Many people can lower their cholesterol levels simply by changing what they eat. For example, eating less meat (and leaner cuts) and more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can potentially lower your total cholesterol by 25% or more. Here are four steps for lowering your cholesterol through diet. Stick with unsaturated fats and limit saturated fats. Most vegetable fats are made up of “healthy” unsaturated fats that are good for your heart. Foods that contain healthy fats include oily fish, nuts, seeds, and some vegetables. At the same time, try to limit your intake of foods that are high in saturated fat.  Get more soluble fiber. Eating more soluble fiber, such as that found in oatmeal and fruits, can lower blood cholesterol levels when eaten as part of a well balanced diet. Include plant sterols and stanols in your diet. These naturally occurring plant compounds are similar in structure to cholesterol, so when you eat them, they help limit the amount of cholesterol your body ...

 The ultrasound report said, "Fibroid-25 mm." Her first thought was, "Is that big?" But there was another question that mattered just as much:"Where is it?" Its a fair question, and one that we get asked constantly. A number on a report tells you very little on its own. To understand what it implies, it helps to know what a fibroid actually is. The Basics A fibroid is a benign ( non-cancerous ) growth arising from the muscular layer of the uterus. Theey are also extremely common. A large majority of women will develop at least one fibroid in their reproductive years, many without even knowing it. Why do they form? Fibroids are hormone-sensitive. Estrogen and progesterone, the hormones that drive the menstrual cycle, also fuel fibroid growth. Thats the reason fibroids tend to appear during reporductive years, grow larger during pregnancy and often shrink after menopause. Why some women develop fibroids and oṭhers don't is not fully understood. Its sppea...

She thought her periods have simply gotten heavier with age. The fatigue, the clots, the 2-hourly pad changes had slowly become normal. Until her Hemoglobin revealed a different story.  This is a common story we hear in clinic. Heavy bleeding rarely occurs overnight. It creeps up over months, years sometimes, and women adapt: dark clothes, spare pads in every bag, cancelled plans on day 2. Somewhere along the way, “abnormal” becomes “normal for me”.  What counts as heavy? Your periods are considered heavy if: You pass large clots, size if a coin or larger.  Bleeding lasts more than 7 days You change a pad or tampon every 1-2 hours or need to double up.  You need to wale up at night to change protection.  What you body may be telling you Heavy bleeding is often the first sign if fibroids- benign growths in uterine wall. It can be associated with other symptoms like: Fatigue, breathlessness, dizziness or palpitations , signs of iron deficiency anaemia from blood l...

  A myomectomy is a surgical procedure to remove fibroids while preserving the uterus. Whether you have undergone a laparoscopic, robotic, or open abdominal myomectomy, recovery is an important part of the treatment. One of the most common mistakes patients make is assuming that feeling better means the body has completely healed. The external wounds may look fine while deeper tissues, including the uterus, are still recovering. Here are five things you should avoid after myomectomy to support a smooth recovery. 1. Avoid heavy lifting For the first few weeks after surgery, avoid lifting heavy bags, strenuous household work, or anything that puts significant strain on your abdominal muscles. Why? Your abdominal and uterine tissues are still healing after surgery. Putting excessive strain on the healing tissues too soon can increase discomfort and may prolong recovery. Your surgeon will advise you when it is safe to gradually return to heavier activities. 2. Avoid strenuous exercise ...

Most women are told that painful periods are just "part of being a woman." So they take a painkiller, push through the day, and move on. But if your period pain is regularly disrupting your life — stopping you from going to work, cancelling plans, or leaving you curled up in bed — that is not normal. And it deserves a proper answer. One condition that is very commonly missed is endometriosis . So, what exactly is endometriosis? Think of the lining inside your uterus — the tissue that sheds every month during your period. In endometriosis, similar tissue starts growing outside the uterus. On the ovaries, behind the uterus, on the fallopian tubes, sometimes even on the bladder or bowel. Every month, this tissue behaves just like the uterine lining — it swells, breaks down, and bleeds. But because it has nowhere to go, it causes inflammation, scarring, and over time, a lot of pain. What does it feel like? Endometriosis doesn't look the same in everyone, but these are the s...

One of the most common questions I hear in my clinic is: “Doctor, my ultrasound shows a fibroid. Do I need an operation?” The answer is often no . Fibroids are non-cancerous growths of the uterus and are extremely common. Many women live with fibroids for years without any problems. In such cases, surgery may not be necessary. When can a fibroid be left alone? Your fibroid can often be monitored rather than treated if: ✓ You have no symptoms Many fibroids are discovered incidentally during a routine health check or pregnancy scan. If you do not have: Heavy menstrual bleeding Severe period pain Pelvic pressure or discomfort Frequent urination due to pressure on the bladder Constipation due to pressure on the bowel Lump in abdomen then observation may be all that is needed. ✓ The fibroid is small Small fibroids that are not distorting the uterine cavity and are not causing symptoms usually do not require surgery. The size of the fibroid alone is not the deciding facto...

  Many of us grew up hearing the term “PCOS” as if it was only about cysts in the ovaries. But here’s the interesting part — many women with PCOS don’t actually have cysts, and many women with ovarian cysts don’t have PCOS. That is why experts across the world are now discussing a shift in terminology: from PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) to PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic-Ovarian Syndrome). And honestly? PMOS may describe the condition far better. PCOS was never just a “period problem.” It is deeply connected to metabolism — the way the body handles insulin, fat storage, inflammation, energy, and hormones. The ovaries are only one part of the story. Think about the symptoms women actually struggle with: Weight gain that feels disproportionate Difficulty losing weight despite effort Pigmentation around the neck or underarms Acne and hair fall Irregular periods Mood fluctuations Fatigue and cravings Fertility concerns None of these happen because of “cysts.”...

Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are often taken in a moment of stress—after unprotected sex, missed pills, or contraceptive failure. But one question many women have is,  “What if it doesn’t work?”.  Let’s break it down simply. How effective are emergency pills? Emergency pills like Levonorgestrel (taken within 72 hours) or Ulipristal acetate (effective up to 120 hours) reduce the risk of pregnancy—but don’t eliminate it completely. If taken within 24 hours → ~95% effective Within 48 hours → ~85% effective Within 72 hours → ~58–75% effective So yes, pregnancy is still possible , especially if: The pill is taken late You were already close to ovulation There was another episode of unprotected sex after taking the pill How do these pills actually work? They mainly: Delay or stop ovulation Do not work well if ovulation has already happened This is why timing matters so much. What are the chances of complications? The good news: Emergency pills are reasonably  safe f...

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...