 'getting me down' and that she was considering going to a salon to have curly hair extensions installed. Speaking about obtaining her diagnosis, Harmer revealed that it was her husband, Simon Brough, who encouraged her to get a diagnosis after her 'whole personality had pretty much changed'. 'There was just too much to ignore,' she said. 'I felt like I was being possessed by someone else; it was horrible – I was just getting deeper and deeper into a dark depression.' The actor is now managing her symptoms with the menopause treatment Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), which was prescribed after her doctor had run tests for different conditions, including cancer and coeliac disease. She said that the treatment has made her feel like herself again and that she had lost the weight that she had gained during lockdown, but her periods were 'all over the place'. Perimenopause is when a person has the symptoms of menopause but the periods have not stopped. The condition becomes menopause when a person fails to have a period for 12 months. Menopause is when periods stop due to lower hormone levels, which typically affects women between the ages of 45 and 55, but it can happen earlier. Menopause and perimenopause can cause symptoms like anxiety, mood swings, brain fog, hot flushes and irregular periods. These symptoms can start years before your periods stop and carry on afterwards. Harmer encouraged her fans who have had similar symptoms to seek medical advice and 'do not suffer', adding: 'Some of the symptoms are horrendous and you can spiral so quickly. I was really glad I went and got help.' The actor and her partner welcomed their first child, Avarie-Belle, in 2016. They had a second baby, Rowan, in 2022. Harmer appeared in The Story of Tracy Beaker from 2002 to 2005, before appearing in spin-offsTracy Beaker Returns (2009) and TheDumping Ground (2013).
Extra.ie
17-05-2025
- Health
- Extra.ie
Pharmacies to get €2,000 plus €5 fee to dispense HRT
Pharmacists will receive an extra €1,000 to sign up to the beleaguered Hormone Replacement Therapy scheme under a new deal struck with the Department of Health. Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill confirmed yesterday that the scheme – delayed due to a row over its implementation – will be rolled out on June 1. Pharmacists who sign up to the scheme will now receive €5 to cover their service charge in addition to a €2,000 one-off grant to support the rollout of the measure. Pharmacists will receive an extra €1,000 to sign up to the beleaguered Hormone Replacement Therapy scheme under a new deal struck with the Department of Health. Pic: Shutterstock This is a considerable increase on the 'unviable' agreement trumpeted by the Health Minister last month, whereby pharmacists were told they would be paid a €5 service fee and a grant of €1,000. Sources have told that the new deal was borne out of concerns in the Department over the low level of pharmacists signing up to the first deal announced by Ms Carroll MacNeill. A Department of Health spokeswoman said the inclusion of a €5 dispensing fee in the HRT arrangement will cost the Exchequer €9.4million. The once-off grant of €2,000 will cost an additional €3.8million in 2025 if every community pharmacy contractor signs up. This comes in addition to the €20million budget allocation to cover the cost of the HRT medication. Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill confirmed yesterday that the scheme – delayed due to a row over its implementation – will be rolled out on June 1. Pic: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos The measure to provide 'free' HRT was introduced in the budget last October and took legal effect on January 1 this year. However, its implementation was delayed due to a row between Government and pharmacists over dispensing fees, which former health minister Stephen Donnelly said the State would not cover. This meant that women have been left to cover the full costs of the medication and the service charge from pharmacists. On April 15, reported that HRT payments would not be backdated to the beginning of the year – when it was meant to take effect. A monthly HRT prescription can cost anywhere between €30 to €80, meaning women would be losing out on up to €320. At that time, Minister Carroll MacNeill said she could not provide a rollout date. Pharmacists who sign up to the scheme will now receive €5 to cover their service charge in addition to a €2,000 one-off grant to support the rollout of the measure. Pic: Shutterstock However, less than 24 hours later – after ran the story – Ms Carroll MacNeill announced the scheme will be introduced on June 1, and said the Government will provide €5 toward dispensing fees in addition to a once-off €1,000 grant to 'support transition arrangements including ICT system upgrades'. 