Your questions about health are answered by Dr. Jeff, who specializes in everything from backaches to sciatica.

Dr. Jeff Foster has taken up residence at The Sun on Sunday and is available for your medical needs.

Dr. Jeff, 43, is the first general practitioner in Leamington Spa, Warks to specialize in treating both male and female hormone imbalances at his clinic, H3 Health.

You can contact him at drjeff@the-sun.co.uk or visit h3health.co.uk.

QUESTION: I’m 38 years old and a father of two. I’ve been experiencing some discomfort in my lower abdomen, so I decided to get an ultrasound.

I haven’t followed up with my doctor yet, but does that make sense to you?

Cara Clayton, Tonbridge

One in ten women may have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but not all women with PCOS experience symptoms.

Symptomatic PCOS typically presents itself in a woman’s late teens or early twenties.

Period irregularity or absence, infertility, increased hair growth, acne, a clogged skin, gaining weight, and even depression can all be signs.

All, some, or none of these symptoms are experienced by every woman with PCOS.

Diagnostic procedures for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) include a blood test to assess hormone levels and an ultrasound scan.

While PCOS cannot be “cured,” it can be treated along with its associated symptoms and complications.

Acne and excessive hair growth can be treated, weight gain can be halted, or a specialist visited in an effort to conceive.

You should see a gynecologist for further evaluation and treatment if your ovarian cysts grow large enough to bother you or press on your bladder.

Is there a long-term solution for sciatica?

It’s been two years now, and it hurts to exercise and just walk around.

Because I can’t bear to do anything because of the pain, I’ve started to gain weight.

Jeff Cooper, Clydebank

The sciatic nerve leaves the lower back and runs down the legs to supply the nerves for our feet, legs, hips, and knees, so when it is affected, the pain is classified as sciatica rather than lower back pain.

Sciatica, which differs from back pain, occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or injured and causes pain anywhere along the nerve’s path.

Most people who suffer from back pain and sciatica find that having their back supported as much as possible is the most effective way to lessen the frequency of their pain episodes.

Acute sciatica is best treated by keeping active, taking pain medication, and possibly getting referred for physiotherapy or other physical treatments.

In extreme cases, a referral to a neurosurgeon may be necessary if the pain persists or if the nerve symptoms worsen.