Quantcast
Channel: Women’s health
Viewing all 418 articles
Browse latest View live

Is your period pain normal?

0
0
Whether it is the abdominal pain that troubles you for days or a mild ache, we are no stranger to menstrual cramps. But before you take for granted that it is normal period pain, there are a couple of things you should know first. We spoke to gynaecologist Dr Arundhati Dhar to tell you if the period pain you experience is normal. Mild menstrual cramps If you suffer from mild cramps that can be dealt with OTC painkillers, it is probably nothing worrisome. Body chemicals called prostaglandins trigger uterine contractions that lead to the pain and discomfort. Anti-inflammatory medications tame the pain by targeting the prostaglandins. Also, read this before popping a painkiller for menstrual pain.  Pain and pressure in the pelvis If you experience pain and a feeling of moderate pressure in the pelvis at all time, fibroids could be the possible culprit. If you have fibroids, your periods may last longer than 7 days or the flow may be so heavy that you may need to change your pad in every one to two hours. Severe lower abdomen pain and pain in back and thighs Endometriosis typically leads to killer lower abdomen pain and sometimes and sometimes pain in the back and thighs. While an OTC pain killer can help reduce the pain, a heavy menstrual flow accompanied with lower abdomen and back pain can be a significant sign of this condition. Make sure you meet an appointment with your gynaecologist if you notice these symptoms. Pelvic pain accompanied with fever and painful urination If your pelvic pain persists for days accompanied by fever and painful urination, it could be a sign of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID is usually a result of gonorrhoea and untreated chlamydia. So if you suffer from any of these symptoms, it is crucial that you make an emergency appointment with your doctor. Here's how you can beat menstrual cramps and pain with yoga.  Image source: Getty Images  

How to take care of your breasts?

0
0
When was the last time you did a breast self-examination? How often do you change your bra? Are you aware of the changes that your breast undergoes with age? Well, answers to these questions can help you understand if you are taking care of the breasts or not. According to Dr Uma Vaidyanathan, Consultant Gynaecologist and Unit Head at Max Hospital, New Delhi, taking care of the breasts is as important as taking care of any other part of the body. Here are a few things you should follow to take care of your breasts. 1. Choose a right-fitting bra: Yes, the first and foremost thing when it comes to breast care is choosing the right bra. When buying one, make sure that a bra is not too tight and not too loose but perfectly fits you. Wearing the right size and shape of bra is necessary, and it totally depends on your comfort. It is wise to avoid wearing corset or body wear as it tends to squish your breasts and put undue pressure on the muscles. Here is how to choose the right bra. 2. Wearing bra at night or not: Well, it varies from person to person whether to wear a bra at night or not. Women with smaller cup sizes can skip wearing a bra through the night, but those who have a large bust need to wear one. This is because women with heavy breasts find it difficult to move as it falls on one side and makes a woman uncomfortable while sleeping. If you are planning to wear one, then opt for sports bra as it reduces breast movement and eases discomfort. 3. Keep your breasts clean: Just like you clean your eyes and ears while taking a bath, it is important to clean your breasts as well. When taking a bath, make sure you clean the area between the boobs and the area under the breasts, which tend to perspire and increase the risk of infections. Hence, clean the area regularly with soap and water and make sure the area is dry. You can even pat some powder to keep the area dry and clean and prevent excessive sweating. Here are a few dermatologist recommended expert tips to keep your boobs clean and fresh. 4. Avoid breast enhancement creams: Not many women are aware of the fact that the breasts size and shape change with age right from the time you hit puberty to when you get pregnant and undergo menopause. Here are six stages when there is a change in your breasts’ size and shape. And hence, a woman who tends to use breast enhancement creams to increase the bust size should be well aware that these creams serve no function than just burning a hole in your pocket. Dr Uma Vaidyanathan says that these creams are as good as those used to prevent stretch marks. Here's more on breast firming creams — do such products really work? 5. Say no to breast piercing: If you are planning to go in for breast piercing, then think twice about it as it might only worsen the pain and hinder with breastfeeding in the future. Also, it can increase your risk of infection. Here are a few more things you should never do to your breasts. 6. Make a few lifestyle changes: Did you know that excessive alcohol consumption can also put you at risk of breast cancer? And the same is the case with smoking. Many research studies have proved that women who smoke are at a high risk of dying from breast cancer. Hence, limit the intake of alcohol and quit smoking to lower your risk fo breast cancer so as to take care of your breasts. Also read about deodorants, cell phones and nine other things that put you at risk of breast cancer. 7. Do a regular breast self-examination: The last but the most important tip to take care fo your breast is to do a regular breast self-examination. However, one thing you mind keep in mind is to do it every month after your periods and not during or before your periods. This is because, the breasts are lumpy and sore before periods, which can lead to misdiagnosis. Also, never use your fingers to examine but do it with a flat hand or palm for proper results. Here is a step by step guide on how to do a breast self-examination. Image Source: Shutterstock  

5 reasons why every mother needs a mommy friend

0
0
Motherhood changes you -- your views of people, of life and everything in between. Suddenly, life is all about this one person you made and you can't stop gushing over the mini you. However, a lot of people will not share your views and the way you see your baby. These people will often be your friends, who can't get why everything you talk about revolves around the baby. Also, you will hang with your friends lesser and lesser, no late night partying, no drinking and hours and hours of gossiping. So don't be surprised if some of your friends drift away. Also, you will feel the need for a new set of friends -- mommy friends. Why you ask? Here are a few reasons: 1. She will understand what you are going through: As said earlier, motherhood is hard. There's so much to deal with and very few people who understand what you go through. There will be suggestions that you lose weight, that you stop spending your entire day in sweats, people who won't truly understand why breastfeeding is so tiring. But a mommy friend will not only empathise, but understand exactly what you are going through. 2. She will love your babies like her own: I have an amazing mom friend who I can trust my baby with. My daughter loves swimming, I don't. Her son hates the water while she loves it. So she takes my daughter swimming while I take her son to the swings and slides! 3. Playdates sorted! Peer to peer interaction is important for babies to work on their social skills. With a mommy friend, you get a playdate for your baby too. Win-win! 4. You can share tips and tricks: Parenting does not come with a manual, and most first time moms are clueless about tackling parenting challenges. It is a great help to have a mommy friend with whom you can discuss parenting problems and share tips and tricks that work for you. Two or more mommy brains are definitely better than yours alone. 5. They get you, totally: Whether your child throws a tantrum in public or you throw a playdate while dressed in PJs, your mommy friend will never judge you, because like you, she goes through all this too. How to get a mommy friend, you wonder? Well, join one of the social media mommy groups and meet up a few mommies. Friendships often bloom at mommy meet and greets! Image: Shutterstock

5 reasons every girl needs a 'girlfriend'

