Every New Year comes with a long list of resolutions: lose weight, wake up early, eat clean, exercise daily, be perfect. And by February, most of them quietly fade—often leaving behind guilt and self-doubt. This year, let’s do it differently. 1. Choose progress , not pressure Your body has carried you through work, family, stress, hormones, and emotional ups and downs. It doesn’t need punishment—it needs care. Instead of extreme goals, choose small, sustainable habits : 20 minutes of movement instead of an hour at the gym One balanced meal a day instead of a “perfect” diet Consistency over intensity Small steps, done regularly, change health more than short bursts of motivation. 2. Make health about how you feel , not just how you look Energy, sleep, digestion, mood, periods, strength—these are powerful markers of health that often get ignored. Ask yourself: Do I feel less bloated? Am I sleeping better? Do I feel stronger, calmer, more in control? When you shift focus inward, confidenc...

  If you’ve noticed that your headaches have a “monthly timetable,” you’re not imagining it. Migraines are three times more common in women, and for many, they flare up right before periods, after childbirth, or around menopause. The reason? Hormones — especially estrogen — have a direct effect on the brain’s pain pathways. Why Women Get More Migraines Throughout a woman’s reproductive years, estrogen levels rise and fall. These fluctuations make the brain more sensitive to triggers. Here’s how hormones influence migraines at different life stages: 1. Around Periods (Menstrual Migraines) Right before your periods, estrogen levels drop sharply. This sudden fall can trigger: One-sided throbbing headache Light/noise sensitivity Nausea Many women notice migraines 1–3 days before periods or on Day 1. 2. Pregnancy During pregnancy, estrogen stays consistently high — that’s why many women experience fewer migraines, especially in the second and third trimesters. But for some, especially t...

“Doctor, I love wearing sleeveless… but my underarms are dark. Can you prescribe me a cream?” This is easily one of the most common questions women ask — and the honest answer is: it’s rarely just a “cream problem.” Dark underarms often signal what’s happening inside the body, not just on the skin. Why do underarms darken? Darkening can be due to friction, deodorants, shaving… but many women are surprised to learn that hormones and metabolism play a big role too. The most common hidden causes we see in clinic are: Insulin resistance – Often seen in PCOS, prediabetes or stubborn weight gain. Causes a velvety darkening called acanthosis nigricans . PCOS – High androgens + insulin resistance lead to pigmentation in underarms, neck, groin. Thyroid issues – Hypothyroidism can slow down skin turnover, making pigmentation more noticeable. Chronic friction – Tight clothing, frequent shaving, waxing. Product reactions – Deodorants and hair removers can irritate the skin over time. Why you ...

  Have you ever noticed a small, painless lump near the vaginal opening? It could be a Bartholin’s cyst , a condition many women experience but rarely talk about. The Bartholin’s glands , located on either side of the vaginal opening, produce fluid that helps lubricate the vagina. When the duct of one of these glands gets blocked—due to infection, thick mucus, or irritation—the fluid accumulates, forming a cyst.  Common Symptoms A small, smooth swelling near the vaginal entrance Discomfort while sitting, walking, or during intercourse If the cyst becomes infected (called a Bartholin’s abscess ), you may experience severe pain, redness, warmth, and even fever  Treatment Options Small, painless cysts often need no treatment and may resolve on their own. Warm sitz baths (sitting in warm water for 10–15 minutes, 2–3 times a day) can help the cyst drain naturally. Infected cysts (abscesses) require surgical care. Your gynecologist will make a small in...

  If you’ve been diagnosed with PCOS, you’ve probably already heard the usual advice — eat healthy, exercise, and manage stress. But let’s be honest, managing PCOS is way more than that. Here are 5 lesser-known hacks that can actually make a big difference: 1. Start your day with protein, not caffeine That morning coffee on an empty stomach spikes cortisol, which worsens insulin resistance. Instead, eat a protein-rich breakfast (like eggs or Greek yogurt) within an hour of waking up. Then enjoy your coffee guilt-free! 2. Walk after every meal — even 10 minutes helps A short walk right after eating improves insulin sensitivity and reduces post-meal sugar spikes. Think of it as your mini “medicine” after every meal. 3. Track your cycle — even if it’s irregular Use an app to note symptoms, mood, and flow. Over time, you’ll start seeing patterns that help you and your doctor adjust treatment more effectively. 4. Sleep is your hormone reset button Women with PCOS often underest...

Getting your period while traveling can sometimes feel like an unexpected complication. However, with a little preparation, it doesn’t have to derail your trip! A well-stocked period kit is a travel essential, whether your period is due or not. Here’s what we recommend you pack to ensure comfort and confidence, no matter where your adventures take you: 1. Your Essentials: Protection & Hygiene  * Your Preferred Products: Pack enough tampons , pads , menstrual cups , or period underwear for your entire trip, plus a few extra days' worth. Remember, what’s easily available at home might be harder to find abroad.  * Pain Relief: Include your usual over-the-counter pain medication (like ibuprofen or naproxen ) for cramps. Don't rely on finding a specific brand quickly in a new place.  * Hygiene Wipes (Unscented): Small, individually wrapped, unscented wipes are excellent for a quick refresh when you can't shower or have limited access to clean water.  * Small, Seal...

A medical abortion, or the "abortion pill," is a common and effective way to end an early pregnancy. It involves taking two different medications, typically up to 7 weeks of pregnancy. While the experience is unique for everyone, understanding the process and what comes next can help you feel more prepared and in control. The Process: A Two-Step Journey The medical abortion process involves two key medications: Mifepristone: You'll take this first pill at a clinic or doctor's office. It works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which is essential for pregnancy to continue. You won't feel any immediate effects from this pill. Misoprostol: This is the second medication, taken at home 48 hours later. Misoprostol causes the uterus to cramp and bleed, expelling the pregnancy. This is when the abortion actively happens. What to Expect During the Abortion After taking Misoprostol, you can anticipate several hours of heavy cramping and bleeding. This is a sign that th...

  Ovarian cysts are a common occurrence for many women, often causing a mix of confusion and concern. While the term "cyst" might sound alarming, most ovarian cysts are benign (non-cancerous) and resolve on their own. However, understanding their symptoms, how they're diagnosed, and the available treatment options is crucial for your peace of mind and overall health. What Exactly Are Ovarian Cysts? An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac or pocket within or on the surface of an ovary. Ovaries are small, almond-shaped organs on each side of the uterus that produce eggs and hormones (estrogen and progesterone). Most cysts develop as a normal part of your menstrual cycle and are known as "functional cysts." Less commonly, cysts can be caused by other conditions or develop for reasons unrelated to the menstrual cycle. Recognizing the Symptoms: When to Pay Attention Often, ovarian cysts cause no symptoms at all and are discovered incidentally during a pelvic exam or im...

The work of a gynaecologist often involves safeguarding the health and well-being of women and families. Today, the aim is to shed light on an aspect of tobacco use that often gets overlooked: its profound and often irreversible impact on reproductive health, for both men and women, and the surprising ways it can affect pregnancy even after quitting. Many are aware of the major health risks associated with smoking – cancer, heart disease, lung conditions. But did you know that the chemicals in tobacco can also silently undermine the ability to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy? The Male Factor: Sperm Under Siege Let's start with men. Tobacco isn't just about lung health; it directly affects sperm. Studies consistently show that smoking can: Reduce sperm count: Fewer sperm mean lower chances of conception. Impair sperm motility: Even if there are enough sperm, their ability to swim effectively towards the egg is crucial. Smoking hinders this. Damage sperm DNA: This is...