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.

Urinary tract infections are common. A lot of people get them every year. When you have a tract infection you might feel a burning sensation when you go to the bathroom you might have to go to the bathroom a lot and your lower belly might hurt. These symptoms can get in the way of your life. You might want to try to make the pain go away on your own. Taking medicine without prescription is not a good idea.

Taking antibiotics when you do not need them can be bad for you. Urinary tract infections can become harder to cure when the bacteria get used to the medicine. This is called resistance and it is a big problem for everyone’s health. When this happens, you might get tract infections repeatedly and you might have fewer choices, for treatment. That is why it is so important to go seek medical attention at the earliest.

Causes Of UTIs

Most Urinary Tract Infections are caused by bacteria that are usually in the digestive tract and then get into the urethra. Things like not having water, not keeping yourself clean having something wrong with the urinary system or having a weak immune system can make it more likely for bacteria to grow.

If you take the medicine or stop taking it too soon the strong bacteria will live and get stronger. Over time these bacteria will not be affected by the medicines, which makes them very hard to treat. This is what happens when you have a Urinary Tract Infection that is resistant to drugs. Urinary Tract Infections, like these are very tough to deal with.

Also read: Kidney Stones In Urban India: Causes, Prevention, And Modern Treatment

Signs And Symptoms To Watch Out For:

Recognizing the early warning signs helps prevent the infection from spreading deeper into the body. Common signs of a UTI include:

• A strong, continuous urge to urinate, even immediately after emptying the bladder

• A burning or painful sensation during urination

• Passing small amounts of cloudy, dark, or unusual-smelling urine

• Visible blood in the urine, giving it a pink or reddish tint

• Pelvic pain or pressure in the lower abdomen

• Fever, chills, lower back pain, or nausea, which often signal that the infection has reached the kidneys

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Tips For Prevention:

Preventing tract infections is always better than treating them especially now that we have a lot of antibiotic resistance. If you do simple things every day you can reduce the risk of bacteria getting into your urinary system.

Here are some things that can help:

1. Stay well hydrated: Drinking water is very important for urinary health. When you drink fluids during the day it helps wash away bacteria from the urinary system. This lowers the chance of getting an infection.

2. Prioritize good personal hygiene: Doing things to stay clean can help lower the chance of a UTI. It is best to wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom. This keeps bacteria from the stomach area from moving into the system.

3. Don’t delay urination: Going to the bathroom regularly helps stop bacteria from growing. If you hold your urine for long it can create a place where bacteria grow faster. This makes it more likely to get an infection.

4. Be cautious with intimate hygiene products: Products that have smells, like sprays or douches can hurt sensitive areas. They can also change the balance of bacteria that protect the body. This might make UTIs more likely.

5. Wear breathable fabrics: Choosing cotton underwear and clothes that're not tight helps keep the area dry. A dry and cool place is not a home, for bacteria. This lowers the chance of getting an infection.

Also read: Can You Flush Out A UTI By Drinking More Water?

Diagnosis And Proper Medical Evaluation

Accurate diagnosis is essential before starting any medication. Diagnosis start with an evaluation and a simple urine test called a urinalysis to check for bacteria white blood cells and red blood cells.

In cases a urine culture is also done. This test finds the strain of bacteria causing the infection and tests it against different medications to find out which antibiotic will work best. For people who have recurring UTIs imaging tests, like ultrasound or CT scans might be used to look at the structure of the urinary tract and find any blockages or problems that are there.

Treatment Options

Also read: Turns Out, Peeing In The Shower Could Have Unexpected Dangers

Urinary tract infections or Urinary Tract Infections can usually be treated with antibiotics. You must take all the antibiotics even if you start to feel better so that you can be sure the Urinary Tract Infection is gone and you do not get sick again.

Medicines also help with the pain and discomfort you feel when you urinate, such as burning or feeling like you must go to the bathroom all the time.

In some cases, Urinary Tract Infections may recur due to underlying conditions such as kidney stones, urinary tract blockages, an enlarged prostate or structural abnormalities of the system. When these factors are identified, treating the root cause becomes essential.

Procedures such as kidney stone removal, stent placement or corrective surgery for urinary tract abnormalities may be recommended to prevent repeated Urinary Tract Infections.

Prevention and early intervention remain the effective strategies, in managing Urinary Tract Infections. Being aware of the warning signs and getting care at the onset of symptoms and avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use can significantly reduce the risk of recurrent Urinary Tract Infections and serious complications.

With diagnosis and appropriate treatment most Urinary Tract Infections can be successfully managed, safeguarding both urinary health and overall well-being.

By Dr. Arif Akhtar, Principal Consultant - Urology, Robotics and Renal Transplant, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram

By the time we enter our 40s, the lungs begin to undergo gradual changes that can affect breathing capacity and respiratory reserve. While some changes are a normal part of ageing, persistent cough, breathlessness or recurrent chest infections should not simply be dismissed as getting older.

Experts explain why lung health deserves greater attention after 40, which everyday habits can help protect the lungs, and when screening or medical evaluation may be needed.

As we enter our 40s, what natural changes occur in our lungs, and why does lung health become more important at this stage of life?

As we age lung tissue elasticity declines and chest wall mechanics stiffen. From an oncology standpoint, age-related cellular damage and long-term exposure to cancer causing agents like tobacco increase cancer risk. Looking after lung health from young age builds the respiratory reserve needed to tolerate advanced medical or surgical interventions if required as you get older.

What everyday lifestyle habits can help keep our lungs healthy after 40?