0
0
I have had many ups and downs in life. I have made friends and let go of few. Some people have stayed by my side for years, while some are just virtual identities. However, one experience that pains my heart to date is when my best friend from school started distancing from me when she got a boyfriend, eventually ending our friendship, so much so that it took her years to find me on Facebook and become a 'friend'. It affected me so much because she was, for the longest time, my closest girlfriend. Now years later, I realise how important is to have close women friends, because I have a few, and can't imagine my life without them. For a girl, her women friends are more than your regular friends, and here's why you need to find your she-wolf pack.
  1. The support is unchallenged: Whether it is heart break or your child who won't listen to you, your girlfriend will be by your side. People will change. Family members will move away, your partner or husband will get busy, your children will grow up. But your girlfriend will be there
  2. Someone who calls spade a spade: You can count on your girlfriend to give you unabashed and brutally honest opinions about your fashion, the people you crush on to what you eat. She will also be there to talk sense into people who mess with you and boost your morale when it hits rock bottom, without mollycoddling you.
  3. To help you survive everyday life: A lot of stress goes on as you cruise through your day. And don't expect your 'domestic partner' to understand all your household grief. A good conversation with your girlfriend is what will help you survive.
  4. To talk about sex and other issues: Who do you discuss with your bedroom issues. Don't get me wrong, but men can be a little touchy about matters concerning intimacy. Your girlfriend will come to your rescue with a few funny jibes and serious life-saving tips.
  5. To discuss guys, periods, emotions and just about everything: Us women are complex people. Not in the way guys make us sound, but because a lot goes on in our mind and with our bodies. A guy will never understand why you need to have a specific flavour of ice cream when you are PMSing. He might accept it, but not understand it. Your girlfriend will be the only one to actually get you, and know exactly when you need a hug!
If you have a girlfriend in your life, lucky you. Give her a call and tell her how much you love her! Image: Shutterstock

Breast lumps – Is it cancer?

0
0
Lila’s whole world came crashing down around her when, one morning in the shower, she found a small but distinct lump in her right breast. She panicked; her first thought was “Could it be cancer?” She felt for pain; yes, it does seem a little tender.She read it somewhere, if it hurts, it can’t be cancer. But then, what if it is? Dr R N Tagore, oncologist at Paras Hospital, Patna, suggests keeping your cool if you have just found out that you have a lump in your breast. “Eight out of ten lumps found in breasts are benign in nature, that is, not cancerous. It has been observed that in young and premenopausal women breast, these types of breast lumps are very common,” says Dr Tagore. “Benign lumps often feel like well-encapsulated, smooth, soft to firm and freely mobile, while cancerous tumour, on the other hand, tend to feel much harder, irregular and fixed (cannot be moved as easily),” he says. If you notice a lump in your breast, irrespective of whether it is for the first time or you had lumpy breasts before, or even if it is right after you get a clean mammogram, consult a doctor as early as possible. The breast lump may be caused by any of the following conditions: Fibrocystic breast changes Earlier known as fibrocystic breast disease or FBD and then changed to fibrocystic breast changes, it is a common condition affecting women of childbearing age. I. Symptoms: It is a benign condition characterized by lumpy, nodular breasts and breast pain that varies throughout the menstrual cycle. II. Cause: Although the exact cause of the condition is not yet known, it is determined by oestrogen predominance and progesterone deficiency (hormonal changes) during the menstrual cycle. The condition does not increase the risk of breast cancer, but it may become more difficult for you to feel a new breast lump or any other abnormality in the breast. It is important that you consult your doctor and get treatment. As researcher Helmuth Vorherr points out, ‘Fibrocystic breast disease is not a harmless nondisease but a distinct clinical entity that requires treatment to bring about relief to the patient, to reduce the incidence of breast surgical procedures, and to diminish the risk of breast cancer.[1]  Read more about How to take care of your breasts? Breast cyst Breast cysts are fluid filled sac like structures inside the breasts. They may occur in one or both breasts. Breast cysts are either simple, complex, or complicated cysts. Cysts are typically soft and mostly benign, except for complex cysts which could be malignant and merit a biopsy. Read here 5 absolutely normal reasons why your breasts feel lumpy Twenty five percent of all breast lumps turn out to be breast cysts. Cysts are common in premenopausal women over 35 years of age and uncommon in postmenopausal women unless they have received hormone therapy. [2] Incidentally, postmenopausal cysts are much more common. I. Symptoms:
  • Simple cysts are fluid-filled, round or oval structures that can occur singly or in multiples, isolated or diffused. Cysts can fluctuate in size and number with the menstrual cycle and it has been found to be most prominent in the premenstrual phase. [3]
  • Complicated cysts are also fluid-filled, but in addition, they contain pus, proteins from cell turn-over, and other proteins that are collectively called debris. Such cysts may occur along with simple cysts and are often painful, inflamed, or rapidly enlarging. Sometimes nipple discharge too can occur.
  • Complex cysts are solid masses with thick walls. These lumps are uncommon but when they do occur, there are high chances it could be malignant. You will be asked to get a biopsy done.
II.  Causes: Scientists do not yet know what causes breast cysts. Evidence suggests predominance of oestrogen and deficiency of progesterone in the menstrual cycle can possibly cause breast cysts. Breast fibroadenoma Breast fibroadenoma is a smooth, firm mass made up of fibrous and glandular tissue. It is one of the most common benign tumours found in adolescent girls and young women under 30 years of age. Breast fibroadenomas account for 68 percent of all breast lumps. [4] The lumps are generally 1-3 cm in size found in upper outer quadrant of the breast. Some lumps can be larger than 10 cm in size as well, causing breast asymmetry. Read more about Breast cancer in a 25-year-old? Really??!! (True story) Fibroadenomas are categorized into simple fibroadenoma, giant juvenile fibroadenoma, and multicentricfibroadenoma. I. Symptoms:
  • The fibroadenomas are painless, smooth, movable rubbery masses that have distinct borders.
  • Normally, they are 1 cm to 3 cm in size, but giant fibroadenomas have a diameter of more than 5 cm and weigh over 500 gm.
  • Fibroadenomas are generally found in upper right quadrant of the breasts, but in multicentricfibroadenomas multiple masses occur at different quadrants of the breasts.
  • Giant fibroadenomas are associated with skin ulcerations and venous engorgement.
  • Fibroadenomas may enlarge slowly without associated pain or nipple and skin changes, but fluctuations in size may occur with the menstrual cycle.
  • Symptoms last an average of 5 months. [5]
II. Causes: As with other breast lumps, here too, oestrogen influence the development of fibroadenomas. III.  Risk factors:Exposure to oestrogen-progesterone oral contraceptive before menopause and an increasing BMI of 25-30, increase the risk of fibroadenoma. Although fibroadenomas are benign in most cases, a study reported that women with fibroadenomas are at a 2.17 times increased risk for breast cancer. [6] Breast cancer Breast cancer is a malignant tumour that develops from the cells in the breast. These malignant cells invade the neighbouring cells and can then spread to different parts of the body, if left unchecked. I.  High risk factors for breast cancer:
  • Age 50 years or older
  • History of breast cancer
  • Family history of breast cancer
  • Breast cysts, especially hard ones
  • Hormone therapy
  • Exposure to ionizing radiation
  • Obesity
II.  Symptoms: Studies have shown that breast cancer is significantly associated with the occurrence of symptoms. Common symptoms are
  • Breast lumps
  • Breast pain
  • Nipple discharge
1. One study found a cancer rate of 3.2, 16.4 and 12.0%, respectively, in patient with breast pain, lump and nipple discharge. [7] 2. Another study reported a risk of more than threefold in women who had a lump in the screening exam but no significant association between nipple discharge, breast pain and breast cancer risk. [8] 3. Although breast pain was not associated with malignancy, pain that is unilateral, localized and intense may be associated with cancer, reported another study. [9] 4.Sometimes, early detected breast cancers have lumps that are mobile. Fixed lumps are more dangerous since these lumps are usually associated with more advanced type of cancers, that is, those that have spread to other parts of the breast. 5. Given that there is no hard and fast rule to determine whether the breast lump is benign or malignant just by touching and feeling the lump, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Depending upon the type of breast lump you have, your doctor will chalk out a treatment plan for you. Reference:
  1. Vorherr, H. Fibrocystic Breast Disease: Pathophysiology, Pathomorphology, Clinical Picture, And Management. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 154.1 (1986): 161-179.
  2. [Heisey RE, McCready DR. Office management of a palpable breast lump with aspiration. CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association Journal. 2010;182(7):693-696. doi:10.1503/cmaj.090416.
  3. Berg WA, Sechtin AG, Marques H, Zhang Z. Cystic Breast Masses and the ACRIN 6666 Experience. Radiologic clinics of North America. 2010;48(5):931-987. doi:10.1016/j.rcl.2010.06.007.
  1. Lee M, Soltanian HT. Breast fibroadenomas in adolescents: current perspectives. Adolescent Health, Medicine and Therapeutics. 2015;6:159-163. doi:10.2147/AHMT.S55833.
  2. Cerrato F, Labow BI. Diagnosis and Management of Fibroadenomas in the Adolescent Breast. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2013;27(1):23-25. doi:10.1055/s-0033-1343992.
  3. Dupont WD, Page DL, Parl FF, Vnencak-Jones CL, Plummer WD, Rados MS, et al. Long-term risk of breast cancer in women with fibroadenoma. N Engl J Med. 1994;331:10–5.
  4. Lumachi F, Ermani M, Brandes AA, Boccagni P, Polistina F, Basso SM, Favia G, D'Amico DF. Breast complaints and risk of breast cancer. Population-based study of 2,879 self-selected women and long-term follow-up. Biomed Pharmacother. 2002 Mar; 56(2):88-92.
  5. Singh D, Malila N, Pokhrel A, Anttila A. Association of symptoms and breast cancer in population-based mammography screening in Finland. International Journal of Cancer Journal International du Cancer. 2015;136(6):E630-E637. doi:10.1002/ijc.29170.
  6. Foulkes RE, Heard G, Boyce T, Skyrme R, Holland PA, Gateley CA. Duct Excision is Still Necessary to Rule out Breast Cancer in Patients Presenting with Spontaneous Bloodstained Nipple Discharge. International journal of breast cancer. 2011;2011:495315.
Image source: Shutterstock