'I hope today's commitment to pay a dispensing fee of €5 per product and a €1,000 once-off grant to participating pharmacists will deliver this initiative to the women of Ireland, noting that this is in addition to the Budget 2025 commitment to cover the cost of the medication,' she said at the time. The announcement was met with a lukewarm reception by the Irish Pharmacy Union. The group called for the dispensing fees to be raised to at least €6.50 and warned that pharmacists could not afford to sign up to the 'unviable' deal. In a series of parliamentary questions this week, Ms Carroll MacNeill refused to provide an exact figure as to how many pharmacies had signed up to roll out the scheme so far. Sources indicated that alarm in the department over the number of pharmacies who had opted in fast-tracked negotiations with the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU), with Ms Carroll MacNeill announcing the deal yesterday. 'I am delighted that the women of Ireland will be able to receive their HRT medication completely free of charge in participating pharmacies from June 1,' the minister said. 'With the full support of the IPU for the free HRT scheme, I anticipate that every pharmacy will now sign up, which I warmly welcome.' IPU President Jim Curran confirmed the union's endorsement of the agreement. 'Our main priority with the HRT Scheme has been to ensure women receive the medication they need without cost. We are endorsing the scheme in good faith, backed by broader commitments [from the Department], including a review of the pharmacy fee structure,' he said. Sinn Féin's health spokesman David Cullinane welcomed the agreement but criticised the Government's handling of the issue. The Waterford TD said: 'A promise was made to women that this would take effect on January 1. It is good that there is finally consensus on the June 1 deadline, but this agreement highlights how badly the Government handled this whole measure.' Pádraig Rice of the Social Democrats said women who have spent hundreds of euros on HRT already this year should be reimbursed.
Glasgow Times
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Lorraine Kelly shares health update after key hole surgery
The ITV presenter previously shared she would be undergoing a procedure to remove her ovaries and fallopian tubes. The Glasgow-born star, who last year celebrated 40 years in television, said she had not 'been feeling all that well for a little while', which prompted her to seek medical attention. She reassured fans that she was in good hands and the surgery was taking place for 'purely preventative' reasons. Following the surgery, Kelly has taken to social media to offer fans a health update. Lorraine Kelly issues health update amid surgery Sharing on Instagram: 'Thanx for all your lovely messages I'm recovering well. 'So proud of my top team – punching above our weight and bucking the trend. Just heard our ratings are up – we had the highest March for four years. 'Thanks @vixkennedy and the gang! Always know how to cheer me up'. Friends and followers of Kelly took to her Instagram comments to share well wishes, as author Matt Cain said: 'hope the recovery is going well.' Star of Strictly Come Dancing, Amy Dowden, said: 'Sending lots of love' and Loose Women presenter Katie Piper said: 'Glad you are home. Rest up.' Recommended Reading Kelly has previously been open about her health, speaking at the Ideal Home Show in March, the ITV presenter discussed her struggles with menopause. Sharing: 'I was finding it quite a struggle. I was feeling a bit flat and not myself, and I couldn't really understand what was going on.' On dealing with menopause symptoms on TV she said: 'It's just wonderful having Dr Hillary and Dr Amir [Khan] on tap. He knows everything about everything, I was able to talk to him and get [Hormone Replacement Therapy] patches.'
Daily Record
08-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Woman fighting ovarian cancer had 10 organs removed after symptoms dismissed as IBS
Scots woman fighting ovarian cancer had 10 organs removed A woman battling a rare ovarian cancer had 10 organs removed months after being told her symptoms were IBS. Danielle Quinn, 40, from Glasgow, underwent complex surgery to tackle a tumour in December 2022. But what started as a two hour full hysterectomy turned into seven hours under the knife as medics opted to remove more organs and cells after an MRI revealed anomalies around her abdomen. She woke up in intensive care after being told multiple organs had been removed from her body. Surgeons had removed her womb, cervix, both her fallopian tubes, both her ovaries, spleen, part of her bowel, part of her diaphragm and omentum. Doctors diagnosed her with stage 3 low-grade serous carcinoma, a rare form of ovarian cancer. Danielle, a Finance Manager who also runs a social media content creation business said: 'At 39, being told I would never have children and waking up from surgery having lost 10 organs was devastating. 'I had always been fit and healthy – I'd never even been in hospital before.' Danielle began to suffer severe abdominal pain and bloating that wouldn't go away. Despite multiple visits to her GP, her symptoms were initially diagnosed as IBS and gastroenteritis 'I knew something wasn't right – I couldn't eat or sleep, and I was in constant pain,' she said. 