Hormone Replacement Therapy, or HRT, is a treatment that helps women manage symptoms of menopause, like hot flashes, mood swings, and bone health issues. HRT can improve life during menopause, but it may slightly raise the risk of breast cancer. Knowing how HRT affects breast cancer risk helps women make smart choices for their health. What is HRT? HRT replaces estrogen, a hormone that drops during menopause. This drop can cause symptoms like night sweats and mood changes. HRT helps balance hormones and relieves these symptoms. Types of HRT: Estrogen-only HRT: Usually for women who have had their womb removed. Using it with an intact womb can raise the risk of womb cancer. Combined HRT: Has both estrogen and progesterone. For women with a womb, it lowers womb cancer risk but may slightly raise breast cancer risk more than estrogen-only HRT. Localized HRT: Creams, rings, or tablets used in the vagina for dryness. It does not affect the whole body. HRT and Breast Cancer Risk Some studies show that combined HRT can slightly increase breast cancer risk, especially if used for a long time. Risk factors include: Type of HRT: Combined HRT has a higher risk; localized HRT does not. Duration: Using HRT for longer periods, especially combined HRT, can increase the risk. Regular check-ins with your doctor are recommended. Personal/family history: If you or your family have had breast cancer, the risk may be higher. Most research indicates that the risk returns to normal within five years of stopping HRT. Many women still find that HRT improves their quality of life. Factors That Affect Breast Cancer Risk Age: Starting HRT closer to menopause is associated with lower risks. Starting later can increase risk. Family history: Women with a family history of breast cancer should talk to their doctor. Lifestyle: Smoking, alcohol, and being overweight raise breast cancer risk. Healthy habits help lower risk. Duration of use: Short-term use (under five years) has less impact; more prolonged use may increase risk.

A Caesarean section, or C-section, is a surgery used to deliver a baby by making cuts in the mother’s belly and uterus. It’s a common procedure: about one in four births in the US happen this way. Sometimes, a C-section is planned ahead of time, but it can also be done quickly if problems come up during labor. It’s normal to feel nervous about having a C-section, especially if it wasn’t your first choice. Many mothers worry about surgery, recovery, and their baby’s health. The good news is that C-sections are generally safe, and doctors and nurses work hard to take care of both you and your baby. This guide explains why you might need a C-section, how to get ready, and what to expect before, during, and after the operation.

Taking your birth control pill at the same time every day is very important for it to work well and prevent pregnancy. Birth control pills use hormones to control your menstrual cycle and stop your ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation). If you miss a pill, these hormone levels can change, making the pill less effective and increasing your chance of getting pregnant. Missing a pill once in a while happens, but it can lower the pill’s effectiveness, especially if you miss more than one or if you’re in the middle of your pill pack. If you miss a pill, try to take it as soon as you remember and follow the instructions that come with your pills. If you’re not sure what to do or you miss more than one pill, talk to a healthcare professional.

Choosing the right birth control method is an important decision for anyone who wants to manage their reproductive health. There are many options, and the best one for you depends on your health, lifestyle, and what you prefer. There are two main types of birth control: hormonal and non-hormonal. Hormonal birth control changes your body’s hormones to prevent pregnancy. Non-hormonal methods use physical barriers or natural techniques and do not change your hormone levels. Knowing the pros and cons of each can help you decide what works best for you.

The birth control pill, often just called "the pill," is a very popular way for people to prevent pregnancy. Since it was first used in the 1960s, the pill has made it much easier for women to control when they have children. The pill is popular because it works well, is easy to use, and has extra health benefits, like making periods more regular and less painful. What Is the Birth Control Pill? The birth control pill is a medicine you take by mouth every day to stop you from getting pregnant. It contains hormones that are similar to the ones your body makes naturally. These hormones help control your period and stop your ovaries from releasing eggs. There are two main types of birth control pills: Combined Pill: Has both estrogen and progestin. Progestin-Only Pill (Mini-Pill): Has only progestin, which is good for women who can’t take estrogen.

