Health problems that you really shouldn't ignore

UNEXPECTED weight loss: For most of us, dropping a few pounds without trying would be a welcome surprise, but few people spend time wondering why they've suddenly lost weight.

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Dr Jenkins warns that sudden weight loss should count as a warning that something is wrong. She says, "While simply being busy, more active or changing eating patterns could explain it, there are more serious chronic illnesses, such as coeliac disease or an overactive thyroid gland, that need ruling out first."

See your GP who will test for thyroid problems as well as cancers that can cause weight loss in later stages.

Bleeding after the menopause: “Embarrassed as you may be to go to your doctor about it, bleeding of any sort after the menopause, even just spotting, ‘has serious implications and needs assessment,” says Dr Jenkins.

First, your GP will want to consider an infection or any tears in the vaginal wall."However there's a possibility it could be uterine or another type of gynaecological cancer. Your GP should send you for an ultrasound, or refer you to a specialist to rule out tumours or endometrial hyperplasia, a thickening of the lining of the womb. Endometrial hyperplasia can lead to womb cancer," she adds.

Discomfort in the jaw: Most probably this is just tonsillitis or a dental infection, but it's always best to get it checked out just in case. Dr Jenkins says, "Indigestion can also cause acid reflux up into the throat, which will lead to pain in that area, and we can't rule out angina or heart disease. The lack of oxygen to the heart can cause chest or jaw pains so these cannot be ignored."