Health and Me

Supriya Ramesh

The Itchy Truth About Pads and Tampons: What Your Period Products Are Not Telling You

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For something that’s supposed to be a monthly saviour, your sanitary pad could actually be a trouble in disguise. If you’ve ever spent your period feeling itchy, sore, or just...off, you’re not imagining it. According to gynaecologist Dr Vaidehi Marathe, many conventional pads and tampons contain elements that don’t quite agree with your body.

Itchiness is a common complaint during menstruation, but most people blame sweat, heat, or hormones. The real problem, says Dr Marathe, might be your pad itself. Many commercial pads are loaded with synthetic materials, added fragrances, and chemical adhesives that can irritate the delicate skin in your intimate area. That persistent itch could be your body’s way of saying, please get this thing off me.

It doesn’t end with itching. If you’ve ever developed a rash down there during your period, Dr Marathe says your pad’s texture or material could be behind it. "Poor-quality materials or excessive friction can cause chafing, redness, and irritation," she says in an Instagram video. 

Even tampons, which many prefer for comfort and convenience, aren’t totally innocent. High-absorbency varieties are known to dry out the vaginal lining, leading to discomfort and even micro-tears. Dr Marathe warns that such dryness disturbs the natural balance of the vaginal mucosa, and that’s when things can start to get really unpleasant.

While menstruation has a natural odour, a strange or strong scent often comes from bacterial buildup, not your body. Pads, especially the non-breathable kind, can trap moisture and create a breeding ground for bacteria. Dr Marathe points out that the odour is often caused by bacteria thriving in that warm, moist environment. 

You don’t have to suffer for the sake of convenience. Look beyond the supermarket aisle. Cloth pads, menstrual cups, and period underwear are all gentler options that are free of harmful chemicals and better for your skin and the environment. They allow the area to breathe and are less likely to cause irritation or dryness.

Menstrual cups in particular have gained popularity for being economical, eco-friendly, and surprisingly comfortable once you get the hang of them.

Periods are already uncomfortable enough without adding allergic reactions, rashes, or infections to the mix. If you’re constantly battling irritation or feeling ‘off’ during your cycle, it’s worth examining what’s coming into contact with your skin for hours at a stretch. 

Health Conditions A-Z

health

period rash

tampon dryness

menstrual cup

cloth pads

period panties

pad irritation

eco friendly period products

intimate itching

period odour

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For something that’s supposed to be a monthly saviour, your sanitary pad could actually be a trouble in disguise. If you’ve ever spent your period feeling itchy, sore, or just...off, you’re not imagining it. According to gynaecologist Dr Vaidehi Marathe, many conventional pads and tampons contain elements that don’t quite agree with your body.Itchiness is a common complaint during menstruation, but most people blame sweat, heat, or hormones. The real problem, says Dr Marathe, might be your pad itself. Many commercial pads are loaded with synthetic materials, added fragrances, and chemical adhesives that can irritate the delicate skin in your intimate area. That persistent itch could be your body’s way of saying, please get this thing off me.Rashes, roughness, and frictionIt doesn’t end with itching. If you’ve ever developed a rash down there during your period, Dr Marathe says your pad’s texture or material could be behind it. "Poor-quality materials or excessive friction can cause chafing, redness, and irritation," she says in an Instagram video. Even tampons, which many prefer for comfort and convenience, aren’t totally innocent. High-absorbency varieties are known to dry out the vaginal lining, leading to discomfort and even micro-tears. Dr Marathe warns that such dryness disturbs the natural balance of the vaginal mucosa, and that’s when things can start to get really unpleasant.That smell isn’t just your periodWhile menstruation has a natural odour, a strange or strong scent often comes from bacterial buildup, not your body. Pads, especially the non-breathable kind, can trap moisture and create a breeding ground for bacteria. Dr Marathe points out that the odour is often caused by bacteria thriving in that warm, moist environment. Healthier swapsYou don’t have to suffer for the sake of convenience. Look beyond the supermarket aisle. Cloth pads, menstrual cups, and period underwear are all gentler options that are free of harmful chemicals and better for your skin and the environment. They allow the area to breathe and are less likely to cause irritation or dryness.Menstrual cups in particular have gained popularity for being economical, eco-friendly, and surprisingly comfortable once you get the hang of them.Your period deserves betterPeriods are already uncomfortable enough without adding allergic reactions, rashes, or infections to the mix. If you’re constantly battling irritation or feeling ‘off’ during your cycle, it’s worth examining what’s coming into contact with your skin for hours at a stretch. 

the itchy truth about pads and tampons: what your period products are not telling you

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Many people start their day with a glass of lemon water, hoping for a range of health benefits—from better skin to improved digestion. But what actually happens when you stick to this habit every day for a month? According to gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi, lemon water can offer some real advantages, as long as you are aware of a few important points.

Lemons are packed with more than 30 beneficial plant compounds, says Dr Sethi. These include antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that support your body's daily housekeeping on a cellular level.

