News and Media

Menopause and heart health: From hot flashes to mood swings, what every woman must know

Menopause is a natural process that comes with various challenges. From sudden sweats to sleepless nights, the symptoms are hard enough. Yet beneath the surface, something more dangerous may be brewing. New findings suggest a sharp rise in heart disease risk as oestrogen fades away, leaving millions of women unknowingly vulnerable.

Menopause officially begins when a woman hasn’t had a period for 12 consecutive months. What many don’t realise is that this milestone also signals a significant shift in heart health. "The decline in oestrogen impacts lipid levels, causes blood vessels to stiffen, and increases plaque buildup in arteries. This increases the chances of heart attack and stroke, particularly in women with early menopause, before 40, or surgical menopause," Dr Astha Dayal, Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon, tells Moneycontrol

You’re Not Alone: Common Pregnancy Issues and How to Handle Them

The happiness of learning you are pregnant cannot be measured. While pregnancy is a beautiful journey, it has its fair share of challenges. The physical and emotional changes of pregnancy cannot be overlooked. Remember, you are not alone. Most of these symptoms are common and manageable. With simple lifestyle adjustments, awareness, and support, you can cope better.

Every pregnancy journey is unique. Some days feel amazing, some may feel overwhelming. The good news is that most of the uncomfortable symptoms are temporary and manageable. Pregnancy symptoms may differ from one woman to another. Knowing about the common pregnancy challenges and understanding their management strategies can help you feel more comfortable as your body nurtures a new life.”

Common gynecological infections and tips to prevent them- Dr Astha explains

Gynecological infections are common, but due to certain stigma attached to it, people often do not allow early medical intervention. This can lead to worsening of the symptoms.

Dr. Astha Dayal, director of obstetrics and gynecology, CK Birla Hospital Gurgaon said, “Gynecological infections can be recurrent, sometimes very distressing and can lead to serious complications. Unfortunately, due to the taboo involved or because of ignorance, they are left untreated. This leads to worsening of symptoms and complications like PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) and infertility or chronic pelvic pain in future.”

Sensitive to pain around PMS? Gynae explains how hormones cause pain in women

Pain perception has long been studied in medicine, especially for women regarding their menstrual cycle. Women undergo hormonal changes, particularly during their period cycle, pregnancy, and menopause, that can significantly impact their pain sensitivity. Gynecologists often observe these changes, and research also suggests that there may be a genetic connection to this. In an interaction with News9Live, Dr. Astha Dayal, Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CK Birla Hospital Gurgaon, Robotic Gyne Surgeon and Laparoscopic Surgeon, spoke about how hormonal fluctuations affect women.

Estrogen and progesterone are the two primary female sex hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. Studies have shown that estrogen can increase pain sensitivity, while low levels of estrogen have been associated with increased pro-inflammatory response. Progesterone on the other hand can reduce pain sensitivity by reducing activation in the trigeminal nucleus in the brain by interacting with GABAA receptors. During the period cycle, estrogen levels surge during the first 2 weeks, the follicular phase, while progesterone levels increase during the luteal phase (the second half of the cycle). Most studies agree that fluctuations in hormone levels lead to increased pain, while stable hormone levels serve as a protective mechanism.

Essential Health Screenings Every Woman in Her 30s Should Prioritize for a Strong Future

Women in their 30s often find themselves balancing career, relationships, and family planning, making it a transformative and sometimes overwhelming decade. Amidst these priorities, it’s easy to take one’s health for granted. However, this is precisely the time to focus on wellness, as it can lay the foundation for a lifetime of good health.

Dr. Astha Dayal, Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CK Birla Hospital Gurgaon and an expert in Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgery, recommends the following essential health tests for women in their 30s to help prevent, detect, and manage potential health issues:

Pain tolerance in women: Is genetics involved?

Women have a higher pain threshold due to biological, hormonal, and psychological factors. Estrogen helps reduce pain, though fluctuations can affect. Dr. Astha Dayal, the Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at CK Birla Hospital in Gurugram, has shared some crucial tips.

