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Refinery29
27-06-2025
- Health
- Refinery29
5 Women On The Reality Of ADHD Medication
'When the medication kicked in that first day, maybe an hour or so after taking it, it was like finally being at peace,' remembers Kerry*, 35, who started taking medication around a year ago following a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a neurological condition that impacts a person's ability to function due to inattention, hyperactivity and difficulty focusing. Not everyone who takes the medication has such an instant reaction, in fact, many find it takes weeks or months to get to this point, but this is what many hope the medication will do for them. 'It's like a manual radio. That white noise you would get when you're in between stations and then finally the clarity when you tune in. My brain was entirely white noise, so many racing thoughts I couldn't hear a thing. Then when I took the medication I could hear,' says Kerry. 'But also I just felt happy and positive, which I was not expecting. As someone who had spent 10 years taking anti-depressants this was incredible.' She now no longer takes them, and thinks she was misdiagnosed with depression. Getting on medication is a common course of action following an ADHD diagnosis. There has been a seven-fold increase in adults diagnosed with ADHD in recent years, with attention called to the rise in women being diagnosed specifically partly due to greater awareness of the condition. That rise in numbers has contributed (among other things) to a global shortage of medication. As scary as taking medication can feel, many adults find it life changing under the supervision of a GP who will monitor the dosage until it's working optimally. UK charity, ADHD Adult, explains that after a diagnosis if you choose to be treated with medication, you will go through a process called titration. On their website, they said that 'your blood pressure, heart rate, weight and any benefits and side effects that you notice from the medication should be monitored carefully'. This is to check how well you're tolerating medication and how effective it is. 'In general, adults with ADHD are usually started on a low dose of lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate and this dose will gradually be increased,' they added. Other treatment options, if a person doesn't want medication, include therapy and lifestyle changes like exercise. In the U.S., the process is similar, but with some different medicines available, like Aderall. Treating ADHD is complex, says Dr Deborah Lee of Dr Fox Online Pharmacy. 'Many different drugs are used, all of which alter the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain,' she says, which is why the titration process under doctor guidance is so important. 'The drugs used to treat ADHD all have different duration of action. Some of the stimulant drugs are short-acting, with a duration of action of three to five hours. Some stimulants are long-acting, which are effective for eight hours. Other stimulants last for 12 hours,' Lee adds. The possible side effects include loss of appetite, weight loss, anxiety, nausea, vomiting and insomnia. Refinery29 spoke to five women about their journeys with ADHD medication — the pros, the cons, the stress of the ongoing global national shortage, and the effect it's had on their day-to-day functioning. *Name has been withheld to protect identity. Lucy*, 28, Folkestone I have been on Elvanse for about two and a half years now, following my ADHD diagnosis six months ago. It took about six months to get up to the dosage that works. (During that time, there was a medication shortage and I had to stop taking it for two months. I was anxious that I'd stop doing well at work, but my boss was incredibly supportive and understanding). The first week I took it, I suddenly realised that I knew where my keys were when I was about to leave the house and started sobbing with joy and relief. Perhaps that sounds like a small thing, but I hadn't had that before, no matter what systems I'd put in place. It had led to consistent stress, and made leaving the house feel like a trial every day. Medication hasn't "cured" my ADHD. I still struggle with some aspects of organisation (my email inbox isn't pretty) but overall, I feel like life is easier to handle now. I don't have a looming sense of dread that I've forgotten something. However, my sleep is worse. I sleep less, and struggle to fall asleep. It's something I have accepted as the trade off. I take breaks from my medication at least one day of the weekend, usually on a day I think I might have a few drinks, as you're not meant to drink whilst taking it. That allows me to catch up on my sleep, too. The medication can make my body feel like it's highly anxious, even if that's not a reflection of my emotional state. With therapy, I've got better at identifying the difference between the two. I confessed to a friend just before starting medication that I was concerned it would "kill my sparkle." What if my ADHD traits were what made me interesting? What if my creativity was dependent on being unmedicated? What if my individuality suffered? That hasn't been the case. I'm still very sparkly. I'm just sparkly in a way that lets me get things done. Medication has allowed me to be much more accepting towards myself. Whilst in the past, I've seen my ADHD symptoms as character failings and weakness of will, I can now see that I was