Q1.  I want to know at what age should a woman start taking calcium and vitamins tablets and for how long?  My thyroid levels in spite of taking thyronorm 150 mg is on the high side how to curb that. Am also having varicose veins but not painful as of now how can that be controlled.
My kids (boys) aged 10 & 12, the elder will be entering teens this year so what all hormonal changes can take place and how to take care of it. In spite of controlling their diet, they tend to eat more of junk food how can this be curbed???? My younger ones also complaints a lot of leg pain what could be the reason?   My husband’s Uric acid is on the higher side what diet should be taken for the same. Looking for the right guidance and help.

It’s always better to have a healthy nutritious diet rather than popping vitamins. However, there are some phases in a women’s life where additional calcium supplements are required like pregnancy lactation and menopause. The other vitamins like D and B12 could be supplemented if levels are less.

For thyroid levels, one must visit the endocrinologist.

For varicose veins, you should avoid long hours of standing, move your toes while standing, keeping the foot end of bed elevated to 20degree at night time and wear compression stockings as general measures to prevent major side effects.

With the onset of puberty, boys may experience hair growth in new places, crack in the voice etc. There is also a growth spurt with an increase in height, weight, and muscle. The arms, legs, hands, and feet also grow faster than the rest of his body. Pimples are common for most teens. The physical changes kids experience as they move toward adulthood often are accompanied by emotional consequences. It’s important to talk to your child about how bodies change — sooner, rather than later. Each time you talk, offer more and more detail, depending on your child’s maturity level and interest in the topic.

A detailed counseling session with a pediatrician will help.

The key to bring a change in the lifestyle of your children is to be the change yourself. Once you opt for healthier food items and relish the same in front of your children, it will eventually serve as a catalyst in changing their perception of tasty food.

About your younger one complaining of leg pain, the reason could be growing pains. Growing pains are cramping, muscle pains that some preschoolers and preteens feel in both legs. The pains usually occur in the late afternoon or evenings. They might be due to intense childhood activities that can wear your child’s muscle out. The following things may ease the discomfort and help your child feel better.

  1. Massaging the legs
  2. Stretching the leg muscles
  3. Placing a warm cloth on the sore leg

If the pain does not get better, please contact your pediatrician.

For your husband’s uric acid being on the higher side, you should see a physician.

Answered by- Dr. Astha Dayal, Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Dr. Ankur, Associate Consultant, Advanced Surgical Sciences and Dr. Shreya Dubey, Consultant Neonatology & Paediatrics, CK Birla Hospital for Women

 

Q2.  I am down with Urticaria since 2010 after a major cervical surgery induced by a road accident.  An Allergy Specialist was treating me since then and had put me mostly on ALLEGRA. This time when I went for my review, he indirectly washed his hands off my case. I was not only shocked but I feel abandoned too after so many years of consultations. He also asked me to try Homeopathy. Could you guide me what best to do for relief?

You need to consult a dermatologist for the same.

Answered by- Dr. Ankur Garg, Associate Consultant, Advanced Surgical Sciences, CK Birla Hospital for Women

 

Q 3. I have been having irregular periods ranging from 26 days to 31 days for the past few months. I have mood swings, feel low, lethargic and low on energy, gained 2 kilos of weight from 57 to 59, mainly around abs and thighs, this is despite being involved in gymming and running very regularly. Could this be hormonal imbalance, high estrogen, thyroid dysfunction or the start of menopause? Very confused! Pls, could you help?

You could get basic tests like hemoglobin, thyroid function, vitamin D and B12, sugars and an ultrasound TVS to find if any of these are causing your symptoms. If all tests are normal, then it could just be stress/exhaustion.

Answered by- Dr. Astha Dayal, Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, CK Birla Hospital for Women

 

Q4. Are all vaccinations harmful for kids? Do they lead to autism?

Despite the very popular myth, vaccines are actually meant to benefit and not harm the children. Babies can protect themselves from some diseases, thanks to antibodies passed onto them in the womb. But this kind of inherited immunity is short-lived, so a child must develop her own immune system response to combat life-threatening diseases. That’s where vaccines come into the picture. When weighing the risks of encountering life-threatening disease against the benefits of receiving a vaccine there’s no contest. The vast majority of children do not experience anything worse than short-lived redness or itching at the spot of the injection.

Some concerns about vaccines stem from discredited work that suggested they lead to autism. (The findings were subsequently retracted, and the physician who did that small study was barred from practicing medicine because of ethical lapses.) More than a dozen studies have added to the body of evidence that this link does not exist. Expert groups, including the IOM(Institute of Medicine) and the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics), agree that vaccines do not contribute to children’s autism rates. The vaccine additive thiomersal also does not cause autism.