Can holding in pee be harmful?

0
0
So you have gone out for an outing, and you have a horror of using the public toilets. You try to hold in the pee until the point of crossing your legs where you can bare wait to sit on the porcelain throne. But holding may not be very healthy. We spoke to urologist Dr Piyali Chatterjee to tell you about the side effect of holding in pee. Can holding in pee be harmful? Holding in your pee can make you more likely for developing urinary tract infections. Having a UTI can also make you want to go to the toilet more often and also lead to conditions such as the painful bladder syndrome and overactive bladder. Medications and kegel exercises can help deal with painful bladder syndrome. For how long is it okay to hold in pee? Your body’s capacity to hold urine depends on the amount of urine you make, your fluid intake, your hydration levels and also your functional bladder capacity. Many can hold urine for three to six hours, but it varies. Some people's bladders are quite sensitive, and they have the sensation to rush to the toilet even with the smallest amount of urine in the bladder. Here are things your urine indicates about your health.  Should one pee with the slightest urge? You do not have to urinate in every slight sensation of urine, but you do not want to hold it until the point it is painful. You need to find a middle ground that does not have you running to the restroom every time you take a sip of water and or does not have you reach a point where you get painful cramps. You can try to distract yourself if you get the slight urge. Find out the causes of blood in urine.  Bottom line—You are not going to do so much harm to yourself by holding your urine in, but as you know, it can make you feel very uncomfortable. Image source: Getty Images

Here are some weird but instant stress busters from real women that really work

0
0
Stress has become a part and parcel of our life but should we just let it be? A big NO! Everyone has their unique remedies for stress like some people gulp coffee and some take a stroll but here are some really weird stress relieving remedies that these real women use and it really works: Somya has a very stressful job at the call centre where she has to take up all kinds of calls and most of them are hate calls or people just asking too many questions. When she is super stressed, she takes a mouthful of water and counts till 10. She says she calms down immediately after that. Manisha has a job at the reception where she has to keep smiling all day, even when she isn't in the mood. Whenever her work gets on her nerves, she calls up her nephew who's 4. She says she gets back to work refreshed after that. Nikita gets stressed out very easily because she has to manage her house, office and little kids. Whenever her stress goes out of hand, she goes into the bathroom and tries to poop or pee on purpose. She says this relaxes her. This one is more destructive that weird. Amisha is still studying and says that exam and the pressure of scoring well stresses her out a lot. She tends to break stuff to calm her down. She says she has broken many expensive items at home and that's the reason she is working on getting rid of this destructive behaviour of her. Sakshi  tries to calm herself down by not talking to anyone. Once she is physically exhausted she takes a nap and then feels better. Image: Shutterstock