just dealing with different brain chemistry. Florence*, 28, London The national medication shortage has affected me. I've waited since August 2024 for my medication, and received them at the end of May 2025. I have been on medication for about four weeks now, so I am doing titration which is where they gradually increase the dose. I am currently at 54mg up from 18mg. I'm feeling the most side effects on this higher dosage and am still navigating it. I think I may switch brands as I am not feeling the beneficial effects of it in terms of concentration and focus, which everyone talks about. The main side effects I'm dealing with are a complete loss of appetite on the days I take the medication and also being unable to sleep on the higher dosage. I am now trialling taking them much earlier in the morning to see if this will help with the sleeping situation. My day-to-day function is still fine but again I'm still finding it hard to focus at work. I have also had some spells of anxiety as well which I think are the effects of the medication, so I am trying to navigate this as well. This could be because my brain is clearer, so I am feeling those types of feelings more than before, but I am not 100% sure. Kerry*, 35, London I have such a vivid memory of the first day I took my medication (Elvanse), about a year ago. It was like the first day of my new life. That day I did more cleaning and organising than I'd done in years, as well as putting everything on my Vinted pile actually onto Vinted. I had a pretty smooth journey with the medication. I started at 20mg and slowly worked up to 50mg. At first sleep was a bit of an issue and I had random muscle pains, but that's due to the fact the medication is a stimulant. The most obvious and consistent side effect was dry mouth, but this just meant I drank buckets of water and didn't crave coffee or tea so that helped. I also didn't have a massive drop off when the medication wore off which helped a lot. Some people feel that quite dramatically. In total the titration period for me was around three months. I was very cynical about taking meds, was concerned about the lack of research for long term use, and the lack of understanding around how the menstrual cycle interacts with the medication. The worst bit was no caffeine (including decaf coffee or tea) and no booze. It was hard to imagine life without oat flat whites and G&Ts. However, my psychiatrist (who I had to pay to see privately) gently encouraged me to give it a go since there was nothing to lose. I kept a diary at first to help keep track of how I was finding it. The medication shortage is an ongoing challenge. My prescriptions are on a month by month basis, and most of the time pharmacies do not have it in stock. A couple of times I have gone with the prescription only to be told it's not possible to even order in. I had to call around every Boots in London one Saturday. I get a little anxious every month when it's prescription time. I absolutely did not understand how much ADHD was affecting my life before I took this medication. Work is so much easier and I can access that 'deep work' state. My productivity is better, I'll actually book the dentist appointment that I need. Even with my relationships, I'd often put my phone on flight mode all day because it was just too much. In hindsight I'm so proud of myself for getting through life to this point. Nina*, 38, London I've been on ADHD medication for five years. Despite paying privately for a diagnosis, I found the titration process incredibly slow and frustrating: the system is set up to diagnose, not to support. The first medication I tried massively exacerbated my anxiety, which was alarming. Eventually I switched to Concerta, which worked far better. Later, I had to adjust again to a shorter-acting medication to suit my unpredictable work schedule. That shift, facilitated through my GP, turned out to be the most effective fit for me. Medication has completely changed the game for me. I run a small business, wear many hats, and work in a high-pressure environment. It's like my brain finally has a 'focus' button. I can sit down and do the boring but necessary admin that keeps everything running. For the first time, I understood what people meant when they said their brain was 'quiet.' I thought that was a myth. ADHD medication isn't a magic fix, but it's a tool that has made the rest of my toolkit usable. The frustrating part is how hard you have to fight to get access to something that, quite literally, just lets you live your life. If I'd received this kind of support at school, I wonder how different my path might have been, not just in terms of achievement, but also in how kindly I might have treated myself along the way. I have had a battle with my GP's office, though. For the last two years, the pharmacist insisted on only prescribing two weeks' worth of medication at a time. As someone with ADHD, keeping up with that administrative cycle has practically been a full-time job and has often left me with no medication for weeks at a time while I wait for them to prescribe. They finally admitted they'd made a mistake and I was meant to be given a month's supply all along, but even after that admission, I've now been waiting three weeks for the corrected prescription to materialise. The hardest part isn't the medication, it's navigating a rigid system that makes you jump through hoops because no one will read their own instructions or actually listen to you when you're