Engage in regular aerobic conditioning exercises to maintain full breathing capacity. Reduce carcinogen exposure by avoiding active and passive tobacco smoke, and ensuring proper ventilation while cooking. using HEPA air purifiers may help to an extent. Maintain an antioxidant-rich diet to combat cellular oxidative stress.

Also read: Dream Of Becoming A Footballer Or Cricketer? Cardiologists Reveal Heart-Healthy Habits For Young Athletes

What are some early signs of declining lung health that people often dismiss as 'just ageing' but should actually get checked?

2 to 3 week cut off is applicable here. A persistent cough lasting over three weeks, progressive exertional breathlessness, recurrent chest infections, coughing up blood, or unexplained weight loss are red flags. This is for both smokers and nonsmokers. Early-stage lung cancers are frequently asymptomatic or subtle; ignoring these signs delays diagnosis. These symptoms are that of TB as well. So, that should be ruled out.

Are there any health screenings, vaccinations, or routine check-ups that adults over 40 should consider to protect their lung health?

Annual flu and once in lifetime pneumococcal vaccine prevents severe pulmonary infections. For high-risk individuals—such as heavy past or present smokers—a annual Low-Dose CT (LDCT) scan is the gold standard for early lung cancer detection, finding lesions when they are most curable. Eliminating tobacco, mitigating indoor air pollution, exercising, and maintaining balanced nutrition significantly lower cancer risk and improve overall survival outcomes.

By Dr. Sandeep Nayak, Chairman of Oncology, MACS-Renova Oncology Institute, KIMS Hospital, Bangaluru

A blood test is considered the first step towards fertility enquiries, but for many, the results might seem like a confusing jumble of numbers and acronyms. Reports sometimes contain terms like AMH, FSH, LH, AFC, and estradiol, which makes patients confused if a single "abnormal" figure indicates they are unable to conceive.

The truth is more reassuring, and more nuanced. Fertility experts stress that a person's fertility cannot be ascertained by a single test. Instead, these markers serve as parts of a bigger picture, assisting fertility specialists in comprehending reproductive health and suggesting the best course of action when necessary.

Fertility Tests Are Guides, Not Verdicts

The idea that a single blood test can determine whether a woman would naturally become pregnant is one of the most widespread myths. Age, egg quality, ovulation, sperm health, uterine health, lifestyle, and underlying medical issues are some of the factors that actually affect fertility.

Although diagnostic markers offer useful information, they must always be interpreted in conjunction with the couple's overall reproductive profile, clinical history, and ultrasound results.

Also read: How Menopause Changes Heart Health Risks?

Understanding The Ovarian Reserve “AMH”

Many women with low AMH can still achieve successful pregnancies, especially if they continue to ovulate regularly. Similarly, women with high AMH are not necessarily more fertile, elevated AMH levels in women also means Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), where ovulation may actually be irregular. For fertility specialists, AMH is useful in predicting the number of eggs that are likely to respond to ovarian stimulation medication, based on which they customize IVF treatment.

Also read: Making IVF Affordable: Experts Push For Insurance Cover, Public Funding & Better Access To Fertility Care In India

FSH Determines Ovarian Function

Our pituitary gland produces Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and this hormone helps in stimulating egg development.

Usually, the second or third day of the menstrual cycle is when FSH is measured. If ovarian reserve is reduced, that is higher-than-normal levels, which may imply that ovaries need more stimulation to mature eggs. From cycle to cycle the FSH levels change.

Also read: NCR's Long Commutes Are Stealing Sleep & Affecting Reproductive Health

LH And The Ovulation Story

FSH and luteinizing hormone (LH) cooperate to control ovulation. The ovary releases a developed egg in response to an increase in LH.

LH levels may be disproportionately greater than FSH in PCOS-affected individuals, which can lead to irregular menstrual periods and ovulation. Instead of using LH alone, fertility specialists assess it in link with other hormone markers.

Also read: World Embryologist Day: What Really Happens Inside An IVF Lab?

Estradiol And AFC: Completing The Picture

An indicator of ovarian activity during the menstrual cycle is estradiol (E2), a type of estrogen generated by growing follicles. Combined interpretation is crucial since elevated early-cycle estradiol levels can occasionally conceal an elevated FSH.

The Antral Follicle Count (AFC), which is done via a transvaginal ultrasound, is another crucial evaluation. AFC gives an additional indication of ovarian reserve by counting the number of visible tiny follicles in the ovaries.

Indeed, the combination of AMH and AFC provides a more thorough insight than any test by itself.

Also read: World IVF Day: Why Men Need To Be Part Of The Fertility Conversation

Fertility Evaluation Isn't Just For Women

Female hormone testing frequently receives greater attention, whereas male fertility contributes to roughly half of all infertility issues.

A semen screening remains one of the most significant and cost-effective tests, measuring sperm count, mobility, and morphology. When necessary, additional hormonal or genetic tests might be suggested.

Era Of Self-Diagnose

After getting a test report, many people search the web for quick answers, but those disguised numbers without proper medical context from a specialist can erupt unnecessary tension.

The fertility markers depend on a variety of factors, some of which include: age, weight, menstrual history, prior pregnancies, medications, hormonal status, and lifestyle.

Therefore, understanding the parameters like “low” or “high” online may create chaos within the individuals. Instead, consult a fertility specialist to decode the report.

By Dr Rubeena Zainab, Senior Consultant - Reproductive Medicine, Milann Fertility and Birthing Hospital, Bengaluru