Coffee has always been a crowd favorite drink among all age groups. But we all know that caffeine has a different effect on everyone. Doctors often express how young kids and teens should be careful about caffeine but new guidelines regarding this set a firm boundary when it comes to teen health and caffeine. Health experts, working with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, have new advice on healthy drinks for kids and teens in the age group of 5-18. The guidelines say that water and milk are the best drinks for them. They want kids to get into good drinking habits early so they can stay healthy. They're also worried about kids drinking too many sugary and caffeinated drinks. This new guide helps parents know what's good for their kids to drink.

How Did Caffeine Become So Popular Among Teens?

The new guidelines are especially relevant because caffeinated drinks have become increasingly popular among teenagers. Coffee shops, like Starbucks, are popular hangouts for teens, and energy drinks, often packed with caffeine and promoted by social media influencers, are widely available. And a very popular theme on social media is coffee, people enjoy having different varieties of it, making to a very affordable and trendy thing to enjoy! There are accounts dedicated to coffee consumption and often kids and teens partake in these trends.

A recent poll by the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital found that nearly a quarter of parents say their teens consume caffeine almost every day. The most common sources are sodas, followed by coffee and tea, and then energy drinks. Even chocolate contributes to caffeine intake. The amount of kids who consume coffee raises concerns about the potential health effects of caffeine on young people, whose bodies and brains are still developing. The easy access to these beverages and the marketing strategies targeting young audiences contribute to the problem.

Could The Lack Of Guidelines Be A Reason?

Right now, there aren't any official rules about how much caffeine kids can have. This makes it hard for parents and doctors to know what to tell kids about caffeine. The new report tries to fix this by giving some advice based on research. Experts are worried about how caffeine affects kids' sleep, mood, and health. Kids are more sensitive to caffeine than adults. Caffeine can keep them awake, make them anxious, and might even affect their hearts. Because there aren't any rules, it's important to have experts telling us what's safe.

How Caffeine Affects Kids

Caffeine is something that makes your body speed up. Adults can usually handle some caffeine, but it's different for kids and teens. Their bodies are smaller, and their brains are still growing, so caffeine can affect them more. It can make it hard for them to sleep, make them nervous, and even give them headaches or stomachaches. It can also raise their blood pressure and heart rate. Caffeine can also change their mood, making them cranky or unable to focus. We don't know all the ways caffeine affects kids in the long run, and that's another reason to be careful.

The report says that plain water and plain milk are the healthiest drinks for kids and teens. They say it's okay to have a little bit of 100% juice, plant-based milk, or flavored milk, but not too much. They also say kids should stay away from sugary drinks like soda, sports drinks, and lemonade. And, very importantly, they shouldn't drink caffeinated drinks or other things that give you a jolt. This advice is based on what we know about how these drinks affect kids' health. Sugary drinks can cause weight gain and other problems, and caffeine can mess with sleep and other things.

Egg freezing, once perceived as a concept limited to celebrities or affluent urban populations, is gradually becoming an important part of reproductive planning among Indian women, according to fertility experts.

Dr. Tarang Yadav, Senior Consultant - IVF, Obstetrics and Gynecology, ShardaCare–Healthcity, told HealthandMe that India is witnessing a gradual shift in conversations surrounding reproductive health, with more women seeking fertility consultations proactively rather than after experiencing difficulty conceiving. As per the expert, this trend is particularly visible in metropolitan and tier-2 cities.

The reason? Increasing awareness regarding fertility, delayed parenthood, evolving lifestyles, and advancements in reproductive medicine have contributed to growing interest in fertility preservation across different age groups and professional backgrounds.

"Today, more women are prioritizing education, career growth, financial stability, and personal readiness before planning pregnancy," Dr. Tarang said.

According to the World Health Organization, around 17.5 per cent of the adult population globally, nearly 1 in 6 people, experience infertility at some point in their lives, highlighting the growing need for accessible fertility care and awareness.

Also read: High Prolactin Levels Behind 40% Surge In Female Infertility Cases, Warn Doctors

What Is Egg Freezing?

