Women's Health and Pregnancy

Approximately 34% of women with PCOS have depression. Dr Madanki Srinavasan, Gynaecologist and women’s health counselor helps us understand lifestyle changes to manage PCOS. Along with weight gain, unwanted hair growth, acne, irregular periods etc, women with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) also frequently suffer from mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.  Can stress be a risk factor for PCOS? Stress can be a risk factor for any medical ailment, including PCOS.…

Nutritionist Kohila Govindaraju talks about the risks of Gestational Diabetes and how it should be avoided or controlled for the sake of the health of the mother and the child to be born. Gestational Diabetes, or GD, is high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy and usually disappears once the baby is delivered. Usually GD develops during the second half of the pregnancy and in most women the symptoms of diabetes are not noticeable. The risk of developing GD increases if: Mother has pre-…

Cancer is not a death sentence. There is no rule that says a person who has cancer will die before one who hasn’t. Nandita Muralidhar, who had breast cancer, recounts how her cheerful and positive approach eased the gloom. Cancer. The very word freezes one in one’s tracks, sends a shiver down the spine, brings up the memory of every sad movie you’ve seen…because it has been portrayed as the end, or at least the beginning of the end. Sad music, copious tears or a struggle towards an inevitable…

The psychological impact of premature menopause can range from anxiety and insomnia to low self-esteem and conflict in interpersonal relationships. Dr. Madanki Srinivasan, gynecologist/obstetrician and now mental health counsellor, tells us how to make the journey smooth. What are the main reasons for early or premature menopause? The causes for early or premature menopause would be premature ovarian failure, genetic, surgical, or drug-induced as in by chemotherapy and radiation during…

Thousands of Indian women undergo hysterectomy, or removal of the uterus, every year, even though most of these cases can be avoided. Dr Shital Raval enumerates some surgical and non-surgical options available that should be considered before opting for hysterectomy. Hysterectomy is a surgery that entails partial or complete removal of the uterus in women. In America alone, more than half a million women have a hysterectomy every year. Is it a necessary surgical option? Or are there…

Dr Shruti Mohanka, a fertility specialist and gynaecologist at Global hospital in Mumbai helps us understand how fertility preservation should addressed for all young male and female patients undergoing cancer treatment. Fertility preservation is a critical element of improving quality of life in cancer survivors. Young children and young adults often survive cancer and may wish to have families in the future. They and their families need to be aware that preserving fertility is an option. Too…

What causes endometriosis Even though doctors are not absolutely sure, they suggest some of the following causes: Genetic: A 10-fold increased risk was found in first-degree relatives of women with endometriosis. It has been suggested that endometriosis results from a series of multiple hits within target genes in a mechanism similar to the development of cancer. In this case, the initial mutation may be either somatic or heritable. (Somatic refers to changes in the genetic structure that are…

What is endometriosis Endometriosis is a gynecological condition in which endometrial tissue (tissue that lines the uterus wall) is found outside the uterus (often referred to as endometrial implants). This is mostly found in the peritoneum (membrane that lines abdominal cavity and surrounds internal organs), ovaries, fallopian tubes, ureters, bladder, bowel and cul-de-sac (the space behind the uterus). Endometrial tissue in the uterus is under the influence of oestrogen (a female hormone).…

Diagnosis of Endometriosis Endometriosis cannot be diagnosed based on symptoms alone; it has to be supplemented with a pelvic examination, pelvic ultrasound, laparoscopy and MRI. Pelvic examination: The pelvic examination has poor sensitivity in the diagnosis of endometriosis, but some findings of the physician may suspect endometriosis, like a tender nodule behind the cervix during a combined vaginal and rectal exam, or the uterus may be tilted back or retroverted. Occasionally, endometriosis…

Treatment of Endometriosis Treatment of endometriosis depends on the extent of the condition, symptoms and associated infertility. It may be treated with medication, surgery or both. In patients in the reproductive years, endometriosis is merely managed: the goal is to provide pain relief, to restrict progression of the process, and to restore or preserve fertility where needed. Medication When pain is the main problem, medical therapy is tried with some of the following: Pain relievers: Over-…