Age is an important factor in fertility for both men and women. As people get older, it usually becomes harder to have a baby. Knowing how fertility changes in your 20s, 30s, and 40s can help you make better choices about starting a family. Other things like your health, lifestyle, and genetics also matter, but age is a big part of the picture.

Many things can affect how easy it is for someone to have a baby, and the choices we make every day can play a big part. What you eat, how much you move, and how you take care of yourself can all help your body work better and make it easier to get pregnant. Making small, healthy changes can really help if you’re trying to have a baby.

What Is Ovulation? Ovulation is when a mature egg is released from a woman’s ovary during her menstrual cycle. The egg travels down the fallopian tube, where it might meet sperm and become fertilized. This is the only time during the cycle when pregnancy can happen, because an egg must be present for conception to occur. Why Is Ovulation Important for Pregnancy? Knowing when ovulation happens is important if you’re trying to get pregnant. Every person’s cycle is different, so understanding your own cycle can help you time intercourse for the best chance of conception. This means learning how to track ovulation and spot your most fertile days.

Conception is when a sperm cell from a man joins with an egg cell from a woman. This starts the process of pregnancy. Even though it sounds simple, many things need to happen for conception to work. Sometimes, it can take a while, and each person’s experience is different. For conception to happen, you need: A healthy egg Healthy sperm Good timing The right conditions inside the body Even when everything seems right, it might still take time to get pregnant. Everyone’s body, health, and lifestyle can make a difference.

Perimenopause is a natural change that happens before menopause when a woman's hormone levels start to go up and down. During this time, changes in estrogen and progestin can cause symptoms that affect daily life. Perimenopause usually starts in a woman's 40s, but some women notice changes in their 30s. Learning about perimenopause, knowing the signs, and understanding what to expect can help manage symptoms. What is Perimenopause? Perimenopause is the time when a woman's body gets ready for menopause. During this time, the ovaries make less estrogen, which affects periods and causes various symptoms. How Long It Lasts: For most women, perimenopause lasts between 4 and 10 years, but this can vary. Once you go 12 months without a period, you've reached menopause. Perimenopause vs. Menopause: Menopause is when periods stop completely. Perimenopause is the time leading up to this. During perimenopause, you may still have periods, but they might be irregular. Hormone Changes: The main hormones involved are estrogen and progestin, which affect periods, energy, and mood. During perimenopause, these hormones can go up and down, causing physical and emotional changes.

Menopause is a natural part of life when a woman's body goes through hormone changes. These changes can cause many symptoms, and weight gain is a common concern. During menopause, many women notice their bodies changing, especially around the middle. It's important to know that weight gain during menopause is normal. Understanding why it happens can help you manage it. This guide explains why weight gain happens during menopause, how it affects your health, and practical ways to stay healthy. Why Menopause Affects Weight Hormone Changes One main reason for weight gain is the drop in estrogen. This hormone affects where and how fat is stored in your body. When estrogen levels go down, more fat gets stored around your belly. Slower Metabolism As we age, our metabolism slows down. This means our bodies use less energy. This change makes it easier to gain weight and harder to lose it. Building muscle through exercise can help boost metabolism, but some slowing down happens naturally as we age. Less Muscle We lose muscle as we age, especially if we're not active. Muscle burns more calories than fat, so with less muscle, we burn fewer calories, even when resting. This makes it easier to gain weight, even if you eat the same amount as before.