Dr. Tarang explained that egg freezing, medically known as oocyte cryopreservation, allows women to preserve healthier eggs at a younger reproductive age, potentially improving future reproductive opportunities. While it does not guarantee pregnancy later in life, it offers an additional reproductive option for women who may wish to delay childbearing for personal, social, or medical reasons.

According to current international fertility preservation guidelines, planned oocyte cryopreservation can be considered in appropriately counselled women, particularly when undertaken at a younger age and after proper fertility assessment.

Who May Benefit From Egg Freezing?

Dr. Tarang noted that egg freezing is increasingly being considered not only for social reasons but also for several medical indications.

Women who can benefit from fertility preservation include those:

• planning a delayed pregnancy due to career or personal circumstances, who have not yet found a suitable life partner,
• cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy, women with severe endometriosis, patients undergoing ovarian surgeries,
• with diminished ovarian reserve
• with a family history of premature ovarian insufficiency

"In such situations, fertility preservation can provide psychological reassurance and reproductive flexibility before ovarian function declines further," Dr. Tarang said.

Read More: India Makes Significant Progress In Maternal Care, Nutrition And Child Immunization: NFHS-6

Why Timing Matters

Although egg freezing can be considered at different ages depending on individual ovarian reserve and reproductive goals, outcomes are generally better when eggs are frozen before the age of 35. Younger eggs tend to have better quality and chromosomal competence, which may improve future IVF outcomes.

The expert stressed the importance of early fertility counselling and ovarian reserve assessment. Tests such as Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), ultrasound-based antral follicle count (AFC), and overall reproductive evaluation help determine whether a woman is an appropriate candidate for egg freezing.

Common Concerns About Egg Freezing

Addressing common concerns around the procedure, Dr. Shanujeet Kaur, Associate Director and Senior Gynecologist, Department of Fertility and Gynecology at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Chandigarh, told HealthandMe that some women may experience temporary mood swings due to hormonal medications used during ovarian stimulation.

Light to moderate exercise, including walking and stretching, is generally safe during treatment, though high-intensity workouts may be discouraged as the ovaries enlarge.

Current research suggests egg freezing is generally safe, with no strong evidence linking fertility medications used during the procedure to long-term health problems such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or infertility in most women.

Recovery after egg retrieval is typically quick, with most women able to resume normal activities within one to three days, though mild cramping, bloating, spotting, or fatigue may occur temporarily.

The expert also advised maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and following personalised medical guidance regarding birth control and lifestyle measures during treatment.

While conditions such as PCOS, thyroid disorders, and advancing age are well-known causes of infertility, doctors are increasingly flagging high prolactin levels as an overlooked contributor. The hormonal imbalance may increase a woman's risk of infertility by up to 40 per cent, experts warned.

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland in the brain and is primarily responsible for breast milk production after childbirth. When prolactin levels become abnormally high in women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding, it can interfere with reproductive health and make conception difficult.

Elevated prolactin levels can disrupt ovulation, cause irregular menstrual cycles, and contribute to infertility, making early diagnosis and treatment crucial.

“There is a 40 per cent surge in infertility cases linked to high prolactin levels. Nearly, in a month, 4 out of 10 women aged 25-35 presenting with irregular periods and infertility are found to have elevated prolactin levels,” Dr. Sumit Paranjpe, Gynecologist, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Mumbai, told HealthandMe.

"Excess prolactin can suppress the hormones responsible for ovulation, resulting in irregular menstrual cycles or even the absence of periods. Without regular ovulation, the chances of conception decrease significantly," he added.

Symptoms Women Should Not Ignore

According to Dr. Paranjpe, apart from infertility, women with high prolactin levels may experience:

• Irregular periods
• Milky nipple discharge despite not being pregnant or breastfeeding
• Reduced libido
• Headaches
• Emotional distress

The expert said that factors such as pituitary gland disorders, certain medications, thyroid problems, chronic stress, and hormonal imbalances can contribute to elevated prolactin levels.