pointing out their errors. And the only person carrying the burden — the time, the energy, the admin, the stress — is you. Jane*, 23, London I've been on and off medication for about three years, mainly due to the shortage. I had to fight to get my prescription back. I also wasn't on it for a few months while struggling to get my prescription transferred after moving from Cornwall to London. That transition was a big challenge and took a serious toll on my mental health and ability to function in daily life, as I didn't have them for a while. Starting the medication was the biggest blessing, yet also the saddest experience I've had. I take Elvanse, and the process of finding the right dose and brand in Cornwall went smoothly. I started with 30mg, and after each review, my dose was increased until I reached 70mg. However, 70mg turned out to be too much for me, so I went back down to 60mg, which I preferred and stayed on. I was at university when I first started taking it. I was really struggling to keep up with the workload, and the tablets were a godsend. They helped me so much with completing assignments. I honestly don't think I could've made it through university without them. For the first time in my life, I was able to manage normal, everyday tasks without a constant struggle. It was also the first time I experienced quiet in my own brain. That realisation was peaceful yet sad, it made me fully aware of how much I had been struggling all along. If I didn't have to take the medication, I wouldn't, because it affects my personality. I like being slightly loud and weird, but when I take it, I feel a bit dull and boring. If that's what being neurotypical feels like every day, I'm honestly glad I have ADHD. That said, the medication helps me massively with everyday tasks, especially at work. Ironically, as a freelance artist without strict deadlines or a boss, I find it extremely hard to work on the project when I'm not on my medication, so I am thankful to have it. However, when I don't take the medication consistently, or when it starts wearing off in the evening, I do get a feeling of numbnesses or sadness. The anxiety and racing thoughts come back in full force, and I don't feel like doing anything other than just sitting there, but this doesn't happen if I take the tablets consistently.
Scottish Sun
29-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
The 2 surprising factors that ‘increase your breast cancer risk' as Kara Tointon reveals brave mastectomy
BREAST cancer, it's a disease we've all heard of - most of us will know someone affected - but do you know your risk of developing it? Yesterday, former EastEnders star Kara Tointon revealed she's taken the decision to have a double mastectomy after discovering she carries a gene that increases her risk. But did you know, there are everyday factors that can influence your chances of the disease - including your height? 9 Kara Tointon revealed she underwent a double mastectomy back in 2021 9 Former EastEnders star Kara bravely spoke out on her own experience to raise awareness of the disease Credit: Getty The 41-year-old posted an Instagram video to raise awareness of the preventative measure, after discovering she was at risk of both breast and ovarian cancer. She said: "You may have heard of the BRCA genes 1 and 2 and as a carrier it means I am at a greater risk of both breast and ovarian cancer." The soap star was asked to take a genetics test when her mum Carol was undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer back in 2018. Sadly, her mum died in 2019. After having her second son in 2021 and deciding her family was complete, she underwent two preventative surgeries - the first a double mastectomy and the second a two-part procedure involving the removal of the fallopian tubes and later the ovaries. BRCA stands for BReast CAncer. It refers to the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are tumor suppressor genes that play a role in DNA repair and preventing uncontrolled cell growth. When these genes have alterations (mutations), it can increase the risk of developing breast cancer and other cancers. According to Dr Deborah Lee, of Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, women who carry abnormal BRAC 1 and BRAC2 genes have an 85 per cent increased lifetime risk of breast cancer. She added: "Breast cancer is more likely to occur at an earlier age and to affect both breasts. "The risk of ovarian cancer is also increased." Individuals are at a higher risk of carrying BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations if they have a family history of breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer, particularly if multiple close relatives have been diagnosed. A tiny lump in my breast nearly killed me at just 31 - I felt 'amazingly healthy' If you think you could be at risk, Dr Lee advises seeing your GP. She said: "After a consultation, you may be referred for predictive genetic testing. "There are pros and cons of having the predictive test and not everyone will want to have it. "Before you have the test, you will be offered genetic counselling. The test is a blood test." Two risk factors that might surprise you BRCA genes aren't the only risk factor for breast cancer. Dr Kerri Palmer-Quinn, senior scientific research officer at Breast Cancer UK, says the biggest risk factor is ageing - something we unfortunately cannot control. Like many cancers, family history of the disease and various lifestyle