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.

Concerns around fertility and vaccines often surface when people plan a family, and the HPV vaccine is no exception. Many women and men worry that getting vaccinated today could affect their ability to conceive later in life. Medical experts, however, say this fear is misplaced. According to fertility specialists, there is no evidence linking the HPV vaccine to reduced fertility. In fact, the vaccine may play a quiet but important role in protecting reproductive health over the long term.

Does The HPV Vaccine Affect Fertility?

The short and clear answer is no. The HPV vaccine does not negatively affect fertility in women or men. Dr. Madhu Patil, Consultant and Fertility Specialist at Motherhood Fertility and IVF, Sarjapur, Bangalore, explains that there is no scientific proof showing the vaccine causes fertility problems of any kind.

She notes that concerns often arise from misinformation rather than medical data. Extensive research and global vaccination programmes have consistently shown that people who receive the HPV vaccine do not experience reduced chances of conceiving in the future.

How HPV Infection Can Threaten Future Fertility

While the vaccine itself does not harm fertility, an untreated HPV infection can. HPV is the leading cause of nearly all cervical cancer cases. As per Dr Patil, “treatment for cervical cancer often involves procedures such as cone biopsy or LEEP, which can weaken the cervix. In more advanced cases, radiation or chemotherapy may be required.”

These treatments can reduce a woman’s ability to conceive and, in some cases, make it difficult to carry a pregnancy to full term. By preventing HPV-related cancers in the first place, the vaccine helps preserve the reproductive system and lowers the risk of fertility-compromising treatments later in life.

Why The HPV Vaccine Supports Reproductive Health

Dr. Patil points out that the HPV vaccine should be viewed as a protective measure rather than a risk. By stopping high-risk HPV strains from causing cancer or precancerous changes, the vaccine helps maintain cervical health. A healthy cervix and reproductive system are key factors in natural conception and safe pregnancies.

In this way, the vaccine indirectly supports fertility by reducing the likelihood of medical interventions that could interfere with reproductive function.

When Should the HPV Vaccine Be Taken?

Health experts recommend starting HPV vaccination at ages 11 or 12. At this stage, the immune response is strongest, and the vaccine offers protection well before any potential exposure to the virus. Dr. Patil strongly encourages parents to consult a gynaecologist and consider timely vaccination for their children.

That said, adults who missed vaccination earlier can still benefit. Many women and men receive the vaccine later in life after discussing it with their doctor.

Why Men Should Also Get The HPV Vaccine

The HPV vaccine is not only for women. Dr. Patil stresses that men should also be vaccinated, as HPV can cause cancers and genital warts that affect sexual health. Vaccination in men also reduces transmission to partners, adding another layer of protection for couples planning a family.

By limiting the spread of HPV, vaccination helps safeguard the reproductive and sexual health of both partners.

There is no evidence that the HPV vaccine reduces fertility. On the contrary, it helps prevent cancers and medical treatments that can threaten the ability to conceive or carry a pregnancy. Experts advise speaking with a gynaecologist, understanding the benefits, and making an informed decision based on medical facts rather than fear.

A three-year-old girl was left partially blind after what first seemed like a routine ear infection was later diagnosed as a life-threatening brain tumour. As per Express UK, Chloe Kefford was rushed to A&E when she started experiencing car sickness and balance problems. Doctors initially diagnosed her with an ear infection and sent her home with antihistamines. But as Chloe’s condition worsened, her parents insisted on further testing, which revealed a tumour affecting her optic nerve.

Ear Infection Symptoms Masked A Life-Threatening Diagnosis

Chloe, from Formby, Merseyside, underwent open brain surgery and faced three-and-a-half years of treatment, including proton beam therapy last year, after experiencing two relapses. Proton beam therapy uses high-energy protons to precisely target the tumour, limiting damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Open Brain Surgery And Years Of Intensive Treatment Followed

Now nine years old, Chloe has been honoured with a special award from Cancer Research UK for her bravery throughout her treatment. She received her initial care at St George’s Hospital in London and The Royal Marsden, before being transferred to Alder Hey in Liverpool.

