More than only physical discomfort is frequently experienced during menstrual periods. Emotional symptoms like melancholy, impatience, and worry might also take center stage, even if headaches, cramps, and exhaustion are typical. Some people experience similar mood changes before, during, or even after their period finishes, and they might mimic sadness. But have we ever thought about why there are mood swings in the first place and how we can deal with them effectively?

The answer to why is because the female body changes every week due to the menstrual cycle, which has four phases. These four phases disrupt hormones, which can affect the mood.

Turns out that mood swings are not just limited to menstruation or PMS, it changes throughout the menstrual cycle. A menstrual cycle consists of four different phases follicular phase, ovulation, luteal phase, and menses.

Follicular Phase

The follicular phase starts when you begin your menstrual cycle and lasts for about 14 to 21 days, this overlaps with your menses, which is when you are on your period. This means body secretes follicle-stimulating hormone, it does not have a say in your mood, and only helps eggs to grow.

Menstruation

While menses means that uterine blood and tissues comes out through vagina. Right before your period, you may feel blues or sick, an indication that your period is approaching. While on period the feelings of anxiety remains.

Ovulation

Ovulation is when the egg is matured and is released. This is when your oestrogen levels are at peak and it improves your mood, energy and also increases sex drives.

Luteal

The luteal phase is when the follicle left behind by the departing egg secretes progesterone, this increases cravings, lowers anxiety and improves sleep. However, when the egg is left unfertilized, the progesterone levels fall and leads to PMS.

The Connection Between Hormones and Mood

According to experts, hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle have a significant influence on mood swings, as oestrogen and progesterone levels vary, impacting serotonin and dopamine—two critical brain chemicals involved in mood modulation.

An Overview of the Menstrual Cycle Phase

• Menstrual Phase: Bleeding starts, hormone levels are at their lowest, and symptoms might get worse.
• Follicular Phase: Hormone levels steadily increase as the body gets ready to ovulate, sometimes elevating mood. Oestrogen levels increase throughout the ovulation phase and subsequently rapidly decrease.
• Luteal Phase: Progesterone increases and then swiftly drops if pregnancy is not obtained, causing mood swings. Many people may develop emotional instability and depressive symptoms as a result of this hormonal roller coaster.

Does It Go Beyond PMS? Investigating the Root Causes

Even while irritation and bloating are typical PMS symptoms, extreme emotional anguish may indicate more serious problems:

PMDD, or Premenstrual Dysphoria: A more severe kind of PMS characterised by mood swings, anxiety, and sadness. Symptoms commonly interfere with daily activities, demanding medical treatment.

PME (premenstrual exacerbation)

Anxiety, melancholy, and bipolar disorder are some of the mental health conditions whose symptoms may be aggravated by hormone variations.

These illnesses can occasionally be misdiagnosed, thus symptom tracking is critical for effective therapy.

Getting Relief: Effective Treatment Options

If period-related sadness is interfering with your life, there is treatment available.

Counselling and Therapy:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy teaches coping techniques for dealing with stress and mood changes.

Additionally, treatment may disclose the underlying reasons of depression.

Supplements and Medication:

SSRIs, or antidepressants, have been shown to reduce PMDD symptoms.

Hormonal Therapy: Birth control tablets can help keep hormone levels constant.

Natural cures Supplements like calcium, magnesium, vitamin B6, and others may be helpful.

Lifestyle Modifications:

• Exercising makes you cheerful and less stressed.
• Relaxation techniques including journaling, meditation, and breathing techniques might help you feel less stressed.
• Social support can help, and you may feel less alone if you talk to your loved ones.

You Know Your Body Best:

You may be able to see patterns and direct your encounters with medical providers if you record your symptoms throughout your cycle. A more precise diagnosis can be made if you write down your experiences and bring it to appointments.

Two of the most well-known aspects of cognitive decline happen to be dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Dementia is an umbrella term used to define cognitive degenerative diseases that affect memory, language, and thinking skills of a person. Alzheimer’s is one such disease that most of us are aware of, but there are other diseases that also come under dementia.

Dr. Kellyn Lee, CEO of The Dementia Care Hub, recently shed light in a TikTok video on Lewy Body dementia (LBD), a lesser-known but significant form of dementia. This comes as dementia continues to affect over 944,000 individuals in the UK.

