A woman's health is intricately linked to her menstrual cycle, which is an important sign of her overall well-being. Throughout puberty and menopause, hormonal changes affect not only fertility but also mood, energy, and long-term health. A normal cycle usually indicates balance, whereas abnormalities may suggest problems such as PCOS, endometriosis, or thyroid disease.

Our bodies do not always work in a perfect clockwork operation and unexpected vaginal bleeding can often confused us. Is it a mere spotting? A normal period? A symptom of something more concerning? Differences between spotting, menstrual bleeding, and intermenstrual bleeding should be understood is crucial for maintaining reproduction health.

Here is a short guide to help you differentiate while you are confused.

Spotting

Spotting is vaginal bleeding that doesn't happen as part of your regular menstrual period. It commonly manifests as fine droplets or smears of blood on clothing or toilet tissue. The intensity of the blood ranges from deep red (recent blood) to pink (having cervical mucus mixed in it) or brown (older, oxidized blood). Spotting is not very much and can't be seen in a way that needs either a tampon or a pad to absorb.

Common Causes of Spotting

Spotting is caused by numerous factors, and in the majority of instances, it is nothing to worry about. Some frequent causes are:

Hormonal Birth Control Transitions: New birth control technique, for instance, birth control pills, IUDs containing hormones, or implants, results in temporary spotting as the body adapts.

Ovulation Bleeding: A few individuals get spotting light around the time of ovulation as a result of hormonal changes. It normally happens in the mid-cycle and could be followed by slight cramping.

Cervical Ectropion: A harmless condition when cells from the inside of the cervical canal migrate to the outer cervix, causing the outer cervix to become more sensitive and prone to faint bleeding on coitus or physical activity.

Early Pregnancy (Implantation Bleeding): 15–25% of pregnant women experience light spotting around 10–14 days post-conception, which is confused with an early period.

When to See a Doctor

Spotting is usually harmless, but it's best to consult a doctor if:

• It continues after a few months of initiating new birth control
• Is accompanied by pelvic pain or abnormal discharge
• Occurs after frequent intercourse
• Occurs during pregnancy and is not verified as implantation bleeding

Menstrual Bleeding

There is a time, also known as a period or menstruation, when the uterine lining sheds due to changing hormone levels. It would last for approximately 2-7 days and is heavier initially. The hue and texture of period blood shift during the menstrual cycle:

Red: New active bleeding at the start of a period

Brown or dark red: Older, slower blood in leaving the uterus

Clots: It's normal to have small clots, but bigger clots may be a sign of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB)

Why You Have a Period Essentially?

Menstruation is a part of the reproductive cycle, and it happens around every 21–35 days. When there's no pregnancy after ovulation, hormone levels fall, causing the uterine lining to be shed.

Signs Your Period May Be Abnormal

Though periods differ in different people, there are some signs that point towards probable underlying conditions:

• Prolonged bleeding (longer than 7 days)
• Heavy flow necessitating pad/tampon changes every 1–2 hours
• Severe cramps that disrupt daily life
• Irregular periods or absent periods

If you have any of these, conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or thyroid disease may be involved, and a medical visit is in order.

Intermenstrual Bleeding

Unlike spotting, intermenstrual bleeding is heavier and unexpected between regular periods. It may be from bright red to dark brown and can contain blood clots.

Possible Causes of Bleeding Between Periods

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to inflammation and abnormal bleeding.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): A bacterial infection of the reproductive organs and can lead to abnormal bleeding.

Uterine Fibroids or Polyps: Benign growths in the uterus that may cause unexpected bleeding.

Endometrial Hyperplasia or Cancer: In some instances, abnormal bleeding may be a sign of abnormal cell growth in the lining of the uterus.

When to See a Doctor

See a doctor if intermenstrual bleeding is:

• Frequent or persistent
• Associated with pelvic pain or discomfort
• Associated with abnormal discharge, fever or painful sex

Recognizing your body's rhythms can assist you in identifying normal versus abnormal bleeding. Monitoring your menstrual cycle through an app or calendar may flag changes that should be checked with a doctor. If you have any questions regarding abnormal bleeding, visiting your health care provider is the way to go.

