Latest news with #BloomIVF
Mint
2 days ago
- Health
- Mint
Hormone therapy's new dual role? Managing menopause and potential Alzheimer's
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been a cornerstone in managing menopause related symptoms. Over the last few years, there is some research on it's potential in reducing the risk or even delaying the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Estrogen plays a vital role in brain function. It supports memory, cognition, and even mood regulation. As women approach menopause, the natural decline in estrogen may accelerate brain aging, possibly increasing vulnerability to neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's. This has had researchers wonder whether HRT can be used to preserve cognitive function. There have been a few research papers which have suggested that early initiation of HRT can possibly reduce risk of Alzheimer's. They suggest that there is a window period, that is within 10 years of menopause, where HRT if started can reduce the risk by reducing inflammation, promoting synaptic growth, and enhancing cerebral blood flow. While HRT has its benefits, it needs to be understood that there are risks especially in patients with hormone receptor breast cancer. In such patients, non-hormonal medication or localised therapies like estrogen creams or rings maybe more beneficial. HRT treatment needs to be individualised. The correct selection of patient needs to be done and that can be done by your doctor. HRT can get both relief from menopausal symptoms and long-term cognitive benefits. In addition, sometimes a multi-disciplinary approach maybe required. It's also essential to consider factors like: Family history of dementia Cardiovascular risk Type, dose, and delivery method of hormones (oral vs. transdermal) Age at initiation In today's era of precision medicine, women deserve nuanced, evidence-based guidance—not fear or blanket restrictions. Hormone therapy can be a powerful ally, but only when used thoughtfully, and with awareness of both its promise and its limits. Dr. Rohan Palshetkar is consultant IVF specialist at Bloom IVF and Palshetkar Patil Nursing Home, Mumbai.
India.com
28-06-2025
- Health
- India.com
Smoking, Booze, And Burnout Are Destroying Male Fertility - Expert Reveals Hidden Damage Before It's Too Late
While infertility is often seen as a 'woman's issue,' science tells a different story; up to 40% of infertility cases are due to male factors. Yet, men continue to unknowingly harm their fertility through everyday habits like smoking, regular alcohol consumption, and unchecked stress. In honour of World Infertility Awareness Month this June, we turned to Dr Sunita Arora, Senior Director of IVF at Bloom IVF (Fortis La Femme), who breaks down how these three lifestyle choices work together to create a perfect storm for male reproductive health. And her warning is clear: these seemingly 'normal' behaviors could be costing men their chances of becoming fathers. Dr Sunita reveals, "Think of your sperm as messengers carrying precious cargo. Now imagine sending them through polluted air, soaked in ethanol, with anxiety sitting on their back like a stubborn passenger. That is the impact of this toxic trio." Effects Of Smoking On Male Fertility Dr Sunita says, "Beyond the stained fingers and short breath, cigarettes quietly destroy sperm quality. Toxins such as cadmium and lead enter the bloodstream, reducing sperm count and damaging their ability to swim properly. Worse still, they can cause genetic changes." A 2022 study in Reproductive Toxicology revealed that smokers have significantly higher sperm DNA fragmentation, which can lead to reduced chances of conception or miscarriage. ROS (reactive oxygen species) levels significantly increase in blood as a result of smoking, leading to all consequences. Effects Of Alcohol On Male Fertility "A casual glass on a Friday night might seem harmless, but regular consumption tells a different story. Alcohol lowers testosterone levels, which are essential for sperm production. It also impairs liver function, leading to hormonal imbalances. Excessive Alcohol intake is directly linked not only to sperm quality and number but with their motility also and hence direct impact on male fertility. It also may lead to erectile dysfunction in men," reveals Dr Sunita. Effects Of Stress On Male Fertility Stress, not the kind that motivates you to finish your taxes, but the deep, persistent kind that follows you to bed and wakes up with you. Dr Sunita says, "Chronic stress increases cortisol, a hormone that directly competes with testosterone. The result is low libido, irregular hormone cycles, and reduced sperm health. Stress also fuels the urge to smoke and drink, creating a vicious cycle that is difficult to break." Together, smoking, alcohol, and stress form a kind of conspiracy against male fertility. They are not loud threats, but slow, consistent ones. They wear you down while you are looking the other way. This World Infertility Awareness Month, we urge men to pause and reflect. Have your habits slowly become your hurdles? Do not wait for a lab report to start taking charge of your health. Every small step, a cigarette avoided, a drink skipped, a walk taken instead of worrying, can make a real difference. And here is a question to carry with you. Are your everyday choices supporting the future you dream of?