Ovarian Cyst Rupture – symptoms and causes

0
0
Ovarian cysts are fluid filled sac-like structures in the ovary. The cysts may develop during any stage of the woman’s life – right from infancy to the post menopause period. However, these develop, more commonly and for no apparent reason, during the periods. There are two categories of cysts:
  • Functional cysts, which develop because of problems in the menstrual cycle. These cysts develop when either the follicle does not release the egg (follicular cyst), or the follicle does not discharge its fluid after the egg is released (corpus luteum cyst). Functional cysts are benign and usually harmless.
  •  Pathological cysts, on the other hand, are not related to menstrual cycle. They are caused by abnormal growth of the cells that create eggs or abnormal growth of cells that form outer lining of the ovary. The abnormal growth blocks the blood supply to the ovary, or it may burst. Pathological cysts are usually benign, but some could be malignant. There are three types of such cysts:
o   Dermoid cysts: These cysts may contain hair, skin, or teeth tissue, and are rarely cancerous. o   Cystadenomas: These cysts are filled with water or mucous like fluid. o   Endometriomas: Sometimes, cells from the inner lining of the uterus, called endometrium, start growing outside the uterus.                                Some of this tissue attaches to the ovary and forms a cyst. This type of cyst is blood filled. o   Polycystic ovaries: Here, the follicles fail to rupture a number of cysts are formed on the ovaries. Generally, ovarian cysts do not have any symptoms and the cysts resolve in no time. If symptoms are present, they are usually mild. Some of the symptoms include –
  • Menstrual irregularities
  • Lower abdominal distention
  • Vague pelvic pain and lower back pain
  • Occasional pain during sexual intercourse
Problems begin when the ovarian cysts rupture. Chances of ovarian cyst rupture are high in women with polycystic ovaries. If there is bleeding when the cyst ruptures, it is a medical emergency and surgery may be required. Ovarian cyst rupture is a complication in which the cyst ruptures causing intense pain and internal bleeding in the pelvic region. Symptoms of ovarian cyst rupture 1. Intense abdominal pain A ruptured cyst causes a sharp, sudden, and for some women, a numbing pain in the lower abdominal area. Pain usually occurs on the side of the body where the cyst ruptures. Studies have reported that right sided ruptures of ovarian cysts are predominant. Researchers speculate that this may be because of the difference in the structure of the blood vessels of the ovaries that creates higher pressure within the right ovary, causing right sided cysts more likely to rupture. [1] Read here Abdominal pain in women – when should you worry? 2. Bleeding Ruptured cysts are more likely to happen at the time of the periods. So, it is not uncommon to miss it as a symptom of ruptured cyst. Bleeding from a ruptured ovarian cyst is a frequent and well known complication. If bleeding is significant, however, it could be potentially catastrophic. Among the bleeding cysts, functional cysts (either follicular or corpus luteal type) are most common. Corpus luteal cysts, in particular, have highly vascular walls, and this may cause significant bleeding, say researchers. [2] Read more about Fenugreek or methi seeds – a natural way to treat ovarian cysts and PCOS A study reported that a distorted shape of the cyst was more commonly seen in ruptured endometrial cyst, but rupture of an ovarian cyst with discontinuity of the cyst wall and bleeding in the peritoneal cavity (the space between the inner lining of the abdominal wall and the abdominal organs), were more commonly seen in ruptured corpus luteal cysts than in endometrial cysts. [3] 3. Abdominal pressure and distention Cysts take up a lot of space in the abdominal area and pushes the adjoining organs causing the pressure and fullness. Although the pressure reduces a bit after the cyst ruptures, abdominal distention continues since the fluid leaks into the area, causing even more bloating. 4. Dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and low grade fever are some of the other common symptoms of ruptured cyst. Causes of ovarian cyst rupture Generally, larger ovarian cysts tend to rupture. There could be many causes as to why cysts rupture including –
  • Hormonal fluctuations: Hormonal fluctuations and menstrual cycle are the most common cause of cyst rupture. Functional cyst ruptures are harmless and do not require medical attention.
  • Pregnancy: The risk of cysts rupturing increases during pregnancy. Spontaneous haemoperitoneum, or rupture of ovarian cysts due to non-traumatic cause, can be life threatening, especially if it occurs in the later stages of pregnancy. [4]
  • Anti-coagulation therapy: Women taking anticoagulants or those with a clotting factor deficiency are also at increased risk of corpus luteum rupture due to coagulation abnormalities. [5]
  • Sexual intercourse: Sometimes, larger cysts can burst or start leaking during or right after intercourse. This is one of the most common causes of cyst rupture.
  • Constipation: Straining for a bowel movement puts pressure on the cyst and it may rupture.
  • Trauma
  • Sudden movement while exercising, playing a sport, and even bending down to pick up objects can cause the cyst to rupture.
Many other conditions can show symptoms of ruptured ovarian cysts. These include: Although no treatment is usually required if the ovarian cyst ruptures, pain medication is sometimes prescribed to alleviate the discomfort. Reference
  1. Hso W.-K., Wang Y.-F., Wu H.-H., Tsai H.-D., Chen T.-H., Chen M. Ruptured Corpus Luteum with Hemoperitoneum: Case Characteristics and Demographic Changes Over Time. Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2009, 48 (2), pp. 108-112.
  1. Choi HJ, Kim SH, Kim SH, et al. Ruptured Corpus Luteal Cyst: CT Findings. Korean Journal of Radiology. 2003;4(1):42-45. doi:10.3348/kjr.2003.4.1.42.
  1. Choi, Na Jung et al. "Ruptured Endometrial Cysts As A Rare Cause Of Acute Pelvic Pain". Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography 35.4 (2011): 454-458.
  1. Maya ET; Srofenyoh EK; Buntugu KA; Lamptey M. Idiopathic spontaneous haemoperitoneum in the third trimester of pregnancy. Ghana Med J.  2012; 46(4):258-60.
  2. Gupta N; Dadhwal V; Deka D; Jain SK; Mittal S. Corpus luteum hemorrhage: rare complication of congenital and acquired coagulation abnormalities. J ObstetGynaecol Res.  2007; 33(3):376-80.
Image source: Shutterstock

Hormonal causes of facial hair in women

0
0
Long lustrous tresses is a sign of beauty in a woman, but hair in the fairer sex in male-like pattern, especially facial hair, is something no one appreciates. Appearance of pubic hair and underarm hair at puberty is normal in both sexes. But to think that these are the only two areas where a woman can have ‘unwanted’ hair, is somewhat incorrect. More than 40 percent of women worldwide have coarse excessive hair on the thighs, lower legs, abdomen, lower back, and/ or face. This condition is known as hirsutism. Hirsutism, for that matter, can affect anyone irrespective of their gender. This condition is associated with increased anxiety and embarrassment, lowered self-confidence and body dissatisfaction. Type of hair in hirsutism Structurally, there are three types of hair in human beings: Structurally, there are three types of hair in human beings:
  • Lanugo: Dense, soft hair present in the foetus, which sheds by the time the new born is 1 - 4 months of age.
  • Vallus: Soft, fine, non-pigmented hair present in the apparently hairless parts of the body.
  • Terminal: Longer, coarse and pigmented hair which makes up the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and pubic hair in women, and much of the body and face in men.
The hair in hirsutism is of terminal type. What causes hirsutism in women? Although, several reasons such as genetic predisposition or family history, certain medicines, and birth control pills, can cause excessive facial hair growth in women, the main cause is attributed to hormonal imbalance. And the hormone androgen is the culprit. What is androgen? Androgen, also called the male sex hormone, is a hormone that mainly helps in the growth and development of male reproductive system. The principle androgens are testosterone and androstenedione. However, androgen is present in women as well. In a woman, androgen is produced in the ovaries, adrenal glands, and fat cells, where it is converted to female hormones called oestrogen and progesterone. Read more about 4 hormonal causes of hair loss Androgen also influences hair growth. Among the androgens, oestrogen and progesterone have much less effect on hair growth compared to testosterone. Androgens actually determine the type of hair distributed throughout the body in two ways – increasing growth rate and converting vallus hair into terminal hair in areas that are androgen sensitive. [1] How androgen causes hirsutism in women Hirsutism in women, with few exceptions, is a sign of endocrine abnormality, that is, excess of androgen production. Medically termed hyperandrogenism, it accounts for 75 – 85 percent of all women with hirsutism. Other than that, increased sensitivity of hair follicles to circulating androgen (testosterone) is yet another cause of hirsutism in women. Eighty percent of testosterone is produced by either ovary or adrenal glands in women. The rest is converted from androstenedione and dihydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in liver, skin, and fat cells. Interestingly, only 2 percent of all testosterone is actually active androgen, which is converted to dihydrotesterone (DHT) by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase type-2 in the root of the hair follicle. Read more about Natural remedies for hormonal problems in women DHT converts the vallus hair into terminal hair. [2] This terminal hair is seen as facial hair in women. Disorders causing hirsutism Facial hair is actually a sign of underlying hormonal disorders in women. Rarely does hirsutism occur because of non-androgenic causes. a) PCOS: In 70-80 percent of women with facial hair, the underlying cause is polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS. It is a heritable disorder affecting women throughout their lifetime. The disorder is characterized by –
  • Hyperandrogenism or androgen excess
  • Abnormal, irregular, or absent menstrual cycle
  • Ovaries with multiple cysts
Oral contraceptive pills (OCP), especially, combined hormonal contraceptive (CHC), are the first line of treatment for hirsutism in premenopausal women. These act by suppressing the decreasing the production of androgen by the ovaries and adrenal glands, as well as, inhibit conversion of testosterone to DHT and their subsequent binding to androgen receptors. [3] b) Hyperandrogenic insulin-resistant acanthosis nigricans syndrome (HAIR-AN): It is an inherited disorder affecting about 3 percent of women with hirsutism. The disorder is characterized by extremely high circulating levels or insulin, which over time causes the development of hyperpigmentation in body folds such as the neck, armpits, groin, etc. and skin tags (acrochordon). Combination therapy with oral contraceptives and spironolactone proves beneficial in women with severe hirsutism. Finasteride (Proscar), a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor that reduces the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, is useful in the treatment of hirsutism in dosages as low as 5 mg per day. [4] c) 21-OH–deficient non-classic adrenal hyperplasia: Seen in about 1 -8 percent of hirsute women, it is a genetic disorder which causes excessive accumulation of androstenedione in the adrenal glands. In this disorder, the symptoms of hirsutism set in rapidly along with other masculization (virilisation) symptoms. Oral contraceptives alone may be sufficient for mildly hirsute women who are not seeking fertility, but anti-androgens such as flutamide, cyproterone acetate, or finasterideare also considered in women with excess unwanted hair growth or scalp hair loss. [5] d) Idiopathic hirsutism: Idiopathic hirsutism, where the cause of hirsutism is not known, is found in 5 – 15 percent of women with facial and body hair. In this disorder, the woman with facial hair, on diagnosis, will reveal apparently normal ovulatory function and circulating androgens. So much so, researchers point out that most women with hirsutism and regular periods have polycystic ovaries, so ‘the term idiopathic hirsutism no longer seems appropriate’. [6] Sometimes, the 5-alpha-reductase activity in the hair follicle becomes overactive, leading to hirsutism in the face of “normal” circulating androgen levels, according to endocrinologist NK Aggarwal at the Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. [7] Facial hair in women is a distressing condition but treatments are available that would satisfy most women with hirsutism. Reference
  1. Azziz R. The evaluation and management of hirsutism. Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2003 101(5): 1995–1007.
  1. Sachdeva S. Hirsutism: Evaluation and Treatment. Indian Journal of Dermatology. 2010;55(1):3-7. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.60342.
  1. Sirmans SM, Pate KA. Epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of polycystic ovary syndrome. Clinical Epidemiology. 2014;6:1-13. doi:10.2147/CLEP.S37559.
  1. George, Kathleen. "HAIR-AN Syndrome: A Multisystem Challenge - American Family Physician".  Am Fam Physician. 2001 Jun 15;63(12):2385-2391.
  1. Witchel SF, Azziz R. Nonclassic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia. International Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology. 2010;2010:625105. doi:10.1155/2010/625105.
  1. Adams J, Polson DW, Franks S. Prevalence of polycystic ovaries in women with anovulation and idiopathic hirsutism. British Medical Journal (Clinical research ed). 1986;293(6543):355-359.
  2. Agrawal NK. Management of hirsutism. Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2013;17(Suppl1):S77-S82. doi:10.4103/2230-8210.119511.
Image source: Shutterstock

