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Business Standard
5 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
From exercise to food, 15 menstruation myths you might still believe
Periods are a part of life, yet they're still wrapped in secrecy, discomfort and far too many outdated beliefs. With health information more accessible than ever, many people still haven't moved past the awkward myths and stigma surrounding the natural biological process that half of the world's population goes through each month. In this edition of Fact-Check Friday, we unpack 15 common period myths you've likely heard—and may still believe. 1. You should not exercise during your period Truth: Exercise can help you, not harm you, during your period. Light to moderate exercise can be helpful. Dr Shweta Mendiratta, Associate Clinical Director, Marengo Asia Hospitals, said movement releases endorphins—natural painkillers that ease cramps and boost mood. Walking, yoga or stretching can make periods more manageable. 2. You shouldn't bathe or wash your hair during your period Truth: Stay fresh. Bathing is not only safe, it's necessary. Bathing and hair washing are safe and important. In fact, warm baths can relax muscles and reduce period pain. Skipping hygiene may increase infection risk. 3. You can't get pregnant during your period Truth: Unprotected sex during periods is not foolproof birth control. Periods aren't a guaranteed 'safe window.' Sperm can survive up to five days, and early ovulation can still result in pregnancy. 4. Periods should always be regular Truth: Your period doesn't need to be clockwork to be healthy. Stress, lifestyle changes and hormones can affect your cycle. Occasional irregularity isn't a cause for concern unless it becomes chronic or is accompanied by other symptoms. 5. Every menstrual cycle should last 28 days Truth: 'Normal' looks different for everyone. A 28-day cycle is average, not universal. Healthy cycles may range from 21 to 35 days. 6. Period cramps are just an excuse to skip work or school Truth: Period pain is real and deserves understanding, not dismissal. Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhoea) can be severe and disabling. Dr Mendiratta said they can also cause nausea, dizziness and fatigue, affecting daily functioning. 7. Using tampons will take away your virginity Truth: Tampons are about hygiene, not sexual status. Virginity is a social construct, not a medical one. Tampons may stretch the hymen, but so can exercise. They do not 'take away' virginity. 8. Menstruating women are untouchable or bring bad luck Truth: This is an outdated taboo, not science. Dr Mannan Gupta, Chairman & HOD, Elantis Healthcare, said this belief is discriminatory and baseless. Menstruation is natural and does not make women impure or unlucky. 9. Menstrual blood can be used for black magic Truth: Menstrual blood has no mystical powers. Period. There's nothing magical or harmful about menstrual blood—it contains blood, vaginal secretions and uterine lining, just like any other bodily fluid. 10. Eating certain foods during periods is harmful Truth: Listen to your body, not the food police. No scientific reason exists to avoid specific foods. Iron-rich foods and warm fluids may actually help. Some may react to caffeine or salt, but it varies by individual. 11. You can't undergo medical tests or surgeries during your period Truth: Don't postpone important healthcare because of your period. Most procedures are unaffected by menstruation. Dr Gupta noted only a few gynaecological surgeries might be rescheduled due to active bleeding. 12. Swimming stops your period Truth: Swimming during periods is safe and can even help ease cramps. Water pressure may temporarily reduce flow, but it resumes afterward. Tampons or menstrual cups allow safe, leak-free swimming. 13. Menstrual cups are unsafe or can get lost inside you Truth: Menstrual cups are a smart, planet-friendly choice. Menstrual cups are safe, sit in the vaginal canal and cannot pass the cervix. They are sustainable and cost-effective. 14. Sex during menstruation is dangerous or unhealthy Truth: Period sex is safe, normal and totally up to you. Sex during periods is safe if both partners are comfortable. It may even reduce cramps due to endorphins. Protection is still essential. 15. PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) is all in your head Truth: PMS is real and deserves validation, not eye rolls. PMS is a medically recognised condition. It includes symptoms like mood swings, headaches, bloating and fatigue, caused by hormonal fluctuations. Doctors urge that it's time we stop treating menstruation like a mystery wrapped in shame. A period doesn't make women weak, impure or unprofessional—it makes them human. Let's break the stigma, one myth at a time.