25 Health & Beauty Q&As Here is a breakdown of questions you asked, about health and beauty, answered by our dermatology specialist. 1. What is the best skincare routine for dry skin? Various factors, such as environment, genetics, or certain skin conditions, can cause dry skin. A good routine for dry skin focuses on hydration and skin protection. We suggest a simple yet complete approach, including a cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen for the daytime and a night routine that includes a cleanser, moisturizer and face oil. Some additional tips include using a humidifier in your room to maintain moisture in the air and using a large bottle of water to ensure optimal hydration throughout the day. 2. How do you achieve the glass skin look? To achieve the “glass skin” look, we recommend following a healthy lifestyle and consistently keeping up a skincare routine that gives you an intensely hydrated complexion. This routine typically involves double cleansing, exfoliation, toning, essence, moisturizer and sunscreen. Some optional treatments would include applying sheet masks up to 3 times a week for an extra boost of hydration. 3. Is sunscreen essential, and why? Yes, sunscreen is crucial for maintaining healthy skin. It helps protect against harmful UV rays that can cause sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer. It's essential to apply sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days. 4. How can you treat acne and anxiety-induced flare-ups with skincare? To treat acne and anxiety-induced flare-ups with skincare, I recommend using gentle cleansers and moisturisers that are non-comedogenic and fragrance-free. Also, incorporate calming ingredients like aloe vera or green tea into your skincare routine for relief benefits. 5. Can consuming a lot of caffeine cause lousy skin? Caffeine can be both beneficial and harmful for the skin. Some positive effects include anti-oxidant properties and improved circulation. Some adverse effects include dehydration and increasing the stress hormone in the body. 6. How do you apply retinol? Retinol is applied as the second step in your night skincare routine. After gently cleansing the skin, apply a small amount of retinol evenly on the skin, then seal with a hydrating moisturizer. It is essential to start slowly with retinol. We recommend starting with 0.25% for new users. 7. Can I use retinol in my 20s? While It may be too early to start, it depends on your skin type and is specific to your concerns and goals. Please consult a dermatologist to tailor your retinol use. 8. What will help tighten your skin? It can be approached from both products and professional treatments. Some of the recommended products include peptides, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C ingredients. Some of the professional methods we recommend include laser therapy, radiofrequency, and ultrasound therapy. Some at-home remedies, including masks and facial massages, can contribute to better circulation and more collagen production. 9. Can vitamin C irritate my skin? Should I use it in the morning or night? It depends on your skin type and the concentration of vitamin C used. You should not use Vitamin C combined with other actives, such as retinoids, exfoliating acids, or benzoyl peroxide, as that can lead to skin sensitivity and irritation. 10. Are alcohols bad to use on the skin? It depends on the type of alcohol ingredient in the skincare product. Please consult your dermatologist for personalized advice and always patch-test the product before use. 11. What are the best vitamins for glowing skin? To achieve radiant skin, focusing on several vitamins can play a critical role in your skin’s health and radiance. Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and Vitamin K Vitamin C Benefits - Boosts immunity, helps collagen production, and enhances iron absorption. Sources - Citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli. Food vs supplements - Better absorbed from food, but supplements help if dietary intake is insufficient. Vitamin E Benefits - Antioxidant, supports skin and immune health. Sources - Nuts, seeds, spinach, vegetable oils. Food vs supplements - Prefer food for better absorption; high-dose supplements can interfere with clotting. Vitamin A Benefits - Supports vision, immunity, and skin health. Sources - Liver, dairy (retinol); carrots, sweet potatoes (beta-carotene). Food vs supplements - Prefer beta-carotene foods to avoid toxicity; supplements only if deficient. Vitamin D Benefits - Supports bone health and immune function. Sources - Sunlight, fatty fish, fortified foods, egg yolks. Food vs supplements - Hard to get from food; supplements often needed, especially in low sunlight areas. Vitamin K Benefits - Essential for blood clotting and bone health. Sources - Leafy greens, broccoli, fermented foods. Food vs Supplements - Easily obtained from food; supplements rarely needed unless deficient. 12. How to get rid of hormonal acne? There are multiple ways you could approach getting rid of hormonal acne. We recommend you first focus on lifestyle changes, including managing your diet, sleep and stress levels.  