Early Diagnosis Can Improve Fertility Outcomes

Dr. Paranjpe said high prolactin levels can usually be diagnosed through simple blood tests and managed effectively with appropriate treatment.

“Women should not ignore symptoms such as irregular periods, unexplained nipple discharge, or difficulty conceiving. Timely evaluation can help identify the underlying cause and restore normal ovulation. In many cases, medications can successfully lower prolactin levels, regulate menstrual cycles, and improve fertility outcomes.”

He added that maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, and undergoing regular health check-ups can help support hormonal balance.

Other Causes Of Infertility

Dr. Sneha Sathe, Clinical Director and Fertility Specialist, Nova IVF Fertility, Chembur, Mumbai, said many women continue to struggle with infertility without realizing that a hormonal imbalance may be the underlying reason.

“At times, women belonging to the age group of 25-35 seeking fertility consultations report symptoms such as irregular periods or ovulation-related issues. The most common cause of ovulatory dysfunction is PCOS (now known as PMOS). Other causes include thyroid problems, high prolactin, chronic illness, and hypothalamic issues,” she told HealthandMe.

Treatment may involve medications to induce ovulation, along with advice regarding diet and exercise in women with PCOS. In cases where an underlying condition, such as elevated prolactin or a thyroid problem, is identified, targeted treatment can help normalize hormone levels and regulate menstrual cycles.

“Early diagnosis and treatment can improve fertility outcomes and prevent unnecessary delays in family planning. Raised prolactin level is not a common isolated cause for infertility, but treating it in women identified to have high levels can help,” Dr. Sathe said.

Thyroid problems are giving a tough time to many women. Are you aware? More women planning pregnancy are now being diagnosed with borderline thyroid levels. Here, the expert sheds light on the importance of early screening and timely care for better fertility outcomes. It is imperative for women to manage their thyroid health by following the vital tips.

Thyroid issues are commonly seen in a large number of women. Currently, a large number of women who are planning pregnancy are being diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism.

This condition is identified when thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are slightly high, while other thyroid hormones remain within the normal range. Although it may not cause obvious symptoms, it can still impact fertility and pregnancy outcomes if left unmanaged.

Understanding The Link Between Thyroid And Fertility

Thyroid hormones play an important role in regulating metabolism, menstrual cycles, and ovulation. Even a small amount of imbalance can interfere with the release of eggs, making it harder for women to conceive. Subclinical hypothyroidism can be detected by the expert during routine blood tests, that is, when women undergo pre-pregnancy check-ups or even fertility evaluations. The diagnosis can be surprising for women.

That is the time some women may come to know about their compromised thyroid levels. So, the causes behind the rise in borderline TSH levels are lifestyle-related factors. You will be shocked to know that stress, poor diet, lack of sleep, and sedentary habits can affect hormonal balance.

Even conditions such as Autoimmune Thyroiditis and iodine imbalance may also contribute to thyroid dysfunction. Since symptoms are usually mild or absent, many women will end up ignoring the symptoms and suffer in silence.

While subclinical hypothyroidism may not always require aggressive treatment, it becomes important when a woman is trying to conceive. As even mildly elevated TSH levels can increase the risk of irregular ovulation, early pregnancy loss, and complications during pregnancy, prompt monitoring and, in some cases, low-dose thyroid medication can be recommended by the doctor to maintain optimal hormone levels.

Women Must Follow These Tips:

• Women should opt for regular thyroid function tests before planning pregnancy to know the status of their thyroid health.
• It is necessary to consult an expert and follow a balanced diet with an adequate amount of iodine and nutrients.
• Strictly avoid junk, processed, and sugary foods, stay hydrated, quit smoking, and limit alcohol.
• It is also necessary to sleep well, exercise daily, and follow the doctor’s instructions regarding medication and follow-ups.

So, women, stay vigilant and prevent thyroid problems.

(By Dr Swati Rai, Consultant-Gynecologist and Laparoscopic Surgeon at Motherhood Hospitals, Noida.)