How maternal obesity, diabetes and other health problems during pregnancy can affect the baby

0
0
During pregnancy, you  have to take care of the baby and your health as well. This is because, according to the theory of trans-generational karma, a mother’s health before, during and after conception can have a short as well as a long-term effect on the health of the offspring. And this is the reason, why maintaining healthy habits during pregnancy is imperative for health and well-being of the offspring. While it is commonly known that drinking alcohol and smoking during pregnancy can have serious consequences on the growth and development of the newborns, there are several other significant but lesser-known factors, which most women are not aware of. Right from gestational diabetes and hypertension to obesity and anaemia, health problems during pregnancy can affect the child's health. Here's what Dr Sanjay Kalra, Consultant Endocrinologist, Bharti Hospital Karnal, Vice President, South Asian Federation of Endocrine Societies has to say about health problems during pregnancy and how it can have an affect on the baby. Gestational diabetes: The complications for the offspring due to gestational diabetes range from NICU admissions 4.9% and respiratory complications in 32.3% of cases. Children of such pregnancies may also be at an increased risk of obesity, heart disorders and type 2 diabetes throughout their lives. Here are expert tips for controlling blood glucose level when suffering from gestational diabetes. Anaemia: Anaemia is highly prevalent in pregnant women due to inadequate dietary iron, folate and vitamin B12 intake and bioavailability, which is further increased due to physiological requirements of iron during pregnancy. Similar to metabolic disorders like diabetes, maternal anaemia can significantly affect the health outcomes for the offspring. Maternal anaemia increases the risk of low birth weight in 6.5% cases, and 11.5% cases face pre-term labour related complications. Anaemia may act by reducing the placental transfer of oxygen from the mother to fetus, slowing growth and development of the placenta, and affecting endocrine gland function. In the Indian population, therefore, it makes sense to prescribe iron and hematopoietic vitamin supplements, to achieve and maintain normal haemoglobin levels before and during pregnancy. Here are few natural remedies to keep anaemia at bay. Gestational hypertension: The condition which develops at about 20 weeks into pregnancy, is also a concern. It causes the blood vessels in the placenta to tighten which limits the availability of oxygen and nutrients to the foetus. The common complications due to gestational hypertension in infants include intra-uterine growth retardation, low birth weight, low blood sugar and low muscle tone. In some cases, the child may develop hypertension in early adolescence. Maternal obesity: Maternal obesity can increase the risk of developing diabetes during the gestation period, which puts you at risk of preterm labour and increases the risk of obesity and diabetes in the offspring. Not just this, even minor differences in your nutritional status during pregnancy can have a long term effect on the kid. For example, lack of vitamin D during pregnancy not only affects the bone health of the mother but also leads to growth problems for the mother and child in the long run. Also read 10 diet dos and don’ts every pregnant woman should follow Dr Sanjay Kalra says, “If a mother develops gestational diabetes or hypertension during pregnancy, it is advised to monitor the child’s health more closely particularly during early childhood phase. Growth charts and trends need to be monitored closely and on a regular basis complemented by preventive lifestyle measures." Image Source: Shutterstock  

