Happiness is influenced by a complex interplay of various chemicals in our brain, particularly four key neurotransmitters, D.O.S.E or Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins. These chemicals, often referred to as "happiness chemicals," are responsible for creating feelings of joy, motivation, connection, and calm.

However, when there's a deficiency in any of these, it can significantly affect our mood, energy, and overall well-being. Let’s dive into what these four neurotransmitters are, how their deficiency impacts us, and how we can boost their levels naturally.

Dopamine: The Motivation and Reward Chemical

Dopamine is often called the "motivation molecule." It plays a major role in enabling motivation, learning, and the pleasure-reward system in the brain. When we accomplish something — whether it’s finishing a project, completing a workout, or achieving a goal — dopamine gives us that sense of satisfaction and determination to continue.

Deficiency Effects:

When dopamine levels are low, it can lead to procrastination, low self-esteem, lack of focus, and general fatigue. A person might feel anxious, hopeless, or experience mood swings because the brain isn’t getting the reward signals it needs.

Boosting Dopamine:

You can increase dopamine levels by setting and achieving small goals, exercising regularly, eating foods rich in L-Tyrosine (such as almonds, avocados, and eggs), and practicing mindfulness or meditation. Engaging in creative activities like writing or drawing also helps boost dopamine levels.

Oxytocin: The Bonding Chemical

Oxytocin is often referred to as the "love hormone" or "cuddle hormone" because it plays a major role in social bonding and trust. It’s released when we hug, touch, or engage in other forms of physical affection. Oxytocin fosters feelings of connection and emotional intimacy, making it essential for relationships, family bonding, and even team cooperation.

Deficiency Effects:

A lack of oxytocin can lead to feelings of loneliness, stress, anxiety, and difficulties in forming or maintaining relationships. Low oxytocin levels are associated with feelings of isolation and disconnection from others.

Boosting Oxytocin:

You can raise your oxytocin levels through physical touch, socialising, spending quality time with loved ones, and even engaging in activities like massage or listening to soothing music. Acts of kindness, such as helping others or volunteering, also help release oxytocin.

Serotonin: The Mood Stabiliser

Serotonin is responsible for feelings of well-being and contentment. It helps regulate mood, sleep, digestion, and even social behavior. People who have balanced serotonin levels often feel calm, confident, and emotionally stable. Serotonin is crucial in helping people feel valued and significant among their peers.

Deficiency Effects:

Low serotonin levels are linked to depression, low self-esteem, irritability, and mood swings. Individuals may feel overly sensitive to criticism, experience panic attacks, or struggle with social phobias when serotonin is deficient.

Boosting Serotonin:

You can boost serotonin by getting regular exercise, exposing yourself to sunlight, engaging in cold showers or massages, and practicing mindfulness. Simple activities like walking in nature, meditating, or doing yoga are also effective serotonin enhancers.

Endorphins: The Pain Reliever

Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers. Released in response to stress, pain, or intense physical activity, they help alleviate discomfort and promote a sense of euphoria. Endorphins are what make you feel good after a workout or a hearty laugh, often referred to as the "runner's high."

Deficiency Effects:

Without enough endorphins, people may experience anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and insomnia. A deficiency in endorphins can make daily life feel overwhelming and physically draining.

Boosting Endorphins:

To boost endorphins, engage in laughter, exercise, and stretching activities. Eating spicy foods or dark chocolate can also stimulate endorphin production. Regular massage therapy and meditation are other ways to naturally elevate endorphin levels.

Diwali is a time of celebration, but the increase in air pollution caused by firecrackers can pose serious health risks, particularly for children and senior citizens. Exposure to smoke, harmful gases and fine particulate matter can irritate the respiratory system, worsen existing health conditions and put additional strain on the heart. Families must recognise early warning signs and take timely precautions to ensure everyone celebrates safely.

Who Is Vulnerable During Severe Pollution Days?

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Children are particularly vulnerable because their lungs are still developing and they breathe faster than adults. Exposure to polluted air can cause coughing, sneezing, throat irritation, red or watery eyes and wheezing. Parents should watch for signs such as persistent coughing, difficulty breathing, unusual tiredness during physical activity or an increase in asthma symptoms. Even children who do not directly burst crackers can experience these effects through second-hand exposure to firecracker smoke.

