Dear Pharmacist,

You mentioned “spirulina” in a recent column as a supplement to help boost thyroid hormone.  I’ve never heard of this, is it a vitamin?  What else is it good for?

--T.E. Chicago, Illinois

Dear Pharmacist,

I am constantly fatigued, my hair is thinning, and I am gaining weight. My doctor says that I have hypothyroidism and prescribed Synthroid. Can you give me more information about thyroid medications and natural ways to help myself? 

--G.A. Albany, New York

I just started taking “doxycycline” for acne.  The prescription label says to “avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight” and the guys in my apartment are razzing me because I won’t play tennis with them anymore.  My roommate says he took doxycycline before going on a cruise and nothing happened to him.  He bet me $100 to go outside for an hour, to show me that I won’t get a sunburn reaction.  Should I?   

CN, Gainesville, Florida

Q: I thought my days of dealing with acne were long behind me, but it seems I'm not so lucky. I've spent an arm and a leg on expensive products promising to clear it up, but nothing works. Please help!

Q: I’ve been getting mammograms every year for 10 years—I put up with it because my sister had breast cancer, so I’m supposedly at greater risk. But I’m getting pretty concerned about all that radiation. I’ve been hearing a lot about breast themography lately—should I be getting that done instead?

—B. Cavalli, Cedar Rapids, IA

Q: I have heard that a prostate biopsy can possibly spread cancer, or cause other complications. Is this true?

Dear Pharmacist,

I’ve had diabetes for 12 years and now I have kidney disease.  My doctor just prescribed lisinopril. I’m concerned that there is more I should be doing. What else should I consider? 

--L.V. Los Angeles

Q: My mother had a horrible case of varicose veins, and I'm starting to get them now too. Is there any way I can keep them from getting as bad as hers?

Q: I’ve been wondering if you have any advice that can help me get rid of canker sores. I seem to get them all the time, and it’s quite a nuisance! Thanks again.

––K.S., Roanoke, VA

Dear Pharmacist,

I’d like to try natural supplements and save some money on medications. Do you have any ideas for easy substitutions using vitamins, minerals or other supplements that could improve my health? 

--B.H. Ontario, Canada