9 ways in which your body will change after hysterectomy

0
0
The uterus has some pretty impressive functions like expanding many times its original size to accommodate a baby during pregnancy and providing support to the bladder and the pelvic bones. However, problems such as fibroids, endometriosis and uterine cancer force many women to undergo hysterectomy, where a part of the uterus or the entire organ is removed. When such an important organ is removed, there are bound to be some changes in the woman’s body. Dr Maya Lulla, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital uncovers some of the ways in which your life might change after a hysterectomy. No weight gain: It’s a misconception that many women put on weight after a hysterectomy. The real culprit here, according to Dr Lulla, is not the hysterectomy or the loss of uterus itself, but the inactivity on the part of the women. “Many women limit their physical mobility and exercise after they undergo hysterectomy,” explains Dr Lulla. “They should be more active." Ovarian functions may diminish: Dr Lulla says even in cases where there the ovaries have been kept intact, the loss of ovarian functions may happen over a period of time. Uterus and the ovaries share blood supply, so it is evitable that once the uterus is removed the ovaries stop functioning to their fullest capacity. Mood swings become more apparent: The hormonal changes brought about through the hysterectomy manifests as mood swings and irritability. “The body is deprived of oestrogen which boosts female emotional health. This causes many women to turn cranky after the surgery,” adds Dr Lulla. Read what causes mood swings and how you can deal with them. Get ready for more hot flashes: Hormonal fluctuations resulting from the low oestrogen causes the blood vessels close to your skin to dilate causing more blood to rush to the surface. This results in waves of warm sensation with outbreaks of sweats any time of the day. Read which foods could be causing hot flashes. Heart becomes more vulnerable: “Usually, there are more cases of men being affected by heart problems than women. This is because oestrogen protects women from heart attacks,” says Dr Lulla. After hysterectomy, low oestrogen levels in the body makes women more prone to cardiac issues. Bones become fragile: After hysterectomy, bones in your body get weaker. Again, the cause is low levels of oestrogen. According to Dr Lulla, this situation can be mitigated by including calcium-rich food in the diet. Loss of height: Shocking as it may seem, but there is a great chance of reduction in your height after hysterectomy. Dr Lulla says, “Bone problems resulting from low oestrogen cause the space between two vertebrae to reduce.” This problem also causes nerves to jam between the bones, giving rise to issues like frozen shoulder. Bladder problems increase: Since the uterus provides support to the bladder and the bowels, urinary incontinence is seen among women who undergo hysterectomy. Even sneezing and laughing may cause loss of bladder control in such cases. Difficulty having sex: Although your sex life doesn’t come to a grinding stop after hysterectomy, it is never the same as before. Often, the top of the vaginal canal is sutured shut after the removal of the uterus. The procedure can also affect the flexibility of the vaginal tissue, making sex difficult. In addition to this, vaginal dryness causes friction and pain during intercourse. Image source: Shutterstock

6 tips to have hot sex after menopause

0
0
Menopause can affect a woman's sex life. However, by modifying your life and attitudes about sexual desire, you can change things sometimes surprisingly for the better, although you are getting older. Here’s what you can do to keep your sex life as hot as ever. 1. Use a lube: Vaginal dryness is one of the harsh realities of sex after menopause. Lubrication is vital for a comfortable sex life. The water-based lubricants can enhance sexual pleasure apart from making it comfortable. 2. Try estrogen creams or therapies: Declining estrogen levels leading to thinning of the menstrual walls is one of the biggest issues of sex after menopause. The thinning of the vaginal walls in combination with vaginal dryness can make sex very painful. It is best that you talk to your doctor about estrogen creams and therapies. 3. Do kegels: Your sex drive can suffer if you are not in the best of your mental and emotional health. So make sure that you exercise regularly to improve your health and amp up your libido. Toning your pelvic floor muscles by doing kegels can also help reduce the risk of pain during sex. Here are 3 reasons every woman should do kegel exercise.  4. Practise squats: Not only do squats tone your pelvic floor muscles but it increases your heart rate, releases endorphins, improves blood circulation and in turn improves your body image which is great for arousal. 5. Read an erotic sex story: Reading an erotic sex story with your partner can allow you to have an intimate conversation with your partner about your fantasies and desires. It will also bring the two of you closer.  Here are 3 things you should do after having sex without a condom.  6. Get your partner to touch, hug, kiss and massage you: While a woman’s sex drive takes a dip right after childbirth, her sensuality can still be revived. In fact, gentle touches and physical comforts can go a long way in helping you gain some energy and think of the world beyond your age. Just get your partner to make you feel sensual with his touch and actions. Get him to give you gentle massages with lots of cuddles and kisses. Image source: Shutterstock Images Read this in Hindi.

How to get pregnant if you have PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) ?

0
0
It is a known fact that the incidences of PCOS leading to infertility and co-morbidities are on the rise, especially in the young population. Moreover, even doctors have revealed that 40% of teens coming to OPDs suffer from PCOS. And given the fact that numerous hormonal changes occur in the woman during PCOS, it hinders the ability to conceive. So if you are wondering about how to get pregnant if you suffer from POCS or if it is possible to conceive if you have PCOS, then here is what Dr Y S Nandanwar, Professor and Head of Department, Gynaecology, Lokmanya Tilak Medical College and Sion Hospital, Mumbai has to say. If you suffer from PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), it's hard to get pregnant. This is because, in this condition, there is irregular or no ovulation, which in turn doesn't cause the release of the egg. Hence, there is no egg, no fertilisation, no embryo formation and no pregnancy. However, this doesn't mean that a woman suffering from PCOS can't get pregnant. There are numerous treatment options that can help. One of the common treatment approaches is the use of ovulation drugs or injections. These drugs when monitored along with diet, weight and exercise can help you to conceive. The drugs contain hormones that stimulate the ovaries to release one or more eggs. Hence, if you are not ovulating regularly or at all, with the help of ovulation drugs, you can get pregnant. In some cases, even invitro fertilisation is also used to ensure a successful pregnancy. This is usually seen if there's difficulty for the sperm and ovum (egg) to meet, thus required assisted approach like IVF. Also, if you are suffering from any risk factors or conditions like a thyroid problem, diabetes or obesity, then it is wise to control these conditions to help you to sustain the pregnancy and give birth to a healthy baby. Hence, if you have a thyroid problem, medications to control the production of thyroid hormones are prescribed. And the same rule applies to diabetes. However, if you are obese, then diet control and exercise are the preferred choice of action to keep your weight under control. Here are 5 ways obesity affects your chances of getting pregnant. However, it is wise to control a good gynaecologist to know about the condition and the chances of getting pregnant with PCOS. As in some cases, only weight reduction can help while in some use of ovulation drugs or injections is recommended to help you ovulate and conceive. You might also like to read about homoeopathy treatment for PCOD or PCOS – how does it help? Image Source: Shutterstock Read this in Marathi

Expert tips on how to delay early menopause

0
0
Menopause, technically, is the stage in which the ovaries no longer produce eggs and there's a lot of hormonal changes that take place in the body. Every woman has to go through menopause, and the right age of menopause is around 47 years. However, in recent times, there have been increasing cases of early menopause, which is known as a premature ovarian failure. And just like menopause, if you go through early menopause, you experience symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings. So most women have this common doubt- can early menopause be delayed? If yes, how is it possible to delay the symptoms? Well, Dr Y S Nandanwar, Professor and Head of Department, Gynaecology, Lokmanya Tilak Medical College and Sion Hospital, Mumbai explains the common ways with which you can delay early menopause. Also read about factors that can put you at risk of early menopause. Up the intake of oestrogen rich foods: Do not underestimate the power of a diet as a nutrient-rich and balanced diet can not only help you to stay fit and healthy but also aid in delaying menopause. As during menopause, there is a decrease in the production of oestrogen; it is advised to increase the intake of foods rich in oestrogen like soy, peanuts and flax seeds in the diet. Exercise regularly without fail: Yes, the significance of exercise on maintaining your hormonal balance and also delay your chances of early menopause cannot be emphasised enough. You do not have to do strenuous exercises or hit the gym daily. Instead, going for a brisk walk for 30 minutes daily or doing yoga at home, five times a week, can help in the long run. Moreover, it can also help you to minimise the severity of the symptoms experienced during menopause. Stay away from stress: It goes without saying that if you are stressed, then the chances of experiencing early menopause is very high. This is because, when stressed, the body produces hormones that can interfere with the normal functioning of the body. Moreover, it also causes the release of hormones that can lead to menopause-induced symptoms. Hence, it is wise to avoid stress and practise meditation or a hobby that can help you to keep your calm and keep the hormones in check. HRT (hormone replacement therapy): Lastly, you can opt for hormonal supplementation or HRT, which causes loading up the body with the hormones oestrogen and progesterone. As a drop in the production of these hormones leads to early menopause, with the help of HRT, you can delay the symptoms of menopause. However, it is wise to consult your doctor before you plan to undergo this therapy as it can lead to various hormonal changes in the body. Wondering if it's good or not? Read more on should women opt for Hormone Replacement Therapy? Image Source: Shutterstock

