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.

From upscale salons to local aesthetic clinics, a quick IV infusion of glutathione is being offered for skin brightening and anti-ageing. But these increasingly popular cosmetic drips may neither be legal nor safe and may carry several health risks, doctors have warned.

Glutathione is an unapproved therapy that involves risks at many levels, including toxins. As per the US FDA, injectable/IV glutathione is not FDA-approved as a safe compounded sterile injectable, carrying high risks of contamination and severe adverse reactions.

Warning Against Glutathione IV Drips

In a social media post on X, noted hepatologist Dr Cyriac Abby Philips called out an advertisement for a clinic offering glutathione IV drips, promising skin whitening.

He warned people to “absolutely” avoid it, as the effects on skin may be temporary but carry long-term health risks from kidney to liver dysfunction, and potentially fatal skin reactions.

“Because the body continuously produces melanin, any potential lightening effect is temporary. Once the extreme systemic doses are stopped, the skin's natural pigmentation returns,” Dr Abby said.

Further, he also stated that the procedure is mostly offered by "cosmetologists" or commercialized dermatology clinic chains. As cosmetology is not a recognized medical degree or a protected medical title under the National Medical Commission in India, people claiming to be "cosmetologist" is not really a medical practitioner, but merely certified "coaches" or "wellness experts".

Poor Evidence Supporting IV Glutathione

The expert, better known as “LiverDoc” also noted that the clinical evidence supporting IV glutathione is exceptionally poor.

“The administration of IV glutathione in dermatology and cosmetology clinics is a lucrative marketing trend that operates outside the bounds of evidence-based medicine”.

“Marketing claims rely heavily on anecdotal reports and a single, widely criticized trial that suffered from a tiny sample size, poor study design, and unreliable evaluations,” he added.

FDA Warning Over Glutathione IV Treatments

“Because IV glutathione is not approved for cosmetic use, the solutions utilized in wellness clinics and med-spas are typically sourced from "compounding pharmacies". This bypasses standard pharmaceutical manufacturing regulations, introducing severe risks”.

Dr. Abby explained that a "compounded drug" is a custom medication created by a pharmacist or physician who combines, mixes, or alters ingredients on their own.

He cited how in August 2026, the US FDA issued an urgent safety warning after dozens of patients experienced potentially fatal infection (sepsis)-like symptoms — including fever, chills, low blood pressure, and hospitalization — following glutathione IV treatments.

“Clinics were found to be compounding IV drips using dietary-supplement-grade powder, which contained dangerously high levels of bacterial endotoxins. Administering high doses has been linked to severe adverse effects, including anaphylaxis, acute kidney and liver dysfunction, and potentially fatal skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS and TEN),” Dr Abby said.

India Tightens Rules Around Injectable Cosmetics

In May 2026, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) tightened rules around cosmetic use.

In a new public notice issued, the CDSCO stated that cosmetic products that come in injectable form do not fall under the definition of cosmetics under the law. It said that such products are not permitted for use by consumers, professionals, or aesthetic clinics.

Other Potential Health Risks

According to the Philippines FDA, given that glutathione affects the production of melanin — the pigment that gives human skin, hair and eyes their colour — there are theoretical concerns about the long-term skin cancer risk.

Other potential risks include transmission of infectious agents, such as HIV, hepatitis C and B. This is of particular concern when a non-medical practitioner administers this treatment or it is done in a non-sterile facility.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hernia repair is one of the most important surgical procedures, with published estimates suggesting that around 20 million hernia repairs are performed each year globally. For most patients, recovery is smooth, steady, and uncomplicated. It is one of the most performed surgeries globally, and for most patients, recovery is steady. Mild pain, swelling, and discomfort during the first few weeks are usually part of the healing process and improve with time. However, when a wound refuses to heal, pain continues to worsen, or there is persistent discharge from the surgical site, these symptoms should never be ignored.

Although complications following hernia mesh repair are uncommon, delayed recognition can make treatment far more challenging. One of the more serious complications occurs when the surgical mesh erodes into surrounding organs, particularly the intestine, leading to infection, chronic wounds and, in rare cases, an entero-cutaneous fistula, an abnormal connection between the bowel and the skin.

A recent patient cases highlights why early medical attention is so important. An umbilical hernia surgery performed years ago led to complications for a 32-year-old lady from Bengaluru. What was supposed to be a simple procedure turned out to be a prolonged medical ordeal for the patient. The injury could not be healed completely, and as time went by, the patient developed persistent drainage from the injury site, which made her daily tasks increasingly difficult.

A further assessment revealed that the mesh had eroded into the bowel and caused an entero-cutaneous fistula. At this point, the surgery was going to be much more complicated than a regular hernia repair. This is a particularly challenging case for surgeons, requiring very detailed planning, since there is always a high probability of finding dense scar tissue and adhesions, which made it impossible to properly detach the bowels.