Answered by- Dr. Shreya Dubey, Consultant Neonatology & Paediatrics, CK Birla Hospital for Women

 

Q5. Is there any alternative treatment for varicose veins besides surgery? 

Treatment for varicose veins is Surgery, but there are different approaches for surgery. There are minimal invasive surgical approaches like Radiofrequency ablation and EndoVascular Laser Ablation and Subfascial Endoscopic Perforator Surgery.

Answered by- Dr. Ankur Garg, Associate Consultant, Advanced Surgical Sciences, CK Birla Hospital for Women

 

Q6.  How often should a parent clean their child’s ears?

Earwax (Cerumen) produced in the ear canal, contains enzymes that help prevent bacteria and fungus from growing in the ear. Earwax also traps dust and dirt particles that enter the ear. Wax normally regulates itself by migrating from the inside of the ear canal. Wax only needs to be removed from the ear for two reasons:

  1. When a doctor needs to move ear wax out of the way to see the eardrum
  2. When it is so tightly packed that it is compromising hearing

How to clean the ears?

  • Use a cloth or tissue to wipe away any wax that has migrated out of the ear canal.
  • To dry ears after a bath or a shower, instruct your child tilt their ear to one side against a towel, and then tilt their head to the other, allowing water to drip out on its own.
  • Never put anything in your child’s ear canal to remove a foreign body. Removal should only be attempted by a professional with the proper equipment such as your child’s pediatrician or a pediatric ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.
  • Remind your preteen or teenager to clean behind their ears with soap and warm water to remove oil and dirt that can cause acne back there.
  • If you think too much ear wax is causing your child to have difficulty hearing, discuss this with your child’s pediatrician or a pediatric ENT. There are over the counter products available to dissolve wax but it is best to discuss what is best with your child’s doctor.
  • Refrain from using cotton swabs in your own ears, particularly in front of your child.

Answered by- Dr. Shreya Dubey, Consultant Neonatology & Paediatrics, CK Birla Hospital for Women

 

Q7.  I have PCOS. I have been seeing a change in my period cycles –  first few days are very scanty and then very very heavy periods. Usually, it used to be heavy periods but not this heavy. I am close to 40. Pl advise.

It is important for you to visit a gynecologist. Any change in the pattern of bleeding after 35 years of age needs evaluation with Pap smear, an ultrasound TVS and testing the lining of the uterus. Everything is normal in most cases and most people get treated with medication.

Answered by- Dr. Astha Dayal, Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, CK Birla Hospital for Women

 

Q8. Hypothyroid and PCOS – pl share some lifestyle tips for weight management 

It is a little difficult for people with PCOD and hypothyroidism to lose weight that easily. You should have a diet free of refined carbohydrates, like sugar, all-purpose flour, and reduce rice, potato, and starchy foods. Have small frequent meals and avoid junk food. 30 minutes of strenuous exercise or 45 minutes of moderate exercise thrice a week. Also, destress with meditation and have an adequate sleep at night. You may need medication for PCOD and need to keep thyroid under control for faster results.

Answered by- Dr. Astha Dayal, Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, CK Birla Hospital for Women

 

Q9.  Is there any ideal age for menopause? I am 41 yrs old and during most of my monthly cycles, I experience Hot Flushes, body pains, and a lot of other issues. Is this normal? Are these symptoms of Menopause?

Ans: The age of menopause could be anywhere between 45 to 55. But it depends on many factors, like the family history, obesity, race, ethnicity etc. A lot many cases of premature menopause are also seen nowadays. You could do simple hormonal tests like FSH on day 2 of period or AMH to know if your symptoms are due to perimenopause. A good diet, exercise, meditation/relaxation and multivitamins containing isoflavones generally help with the symptoms, but it is important to rule out Thyroid disorders, Calcium, Vitamin deficiencies hypertension and diabetes.

Answered by- Dr. Astha Dayal, Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, CK Birla Hospital for Women

 

Q10. I have Thyroid Issues. I am taking Thynorm 25mg. Should I consult an Endocrinologist, or can I continue my treatment with a General Physician?  I am 65 years old.

You could get a full evaluation with thyroid antibodies and consult an endocrinologist. If everything is fine, you could just follow up with the General Physician.

Answered by- Dr. Astha Dayal, Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, CK Birla Hospital for Women

 

Q11. Is Mirena (IUD) safe for all age groups?

Yes, MIRENA can be used by all women who are sexually active. In fact, it is used in teenagers abroad as a long-acting contraceptive. They use a smaller form of MIRENA called JADELLE.

Answered by- Dr. Astha Dayal, Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, CK Birla Hospital for Women