Understanding Lewy Body Dementia

According to Alzheimer's Research UK, LBD accounts for roughly 10 to 15 out of every 100 dementia cases, making it the third most common type after Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. Dr. Lee, responding to public interest, explained in a recent TikTok video that LBD is caused by abnormal proteins that attach themselves to parts of the brain.

This protein accumulation can lead to various cognitive and physical challenges. Patients often experience memory difficulties and struggles with everyday tasks. LBD can also impact behavior, mood, and alertness, sometimes presenting as a "vagueness."

Primary Symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia

Unlike some other types of dementia, significant memory loss in LBD can develop more gradually. Instead, issues with visual perception and alertness may be more prominent earlier in the disease progression.

Currently, there's no cure for LBD or other forms of dementia. However, various treatments, including medications, cognitive stimulation therapies, and rehabilitation, are available to help manage symptoms. LBD symptoms can vary, Dr. Lee highlighted several common indicators:

Changes in alertness

Someone with Lewy Body dementia might seem to drift in and out of being fully awake and aware. One moment they could be quite clear and responsive, and the next they might appear confused, drowsy, or even stare blankly. These changes can happen quickly, sometimes within minutes or hours, and can be very unpredictable.

Trouble communicating

People might find it hard to express what they want to say or to understand what others are saying to them. This can make conversations difficult and frustrating for both the person with dementia and their loved ones.

Seeing things that aren't there: This is known as visual hallucinations. For example, a person might see animals, people, or objects that aren't actually present. These hallucinations can sometimes be pleasant, but they can also be upsetting or frightening.

Movement problems like Parkinson's Disease

This symptom is called spontaneous Parkinsonism. It means a person might develop issues with movement, similar to what you'd see in Parkinson's disease. This can include:

Slow movements: They might move very slowly, taking small, shuffling steps, which can affect their ability to walk safely.

Stiffness: Their body might become stiff and rigid, making it hard to move their arms and legs freely.

Tremors: They might experience uncontrollable shaking, especially in their hands or limbs. These movement issues can make everyday tasks, like doing hobbies or simply getting around, much harder and increase the risk of falls.

Potential Signs of Lewy Body Dementia

• Depression and anxiety
• Slow movement, stiff limbs, tremors, and shuffling while walking
• Marked swings between alertness, confusion, or sleepiness
• Disturbed sleep, such as talking in sleep or acting out dreams
• Difficulties understanding problems
• Memory issues (though significant memory loss may appear later)
• Challenges with visual perception
• Language difficulties
• Hallucinations (visual or auditory)
• Fainting, unsteadiness, and falls
• Problems with thinking speed and judgment
• Dysphagia (swallowing problems)

What we may think is an unnecessary task, could end up saving us a lot of time and effort, even our life.

Taking a moment to perform a quick check after showering could be a life-saving habit, especially for young men. Testicular cancer is a cancer that develops in the tissue of both testicles. These are a part of the male reproductive system that make hormones and sperm. This type of cancer is very common for men between the age of 20 and 39. An important thing about this is that it can be detected and dealt with in an easy and effective manner. This simple routine can lead to the early detection of testicular cancer, a disease that affects thousands each year and is particularly common in men in their 20s and 30s.

Low Awareness Among Young Men

Despite its prevalence in younger demographics, awareness of testicular cancer remains surprisingly low. Recent research indicates that only a small percentage of adults correctly identify this cancer as most commonly affecting men under 40.

Experts note that many young men are often unaware that testicular cancer is most prevalent in their age group, typically between 20 and 40 years old. For many, their focus is on career and daily life, not necessarily health concerns, making the idea of a cancer diagnosis unexpected at such a young age.

How to Perform a Testicular Self-Check

The NHS recommends checking your testicles regularly, and many find it easiest to do so during or after a warm bath or shower. This is because the warmth relaxes the scrotum, making it easier to feel for changes. When you check, pay close attention to the size and weight of each testicle, noting anything different from your norm. Also, carefully feel for any new lumps or swellings. It's about getting to know what feels normal for you, so you can easily spot anything unusual that might need medical attention.