Sanitary pad hacks to prevent leakage during periods

0
0
Having to deal with cramps, mood swings and period stains is never easy. But if your flow is heavy and you always have a tendency to leak, you can make life easier with a few sanitary pad hacks. Here’s what you should be doing to prevent leakage.
  • Be sure to place your pad right in the middle of your underwear so that they do not go too far down or too far up. Also, make sure that the wings of the pad wrap tightly around the bottom of the middle of the underwear.
  • You may just want to use panty liners above and below your pad in places where you tend to leak. You can also place lighter pads perpendicular to your pad if you want some extra coverage.
  • An excellent way to minimise leakage is to wear thicker underwear. Thick underwear can absorb the blood when you have a leakage. Just make sure that your underwear isn’t too loose because it will make your pad move around.  Here's your guide to decode menstrual problems. 
  • If you tend to leak in front or behind your pad, you can only move your pad up or down depending on the place you usually leak.
  • If you have a heavy flow and have trouble with leakage, buy extra large pads which are long and have super absorbency. You can also wear the pads during the day if you tend to leak too much.
A few more hacks
  • Skirts are not great an option if you are on your periods. Wear trousers or jeans as they can be close to your crotch and hold the pad from moving all over the place. Wear spandex or compression shorts if you are going to wear a skirt.
  • You will be less worried if you do not display your leaks. Just wear looser, darker clothes that will not show any potential stains.  Here are 10 menstrual hygiene tips every girl or woman should know. 
Image source: Shutterstock Images Read this in Marathi

5 Ayurvedic tips to delay menopause

0
0
Let's be honest. We have a love-hate relationship with our periods; we worry too much if it's late. But when it is finally here, we grumble about the cramps, the mood swings and the constant food cravings, every month! No matter how much we like to complain about our beloved Aunt Flo, we sure miss her when she's late. Why wouldn't we?  An active menstrual cycle is a sign of our youth, vitality and more importantly, our fertility. But there are alarming cases of women having early menopauses these days. Let alone women in their 50s, those in their late 30s are experiencing hot flashes, vaginal dryness, reduced sex drive and absence of menstruation: all classic signs of menopause. Infertility aside, early menopause also robs us of our bone health and cardiac health, leaving us more susceptible to osteoporosis and strokes. To counter this problem, women should adopt a more holistic approach according to Ayurvedic physician Dr Namrata Pawar,  from Dhanwantri Kerala Ayurveda. Read as she lists down five things you could do to prevent early menopause. Dance your way to good health Dr Pawar recommends an unlikely but fun way to have an amazing menstrual health: Dance! Who said you have to be a trained dancer to have fun? So put on some music, tap your feet and sway to the rhythm like no one's watching. Women are essentially creative beings, so finding a vent to our creativity nurtures our hormonal and menstrual health. What's more? Dancing is a good way to get your blood flowing and your heart pumping. It's one of the best forms of exercise. Speaking of which, that's another thing you must not miss. Exercise! It's easy to curl up in the bed and sleep for an additional 30 minutes. But half-an-hour of squats or jogging can accomplish so much for your hormonal health! Don't succumb to laziness and start working out. Squeeze in at least 30-40 minutes of exercise or yoga into your schedule. Have til oil Used widely in the Indian households for pickling, the humble til oil is packed with goodness. "Til oil is known to trigger menses in perimenopausal women. So they should include lots of til oil in their diet," says Dr Pawar. It is also known to regularise erratic periods. "Women over forty years of age often have excessive Vata, which causes a lot of health problems," adds Dr Pawar. Vata can cause a drop in oestrogen levels, resulting in brittle bones, dry skin and early menopause. "Although any oil is good for reducing Vata, til oil is the best." Til oil also helps in keeping joints lubricated. Stress not What good has stress ever accomplished? Even dormant health issues rear their ugly heads when you go through stress. Realistically speaking, there are no easy ways to avoid stress. Everyone from working women to stay-at-home moms experience anxiety and worry of some sort. What Dr Pawar suggests is to find ways to beat it through Yoga and Pranayama. "Asanas like Shavasana and Vajrasana can be done by anyone. Practice stress-busting Pranayama like Bhramari, Anulom Vilom and Kapal Bati," suggests Dr Pawar. Diet right "Enrich your diet with soya bean which is a great source of phytoestrogens. Include sesame seeds or til and walnuts in your diet," says Dr Pawar. Your meals should be split up into small portions and had throughout the day. Include antioxidant-rich brightly coloured vegetables such as bell peppers, capsicum, beets, purple cabbages, carrots and tomatoes in your daily diet. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower are also excellent for promoting feminine health. If you are worried that your menstrual cycle may bail out on you soon, make these small but significant changes in your daily life.  Read what a gynaecologist has to say about delaying menopause. Image source: Shutterstock Read this in Marathi      

Can I get pregnant if I have PCOS?

0
0
Is every woman with PCOS infertile? Does it mean woman with PCOS will never get pregnant? How does PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) affect fertility? Please explain how PCOS affects periods and fertility. The query is answered by Dr D Dakshayani, Fertility Consultant, Apollo Fertility Clinic, Chennai. PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), is a syndrome (a collection of symptoms) that mainly causes hormonal changes in the body. However, when it comes to PCOS, periods and fertility, you need to be aware of changes that happen in the body and how it impacts your ability to get pregnant or conceive. Also read about 5 ways PCOS affects your sex life. If you have polycystic ovaries, your ovary/ovaries might look a little bit more enlarged than a normal ovary/ovaries. Moreover, there is a high risk that you might have multiple cysts in the ovaries, which is mostly seen in the peripheral of the ovaries. So if you have a polycystic ovary, the tendency to have normal egg formation, especially if you are in your reproductive age might go for a toss. Also, the hormonal changes -- low oestrogen and progesterone levels along with high levels of testosterone -- in the body, might lead to an abnormal reproductive cycle. And this might hinder your ability to have a proper egg formation. In some cases, a woman can also have an anovulatory cycle, in which you might have a menstrual cycle without ovulation. In such a case, as egg formation is not there, you can become infertile. Also, if you have an irregular menstrual cycle or delayed periods, known as oligomenorrhea, meaning you have periods once in 40 - 45 days or once in 3 or 6 months, it might lead to infertility. Hence, consult your gynaecologist at the earliest if you have irregular or delayed periods. Having said that it does not mean that every woman with PCOS is infertile as there are cases when a woman with PCOS have become pregnant with simple diet modifications and exercise. Whereas, in some cases, use of medications or IVF (invitro fertilisation) can help a woman with PCOS to conceive. Here's more on how to get pregnant if you have PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)? Image Source: Shutterstock  

6 common myths about PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) busted!