क्या Vitamin-D की कमी बन सकती है इनफर्टिलिटी की वजह? डॉक्टर से समझें इसके कारण

विटामिन-डी हमारी हड्डियों के लिए कितना जरूरी है इस बारे में तो आप जानते ही हैं लेकिन क्या आप जानते हैं कि यह आपकी फर्टिलिटी को भी प्रभावित कर सकता है (Can Vitamin D Deficiency Cause Infertility?)। विटामिन-डी की कमी की वजह से महिलाओं और पुरुषों दोनों की ही फर्टिलिटी घट सकती है। आइए जानते हैं ऐसा क्यों होता है और कैसे इससे बच सकते हैं।

डॉ. आस्था दयाल (सी.के. बिरला हॉस्पिटल, गुरुग्राम में स्त्रिरोग एवं प्रसुति विभाग की निदेशक) से जानें कैसे और किस तरह इससे बचाव किया जा सकता है।

Healthy Pregnancy: 7 Reasons Why Walking Everyday Is Beneficial For Moms-To-Be

Dr Dayal says feminine wash is formulated to maintain the natural pH balance of the vagina, which is slightly acidic. She says that it’s okay to wash the vulva with feminine wash, but not the vagina as it contains a lot of good bacteria which shouldn’t be washed away.

Intimate hygiene: Is it good to use vaginal wash every day

Dr Dayal says feminine wash is formulated to maintain the natural pH balance of the vagina, which is slightly acidic. She says that it’s okay to wash the vulva with feminine wash, but not the vagina as it contains a lot of good bacteria which shouldn’t be washed away.

आपकी सेहत के लिए भी खतरनाक हो सकती है आपके पार्टनर द्वारा की जा रही स्मोकिंग, जानिए कैसे

आमतौर पर स्‍मोकिंग की लत पुरुषों में ज्यादा देखने को मिलती है। जबकि महिलाएं और बच्‍चे धूम्रपान करने वाले लोगों के आसपास होने की वजह से पैसिव स्‍मोकिंग (passive smoke) के शिकार बनते आए हैं। खुद धूम्रपान न करने के बावजूद भी धूम्रपान करने वाले लोगों के आसपास होने की वजह से तंबाकूयुक्‍त धुएं के हानिकारक प्रभाव का सामना करना पड़ता है। दिन प्रति दिन सेकंडहैंड स्‍मोक (second hand smoke effect) स्‍वास्‍थ्‍य संबंधी गंभीर समस्यायों का कारण बनती जा रही है।

आपकी प्रजनन क्षमता प्रभावित कर रहा है स्मोकलैस तंबाकू, जानिए इसके जोखिम

तंबाकू कंपनियां बहुत चालाकी से उन स्‍थानों पर स्‍मोकलैस टबेको की मार्केटिंग स्‍मोकिंग के विकल्‍प के रूप में करती हैं, जहां स्‍मोकिंग की मंजूरी नहीं होती। आंकड़े बताते हैं कि 15 साल से बड़ी उम्र की 12 फीसदी लड़कियां इनकी गिरफ्त में हैं।

Five things to be discussed with your gynaecologist

Managing between family and work, most women do not prioritize their health, which leads to delay in treatment. Here is a list of diseases that require an urgent appointment with a gynaecologist

About 50% of women aged 15-24 years still use cloth for menstrual protection: Survey

On exposure to infections due to unhygienic menstrual practices, Dr Astha Dayal of the obstetrics and gynaecology department at the CK Birla Hospital in Gurugram said, ''Many studies have shown reproductive tract infections like bacterial vaginosis or urinary tract infections (UTI) could occur which eventually become pelvic infections.'' ''As these infections can travel up to the pelvis, they can cause difficulties in getting pregnant or pregnancy complications like preterm labour (resulting in premature birth),'' she said.

Normal delivery के लिए क्या सावधानियां बरतनी चाहिए? Dr. Aastha Dayal

Battling endometriosis? Make sure you don’t fall prey to these myths

Endometriosis is a painful condition that many women go through, especially during their reproductive years. It can be a long-term condition that can have a significant impact on your physical health, emotional wellbeing, and daily routine.

क्या है UTI? क्या है लक्षण और इलाज, जानिए Dr. Astha Dayal से | UTI Symptoms and Treatment

COVID-19 FAQ: Do Vaccines Impact Menstrual Cycle? Health Experts Say No, Vaccines Shots are Safe!

India is struggling to contain the devastating second wave of COVID-19, which has shattered all the global records of the deadly pandemic.

Pregnancy के पहले 3 महीने में क्या खाना चाहिए और क्या नहीं? -Dr. Astha Dayal

Osteoporosis And Menopause: Causes, Warning Signs And Treatment Methods

Women who are thin have a greater risk of developing osteoporosis compared to women who are heavier or have a larger body frame.

Cervical Cancer: Expert Advice by Dr Astha Dayal (Gynaecologist)

Why water birthing is better than regular birth

From eating healthy, staying active to prenatal classes, she prepares her body for smooth delivery all through the nine months.

Menstrual Hygiene Day 2019: Women entrepreneurs make menstruation ‘au naturel’

Many menstruating women, about 55% of all women, complain of allergies, rashes, and yeast infections while using sanitary napkins because of chemicals used in the products on offer.