Dear Dr. Gott: My mother is 81 years old. She has a problem with producing too much iron in her blood. The only treatment that we are aware of is to have blood drawn off when the count gets too high.

What causes this? Is it hereditary? What can we do to keep the count low? Please let me know whether there is a relationship to the environment or food. Also, when the count starts to get high, her head starts to itch and she feels totally worn out.

Can you help us? My mother is on warfarin for blood clots in her legs (twice), calcium plus D, Actonel once a month, methotrexate for arthritis, folic acid and PreserVision for degeneration of her eyes.

Dear reader: Your mother is likely suffering from a condition known as haemochromatosis. It is the most common form of iron-overload disease. There are several forms, including primary/hereditary, secondary, juvenile and neonatal.

Primary or hereditary haemochromatosis is generally caused by a defect of the gene HFE, which regulates the amount of iron absorbed from food.

There are two mutations, C282Y and H63D. Those with one copy of the defect C282Y become carriers who don't develop haemochromatosis but may have higher-than-normal iron levels throughout life.

Those with two copies can develop the condition. Secondary is caused by anaemia, alcoholism and other disorders. Juvenile and neonatal haemochromatosis are caused by a mutation of the gene hemojuvelin. Treatment, as you know, is phlebotomy (blood drawing).

If started before the condition progresses, it may prevent symptoms; otherwise, it typically improves but doesn't eliminate symptoms.

Arthritis caused by iron overload will not benefit from treatment. There is no other treatment available.

Dear Dr. Gott: Your webpage was last updated December 28, 2009. Any chance that you will bring it up-to-date? I read your column in my local newspaper.

Dear reader: The website (www.AskDrGottMD.com) is updated six days a week. Tuesday through Sunday, a new column appears online. The date that you are seeing (at the bottom right corner), is the date that the webpage layout was last updated.

Just below the title of the columns, there appears a date. This is the date that the column was posted to the website (or when it appeared in print in the case of the classic columns), and you will find that it is current.

Dear Dr. Gott: When I can't move my bowels, I put my thumb into my vagina and push back against my colon. This helps to push the faeces out and breaks it up. Is this harmful?

I don't like to use laxatives or stool softeners, but the medications I take do cause constipation. I can't bring this up to my doctor or anyone else as it's just too embarrassing.

Dear reader: If you are suffering from occasional constipation, I don't believe this method will harm you. However, you should inform your doctor. Perhaps your constipation is caused by something other than your medication, such as improper diet or a rectocele.

Increase your fluid and fibre consumption to add bulk and moisture to your stool. This alone may resolve your problem. If you continue to have difficulties, a change in medication may be in order.

To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Constipation and Diarrhea."

Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com.

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. Write directly to Dr. Gott c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., 4th fl., New York, NY 10016.