and environmental factors can also influence your risk But other risk factors for breast cancer may surprise you. Being tall 9 Being tall can slightly increase your risk of breast cancer Credit: Getty Studies suggest there's a slight link between height and breast cancer risk, with taller women potentially having a slightly higher chance of developing the disease. Dr Palmer-Quinn said: "Being tall can slightly increase your risk of breast cancer. "The reasons behind this association are still being investigated, however it may be linked to the growth spurts taller woman have during early development. "These growth spurts mean that taller women may have higher levels of certain growth factors as well as the growth hormone insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). "IGF-1 can promote cell growth and prevent programmed cell death which can increase the risk of cancer, including breast cancer." High breast density 9 Having high breast density is strongly associated with the disease Credit: Getty Having high breast density (also known as mammographic density) is a strong risk factor for breast cancer. Dr Palmer-Quinn explained: "having dense breasts means you have higher proportions of fibrous and glandular tissue which is where breast cancers are more likely to arise, in comparison to fat tissue. "Breast density can only be determined by a mammogram scan and isn't related to how your breasts look or feel. "Having dense breasts can make these mammogram scans more difficult to interpret meaning potential cancers are harder to identify. "Breast density can be influenced by your genetics and potentially the environment; it also may change overtime and tends to reduce with age." Other risk factors to be aware of While some breast cancer risk factors are unavoidable, including age, others are modifiable and can be addressed to potentially lower your risk. Weight gain throughout adulthood 9 Weight gain through adulthood can increase the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer Credit: Getty Weight gain throughout adulthood increases the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer; particularly if the weight gain occurs after menopause has taken places, advised Dr Palmer-Quinn. She added: "After menopause, the body's production of the sex hormone oestrogen shifts from the ovaries to fat tissue. Therefore, increased body fat can lead to higher levels of circulating oestrogen, which is a known risk factor for breast cancer. "In addition, excess body fat can contribute to chronic inflammation and disrupt hormone regulation in ways that may further increase breast cancer risk." What you can do: To maintain a healthy weight, focus on a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and healthy lifestyle habits. Prioritise fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and limit sugary drinks and processed foods. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week. Alcohol consumption 9 Alcohol can raise levels of circulating oestrogen and raise the risk of breast cancer Credit: Getty Any level of alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing breast cancer - there is no safe threshold. Dr Palmer-Quinn explained: "Alcohol raises levels of circulating oestrogen. "It is also broken down into acetaldehyde, a compound that can damage DNA and potentially lead to cancer. "Additionally, alcohol can contribute to weight gain, which may further increase risk, particularly after menopause." What you can do: When it comes to giving up alcohol it can help to tell your family and friends that you're aiming to stop drinking alcohol and explain why. This way, you can share your successes with them, and they'll understand why you've started turning down drinks or trips to the pub. Try to identify the times when you would usually drink and fill the gap with something else. And remember to enjoy the benefits, including weight loss, better sleep, and more energy. Smoking 9 Smoking has been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer by 10 per cent Credit: Getty Studies have shown a small but statistically significant increased risk of breast cancer in women who smoke compared to those who have never smoked. Dr Lee said: "Current smoking increases the risk of breast cancer by 10 per cent compared to those who have never smoked." What you can do: The most effective way to quit smoking is to combine nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or other medications with professional support from a local stop smoking service. Lack of exercise 9 Lack of exercise is a well known risk factor for breast cancer, as well as many other types of cancer Credit: Getty A lack of physical activity is a well-established risk factor for breast cancer. Dr Lee explained: "Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer by around 20 per cent. "Exercise lowers hormone levels and reduces inflammation as well as helping control body weight." What you can do: To begin exercising, start with low-impact activities like brisk walking, swimming, or yoga, and gradually increase intensity and duration. Set realistic goals, choose activities you enjoy, and schedule exercise into your routine. Consider finding an exercise buddy, using a journal or app to track progress, and varying your workouts to stay motivated. As well as doing what you can to reduce your risk of breast cancer, make sure you're well aware of the symptoms to look out for - see a GP if you experience any of the below...