NDTV
16-07-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Why Experts Say Jamun Juice Is The Best Summer Drink For Glowing Skin And Better Gut Health
If you are somebody who is always looking for natural ways to get radiant skin from within, then jamun juice is the answer to all your beauty troubles. Jamun,or the Indian blackberry, is a tasty and fresh Indian summer fruit that is packed with benefits for the skin and might just replace your current skincare routine. Dr Chandni Jain Gupta, Dermatologist & Aesthetic Physician, Elantis Healthcare, New Delhi, tells NDTV, "From glowing skin to improved digestion, jamun juice is gaining popularity as a natural beauty booster - and for good reason. Known for its deep purple hue and tangy-sweet flavour, jamun is rich in skin-loving nutrients like antioxidants, vitamins, and polyphenols that can enhance your inner and outer glow." How Does Jamun Juice Upgrade Your Glow Dr Chandni Jain Gupta shares her insight on how jamun juice helps us get that glowing look. "Jamun juice is a powerhouse of Vitamin C and antioxidants, which help combat free radical damage - a major cause of dull skin, early wrinkles, and pigmentation. It also contains natural astringent properties that can help reduce acne, tighten pores, and control excess oil, making it ideal for oily or acne-prone skin types." She further tells NDTV, "The presence of iron and folate further supports oxygen supply to the skin, promoting a fresher and brighter complexion. Its anti-inflammatory benefits may help calm irritated or inflamed skin from within." Here Are The Benefits Of Jamun Juice, According To Dr Chandni Jain Gupta Jamun juice improves digestion and gut health, which reflects on your skin It controls blood sugar, reducing glycation-related (glycation is the non-enzymatic process where sugars like glucose attach to proteins, lipids, nucleic acids forming aducts.) skin damage from diabetics It boosts immunity, helping your skin fight environmental stress It supports liver health, assisting in detoxification for clearer skin How To Consume Jamun Juice for Radiant Skin, As Per Dr Chandni Jain Gupta Morning Ritual: Drink 30-50 ml of fresh, unsweetened jamun juice on an empty stomach Add-ons: You can mix it with aloe vera or amla juice for an added skin boost Hydration combo: Pair it with a glass of lukewarm water to aid absorption Consistency is key: Drink it regularly for at least 4-6 weeks to see visible changes Tips For Best Results Use only pure, preservative-free jamun juice or extract it at home. Follow a balanced diet rich in skin-friendly nutrients. Stay hydrated and apply sunscreen daily - beauty begins with overall skin care, not just one ingredient. Is Jamun Juice Worth It? "Yes, jamun juice can be a valuable addition to your beauty and wellness routine," says Dr Chandni Jain Gupta. "While it's not a miracle cure, when combined with a healthy lifestyle, it can help improve skin tone, texture, and clarity naturally. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make it especially beneficial for people with acne-prone or dull skin." That said, those with allergies or low blood sugar should consult their doctor before including it in their regular diet.
The Hindu
05-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
How genetic factors influence the onset and progression of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a multifaceted endocrine-metabolic condition, is increasingly being recognised as not only a reproductive disorder but also a genetic and lifestyle-driven health challenge that affects a growing number of women across India. While clinical attention has often centred around irregular periods and infertility, recent studies and clinical experiences point to the crucial and often overlooked hereditary nature of this condition. Affecting an estimated 5 to 20 % of women of reproductive age in India, PCOS is now understood to be a spectrum disorder -- presenting differently across individuals. According to Dakshayani D., head of obstetrics and gynaecology at MGM Healthcare, Chennai, PCOS is a 'multisystemic pathology,' often seen with irregular cycles, weight gain, hirsutism (excessive growth of dark, coarse hair in women in a male-like pattern, typically on the face, chest and back), acanthosis nigricans (a skin condition characterised by dark, velvety and thickened patches of skin, often found in body folds like the neck, armpits and groin) and in some cases, infertility. She notes that some women may show classical ultrasound findings of multiple peripheral ovarian cysts and increased ovarian volume, while others may have no cysts at all. 