0
0
PCOS is quite common in youngsters as girls are getting periods as early as seven years. And hence, it is important to know more about PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) rather blindly believing the common misconceptions associated with it. Most women think that woman with PCOS cannot conceive at all and that having diabetes ups your risk of PCOS. Not only this, but some also believe that PCOS can be cured. So to help you out know the facts about this condition, Dr D Dakshayani, Fertility Consultant, Apollo Fertility, Chennai has busted some of the common myths about PCOS. Bookmark this page and do share this link with every woman you know and in all Mom groups! Myth 1: Diabetes causes PCOS. Fact: As PCOS leads to hormonal changes, it also causes insulin resistance making you vulnerable to have type 2 diabetes as you age. Also, if you are overweight or obese and has PCOS, you are at a high risk of diabetes. Hence, its PCOS that can cause diabetes and not the other way round. Myth 2: Thin women does not get PCOS. Fact: Although a majority of women with PCOS are overweight or obese, even thin people can suffer from PCOS (which is comparatively rare). In such a case, hormonal assessment and an abdominal scan are helpful in diagnosing the condition in a thin woman. You may like to read about ways PCOS is making you fat! Myth 3: All women with PCOS show the same symptoms. Fact: Well, it is not the case as the symptoms of PCOS vary from a woman to other. While obesity and menstrual problems like irregular periods or delayed periods are some of the common symptoms of PCOS, you can also have abnormal hair growth. As numerous hormonal changes happen in the body, it causes a dominance of male hormones (androgenic hormones). This is the reason, why girls as young as 18 - 20 years, have a moustache line, facial hair and male pattern hair growth meaning hair on the belly and inner thighs. Moreover, some women might also show make pattern baldness in which there is thinning of hairline from above the forehead. Myth 4: No cysts in the ovaries means no PCOS. Fact: In some cases, polycystic ovaries fail to show up in a regular ultrasound scan, so most women end up thinking they do not have PCOS. However, if you have irregular periods or any other symptoms of PCOS, your doctor might recommend transvaginal scan, which is 100% efficient is showing cysts and helps you to diagnose PCOS. Myth 5: A woman PCOS cannot have a baby at all. Fact: As PCOS affects the ovulation, the process of egg formation, it can lead to infertility. However, some patients have conceived without any treatment or IVF (invitro fertilisation). Infertility is a cause of concern for a woman with a large ovary, no periods, multiple cystic areas and already have hirsutism at the age of 20-23 years. In such a case, you might need diet modification, proper medication and assessment of ovarian function (follicle scan). A follicle scan checks if the follicles are developing or not and thus, women are given medications to ovulate. This in some cases, can help treat the condition and have a baby without IVF. If not, then IVF is the last resort to give birth. Here's more on how to get pregnant if you have PCOS. Myth 6: PCOS can be cured. Fact: PCOS can be treated and managed but not cured. The treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the other health problems seen in patients. Hence, if you are obese or have thyroid or diabetes, controlling the underlying condition is important to deal with PCOS. As said earlier, diet control and control is usually the first line of treatment in young girls, then medications and then IVF (if you cannot conceive). Also, as PCOS runs in families, it is important to get your daughter get regular health check-ups if you have PCOS. Also, look for changes in her periods after menarche to know about the condition at an early age and get treated. Also read about homoeopathy treatment for PCOD or PCOS – how does it help? If you have any queries or have come across more such myths on PCOS, do share with us by posting your views in the comments section. Image Source: Shutterstock

Ways women subtly shame other women, and need to STOP

0
0
There's a popular Hindi idiom on the lines of women being their own worst enemies. And if you are a woman, you know exactly what I mean. The way we treat each other, the way we talk and pass comments, or even the passive-aggressiveness that we reserve only for fellow women is pathetic. We shame women, every day, in many subtle ways, and often, without realising that it is shaming. There are a few things that we commonly, and unapologetically, say to other women which are plain shaming. These are the things that we need to stop saying to other women to make our world a more positive and happy place.
  • Fashion shaming: Judging a woman for the way she dresses is very commonplace. If you dress traditionally, not keeping up with fashion fads, you are a behenji. If you are a fashionista, wearing the latest trends, then you are vain. If you spend your days in skirts, kurtas and wearing anything that your heart fancies, you are a hippie. Why can't a woman wear what she likes and just be herself. We don't necessarily need labels.
  • Body shamingWhether you are fat, skinny, had wide hips, big breasts or fdlab around the belly, you will be shamed and called names. There's no particular body type which qualifies as 'perfect', so why bother with shaming? As long as a person is healthy, why worry about their shape? We are all humans, not mannequins manufactured in a factory.
  • Slut shaming: Isn't it high time we stopped discussing and bothering with others people's dating and love life? What I do, how many people I meet and date is my lookout. If you do not approve of such a 'lifestyle', its completely fine. What is the point of sharing all the feminism and 'girl power' memes on Facebook when girls are still expected to behave in the 'sati-savitri' way?
  • Commenting on failed relationshipsYou know what shaming conveys? Insensititvity. To comment and judge people is being insensitive. You can decide to move away from things and people you do not approve of, instead of passing shameful remarks. Commenting and judging a woman for failed relationship/s is the lowest of low blows.
  • Competing with your own tragedy: If a person shares their grief with you, it's your job to console them and say kind words. What a lot of people do instead is they will belittle your tragedy by sharing their own. 'Why are you crying over your labour of 6 hours? I was in labour for over 10 hours!' Why make such hurtful comments and try to belittle a person's pain? A sympathetic hug would be much better.
Share this post and pledge to stop shaming other women. We can all join hands and make a change by being more positive and pleasant, so why not do it? Image: Shutterstock

Is it good to use cloth pads made with old saris or towels?

0
0
Sanitary napkins are very popular with women in India. Although tampons and menstrual cups (the new ages ones) are not that commonly used, cloth pads are quite rampantly used in villages and remote areas. However, the cloth pads are made at home from old saris, towels, napkins or bedsheets, which perfectly suits the need and also does not burn a hole in the pocket. Moreover, cloth pads are eco-friendly in nature. Here are 10 commonly asked questions about periods answered. Are cloth pads good for health? One of the common reasons why most women have replaced cloth pads with sanitary napkins is the comfort and the fact that sanitary pads are quite safe. No wonder about it but that doesn't mean cloth pads are not good either. According to Dr Uma Vaidyanathan, Consultant Gynaecologist and Unit Head at Max Hospital, New Delhi, 'There are no health implications of using cloth pads with old saris, towels, napkins, etc. However, one has to make sure to it is cleaned and washed properly. Also, as the absorbing capacity of cloth pads is comparatively less than sanitary napkins, you have to change it more frequently although it does depend on the flow.' Also read about sanitary napkins vs tampons, menstrual cups, cloth pads and period panties. Although there is no strict rule on what type of material should one use as a cloth pad, it is preferable to use cotton cloth pads as it allows the vagina to breathe. Moreover, the absorption capacity of a cotton material is higher than other types of materials like polyester. Also, avoid using very old cloth as it can lead to allergic reaction. One of the disadvantages of using cloth pads is that it becomes wet easily and hence, not suitable for use during nights. Also, if you do not change the pads after getting wet, it not only stinks but also increases the risk of infections due to the moist atmosphere in the vaginal area. However, you can lower the risk by strictly following proper hygiene and sanitation during menstruation. Also, make sure you wash the cloth pads with soap/detergent and water and allow it to dry naturally. Here are 10 menstrual hygiene tips every girl and woman should know Image Source: Shutterstock Read this in Marathi
Viewing all 418 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images