But freshly squeezed is important. “Pasteurised lemon juice often loses a significant portion of its nutritional value,” Dr Sethi explains. 

While you are sipping away, thinking you are just hydrating enough, something pretty important is happening in the background. The natural acidity of lemons can help your body absorb minerals more effectively, particularly iron, according to Dr Sethi. That means your morning lemon ritual might be giving your iron supplements or spinach salads a bit of extra firepower.

And lemon water does not magically "alkalise" your body. But what it does do is help your digestive system set the stage for better nutrient uptake.

Skin Goals and Collagen Dreams

If you are secretly hoping for that elusive “glow-up” by day 30, you might be in luck. Lemons are a great source of vitamin C, a key player in the production of collagen, the protein responsible for keeping your skin firm, your joints cushioned, and your connective tissues in top shape.

Dr Sethi says that daily lemon water may support healthier skin from the inside out. Think of it as your internal skincare serum. 

As Dr Sethi points out, lemon water might not be ideal for everyone, especially those with acid reflux or sensitive stomachs. The very same acidity that helps with mineral absorption can irritate the oesophagus lining or worsen heartburn in susceptible folks. If you have ever felt that familiar burn after a glass of lemony water, your body is throwing a sign.

lemon water

vitamin c

collagen

skin health

digestion

acid reflux

hydration

antioxidants

iron absorption

dr saurabh sethi

Many people start their day with a glass of lemon water, hoping for a range of health benefits—from better skin to improved digestion. But what actually happens when you stick to this habit every day for a month? According to gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi, lemon water can offer some real advantages, as long as you are aware of a few important points.Lemons Pack a Big PunchLemons are packed with more than 30 beneficial plant compounds, says Dr Sethi. These include antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that support your body's daily housekeeping on a cellular level.But freshly squeezed is important. “Pasteurised lemon juice often loses a significant portion of its nutritional value,” Dr Sethi explains. Absorption Gets a BoostWhile you are sipping away, thinking you are just hydrating enough, something pretty important is happening in the background. The natural acidity of lemons can help your body absorb minerals more effectively, particularly iron, according to Dr Sethi. That means your morning lemon ritual might be giving your iron supplements or spinach salads a bit of extra firepower.And lemon water does not magically "alkalise" your body. But what it does do is help your digestive system set the stage for better nutrient uptake.Skin Goals and Collagen DreamsIf you are secretly hoping for that elusive “glow-up” by day 30, you might be in luck. Lemons are a great source of vitamin C, a key player in the production of collagen, the protein responsible for keeping your skin firm, your joints cushioned, and your connective tissues in top shape.Dr Sethi says that daily lemon water may support healthier skin from the inside out. Think of it as your internal skincare serum. The Bitter TruthAs Dr Sethi points out, lemon water might not be ideal for everyone, especially those with acid reflux or sensitive stomachs. The very same acidity that helps with mineral absorption can irritate the oesophagus lining or worsen heartburn in susceptible folks. If you have ever felt that familiar burn after a glass of lemony water, your body is throwing a sign. 

what happens when you drink lemon water for 30 days?

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Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. Although many people believe that stopping mensuration is the only aspect of menopause, women experience hot flashes, night sweats, emotional changes, difficulty sleeping and much more.

A new study suggests that some women who experience premature menopause face a higher risk of depression. Premature menopause occurs when a woman's ovaries stop working normally before she turns 40.

Past research have already shown that premature menopause can more than triple a woman's risk of depression and nearly quintuple her risk of anxiety. However, these new findings, published recently in the journal Menopause, reveal that there are certain factors make some women with this condition even more vulnerable to depression than others. 

<h2>Who is at Higher Risk for Depression? </h2>

The study identified several factors that increase a woman's risk for depression if she goes through premature menopause: 

Women who began premature menopause at a younger age showed a higher likelihood of experiencing depression. The earlier the body entered this change, the greater the emotional challenge appeared to be for them. 

If premature menopause happened due to inherited genes, a woman's risk of depression increased significantly. This underlying biological factor seems to contribute to greater vulnerability for mental health struggles. 

Women who suffered from more intense and bothersome overall menopause symptoms were more susceptible to developing depression. The severity of physical discomfort often mirrored increased emotional distress. 

Women coping with the profound sadness of losing their ability to have children, or those without strong emotional backing from others, faced a greater chance of experiencing depression. Support systems are vital here. 

Interestingly, the study found that using hormone therapy did not affect a woman's depression risk, even if it helped ease some other menopause symptoms. This suggests that psychological and social factors are very important in this context. Experts believe that mental health support for these women should focus on these aspects to address their unique needs. 

While severe menopause symptoms generally increased depression risk, hot flashes, a commonly bothersome symptom, were not specifically linked to depression in this study. 

Around 3 out of every 100 women experience premature menopause. In this study, researchers looked at data from nearly 350 women with premature menopause, and about 30% of them showed symptoms of depression. 