'PCOS is not a uniform disease; it manifests differently from lean PCOS to obese PCOS with symptoms such as male-pattern hair growth, scanty or heavy bleeding and insulin resistance varying in severity,' she adds. The genetic element The strong familial clustering of PCOS has led clinicians to view genetics as a significant component in its development. 'There is strong clinical evidence that the condition runs in families,' says R.K. Vidhyalakshmi, lead consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology at SRM Global Hospitals, Chennai. 'First-degree relatives -- mothers, sisters and daughters have a significantly increased risk.' Genomic studies support these clinical observations. Variants in genes such as CYP11a, CYP17, CYP19, INSR, LHR, FSHR, and DENND1A -- all involved in steroid hormone synthesis and ovarian function have been identified in women with PCOS. 'PCOS is a polygenic disorder with no single causative gene,' explains Mannan Gupta, chairman, department of obstetrics and gynaecology at Elantis Healthcare, New Delhi. 'Instead, several gene variants act together with environmental triggers.' Sapna Raina, clinical lead at Narayana Health City, notes that the risk of developing PCOS in women with a family history can be as high as 25–50 %, further underscoring the need for early surveillance in adolescent girls with known familial risk. Early recognition is key Given its variable presentation, early detection of PCOS often depends on clinical vigilance and awareness of familial risk. Dhivya Sharona, consultant gynaecologist at Rela Hospital, Chennai, stresses the need to distinguish PCOS from PCOD -- the latter being a condition limited to ovulatory dysfunction. 'PCOS is broader, and includes metabolic and androgenic symptoms even in the absence of ovarian cysts.' She highlights the increasing prevalence among young Indian women, attributing it to a combination of genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors such as poor dietary habits, high stress and sedentary behaviour. Hormonal screening -- including LH, FSH, AMH, testosterone, prolactin, estradiol, DHEAS, TSH and progesterone -- along with imaging (preferably 3D ultrasonography), enables more accurate assessment of ovarian morphology. '3D USG offers a reliable view of stromal volume and blood flow, which are critical in PCOS evaluation,' adds Dr. Dakshayani. Lifestyle intervention and preventive care Despite its hereditary links, PCOS is highly modifiable through early lifestyle adjustments. 'Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding refined carbohydrates, and engaging in regular physical activity can delay or even prevent the onset of symptoms in at-risk individuals,' says Dr. Gupta. He also recommends stress management, sleep hygiene, and periodic hormonal evaluation for adolescent girls with family history. 'Even a 5–10% weight loss can help regulate menstrual cycles and improve insulin sensitivity,' says Dr. Vidhyalakshmi, adding that prevention starts with education and personalised counselling. Dr. Raina stresses early behavioural interventions in families known to carry a genetic risk. 'Families often share not just genes but habits. Encouraging healthier food choices, reducing processed food intake and promoting physical activity from adolescence can alter outcomes significantly.' Emerging therapies and personalised approaches As understanding of PCOS deepens, treatment is moving towards individualised care models. 'Pharmacogenomics and polygenic risk scoring are being explored to customise treatment based on genetic profiles,' notes Dr. Gupta. 'This will enable clinicians to predict which patients are likely to respond better to specific hormonal or metabolic therapies.' For hirsutism, Dr. Sharona recommends laser hair reduction for long-term improvement, though medications like spironolactone, finasteride and Eflornithine-based topical creams can offer temporary relief. Therapies such as metformin, myoinositols, oral contraceptives and ovulation-inducing agents like Clomiphene, Letrozole and gonadotrophins are tailored based on whether the primary concern is infertility, metabolic imbalance, or hyperandrogenism.'There's no universal treatment for PCOS -- each patient's symptoms and hormonal profile guide the management,' emphasises Dr. Sharona. Despite its high prevalence, PCOS remains underdiagnosed and underreported. 'The social stigma and silence around menstrual health contributes to delays in diagnosis,' says Dr. Raina. 'It is time we normalise conversations around PCOS within families and schools.' With clinical evidence pointing strongly towards hereditary transmission, clinicians believe that family history must be considered a key diagnostic tool -- not just a background detail. By raising awareness, integrating preventive care early and leveraging advances in genetic research, it may be possible to change the trajectory of PCOS for future generations.