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
I Asked Doctors What They Do (And Absolutely Avoid Doing) When They've Got A Stomach Bug
Norovirus is showing no signs of slowing as it continues to take out households across the UK with those characteristic (yet wildly unpleasant) symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea. The number of NHS hospital beds taken up by patients with the virus is nearly 150% higher than last year, new figures reveal, while visits to the NHS' norovirus webpage have surged by 40% in the last week. If you're currently down with the virus, you're not alone. We asked Dr Lawrence Cunningham, of the UK Care Guide, and Dr Deborah Lee, of Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, what they tend to do when they're off with a stomach bug. Here are their tips... For Dr Cunningham, the priority when dealing with a stomach bug is to stay well-hydrated. His go-tos are: water, clear broth or herbal teas which can help replace lost fluids. If you've been vomiting a lot, Dr Lee recommends taking small sips of water as often as needed. Small sips are best, as opposed to a big glug, as it helps reduce the risk of overloading your stomach and prevents further nausea. 'The important thing is to look out for signs of dehydration: a dry mouth, lips and tongue; headache; rapid heart rate; low blood pressure; feeling dizzy; not passing much urine; and dark concentrated urine,' says Dr Lee. If you're being sick or having very watery poos, you're going to want to alter your diet accordingly. 'Certain foods should be avoided during recovery, particularly dairy, caffeine, alcohol, and greasy or highly processed foods, as these can irritate the stomach,' says Dr Cunningham. Dr Lee agrees with his comments, adding she would also avoid the following foods if she had diarrhoea: High-fibre foods such as wholemeal bread, rice, cereals or pasta Any foods that contain wholemeal flour Fruit juice as the high sugar content can make diarrhoea worse Nuts and dried fruits as they are also high in fibre, and dried fruits contain a lot of sugar Raw vegetables and fruit which can harbour unwanted bacteria Beans, lentils and other pulses which are high fibre Cauliflower, cabbage and onions as these increase intestinal gas Spicy foods like chilli and curry as these can irritate the gut Boiled sweets Chewing gum. 'When ready to eat, I say that is always best to start with bland and boring foods such as plain toast, crackers, rice or plain boiled potatoes, as these are easier to digest,' says Dr Cunningham. Dr Lee's go-to ingredients for recovery are similar: dry crackers, scrambled egg or banana. 'We would avoid high-fat or high-sugar foods until things had got back to normal,' she adds. 'In general, there is no need for electrolyte sachets such as Dioralyte. But if the episode lasted more than 48 hours, I would probably get some.' If you have vomiting or diarrhoea, it's best to stay home for 48 hours after your last runny poo or bout of vomiting. This is mainly to stop it from spreading to other people, but it's also important to just spend some time to rest. 'Rest is also an important part of recovery, allowing the body time to fight off the infection,' says Dr Cunningham. 'If symptoms persist for more than 48 hours, or if there are signs of severe dehydration (such as dizziness, confusion or reduced urine output), I'd recommend seeing or speaking to your GP.' I'm A Doctor – Here's Why You Might Get The Shakes For No Reason Norovirus Is Rife Right Now – This Is Why Some People Might Get It Worse Than Others Worried About Getting Norovirus? Do These 7 Things To Prevent It From Spreading I'm A Gynae Health Expert, This Is Why You Get Butt Pain On Your Period
