PCOS affects a major part of a menstruating person’s life than many of them are aware of. The lack of information about the condition and the reluctance of people to talk about the matter makes it worse. As we kick off World PCOS Awareness Month, we try to understand the proper repercussions and the best ways to manage your periods. As science progresses each day, many women have taken the initiative to further the research on PCOS and the reproductive health of women. We spoke to Dr Prarthana Shah, a doctor who specialised in preventative CVD medicine and an Integrative Health Coach to get a better understanding of the vital role nutrition plays in a woman’s reproductive cycle.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder affecting millions of women worldwide. Characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgen production, and the presence of cysts on the ovaries, PCOS can lead to a range of health issues, including infertility, obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and endometrial cancer.

Role of Nutrition in PCOS Management

A balanced diet plays a crucial role in managing PCOS symptoms and reducing the risk of associated health complications. By focusing on nutrient-dense foods and avoiding certain triggers, women with PCOS can significantly improve their overall well-being.

According to Dr. Prarthana, “The first thing is B12. So, a common deficiency, even otherwise, which can affect a woman's hormonal balance, because it helps regulate your hair length, and so it's important to make sure that you're getting enough B12.” There are important nutrients that women must have for healthy menstrual cycles.

• Vitamin B12: Essential for hormonal balance, hair health, and regular menstruation.
• Vitamin D: Helps regulate hormones, supports ovarian function, and improves insulin sensitivity.
• Iron: Crucial for preventing anaemia, which is common during menstruation.
• Electrolytes: Help maintain fluid balance and prevent fatigue.
• Amino acids: Provide building blocks for proteins and support overall health.

Dietary Recommendations for PCOS

As Dr Prarthana mentioned, the key nutrients that women lack are the reason why their periods might be irregular and make it difficult for them to handle it. She suggested that it's essential to prioritize a nutrient-rich diet. Focus on consuming whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

Minimize your intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, processed meats, and refined carbohydrates, as these can contribute to inflammation and hormonal imbalances. Consider limiting or avoiding dairy products, as they may contain hormones that can disrupt your hormonal regulation.

She also emphasised the importance of seasonal fruits. While many people have expressed their reservations with cross-contamination and germs from fruits she says, “You have to eat seasonal fruits and vegetables. Greens and salad leaves, all of these things for vitamin B12. Now, of course, there will be some vendors that cut it up. So, don't buy it from there. one tip I personally suggest is that I use something called Veggie Wash where I wash my salad leaves in that at home. You can also wash it with salt or apple cider vinegar.”

When enjoying seasonal fruits and vegetables, be mindful of potential contamination from vendors who cut and sell them. Wash them thoroughly at home to ensure safety. Finally, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day to support overall health and prevent dehydration.

Lifestyle changes you should make for PCOS

According to Dr Prarthana, your lifestyle plays a really important role in PCOS, “So, I know most women, even though they regularly exercise, I mean the ones that do, also kind of skip it during the period and that is the wrong thing to do, ideally.”

She also expresses how much it actually helps with period pains and relief for women, “It's okay. You should go and do some sort of exercise. Go for a walk. It could be lighter if you're, you know, tired. But something in some form of movement, maybe yoga, stretching, whatever works for each person depending on how much pain they have. It really opens up the muscles and gives you relief.”

Other changes include,

• Manage stress: Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
• Prioritize sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night.
• Consider supplements: Consult with a healthcare professional about potential supplements, such as vitamin D and iron, to address specific deficiencies.

Oral cancer cases are on the rise because of tobacco chewing, smoking, alcohol consumption, poor oral hygiene, and delayed medical attention. Many people ignore small red or white patches, which are early warning signs of cancer and should never be overlooked. There is an average delay of six months in cancer diagnosis, which is the reason patients are diagnosed with stage 3 and 4 cancers.

Dr Prathamesh Pai, Senior Consultant Head and Neck Surgical Oncologist, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, explained the difference between red and white patches in the mouth and what they may indicate about your health.

Red vs White Patches in the Mouth

White patches inside the mouth are called leukoplakia, while red patches are known as erythroplakia. Both can occur on the tongue, gums, inner cheeks, or floor of the mouth. Though both need equal attention, red patches are more dangerous, with a higher risk of being cancerous in comparison to white patches. Red patches in the mouth indicate severe abnormal cellular changes, which can develop into precancerous conditions or cancer. Around 60% to 80% of erythroplakias are diagnosed as early-stage cancer on biopsy.

What is erythroplakia?

Erythroplakia is a fiery red, well-defined patch in the mouth. These lesions are velvety in appearance. They often appear on the floor of the mouth or the retromolar trigone (the area behind the wisdom teeth). Red patches often go unreported, as they are mistaken for traumatic mouth ulcers caused by hard foods or dental irritation.

If a red patch does not heal within two to three weeks, it should raise concerns about cancer. Besides the duration, patches that bleed on touch, are painful while eating, are associated with a burning sensation, difficulty swallowing, loosening of teeth, or voice changes should be investigated. Tobacco users should be even more mindful. Ignoring persistent red or white patches can allow the disease to progress silently.

So, make sure to seek immediate help and consult a doctor. For anyone presenting with red or white patches, the doctor will carry out a physical oral examination and a biopsy, in which a small tissue sample is taken from the patch for evaluation. A CT scan and MRI may also be advised, depending on the location of the patch and other clinical features.

Why early detection of cancer matters

Remember, early detection of cancer is curable. Treatment is also less extensive, often involving minor intraoral surgery and preservation of speech and swallowing functions. As the cancer stage advances, surgery may require the removal of parts of the cheek, jaw, or tongue, as well as postoperative radiotherapy. This affects the face and neck and hampers important functions such as eating, speaking, and swallowing. This has major implications for quality of life. Treatment can also be a financial burden, especially for younger patients.