Indian Express
03-07-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Do IVF babies have more health problems? Gynaecologist clears the air
Written by Dr Mannan Gupta Many couples who come to me for in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), which entails fertilisation of an egg by a sperm in a laboratory and subsequent implantation of the embryo into the woman's uterus, ask me one question: Will the baby born to them be healthy or be more susceptible to infection? As an assisted reproductive technology (ART), most people assume that IVF children are somehow unnatural and hence vulnerable to illnesses. This presumption, however, is misplaced. Studies show that the vast majority of IVF-conceived children develop normally and achieve milestones as well as naturally conceived children. They go to regular schools, live ordinary lives and enjoy similar long-term health outcomes. Some findings do indicate that IVF babies tend to have a slightly increased risk of low birth weight, premature birth or being small for gestational age. But such a risk is most frequently associated with circumstances such as multiple conception like twins or triplets, older age of the mother or underlying infertility but not IVF. Also premature or low birth weight babies do not develop significant illness later in life. That largely depends on factors such as the health of the parents, the quality of the embryo and the expertise of the fertility clinic providing the treatment. Notably, as IVF technology improves, through single embryo transfer, freezing technology, and improved embryo testing, risks have diminished considerably. Opt for single embryo transfer instead of multiple embryos to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies, which are associated with higher health risks for both babies and mothers. Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) can be performed on embryos before they are implanted. This can help identify and select embryos without chromosomal abnormalities, reducing the risk of birth defects. Ensure the health of the mother before and during pregnancy is optimum. This includes a lifestyle discipline, managing pre-existing health conditions and addressing any potential risks that may affect pregnancy. Couples need to be counselled so that they can make informed decisions based on their specific circumstances. Regular monitoring and follow-ups during pregnancy can help both the mother and the developing foetus last out the full term. Science has revolutionized IVF to the extent that it is not only effective but also safe for mothers and babies alike. Couples considering IVF ought to see fertility specialists, adhere to set guidelines and not be discouraged by myths. (The author is Chairman & HOD, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Elantis Healthcare, New Delhi)
Indian Express
20-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Janhvi Kapoor and Sara Ali Khan's IV drip therapy: Do they really improve your skin health? A dermatologist explains
By now, many have seen viral videos of actors Janhvi Kapoor and Sara Ali Khan in their vanity vans attached to IV drips. This is a new infusion therapy whereby key nutrients, vitamins, antioxidants and minerals are directly passed into the bloodstream so that they can be absorbed quicker. These perk up the body's immune system and energy, brighten and hydrate the skin as well as slow down the effects of ageing. 'In an appearance-conscious society, these drips come with Vitamin C, zinc, magnesium but also with proteins like collagen and antioxidant compounds like glutathione,' says Dr Chandani Jain Gupta, dermatologist and aesthetic physician, Elantis Healthcare, New Delhi. 'Collagen, Vitamin C and glutathione are much better absorbed through drips. Only a small percentage gets absorbed through the oral route,' she adds. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that our bodies produce naturally. It helps detoxify the liver, battles cell damage and lightens the skin by reducing the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour. Glutathione is made up of three amino acids: cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine. It is found in every cell in the body but as we age, our bodies produce less glutathione, which can lead to a variety of health problems. As for collagen, it helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin, is anti-ageing and lubricating, the last helping with joint pains. These work by delivering a high concentration of compounds directly into the bloodstream. This allows the body to absorb them quickly and efficiently. The effects last from several weeks to months depending on individualised dosage. Collagen infusion therapy usually lasts longer than a year. Top-up treatments are recommended to maintain the improved appearances. They are safe procedures if done by qualified healthcare professionals. But the risk of IV glutathione cannot be ignored. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve its use for cosmetic skin lightening. It is not available with long-term safety data, and potential side effects include allergic reactions, kidney injury and interference with the body's natural antioxidant balance. Various health authorities even warn against its use for vanity purposes. The issue is the number of adolescent girls who are going for IV glutathione just to have fairer skin. This way of thinking, which has been influenced by peer pressure and social media influencers, reinforces an unhealthy beauty ideal, that fairness is beauty. Perfectly healthy young people already make enough glutathione naturally. Research on the cosmetic effects of all IV infusions is limited. While some anecdotal evidence suggests positive results, these are often based on individual experiences rather than rigorous studies. No. In fact, established clinics should ensure nobody less than 21 years old takes them. Teenagers ought to invest in feeding their bodies with antioxidant-rich diets, drinking plenty of water, ensuring a healthy sleep pattern, applying sunscreen daily and practising gentle skin care. These are much more long-lasting and healthier for healthy skin.
