Conditions

Tests for Chronic kidney disease In many CKD patients, previous renal disease or other underlying diseases are already known. A small number present with CKD of unknown cause. Assessment of GFR is the best test to measure the level of kidney function and determine the stage of kidney disease. Urinary tract ultrasound and abdominal ultrasound, in which the size of the kidneys is measured. Kidneys with CKD are usually smaller (< 9 cm) than normal kidneys, with notable exceptions such as in…

Your doctor may suggest the following treatments for CKD: Control of blood pressure Treatment of the original disease, like treatment of diabetes Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin II receptor antagonists (ARBs) to control the progression of kidney disease by improving renal blood flow  Replacement of erythropoietin and calcitriol (intravenous or intramuscular iron therapy prior to treatment with erythropoietin is recommended) Phosphate binders used to control…

Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease Initially there are no specific symptoms and Chronic Kidney Disease is generally only detected as an increase in serum creatinine or protein in the urine. As kidney function decreases, you may have the following symptoms of CKD: Feel more tired and have less energy Have trouble concentrating Have poor appetite Have trouble sleeping Have muscle cramping at night Have swollen feet and ankles Have puffiness around your eyes, especially in the morning Have dry,…

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…