Here are questions from readers that were addressed by leading obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Mini Salunkhe. The identities of the solution-seekers have been withheld to protect their privacy.
Every month when I get my periods, with it comes severe pain, unending cramps which makes it very hard for me to function. Being a working professional I do not get the luxury to take an off as and when the pain strikes. Could you please suggest some home remedies which I could use to ease my pain?
Sorry to hear this. Yes, painful menstrual cramps are a very annoying problem for many, with some turning to medical marijuana to help ease them during these times, even checking out the best indicia strains that are great for growing so they can have a continuous flow of relief. To ease the pain and discomfort, there are several over-the-counter medicines. However, some simple and natural home remedies can be equally effective.
- Applying heat on the lower abdomen is the easiest way to control menstrual cramps using a hot water bottle/ heating pad. Even a simple hot shower or soaking a towel in hot water and applying it over the abdomen works well.
- Ginger, basil, cinnamon and fennel are natural remedies that help ease pain too.
- This may sound crazy, but brisk walking or any type of physical exercise can help ease your pain. Try it, exercise releases endorphins which act as natural pain killers.
- Ensure your body has enough Vitamin D and Calcium. Deficiencies of these are known to increase menstrual cramps. Visit your doctor and get tested and if need be supplement with the required doses of Vitamin D and calcium.
- Drink a lot of water and ideally warm or hot water. This will ease cramps and alleviate bloating.
- Reduce or cut caffeine to decrease the cramps and tension.
I am six months into my pregnancy and still working a corporate job. Due to certain reasons I will be continuing to work for another one and a half months before I take leave, could you please advise me on how I can reduce stress during my pregnancy months so that it does not affect my baby or me?
It’s good for you and your baby if you can relax and be stress-free. Eating well is good for your mind and body, and of course for your baby. A healthy and balanced diet at regular intervals can lift your mood and alleviate your Stress. Along with that, you should drink adequate amount of water throughout the day. Exercise during pregnancy is very important. At work, get up and walk around as much as you can. At lunch, try to go out and get some fresh air. These breaks are a great stressbuster. Commuting can become a major source of stress. Ask your employer if you can avoid rush hours or if you can be given some relaxation in work timings or the place of work. Meditation, positive visualisation techniques and deep breathing exercises are great ways of relieving stress. They can be done anywhere, including your workspace. Learn some muscle relaxation exercises for the different muscles of the body to relieve tension especially if you have long hoursat the desk with prolonged use of a computer.All these are methods of reducing stress levels for pregnant working mothers to be. I do hope these techniques help you feel better.
Doctor, is it wrong to exercise during pregnancy, if not, then how often must you exercise in a week and for how long?
Exercise is good in pregnancy and safe in most cases of low-risk pregnancies. In case you fall in the category of high-risk pregnancy, medical or obstetric disorders complicating pregnancy like twin pregnancy, low placenta, hypertension,etc, your gynaecologist will suggest otherwise.Moderate activity like walking, swimming, stationary cycling, antenatal classes and pregnancy yoga are some of the exercise routines that you can take up for a healthy pregnancy. Start with 15 minutes and gradually build up to 30 minutes, four times a week to daily based on your stamina and thegynaecologist’sadvice. Please go strictly by your doctor’s advice so that the exercise routine is tailor made according to your pregnancy
I have read your column on the causes and effects of PCOS. I have been suffering from it for a while now, and I do face the problem of excessive hair growth. Could you tell me what is the best and safest method to reduce hair growth or get rid of this problem?
In PCOS, the ovaries produce excessive amounts of androgens (male hormone) which is the basic cause of excess hair growth. Losing weight and being more active can reduce many of the signs & symptoms related to PCOS like excess hair growth and acne. Oestrogen-Progesterone combination pills reduce the levels of androgen and thus decrease hair growth. Anti-androgen medicines are also given to reduce androgenlevels in the body. Removing unwanted hair growth by laser electrolysis, special creams and bleaches are also advised by dermatologists. Do bear in mind that the treatment of Hirsutism requires patience as hair follicles have a life cycle of about six months. So, most medication needs to be taken for six months before any noticeable improvement occurs.
Thank you, readers for your queries. I hope I have been able to answer them and clarify your doubts. I would be more than happy to take time off to answer all your questions week after week. You can reach me via editorial@pune365.com
Dr Mini Salunkhe is a senior gynaecologist practising in Pune for over a decade. Apart from being a private practitioner, she is a consulting obstetrician and gynaecologist at Inamdar Hospital.
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