Second, implement a skincare routine and be consistent with it. Third, you could consult a dermatologist if the case persists. Finally, you could try topical treatments, including retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, etc. 13. How can you prevent skin from aging? To prevent skin aging, you could implement multiple strategies in your lifestyle choices and skincare routine to maintain skin health and avoid skin issues that may arise with age. Use sunscreen consistently. Follow a healthy diet and limit sugar intake. Implement healthy habits avoid alcohol avoid smoking and get 8+ hours of sleep per night. Manage stress levels. Regular dermatologist visits for specific advice tailored to your concerns. 14. What are the best products for dark circles under the eyes? There are many products you can use for dark under-eye circles. Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and caffeine in under-eye creams can offer instant benefits and enhance the darkness immediately upon use. If darkness persists with consistent use of products, we recommend checking your lifestyle routine and consulting a dermatologist. 15. Is there a DIY treatment for blemishes? To create any DIY treatment that targets blemishes on the skin, you would have to make a concoction that reduces inflammation, kills bacteria and promotes healing. Please note that it is essential to patch-test them on a small skin area before the entire application. 16. Is my skin dry or just dehydrated? The difference between dry and dehydrated skin can be determined by learning the characteristics of both types and considering a few tests, such as the pinch test. If unsure, visit a dermatologist to help diagnose your skin and recommend the best treatment tailored to your concern. 17. Should my skincare lineup change from AM to PM? It depends on what you are trying to target and your goal. Here are key questions you can ask yourself to determine if your skincare lineup should change from AM to PM: What are my skincare goals? Are you focusing on hydration, anti-aging, acne, or protection from environmental damage? How does my skin behave throughout the day? Does it get oily, dry, or sensitive during different parts of the day? Do I need sun protection at night? Sunscreens are vital during the day but unnecessary in the evening. Am I using products that target different concerns for day vs night? Antioxidants (like Vitamin C) protect during the day, while retinoids or exfoliants work better at night for repair. How sensitive is my skin to certain ingredients? Some active ingredients (like retinoids or AHAs) can make your skin more sun-sensitive, so they're better used at night. What kind of environment am I in during the day? Do you need more protection from pollutants and UV in the morning compared to the evening when your skin can recover? How much time can I dedicate to skincare in the morning vs the evening? Does your schedule allow for a more intensive routine at night, or do you need something simpler for the AM? Answering these questions will help tailor your routine to your specific daily and night needs. 18. What do you recommend for sensitive skin? A few recommendations for sensitive skin include the following: using only gentle products, avoiding alcohol-based products and always doing a patch test on a small area of the skin of any new products before application to ensure they don’t irritate you. 19. Do you recommend taking skin supplements? It depends on your specific deficiencies and overall health needs. Both supplements and natural intake of vitamins and minerals are effective ways to provide your skin with the necessary needs. 20. How to fix an uneven skin tone? To successfully address uneven skin tone, you need to approach the following: Use sunscreen consistently. Gently exfoliate your skin 3-4 times per week.  Follow a healthy lifestyle. Consider hydroquinone. Consult a dermatologist for specific advice and a tailored approach to uneven skin tone. 21. How do I find out my skin type? Understanding your skin type will help you take care of it and choose the right products and routines that will allow you to maintain it and get the best results. Ask your dermatologist about your skin type. 22. Should I wear sunscreen indoors? Whether you need sunscreen indoors depends on the environment you’re spending your day in. If you are subjected to light through windows or screens for long periods, then yes, wearing sunscreen with at least SPF 25 indoors will be beneficial and prevent the harm and effects of UV radiation on your skin and overall health. 23. How should I layer my skincare products? For your skincare routine to be effective and achieve the maximum benefits and results, we advise you to layer it as follows, allowing absorption time before applying the next. Step 1 - Cleanser. Step 2 - Toner. Step 3 - Serum. Step 4 - Moisturizer. Step 5 - Sunscreen. Please be aware that combining or layering active ingredients (such as retinoids and vitamin C or AHA/BHA acids or niacinamide) can irritate when used together. 24. How to control oil production on the face? Some effective methods you could implement include: opting for gentle cleansers, regular exfoliation, opting for oil-free or water/gel-based products, and incorporating mattifying products if needed. Consuming a healthy diet of natural foods can help overall skin condition and health. 25. How effective are facial laser treatments? It varies from one individual to another, but in general, facial laser treatments are considered highly effective for multiple concerns, including acne, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. Consult your dermatologist for a suitable treatment.