Women's Health and Pregnancy

We do not yet know what causes Ovarian Cancer. But we do what increases the risk of developing ovarian cancer. You are at higher risk of developing ovarian cancer if: You are over 55; the average age at diagnosis is found to be 63 You have a family history (risk is higher for 1st degree relatives) You have BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation You have a history of breast, uterine or colorectal cancer You have a genetic link to Lynch syndrome You started menstruating before 12 yrs of age You have…

Prolonged lack of sunlight is the most common cause of Vitamin D deficiency, writes Shital Raval. And how can you treat Vitamin D deficiency. It is as simple as stepping out of doors, yet a fear of sunshine is one of the factors that leads to Vitamin D deficiency. This in turn can give rise to a number of health conditions.   What is Vitamin D? Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin which is structurally classified into D2 and D3.  Vitamin D2 is known as Ergocalciferol and D3 is known as…

Menopause symptoms can often be managed with natural options. Hot Flashes: Acupuncture, which stimulates specific points on the skin with thin needles, heat pressure or laser.  Eating soya, which is rich in proteins and isoflavones, a plant oestrogen (phytoestrogen) Exercise Wear cool cotton clothing Avoid spicy food and caffeine  Non-prescription treatment like Vitamin B & E and Ibuprofen to get relief from the pain caused by hot flashes Trouble sleeping: Difficulty sleeping at…

There is no treatment for Menopause itself. As much as possible symptoms should be managed naturally. If the symptoms are interfering with quality of life, you should see your gynaecologist. In some cases your gynaecologist or your GP may suggest the following treatments: Prescription treatment may include hormone therapy, medication for depression, hypertension (raised blood pressure). Your doctor may suggest drugs like Brisdelle (non hormone capsules) or Duavee (hormone tablets). Hormone…

Menopause is a natural part of a woman’s life cycle and cannot be prevented. However, many of the symptoms can be managed and complications prevented by making healthy lifestyle choices.  Here are some steps you can take to prevent menopause symptoms: Eat a wholesome and healthy Diet Exercise regularly: This often reduces menopause symptoms and may even prevent some of the symptoms of menopause. Quit smoking Sleep well and if necessary reduce caffeine to ensure better sleep Build bone…

If you think you are having menopause (you have not had your period for 6 months), consult your doctor for confirmation of menopause diagnosis and to rule out other problems. Your doctor may suggest the following tests: pH tests: During there productive age, the pH of the vagina is 4.5. At menopause it raises to about 6. For this test, a vaginal swab is taken and tested for pH values.. Blood tests: This can check the Follicular Stimulating Hormone(FSH) and oestrogen levels. FSH levels increase…

Menopause and perimenopause affects women in different ways. They may have some of the following symptoms in the peridmenopause phase: Irregular periods: Periods become uncertain – sometimes heavier, sometimes lighter. The frequency may also change – coming more often or less.  Hot flashes: These are feelings of heat on your face and neck and sometimes all over your body accompanied by heavy sweating.  Trouble sleeping: Difficulty sleeping at night and with night time sweats. …

Stages of menopause Menopause does not happen abruptly. It is a gradual process consisting of perimenopause, menopause and post menopause. Peri-menopause: This refers to a period 3-5 years before actual menopause starts, when the hormones being secreted by the ovaries start going down. Periods become irregular. You may still ovulate but not every month.   Menopause: This refers to the period when the ovaries stop producing the ova and oestrogen and progesterone are released at a low…

What causes menopause Menopause is a natural change that occurs in women during their 40s or early 50s. In Asian women, menopause usually occurs between the ages of 49-53. It happens when the ovaries stop functioning. The primary function of the ovaries is: To release the ova (egg) monthly To release hormones like oestrogen and progesterone that make preparatory changes in the uterine wall if the woman conceives For subsequent shedding of theuterine wall or lining if she does not conceive. As…

Since there is no known cause of uterine fibroids, there are no clear strategies to prevent fibroids. However, it is good to know if have a high risk as per the risk factors highlighted - if you are Asian, if have a hereditary risk or if you have had early onset of menstrual cycles. Keep your weight under control.  Avoid a red meat diet Limit alcohol consumption Its also important to do regular tests especially if you are in the high risk category so you can catch them early or before…