Fasting may reset your body, but can it reset your mind? The new trend of dopamine fasting claims it can. And wait, there's more. This trend also works against dopamine resistance, implying that things that did not make you happier before will now do. You see, dopamine is a part of the brain's reward system and plays an important role in your pleasure reception. While this neurotransmitter is not directly linked to an individual's happiness, it triggers feelings of satisfaction, motivation and pleasure.

However, a person can also reach a stage of dopamine resistance if they continue to indulge in activities that trigger its frequent or constant release. In this case, the individual stops feeling the impact of this neurotransmitter and thus, does feel good or happy.

So does dopamine fasting work?

Dopamine fasting is a practice where individuals limit their exposure to activities or stimuli that typically provide a surge of dopamine. The idea behind dopamine fasting is to reset or recalibrate the brain's reward system. This is usually done by abstaining from gratifying things or experiences like social media, junk food, and even sex. Proponents of dopamine fasting argue that continual overstimulation from digital devices, social media, and easily accessible indulgences has numbed our brain's reward pathways. By regularly denying ourselves these dopamine triggers, the idea claims, we might restore our ability to acquire fulfilment from life's basic pleasures.

How Does Dopamine Imbalance Affect Your Mental Health?

Having low levels of dopamine can make you less motivated and excited about things. In Parkinson's disease, there is not enough dopamine in the areas of the brain important for movement. This leads to problems with muscle stiffness and movements such as walking.

The symptoms of a dopamine imbalance depend on what is causing the problem. They include physical symptoms such as:

• muscle cramps, spasms or stiffness
• digestion problems, such as constipation or reflux
• pneumonia
• trouble sleeping
• moving or speaking more slowly than usual

• feeling tired and unmotivated, or sad and lacking hope
• having low libido (sex drive)
• hallucinations (experiencing something that's not real)

How Can I Adjust My Dopamine Levels?

Adjusting dopamine levels is complicated, as it is involved in many different roles in the brain. Your doctor won't measure your dopamine levels directly, and there is no simple test to measure it. Your symptoms will be the clues that tell your doctor if you have too much or not enough dopamine. They will then prescribe medicines to adjust your dopamine level, based on your symptoms, and make adjustments based on how your body responds and how you feel.

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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.

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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

Period hygiene is something that girls today are more aware of. This is because they have access to a lot of information from schools, doctors, social media and public health campaigns.

People are now more open to talking about periods than they were a years ago. Knowing about period hygiene does not always mean that girls are doing things the right way.

A lot of girls are still not sure how often they should change their sanitary pads or how to keep themselves clean. They also do not know which menstrual product is best for them.

Educating Young Girls About Menstruation

This is where parents can help. They should start teaching girls about menstruation before they get their period. This way girls will know that getting their period is not something to be scared of.

Parents should tell girls to change their sanitary pads every hour even if they are not completely soaked. They should also teach girls to wash themselves with clean water. Using soaps or fragrances is not necessary and can be bad for the skin.

When it is raining and the air is damp girls should keep themselves dry by patting themselves after washing. Wearing cotton underwear that can absorb moisture is also a good idea. This can help prevent infections.

Parents should also talk to girls about how to use menstrual products safely. Whether a girl uses sanitary pads, tampons, menstrual cups or period underwear she should know how to use them clean them and replace them correctly. If girls do not use these products the way they can get infections or feel uncomfortable.

Also read: Bryan Johnson's New 2.6M Women's Health Project Centers on Girlfriend's Menstrual Blood

Menstrual Products

There are different menstrual products available today. This is a thing because girls can choose the products that are best for them. Having so many options can also be confusing especially for teenagers.

Instead of saying that one product is better than another we should focus on making sure girls have all the information they need to make good choices.

All menstrual products are safe if used correctly. Girls should feel like they can try products ask for help when they need it and choose the products that make them feel good, about themselves.

By Dr Nishita Shah, Gynaecologist, Saifee Hospital

Medical tourism is no longer just a trend—it's becoming a practical choice for millions of people worldwide. Whether it's traveling abroad for an affordable heart surgery, a dental implant, cosmetic procedures, or fertility treatment, more patients are exploring healthcare beyond their home countries.

But is medical tourism always a good idea? While it can offer significant savings and quicker access to treatment, it also comes with important risks that patients should understand before booking a flight.

What Is Medical Tourism?

Medical tourism refers to traveling to another country to receive medical treatment. People often choose this option because healthcare services may be less expensive, waiting times may be shorter, or certain treatments may not be easily available in their own country.

Popular destinations include countries such as India, Thailand, Turkey, Singapore, Mexico, and South Korea, each offering specialized medical services ranging from orthopedic surgeries to cosmetic procedures.

Benefits Of Medical Tourism

One of the biggest reasons people seek treatment abroad is cost. In many cases, medical procedures can cost significantly less than they would in countries with expensive healthcare systems, without necessarily compromising on quality.

Another major advantage is faster treatment. Patients who face months-long waiting lists for surgeries at home may be able to receive care within days or weeks overseas.

Understanding The Risks

Despite its advantages, medical tourism isn't without challenges.

Healthcare standards, regulations, and infection-control practices vary from country to country. Patients may also face language barriers, making communication with healthcare providers more difficult.

Follow-up care is another important concern. If complications develop after returning home, local doctors may have limited information about the treatment performed abroad, making recovery more complicated.

Long-distance travel soon after surgery can also increase the risk of complications such as blood clots, particularly after major operations.

Additionally, legal protections differ between countries. If something goes wrong during treatment, seeking compensation or resolving medical disputes may be more difficult than in your home country.

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How To Stay Safe

Experts recommend researching hospitals carefully before making any decisions. Look for internationally accredited healthcare facilities, experienced specialists, and verified patient reviews.

Patients should also request detailed information about the procedure, possible complications, recovery timelines, and total costs—including unexpected expenses.

Before traveling, discuss your plans with your primary healthcare provider. They can help determine whether traveling for treatment is appropriate and advise you on vaccinations, medications, and post-treatment follow-up.

Finally, purchase travel insurance that specifically covers medical procedures abroad if available, as standard travel insurance policies may exclude elective treatments.