Conditions

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…

There is no way to prevent autism spectrum disorder, but ASD can be treated, and children can improve their language and social skills. Children with ASD typically continue to learn and find solutions for problems, but most will continue to require some ongoing support. If your child is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, intervene early and work out treatment options. Although the cause of autism is not known, many researchers believe genetics is responsible for 90% of the risk of a child…

Early intervention – what does it achieve? The earlier you start the better, so intervention can start with a toddler or preschooler.  Intensive behavioural therapy during the toddler or preschool years can significantly improve cognitive and language skills in young children with ASD.These should be started as soon as a child has been diagnosed with ASD. Providing focused and challenging learning activities at the proper developmental level for the child for at least 25 hours per week and…

While there’s no proven cure for autism yet, treating ASD early using school-based programmes, and getting proper medical care can greatly reduce ASD symptoms and increase your child’s ability to grow and learn new skills. Many children with autism can develop significantly with early, well-planned and individually tailored educational efforts in specially adapted settings.  A diagnosis of ASD is nerve-wracking for parents as they struggle to understand the challenge they are facing and…

Diagnosing autism  At present, there is no definitive medical test to identify individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Professionals diagnose autism spectrum disorders through the presence or absence of certain behaviours, characteristic symptoms and developmental delays. ASD is diagnosed through an assessment which includes observing and meeting with the individual, their family and other people who interact with the child. Information is gathered regarding the individual’s strengths…

The main types of Autism are 1. Autistic Disorder: These have problems in socialisation, communication, and restricted patterns of behaviours and interests.  2. Asperger’s Disorder: These have problems in two areas: socialisation and restricted patterns of interests.   3, Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS): Children have problems in socialisation and one of the two other areas: communication or restricted patterns of behaviors and interests.…