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.
I have been reading a lot of articles recently on how girls have started hitting puberty way earlier than the normal age. Girls worldwide have started getting their period at the age of 10 also. The reports mainly cite changing environment and the food intake of this generation as the cause. As the mother of a 11-year-old, this is extremely distressing. Please throw some light on the truth of the situation and what can be done?
The onset of early puberty or first menses has been seen to occur even before the age of 10-11 nowadays. This incidence is on the rise now leaving both parents and health professionals alarmed. There are many possible explanations for this rising rate of early puberty such as environmental factors or oestrogen mimicking chemicals found in some food and beverage items nowadays. In fact, there are several theories being propounded which suggest that processed/ packaged food, detergents, hair sprays, shampoos and deodorants may contain chemicals that are endocrine disrupters. However, we do not have enough evidence of this or its link to early menace/ puberty. Among the best ways to avoid your child form attaining puberty early could be to limit her exposure to these substances that are suspect. Additionally, keeping the child away from undue stress, optimising Vitamin D levels, encouraging healthy eating habits and a good exercise programme is suggested.
Dear Doctor, I train regularly on the track and I have also taken part in many marathons. However, I found out that I am pregnant and my husband and I are more than happy to welcome the child. I wanted to ask if I can still continue training on the track or will it be risky during the nine months as my child grows? Please help me out.
During pregnancy there are many symptoms of physiological changes that are going on in your body. You must take it easy. Initially due to the possible morning sickness you may not find yourself with the inclination or the energy to run on the track. Also track training is strenuous and leads to a significant amount of heat generation in the body. You have to keep your body well-hydrated during pregnancy and ensure a balanced and healthy diet. During the second trimester your muscles and ligaments begin to loosen. You may experience pain the joints, backaches etc which will make running quite difficult and uncomfortable for you. However, if a moderate jog makes you feel better, then do it judiciously. It’s important that you don’t push your limits like you may have earlier. When you are in the last trimester, you may experience discomfort due to the weight of the baby you are carrying but you can certainly continue to train but with care and caution. This period will certainly require you to adjust your pace on the track in order to remain healthy and safe.
I have PCOD and I am 21 years old. I am also the only one in my family who suffers from the problems caused by it. Doctor, I wanted to ask if PCOD is a byproduct of one’s lifestyle or is it hereditary in nature? I would love your guidance on this.
In my opinion, PCOD is a combination of both genetic and environmental factors. Several cases have been proved to have familial traits though food and other environmental factors are also major contributors to this malaise. Lifestyle modification that include regular exercise and a balanced diet will go a long way in easing PCOD related symptoms and regulating menstrual cycles. Even though there is increasing evidence of it possibly developing in the mother’s womb or in early childhood, it is more than apparent that lifestyle modifications can help remedy PCOD and related problems.
Dear Doctor, my husband and I have been trying to have a child for the past five years. Apart from adoption we are thinking of other medical alternatives we could seek in order to conceive. Please advise us on what we can do.
There is a whole range of choices and alternatives that you can consider when you are going through fertility treatment. To give you an insight, this includes assisted conception like IVF (In-vitro fertilisation ), donor insemination and surrogacy. Each of the above options can be considered depending on what fertility issues you are facing. I would encourage you to seek information, professional advice and counselling with respect to the options available for you. It would be prudent to meet with a specialist in IVF to enable you decide appropriately.
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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