Senior citizens, especially those living with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes or heart disease, also face increased risks. Warning signs include worsening breathlessness, persistent cough, chest discomfort, unusual fatigue, dizziness and disturbed sleep. Pollution exposure can aggravate existing respiratory conditions and increase cardiovascular stress. Sudden chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting or confusion should never be ignored and require immediate medical attention.

How To Stay Safe?

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A few simple precautions can significantly reduce exposure. Families should keep children and elderly members away from areas where firecrackers are being burst, particularly during peak evening hours. Keeping windows and doors closed when outdoor pollution levels are high can help limit smoke entering the house. Avoid burning incense sticks, dhoop and other materials indoors, as these can further deteriorate indoor air quality.

If stepping outdoors is unavoidable, adults can use a well-fitted N95 mask to reduce exposure to fine particulate matter. Children should be supervised and protected from smoky environments. Individuals with asthma or COPD must continue their prescribed medication and keep their inhalers readily accessible. Families should also avoid outdoor walks and strenuous activities the morning after Diwali if pollution levels remain high.

Beyond air pollution, families must remain alert to firecracker-related injuries. In case of burns, hold the affected area under cool running water for 20 minutes and cover it loosely with a clean cloth. Avoid applying ice, toothpaste or butter. Eye injuries and accidental ingestion of harmful substances require immediate medical evaluation.

Recognising early symptoms, limiting smoke exposure and seeking timely medical care can prevent avoidable complications. This Diwali, prioritise health and safety alongside celebrations. After all, a healthy family is the greatest reason to celebrate.

By Dr Nakul Sayta, Emergency Physician, Bhailal Amin General Hospital, Vadodara

A cancer diagnosis in your 20s or 30s could be a life-altering event as it brings several difficult questions that you may not be prepared to answer.

Depending on the cancer type and treatment, the possibility of you having children in the future could get significantly affected. Chemotherapy, radiation and certain surgeries can have a profound impact on reproductive health in both men and women. However, infertility is not an inevitable outcome of cancer treatment.

On National Cancer Awareness Day, experts help us understand the impact of cancer treatment on fertility by discussing options that can help young patients make informed decisions.

Dr Jeyhan B. Dhabhar, Medical Oncologist at Head Neck Cancer Institute India (HNCII), told HealthandMe that the effect of cancer treatment on fertility depends on several factors, including the type of chemotherapy, the area exposed to radiation, the patient's age and the treatment regimen.

“Cancer treatment can affect fertility in both men and women, but it is important to understand that not every cancer treatment causes infertility,” he said.

Dr Vijayalaxmi Koppad, Fertility Consultant at Birthright Fertility, HRBR, Marathahalli, Bengaluru, told HealthandMe that treatments designed to target rapidly dividing cancer cells can also damage reproductive cells. She said, "Chemotherapy may affect ovarian egg reserves or sperm production, while radiation and surgery can also affect reproductive organs."

How Does Cancer Treatment Affect Fertility In Men And Women?

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The impact of cancer treatment can differ between men and women. In men, certain chemotherapy drugs may reduce sperm count or disrupt sperm production. Although sperm production can recover after treatment, the extent and timing of recovery vary.

In women, treatment may damage the remaining egg supply or affect ovarian function and menstrual cycles. Dr Dhabhar said, "In women, some treatments may affect the number of healthy eggs remaining in the ovaries or cause changes in menstrual cycles. Age is an important factor, as women naturally have a declining egg reserve as they grow older."

Dr Koppad explains that the biological differences between men and women influence their chances of recovery. “Men continuously produce new sperm throughout life, so their reproductive system might recover over time, whereas women are born with a fixed supply of eggs that cannot be replaced once damaged by treatment, making age a critical factor for women,” she said.

However, fertility outcomes cannot be predicted by age or gender alone. As Dr Dhabhar points out, two patients of the same age may have very different outcomes depending on the treatment they receive.

Can Cancer Treatment Cause Permanent Infertility?

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Dr Dhabhar said that some cancer treatments can cause permanent infertility but this does not happen to everyone. The risk may be higher with certain chemotherapy drugs, particularly alkylating agents, high-dose chemotherapy and radiation directed at reproductive organs.

Surgeries that involve removing the ovaries or testes can also result in permanent loss of fertility. However, advances in fertility preservation have given young patients options to consider before starting cancer treatment.

