ASK THE DOCTOR

Doctor Dawn Harper answers all your questions

- DAWN HARPER

HOW CAN SHE GET A HANDLE ON HER MEDS?

My mum is 87 and lives alone - she is on several medications. I usually order and collect her prescriptions for her and I have noticed that she seems to be reordering some more frequently than others, which makes me think she must be forgetting to take some of her pills. Would a dosette box help?

A dosette box is a special pill box with compartments for different times for each day of the week, and it may be helpful for your mum to ensure she remembers all her medications. If your mum is on four or more prescription medicines, she could be eligible for a dosette box on the NHS. Speak to the pharmacist who usually dispenses her prescriptions.

Confused about thinning hair

Recently, I saw my GP as my hair has been getting so thin. They arranged some blood tests, including an iron level check. On my NHS app, it says my level is 21 with a normal range of 11-310. But I have received a text from the surgery asking me to start iron supplements and book a followup blood test in three months. I don't understand?

Your iron level appears to be in the normal range, but with anyone experiencing hair or skin problems, we recommend aiming for an iron level over 70, which is why your GP is suggesting supplements. Iron levels change slowly so that's why they are also advising a followup blood test in three months.

Afraid to ask?

WHY AM I POOING MYSELF?