'Eventually I saw a doctor who recognised the seriousness of my symptoms and sent me for further tests.' Danielle was rushed into hospital where doctors drained six litres of fluid from her abdomen. She then underwent a painstaking run of tests, scans and hospital days as puzzled medics tried to work out what was going on. After her diagnosis Danielle opted for hormone therapy over chemotherapy but devastatingly, her cancer returned in October 2024. Aged just 40, Danielle started to go through the menopause after her surgery but is unable to take Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) due to her cancer. She is now raising awareness of the challenges of ovarian cancer on World Ovarian Cancer Day, as she praised the Beatson Cancer Charity for helping her throughout her gruelling treatment. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. She said: 'Going through sudden menopause after surgery has its own set of difficulties,' Danielle explained. 'You're thrown into it with no warning, and because of my cancer, I can't take HRT to help manage the symptoms. It's something we don't talk about enough – I want to change that.' 'The Beatson means everything to me. Hospitals can be overwhelming, but the care and compassion from everyone at The Beatson makes it feel like home. They go above and beyond to make you feel supported, no matter what you're facing.' A spokesperson from Beatson Cancer Charity said: 'At Beatson Cancer Charity, we're committed to supporting everyone affected by cancer, including those facing less common diagnoses like ovarian cancer. "We fund vital services, therapies and research that help improve treatment and care for patients across Scotland. Stories like Danielle's highlight just how important it is to raise awareness and ensure people know support is available. On World Ovarian Cancer Day, we're proud to stand alongside patients and families, working to make sure no one faces cancer alone.' Danielle continues to share her experience on social media to support and connect with others going through similar challenges.
India.com
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Anaya Bangar's Emotional Reunion With Sarfaraz Khan's Family Goes Viral: ‘We Held Bats Before Phones'
In a heartwarming moment that tugged at the strings of nostalgia and resilience, Anaya Bangar, daughter of former India allrounder Sanjay Bangar, recently reunited with childhood friend and India Test cricketer Sarfaraz Khan. The bond between the two cricketers, forged on dusty maidans long before smartphones became a staple, was beautifully encapsulated in Anaya's Instagram post: 'We held bats before we held phones. Friends since the beginning.' Accompanied by a series of candid pictures and a video featuring Sarfaraz's young daughter, Romana Zahoor, the reunion was more than just a casual meet-up—it was a powerful reminder of friendship, identity, and the relentless spirit of those who dare to be themselves. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anaya Bangar (@anayabangar) Musheer Misses Out as Nostalgia Takes Center Stage Although Sarfaraz's younger brother Musheer Khan couldn't join the reunion due to IPL commitments with Punjab Kings, Anaya didn't forget to tag him: 'Missed you @musheerkhan.97.' The gesture further underlined the familial warmth and the deep connections she shares with the Khan household, led by their cricket-obsessed father Naushad Khan, who has coached both his sons into the domestic and international spotlight. Sarfaraz Khan: Between Highs and Uncertainty Sarfaraz Khan's cricketing journey has been as eventful as it has been emotional. Despite a promising Test debut and a commendable highest score of 150, Sarfaraz went unsold at the IPL 2025 auction held in Jeddah. His exclusion from the league remains a talking point, especially considering his domestic dominance and short yet impactful stint with Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Yet, his absence from the IPL has seemingly brought him closer to his roots, both literally and metaphorically, as evident from this reunion. Anaya Bangar's Journey: Resilience Beyond the Crease While the social media posts radiated warmth and childhood camaraderie, Anaya's story is also one of intense struggle and transformation. Assigned male at birth and formerly known as Aryan Bangar, she began her gender transition in 2023 through Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). The shift, although deeply personal and affirming, came with professional sacrifices. In a candid interview with Lallantop, Anaya revealed the brutal realities she faced after coming out as a transgender woman: 'My father was just stating facts—there's no place for me in cricket. So, I knew I had to take a stand for myself.' Cricket, Society, and the Silence in Between The emotional scars run deep. Anaya bravely opened up about facing harassment, exclusion, and even mental health crises, including suicidal thoughts. Her testimony about inappropriate behavior from fellow cricketers—including unsolicited explicit messages and advances—has sparked crucial conversations around gender identity and safety in Indian sports. 'I still had space from my family's point of view. But it wasn't there in society, cricket, or the exterior world,' she stated, laying bare the dichotomy between personal support and institutional neglect.
