Q: I am 51 and have been taking oestradiol following a hysterectomy four years ago. Does this increase the risk of DVT? If so, should I stop taking it before flying to Australia or would it have any other effects apart from the anticipated symptoms of the menopause? If I re-started taking it on return to the UK would the lapse have had any long-term effects? JS

Dr Jules Eden replies: If you have a hysterectomy at 47, it is normal to also remove the ovaries at the same time. The oestradiol you are taking is a supplement to the hormones you will have lost when this happens. It is the same as HRT. As it is a replacement, there should not be any more in your body than when you were younger. The risk is not really any more than before so you should not worry. However every long haul flight will have its inherent DVT risk for everyone, so follow these simple guidelines. Drink at least a large glass of water every hour, get up and walk down the aisles two hourly. When sitting, try to extend your legs as much as possible and wiggle your toes regularly to pump blood back to the heart from the calves. If you have had a clot before or a family history then take a 150mg aspirin before each flight.

Ask the flying doctor If you have any questions you want to ask Dr Jules Eden, email travel.doctor@theguardian.com, or write to The Flying Doctor, The Guardian, 119 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3ER.

Dr Jules Eden created E-med as an online support service for anyone who finds themselves a long way from a doctor's surgery. You can get free pre-travel information on any destination in the world. Log on and click on the Travel Clinic icon.