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 720 000 people die due to suicide every year. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds.

November 22 is observed as the International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, which brings attention to a form of grief, which is not always talked about. Neuroscience now provides more clarity on how different the experience of losing someone close is. This experience is not just gone for once, but instead as recurring waves of pain, intrusive questions, and long-lasting emotional "aftershocks".

Suicide loss comes in many layers of shocks, guilty, and often confusion. The brain not only processes the loss, but also a rupture. There are many forms of grief, including cognitive, emotional, and sometimes biological, if it is a lost family member, like a daughter, son, sister, or a very close family member.

The amygdala is responsible for detecting fear and danger. After a suicide loss, it can stay hyperactive for months or even years.

Sudden reminders, unanswered questions, anniversaries, or simple triggers—like a song, photo, or notification, can instantly activate the brain’s stress response. Experts suggest since suicide is an unexpected and traumatic incident, the amygdala keeps replaying the alert and thus the survivors could often feel frozen in the moment when they receive the news.

The Thoughts That Loop Relentlessly

The hippocampus helps form memories and gives context to events. After a suicide loss, the brain tries to create meaning around something that often has no clear explanation. This leads to persistent mental looping:

• Could I have stopped it?
• Why didn’t I catch the signs?
• What were they thinking or feeling?

These are not just emotional spirals—they are the hippocampus working overtime, trying to rebuild a narrative that makes sense, even when the event itself defies understanding.

What Is The History Of International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day?

The day was created in 1999, following a US Senate resolution that was introduced by Senator Harry Reid, who lost his father to suicide. The day was officially designated by the United States Congress as a time for those affected by suicide loss to come together for healing and support.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention of Illinois has also planned multiple free, in-person gatherings for people who have lost someone to suicide. Angela Cummings, who is the executive director of the foundation says, "Grief after suicide is unique, and so is the strength it takes to keep going," as reported by My Journal Corner.

"Survivor Day helps people find understanding and connection through shared experience. It reminds us that even in the midst of loss, hope and healing are possible."

Every year, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention sponsors International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, a program that unites survivors of suicide loss across the world. These events help survivors cope with the tragedy of losing someone to suicide.

Help for suicidal thoughts

• UK: NHS UK Helpline No. 111, works 24 hours every day
• US: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline No. 988, nation wide phone number
• India: iCall: Helpline Np. 9152987821

Permanent hair dyes promise vibrant, long-lasting colour, but many contain a hidden risk: a chemical called p-phenylenediamine, or PPD. While essential for keeping hair shades bold, PPD has been linked to allergic reactions, skin inflammation, and, in rare cases, life-threatening poisoning. Experts warn that even everyday use can trigger unexpected skin issues, making awareness and caution crucial for anyone coloring their hair.

PPD in Hair Dyes: What You Need to Know

Most permanent hair dyes sold in the US and Europe contain an ingredient called p-phenylenediamine (PPD), an aromatic amine. This chemical is essential for keeping hair colour long-lasting and resistant to washing or drying. However, research increasingly links PPD to severe allergic reactions, potential cancer risks, and even life-threatening poisoning.

How PPD Affects Your Skin

Even in normal cosmetic use, the body absorbs only small amounts of PPD, but it can still trigger a variety of health issues. Allergic reactions and contact dermatitis are the most common. About 72 hours after exposure, PPD can provoke immune sensitization and inflammation, which may show up as redness, swelling, blisters, and intense itching.

People with pre-existing skin conditions such as eczema, dandruff, or other rashes are more susceptible. While 1.5% of the general population may react to PPD, this rises to 6% among those already prone to dermatitis.

PPD and Cancer Risk

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies occupational exposure to hair dye as “probably carcinogenic,” but personal use hasn’t been conclusively linked to cancer. A 36-year study in 2020 found no strong association between regular hair dye use and most cancers, although it noted potential links to specific types, including estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer and basal cell carcinoma. Experts caution that these findings are not definitive and require further investigation.