Dr Koppad said, “High-dose chemotherapy, pelvic radiation, or surgeries that remove reproductive organs (like the ovaries or testes) can lead to permanent loss of fertility. However, modern fertility preservation techniques—such as freezing eggs, embryos, or sperm before treatment begins—give young patients a crucial safety net for the future.”

Men may be able to freeze sperm, while women can consider egg or embryo freezing. These procedures can preserve fertility post after treatment.

Dr Dhabhar said, "My advice to young patients is simple: if having children in the future is important to you, speak to your oncologist before starting treatment. Even a short discussion can make a meaningful difference to your future choices."

Can Fertility Return Naturally After Cancer Treatment?

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Fertility can return naturally after cancer treatment and some survivors go on to have children without fertility assistance. In men, sperm production may gradually recover after chemotherapy. In women, menstrual cycles and ovarian function may return, depending on their age and the treatment.

However, the return of regular periods does not always mean that ovarian function or fertility has fully recovered. Similarly, sperm production may take time to return, and recovery is not guaranteed.

“Many cancer survivors go on to have healthy children,” says Dr Dhabhar. He recommends that patients planning a family after treatment undergo a fertility assessment and discuss the appropriate time to try for pregnancy with their oncologist.

Fertility Should Be Discussed Before Cancer Treatment

Ideally fertility should be discussed between oncologists and young patients before treatment begins. This gives patients an opportunity to understand the risks and consider preservation options.

Dr Koppad says, “While global medical guidelines urge doctors to discuss fertility before starting any therapy, it still gets overlooked during the initial rush to fight the disease.”

She encourages patients and their families to raise the subject early. One question they can ask their oncologist is: “How will this treatment affect my future family plans?”

Dr Dhabhar also emphasises that fertility planning should be addressed alongside cancer care, rather than becoming a reason to avoid or postpone essential treatment.

His message to young patients is clear. He said, “A cancer diagnosis does not mean giving up the dream of having a family. With the right guidance and timely planning, many patients can successfully balance cancer treatment with their future fertility goals.”

Breast cancer is a diagnosis that understandably brings fear and uncertainty. However, when detected at an early stage- particularly Stage 1- the outlook is often very positive. In fact, many patients with Stage 1 breast cancer go on to live long, healthy lives after treatment. Understanding why this stage is considered highly curable can help reduce anxiety and encourage timely action.

Stage 1 breast cancer means the tumor is still small and confined to the breast, typically measuring up to 2 centimeters, with little to no spread to nearby lymph nodes. At this stage, the disease is localized, which makes it significantly easier to treat compared to more advanced stages where cancer may have spread to other parts of the body.

The Power of Early Detection

One of the main reasons Stage 1 breast cancer is often curable is early detection. With increased awareness and the use of screening tools such as mammography, many cases are identified before symptoms even appear. Detecting cancer early allows doctors to intervene before it grows or spreads, improving the chances of complete removal and recovery.

Treatment for Stage 1 breast cancer is usually very effective and may involve a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and sometimes medication such as hormone therapy or targeted therapy. In many cases, patients can undergo breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), where only the tumor and a small margin of surrounding tissue are removed, preserving most of the breast. This is often followed by radiation therapy to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.

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Why Tumor Biology Matters

Another important factor is the biology of the tumor. Early-stage cancers are often less aggressive and have not yet developed the ability to spread extensively. Doctors also assess hormone receptor status and other markers to tailor treatment specifically to the patient, improving outcomes further.

Survival rates for Stage 1 breast cancer are very high. With timely and appropriate treatment, the five-year survival rate is close to 100%. This highlights how powerful early diagnosis and modern treatment approaches can be.

Staying Committed After Treatment

However, it is important to remember that “curable” does not mean “to be taken lightly.” Regular follow-ups, adherence to treatment, and lifestyle modifications play a key role in ensuring long-term health. Patients are encouraged to maintain a balanced diet, stay physically active, and attend all scheduled medical check-ups.

In conclusion, Stage 1 breast cancer offers a window of opportunity where the disease can be treated effectively and often completely cured. The key lies in awareness, regular screening, and seeking medical advice at the earliest sign of any change. Early action not only saves lives but also allows patients to return to their normal lives with confidence and hope.

By Dr. Pragati Singhal, Consultant Surgical Oncology, Breast Oncoplasty, Narayana RN Tagore Hospital, Mukundapur