Dear Dr. Gott: I find your articles informative and filled with common sense. I am a 69-year-old woman, five feet, three inches and 120 pounds. My blood pressure is high-normal. Otherwise, I am healthy.

My physician put me on lisinopril/HCTZ and a few months later added metoprolol XL. He later added amlodipine. Each was one tablet daily.

I began to have hot flashes and then felt cold. My stomach was upset, and I was very tired. So I started skipping the medicines and take none of them now. I walk a lot and feel much better. I realise high blood pressure is dangerous, but what about side effects, if that's why I felt so bad? My blood pressure is about 160/75. I have a home blood-pressure cuff to monitor things.

What is your opinion of trying to control my own blood pressure without the meds?

Reply: Unfortunately, you failed to include your blood-pressure readings while you were on one, then two, then three medications. That information would certainly tell the story and would give me my answer.

To begin with, your lisinopril/HCTZ is an ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor that helps lower your blood pressure and acts as a diuretic. The diuretic prevents the body from absorbing too much salt, which can lead to fluid retention.

The metoprolol XL treats hypertension and also acts as a long-term treatment for angina and stable heart failure of cardiomyopathic, ischemic or hypertensive origin.

The amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that dilates blood vessels, lowers your heart rate, and increases the flow of blood to the heart. It is prescribed for hypertension, angina and high-cholesterol levels.

I cannot determine if your physician has found the right combination for lowering your blood pressure by combining all three or if there may be other underlying conditions requiring treatment. Were I in your shoes, I would speak with my physician for an answer and be guided accordingly. If the only issue is hypertension and you have substantially reduced your readings without the help of medication, I endorse the plan. Exercise, a healthful diet and stress reduction perhaps through water aerobics, massage, yoga or tai chi can go a long way toward that goal and you appear to be well on your way to a healthier existence.

To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report 'Hypertension'. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped number ten envelope and a $2 cheque or money order to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, Ohio 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com.

Dear Dr. Gott: Last autumn, I developed sporadic itching that turned into hives. After that, I felt ill with a sore throat, general weakness and fatigue after very little exercise. I read about a ragweed allergy and its relationship to certain foods. I eliminated them and feel better. Could these hives be related to allergies and food combinations? Is the sore throat and lethargy related to an allergy?

Reply: Maybe. Ragweed allergy, commonly known as hay fever, presents with itchy eyes, scratchy throat, runny nose and fatigue but not generally hives. Food triggers include sunflower seeds, chamomile, cantaloupe, bananas and some honeys.

The most common treatments for hay fever include remaining indoors when the pollen count is high, taking antihistamines and allergy shots. My guess, however, is that you have a true allergy, which is best treated with total avoidance once the offending substance is identified. Good luck.

Dr. Peter H. Gott is a retired physician and the author of several books, including 'Live Longer, Live Better', 'Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet' and 'Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook', which are available at most bookstores or online. His website is www.AskDrGottMD.com. Contact him c/o United Media, 200 Madison Avenue, fourth floor, New York, New York 10016.