Take charge of your life. Lead a happy, healthy life. Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and other addictions. Visit your dentist regularly and maintain good oral hygiene. Prevention is better than cure. In the case of any non-healing ulcers in the mouth, swelling in the neck, altered speech or swallowing, or altered bowel habits for more than two weeks despite treatment, do visit a doctor. Remember, early detection of cancer is curable.

New Delhi's weather is fluctuating sharply, with Western Disturbances driving bouts of intense heat and sudden pre-monsoon showers. The city is currently hovering in the mid-30s°C but is also bracing for a return to scorching heat, with maximum temperatures forecast to climb into the low to mid-40s°C this week.

Such weather fluctuations can play a significant role in triggering migraine attacks, said Dr. Vivek Kumar, Principal Director - Neurology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj.

Weather Factors That Can Trigger Migraines

Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr. Vivek noted that many components of weather are reported to affect migraine. These include:

• Barometric pressure
• Humidity
• Temperature
• Seasons

Dr. Kumar explained that a drop in atmospheric pressure, often seen before storms, can create a pressure imbalance between the environment and the sinuses or inner ear, stimulating nerves and leading to headaches.

"Rapid temperature changes, as well as exposure to extreme heat or cold, can also trigger migraine episodes," he said.

Similarly, both high humidity and very dry air have been associated with the onset of migraine symptoms. Bright sunlight and intense sun exposure, particularly when reflected off surfaces such as snow or water, are also recognized migraine triggers.

Also read: Global Temperatures Likely To Stay Near Record Levels For Next Five Years: WMO

How Does The Weather Trigger Migraines?

According to Dr. Kumar, weather changes can affect brain chemistry by influencing serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter involved in migraine development. They may also contribute to inflammation or pressure differences within the sinuses.

Further, the expert noted that seasonal transitions can be particularly challenging.

"Spring and summer may trigger migraines because of heat and allergens, while winter's cold and dry air can also contribute to headaches and sinus discomfort," he said.

Notably, weather is often only one factor among several. Allergies during spring or viral illnesses during autumn may also combine with environmental changes to trigger headaches, Dr. Kumar stressed.

Migraine Vs Sinus Headache

Read More: What Can You Learn About Your Health From Ice Cream Headaches?

Migraine is also frequently mistaken for a sinus headache because the symptoms often overlap.

Dr. Kumar noted that migraine attacks can cause forehead and facial pressure, as well as nasal congestion or a runny nose. Unlike migraine, however, sinus infections may be accompanied by fever.

He explained that migraine can activate nerves in the face, a phenomenon known as cranial autonomic activation, which can create sensations of nasal blockage and congestion.

While weather changes are difficult to avoid, monitoring weather forecasts may help people prepare for potential triggers. Preventive treatment may also reduce sensitivity to environmental changes and allow greater freedom in daily activities.

Tips To Prevent Migraine

Dr. Kumar advised:

• Keeping a migraine diary for at least 90 days to help identify specific weather-related patterns associated with attacks.
• Treating migraine attacks early when weather-related triggers are suspected. Early treatment can shorten the duration of an attack and prevent symptoms from becoming severe.
• Maintaining adequate hydration, particularly during hot weather or physical activity. Carrying water when outdoors can help compensate for fluid loss through sweating.
• For those sensitive to bright sunlight, staying indoors during peak daylight hours may be beneficial. When outdoor exposure is unavoidable, protective sunglasses or hats can help reduce glare and light sensitivity.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most feared diseases, and it causes thousands of lives to be wasted away due to this fatal disease. According to the Population-Based Cancer Registries (PBCRs) managed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the IARC Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN), about 22,982 Indians have pancreatic cancer every year.

On the other hand, the American Cancer Society's US SEER Pancreatic Cancer Stat Facts shows the annual number of cases is 67,530. Thus, any lead to resisting cancer is good news for the world. Recently, a research team from Stony Brook Medicine and Luisa Escobar-Hoyos of Yale School of Medicine, led by Kenneth Shroyer and Natalia Marchenko, found an important fact to fight the fatal disease.

The study investigated the role of Keratin 17 (K17) and found that the protein can be a driver of chemoresistance to gemcitabine. It is often used to treat various types of cancer. The study shows that the K17 can act as a target for the development of novel treatments.

They discovered that the protein is a key driver of chemoresistance to gemcitabine, an agent used to treat a wide range of cancers, including advanced tumors of the pancreas, lungs, and breast.

How New Pancreatic Cancer Drug Daxorrasib Can Help You?

Daxaronrasib is a daily oral pill that has demonstrated statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) compared with standard intravenous chemotherapy.

Described as a multi-selective inhibitor of RAS(ON) proteins, it is the first investigational drug in a new class of RAS inhibitors designed to target a broad spectrum of cancer-causing RAS mutations.

The drug works by blocking KRAS signalling proteins that drive tumor growth.

Read More: New Pancreatic Cancer Drug Daxaronrasib May Benefit Patients With Lung And Ovarian Tumors Too

Daraxonrasib is the first drug. It works by pairing up with a protein called cyclophilin A inside cells, acting like a molecular glue, glomming onto the mutated protein.

Pancreatic cancer is considered one of the most RAS-dependent cancers, with more than 90 per cent of patients carrying tumours driven by RAS protein mutations. Similar RAS-targeting drugs are also being developed for pancreatic, lung, and colon cancers.

The findings were presented at a plenary session of the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s meeting in Chicago on May 31 and simultaneously published in the New England Journal of Medicine.