Proton Beam Therapy Used After Cancer Relapsed Twice

Chloe’s mother, Nikki, 38, recalled that the family had been planning a move from Surrey to Merseyside before Chloe fell ill. As per Express UK, she said: “The house was already sold and we were planning our new life by the beach when Chloe became ill. Then we ended up moving and having to isolate for months. She relapsed not long after we moved and had more chemotherapy, then she rang the bell in April last year, but unfortunately, she relapsed again in July. So, we were supposed to be going on holiday to Disneyland in Paris and instead we went to Manchester for six weeks for Chloe to have proton beam therapy.”

Nikki added: “She is partially sighted now and has no peripheral vision; one eye is particularly badly affected. The main aim now is to preserve what eyesight she has left. We’re hopeful that the recent targeted treatment has got the cancer once and for all. She’s on steroids at the moment and is being monitored with three-monthly scans. She’s still in recovery and struggles with fatigue from the treatment, but we hope she’ll have a bit more energy soon. She’s our little ray of sunshine.”

Each year, around 400 children and young people in the North West are diagnosed with cancer. Advances in treatment and research are helping make therapies more effective and less harmful. Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool is one of several centres across the UK taking part in pioneering clinical trials offering innovative new treatments.

In 2018, Cancer Research UK launched the Children’s Brain Tumour Centre of Excellence, supported by TK Maxx. The virtual centre brings together international experts in children’s brain tumour research to transform how treatments are developed. Every child nominated for a Star Award receives this recognition, which is endorsed by celebrities including JoJo Siwa and Pixie Lott.

Cancer Research UK spokesperson Jemma Humphreys said: “After everything Chloe’s been through, it’s been an absolute privilege to celebrate her incredible courage with a Star Award.”

People experiencing certain symptoms are being urged to stay at home as a highly contagious virus spreads quickly across England. Fresh figures from the UK Health Security Agency show a 47% rise in cases during the first two weeks of 2026. This sudden jump has led the agency to remind the public about basic hygiene steps that play a key role in limiting the spread. Data suggests that norovirus is affecting people aged 65 and above the most, and although overall activity remains within normal seasonal levels, there has been a noticeable increase in outbreaks in hospital settings.

The latest UKHSA surveillance update also points to falling levels of flu, COVID-19, and RSV in the opening week of the year. While all winter virus levels are currently where they would be expected for this time of year, people are being encouraged to continue following simple precautions to help keep infections on a downward path.

What Is Norovirus?

Norovirus Symptoms

Common symptoms of norovirus include:

• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhoea.
• Stomach pain.

You may also experience:

• Headache.
• Fever.
• Body aches.

Symptoms usually develop between 12 and 48 hours after exposure and typically last for one to three days.

Doctors Report New Symptoms Of Norovirus

Both flu and norovirus can behave unpredictably, with case numbers rising and falling throughout the season. This makes simple preventive steps especially important. For illnesses affecting the stomach or respiratory system, such as norovirus, regular handwashing remains one of the most effective measures.

Health experts stress that alcohol-based hand sanitisers do not work against norovirus. Washing hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, along with cleaning surfaces using bleach-based products, is far more effective in reducing the spread. Good ventilation indoors can also help limit the transmission of respiratory viruses like flu. Anyone who develops symptoms is advised to stay at home whenever possible.

If going out cannot be avoided, wearing a face covering may help, particularly when around people who are more vulnerable.

Amy Douglas, Lead Epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said, according to the Mirror: “We have seen a clear rise in norovirus cases in recent weeks, particularly among people aged 65 and over, alongside an increase in hospital outbreaks. Although levels are still within what we would normally expect, there are simple actions people can take to stop norovirus spreading further.

“Washing hands with soap and warm water and cleaning surfaces with bleach-based products are key steps. Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus, so they should not be relied on alone.

“If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, do not return to work, school, or nursery until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped, and avoid preparing food for others during this time. If you are unwell, please stay away from hospitals and care homes to protect those most at risk from infection.”