The surgery was done as a complicated laparoscopic revision operation, during which the adhesions were freed; both meshes were removed, and the part of the bowel that was affected by them was recovered, and the abdominal wall structure was restored. The postoperative period went quite well, and the man was relieved of all the discharge, and his intestinal function was restored within a few weeks.

Such cases may be quite rare, but they send a clear message – never neglect prolonged symptoms, thinking that they are just a part of the recovery process. Hernias are easily repaired, but if healing goes slowly, it is always better to do additional tests to avoid complications.

Signs that might arouse concern about the patient’s condition after the hernia surgery:

1. The wound is not healing properly while waiting for the healing process.

2. The wound is continuously oozing secretions.

3. An unexpected increase in pain in contradiction to the healing phase.

4. Body temperature is above normal or other symptoms of infection are present.

5. An unexpected formation or swelling has appeared in the surgical area.

It should also be mentioned that not everyone suffering from pain after the operation faces a serious complication. However, those with ongoing or worsening health conditions should not perform self-treatment and wait for the issues to resolve.

Advances in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery have made it possible to successfully manage many complex hernia mesh complications while reducing pain, hospital stay, and recovery time. At the same time, successful treatment depends not only on surgical expertise but also on timely diagnosis and appropriate follow-up.

The goal is not to create anxiety around hernia surgery. Mesh repair remains a safe and effective treatment for most patients. The key message is simple: listen to your body. If your recovery process takes much longer than expected, or there is something that appears abnormal, you should consult with a doctor right away. There are instances where timely action prevents complications and allows for a full recovery.

By Dr. Kiran K. J., Senior Consultant, Department of General, Laparoscopy, GI, Bariatric & Robotic Surgery, Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru.

A globally introduced, newer-generation cataract lens was used in India for the first time, enhancing patient’s recovery journey and treatment outcome

Since her diabetes diagnosis 5 months ago, Mrs Vani Vaish had done what doctors tell every diabetic to do - turn up regularly for an eye exam because diabetes can quietly damage the blood vessels and nerves in your eyes. The eye damage often gives no major noticeable warning until real damage has been done, which is exactly why the screening isn't optional, symptoms or not.

How A Routine Eye Check-Up Revealed A Cataract

During one of these routine visits, Mrs Ahuja complained of blurring in her vision and increasing glare around headlights and streetlamps at night. Her ophthalmologist identified a cataract. For people living with diabetes, regular eye examinations can be important for more than monitoring diabetic retinopathy, as diabetes can also increase the risk of developing cataracts and may lead to their occurrence at a younger age.

The treatment options were discussed with her in detail, including the potential benefits and limitations of the technology, individual variations in outcomes and the considerations involved in selecting a presbyopia-correcting lens. Following a detailed evaluation, Mrs Ahuja underwent cataract surgery with implantation of the Clareon PanOptix Pro, a newer-generation trifocal intraocular lens that had recently become available in India.

Also read: What Is Lutein? The Eye-Friendly Antioxidant You Crave—Yet Don’t Know About

What The Newer-Generation Lens Is Designed To Do

The significance of the technology lies in what it is designed to change in cataract vision correction. Trifocal lenses split incoming light to provide vision across near, intermediate and distance ranges. The newer-generation optical design used in PanOptix Pro is intended to use available light more efficiently and reduce light scatter — an advancement that aims to support better quality of vision across different distances while addressing some of the visual compromises associated with multifocal lens technology.

Because no two patients have the same visual demands, expanding access to newer technologies plays a critical role in modern care. Our role is to evaluate each patient’s unique needs and ensure that the most suitable and advanced treatments available actually reach the patient, giving them every opportunity for a better quality of life.

The procedure marked the first use in India of the globally introduced Clareon PanOptix Pro lens. For MRs Vaish, the outcome of the treatment has matched what she hoped for. She reports clear vision and no floaters or other visual disturbances. Her recovery has also been smooth, and she has not even needed the temporary protective glasses in the days following the procedure.

Why Regular Eye Exams Matter For People With Diabetes

Her case highlights two important aspects of modern eye care. Regular eye examinations are important especially for people living with diabetes. A routine screening intended to monitor retinal health can also help identify other conditions affecting vision, including cataracts.

It also demonstrates that access to advanced medical technologies can significantly expand treatment possibilities and enhance the patient's recovery journey. When newer innovations are combined with careful clinical evaluation and personalised decision-making, they can help doctors move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment and offer patients options better suited to their individual visual needs and lifestyles.

By Dr Sudipto Pakrasi, Chairman, Ophthalmology, Medanta Mediclinic Defence Colony