Life-Threatening Risks of PPD Poisoning

While cosmetic exposure carries minimal systemic risk, ingesting PPD can be deadly. Oral exposure can cause rapid multi-organ failure, with initial signs including unpredictable swelling of the neck and airways, known as angioneurotic edema. Even with medical intervention, the mortality rate for severe PPD poisoning is around 14.5%.

Safer Alternatives and Precautions

Rising awareness of PPD’s risks has prompted the development of PPD-free dyes using alternatives like p-toluenediamine sulfate (PTDS). However, research shows that about half of individuals allergic to PPD may also react to PTDS.

The safest way to reduce risk is by performing a patch test 48 hours before every use. Professional users should wear protective gloves, and improved consumer education on potential sensitivities can further minimize danger.

How To Check If You’re Allergic To PPD

Finding out if you’re sensitive to PPD is relatively straightforward. You can visit an allergy clinic for a professional assessment, or do a patch test at home before applying any PPD-based hair dye.

What To Watch For On The Label?

PPD may appear under different names on hair dye packaging. Look out for any of the following terms, as they all indicate the presence of PPD:

• P-phenylenediamine
• Para-phenylenediamine
• 4-aminoaniline
• 1,4-benzenediamine
• p-diaminobenzene

COVID-19 and influenza are major causes of illness and death worldwide, particularly in countries like the US and UK. Vaccines can prevent infection or reduce the severity of illness, yet many people struggle to stay up to date due to time constraints or lack of motivation. If you are eligible for both vaccines around the same time, combining them in a single visit can save time and effort.

Doctors suggest that receiving both vaccines at the same visit can be a convenient approach, but a common question arises: which arm should you use? Is it safe to administer both vaccines in the same arm, or is it better to use separate arms?

One Arm or Two: Which One To Use For Both Shots?

Getting both shots in one visit sounds efficient, but you still need to decide whether to use one arm or two. Often, it comes down to personal preference, although sometimes the healthcare provider will make the decision. Is there evidence to guide this choice? Should both vaccines go in the same arm or one in each?

Which Arm Works Best for COVID and Flu Vaccines?

Animal studies suggest that administering the COVID and flu vaccines in the same limb may enhance immune responses. The mRNA COVID vaccines include a built-in immune booster called an ionizable lipid, which is a fatty molecule that protects the mRNA inside the vaccine.

Flu vaccines usually lack an adjuvant, but the built-in adjuvant in the COVID shot could potentially boost the flu vaccine’s immune response if both are given in the same arm.

However, giving two shots in one arm can increase the risk of arm soreness, the most common side effect. To explore this in humans, researchers at the University of Melbourne conducted a randomized controlled trial with 56 healthy adults. The study compared giving the Moderna COVID mRNA vaccine and the CSL influenza vaccine in the same arm versus opposite arms.

Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: the “same arm” group received both vaccines in the non-dominant arm (usually the left arm for right-handed people), while the “opposite arm” group had the COVID vaccine in the non-dominant arm and the flu vaccine in the dominant arm. This setup was chosen because the COVID vaccine is more likely to cause a sore arm compared to the flu shot. Researchers collected blood, saliva, and nasal samples, and participants reported on any side effects.

Same Arm vs. Opposite Arm

The trial found no significant differences in key immune responses, such as neutralizing antibodies, whether the vaccines were given in the same arm or separate arms. Secondary analyses suggested a slightly higher immune response to COVID in the opposite arm group.

Nearly all participants reported mild arm soreness. Those in the same-arm group experienced more tenderness in that single arm, while participants in the opposite-arm group had reactions in both arms, particularly in the non-dominant arm that received the COVID vaccine.

What This Means for You

Overall, receiving both vaccines on the same day, whether in one arm or two, provides strong protection against both infections. Choosing opposite arms may slightly improve immune response and reduce soreness in any one arm, but it comes with two mildly sore arms.

For anyone looking to save time, having both vaccines in the same visit is convenient and effective. Most side effects are mild, making the benefits of dual vaccination well worth it.