Early Detection and Curability

Fortunately, testicular cancer is often highly curable, especially when detected early. The majority of patients are diagnosed before the cancer has a chance to spread to other parts of the body.

It's crucial to understand that testicular cancer doesn't usually present with painful symptoms. This lack of pain underscores why routine self-exams are so vital for identifying any lumps, bumps, or changes in the testicle's size. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, it's important to contact your doctor promptly.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Testicular Cancer

Certain factors can increase a man's risk of developing testicular cancer. These include issues with how the testicles formed during development or a condition called cryptorchidism, where one or both testicles don't descend into the scrotum before birth. It's important to be aware of the potential signs of testicular cancer. These may include:

• A painless lump or swelling in either testicle.
• Any noticeable change in the size or feel of a testicle.
• A persistent, dull ache in the lower stomach area or the groin.
• A sudden accumulation of fluid within the scrotum.
• Any pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum itself.

When to See Your Doctor

While most symptoms you might notice are unlikely to be cancer, it's always essential to consult a doctor if you experience any concerning changes. You should seek medical advice if you find a lump or swelling in any part of one testicle, or if a testicle suddenly gets bigger. Also, don't ignore any new pain or discomfort in the testicle or scrotum, or if your scrotum feels unusually heavy. Getting these symptoms checked by a healthcare professional ensures you receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, if needed, providing peace of mind.

Taking care of toddlers is a mighty task, even parents need a lot of help to make sure their toddlers get the proper help they need. There are many aspects of a toddler’s care that may seem concerning and especially for new parents. One such cause of concern can be a toddler’s diet.

With persistent heatwave you might notice shifts in your family's daily rhythm, especially when it comes to eating. While we all know the importance of staying hydrated to counteract fluid loss from sweating, the NHS also suggests opting for cold foods, particularly salads and high water-content fruits, during hot weather.

Understanding Reduced Appetite in Children

It's common for parents to worry when their little ones seem to eat less as temperatures climb. Lucy Upton, a children's dietician who has had experience with the NHS as well as is a published author, offers reassurance on this matter. In a recent TikTok video, she explains that it's "exceptionally normal" for children's dinner intake to decrease during a heatwave.

With over 15 years of experience, Lucy highlights that a reduced appetite in hot weather is both "biologically and physiologically" normal. She clarifies, "Eating generates heat, digestion generates heat. The body is going to be in 'keep us cool' mode, so children's appetites will often drop."

She also notes that after an active day in the heat, children can be "quite dysregulated" and "a bit aggy," which further diminishes their desire to eat. Lucy shared her own experience, confessing, "My daughter hasn't eaten any dinner for the last three days when hot, bothered and a bit 'done'."

Tips for Parents During Hot Weather

So, how can you ensure your children's well-being in these circumstances?

Offer Small, Frequent Portions

Lucy advises, "Continue to offer them something and start with small portions. Make your life easier."

Prioritize "Picky Dinners"

This is the perfect time for easy, no-fuss meals. Lucy suggests: "Fruit, salad veg, cold meats or fish, frittata, bread and spreads like hummus or cream cheese. Keep it cool and keep it easy." She recommends skipping cooking and instead "just pop a balanced meal on a plate in the garden, on a picnic blanket or wherever, and see what they fancy." Children are often drawn to fluid-rich options like cold yogurt, fruit, and vegetables straight from the fridge, and these are "perfectly normal" choices.

Focus on Fluids

"Fluids absolutely a priority this week," Lucy emphasizes. Think about incorporating "fluid-rich foods" such as popsicles, smoothie bowls, various fruits and vegetables, cereal with ice-cold milk, and overnight oats.

Appetite Will Return

For parents of children with typically good appetites, Lucy stresses that there's no need to worry if you notice a temporary change. "Their appetite will return – just trust them, and in the meantime, try and keep cool," she concludes.

When the weather heats up, it's not only children who experience a reduced appetite. Adults also tend to eat less and consume fewer calories as a natural way for the body to cool itself down.

To ensure children stay safe in the sun, it's important to make sure they drink plenty of water to remain hydrated, ideally in small, frequent sips. If a child shows signs of overheating, such as becoming irritable or complaining of a headache, move them to a shaded, cool area immediately. Remove any unnecessary clothing, offer them water, and encourage them to rest.