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TV presenter, 57, has ‘anti-ageing chip’ implanted in her bum in a bid to stay young
A TV star has had an "anti-ageing" microchip implanted into her bum in a bid to stay young.
Elsa Anka, 57, a well-known face on the telly in Spain, had the tiny chip surgically inserted for the equivalent of about £340.
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The presenter told Spain's Focus TV programme: "I noticed the effects after 15 days.
"You feel a bit dead from the waist down, and then you come alive."
Scientists claim the chip, which releases oestrogen into the body, not only makes users feel younger but can also reduce the signs of ageing.
One study discovered the drop in oestorgen levels during menopause can accelerate the signs of growing old.
Read more on menopause
The hormone has significant effects on the protein collagen, which is what gives skin its elasticity.
It causes bones to be re-absorbed, which has an effect the shape of the chin and cheekbones.
The chip works a lot like hormone replacement therapy (HRT) - a medication used to relieve symptoms of the menopause.
Both the chip and HRT replace hormones that are at a lower level as women approach "the change".
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Dr Iván Mañero, the expert who inserted the device, said: "The chip is like a pill, but it is inserted under the skin with all the hormones that each person needs.
"It is not a standard, it depends on each person and that chip is released day after day."
What is menopause?
Menopause is when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels.
This usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55.
According to the NHS, common symptoms of the menopause include:
- Changes to your mood
- Problems with memory
- Hot flushes
- Difficulty sleeping
- Dry skin
- Reduced sex drive
- Vaginal dryness
- Changes in body shape and weight gain
- Palpitations
- Headaches
- Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
HRT can help to reduce some of these symptoms.
But, due to misinformation spanning decades, many women may fear using HRT, and doctors can be reluctant to prescribe it.
Certain treatments have been going out of stock since 2018 due to problems in the supply chain and manufacturing, heightened by the pandemic and increased demand.
It means millions could be missing out on HRT, regarded as the most effective way to medically treat menopause symptoms.
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The Sun's Fabulous Menopause Matters campaign was launched in October 2021 to empower women to demand the healthy menopause they deserve, calling for free HRT for everyone.
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