Because of the high number of women with depressive symptoms in this group, it's important to regularly screen these vulnerable women for depression. 

It's also worth noting that while hormone therapy is standard care for managing some menopause symptoms and for preventive health in premature menopause, it's not the primary treatment for mood disorders. This study's results, showing no difference in depressive symptoms between those using hormones and those who weren't, support this point. 

The researchers emphasized that future studies are needed to further explore these connections, as this study wasn't designed to prove a direct cause-and-effect link between premature menopause and depression. These future studies could also help determine the most effective ways to help women avoid depression when they go through premature menopause. 

menopause

Premature Menopause

Risk Of Developing Depression

Depression In Women

Depression

woman risk of depression

Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. Although many people believe that stopping mensuration is the only aspect of menopause, women experience hot flashes, night sweats, emotional changes, difficulty sleeping and much more. A new study suggests that some women who experience premature menopause face a higher risk of depression. Premature menopause occurs when a woman's ovaries stop working normally before she turns 40. Past research have already shown that premature menopause can more than triple a woman's risk of depression and nearly quintuple her risk of anxiety. However, these new findings, published recently in the journal Menopause, reveal that there are certain factors make some women with this condition even more vulnerable to depression than others. Who is at Higher Risk for Depression? The study identified several factors that increase a woman's risk for depression if she goes through premature menopause:  Earlier Onset Women who began premature menopause at a younger age showed a higher likelihood of experiencing depression. The earlier the body entered this change, the greater the emotional challenge appeared to be for them. Genetic Cause If premature menopause happened due to inherited genes, a woman's risk of depression increased significantly. This underlying biological factor seems to contribute to greater vulnerability for mental health struggles. Worse Menopause Symptoms Women who suffered from more intense and bothersome overall menopause symptoms were more susceptible to developing depression. The severity of physical discomfort often mirrored increased emotional distress. Grief and Lack of Support Women coping with the profound sadness of losing their ability to have children, or those without strong emotional backing from others, faced a greater chance of experiencing depression. Support systems are vital here. Interestingly, the study found that using hormone therapy did not affect a woman's depression risk, even if it helped ease some other menopause symptoms. This suggests that psychological and social factors are very important in this context. Experts believe that mental health support for these women should focus on these aspects to address their unique needs. While severe menopause symptoms generally increased depression risk, hot flashes, a commonly bothersome symptom, were not specifically linked to depression in this study. The Importance of Screening Around 3 out of every 100 women experience premature menopause. In this study, researchers looked at data from nearly 350 women with premature menopause, and about 30% of them showed symptoms of depression. Because of the high number of women with depressive symptoms in this group, it's important to regularly screen these vulnerable women for depression. It's also worth noting that while hormone therapy is standard care for managing some menopause symptoms and for preventive health in premature menopause, it's not the primary treatment for mood disorders. This study's results, showing no difference in depressive symptoms between those using hormones and those who weren't, support this point. Looking Ahead: Future Research The researchers emphasized that future studies are needed to further explore these connections, as this study wasn't designed to prove a direct cause-and-effect link between premature menopause and depression. These future studies could also help determine the most effective ways to help women avoid depression when they go through premature menopause. 

premature menopause could increase the risk of developing depression in women

Poor Dental Health Could Be Linked To Chronic Health Condition

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Our parents always ensure that we learned the importance of dental hygiene. Being taught from a young age, most of us are aware of how a lack of oral hygiene not only makes us sick but can make a bad impression of us on others. However, there may be a lot more to oral hygiene than we know. 

A new study suggests that poor dental health might be an early sign of serious long-term health problems like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Researchers recently reported in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation that people with signs of unhealthy mouths—such as missing teeth or a coated tongue—were also more likely to have high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and reduced kidney function.

For the study, researchers followed 118 men and women aged 50 or older. They compared dental exam results from 2021 with physical exam results from both 2021 and 2023. The dental exams checked several aspects of oral health, including:

<ul><li>Tongue coating: How much buildup was on the tongue.</li><li>Mouth dryness: The level of moisture in the mouth.</li><li>Number of functional teeth: How many healthy teeth remained.</li><li>Tongue pressure: The strength of the tongue.</li><li>Chewing and swallowing ability: How well a person could perform these actions.</li><li>Oral Diadochokinesis (OD): A test measuring how quickly and accurately someone can repeat syllables (like "pa-ta-ka").</li></ul>

The study discovered clear links between a person's mouth health and their overall body health. People with high blood sugar often had fewer teeth left and struggled more with the speech clarity test. This suggests a link between diabetes risk and losing teeth or having weaker mouth muscles 

Those with high cholesterol frequently had a coated tongue and also performed poorly on the speech clarity test. This points to a surprising connection between fat levels in the blood and certain mouth signs. Individuals with reduced kidney function showed signs like a coated tongue, fewer healthy teeth, and poorer scores on the speech clarity test. This indicates that kidney problems might show up in mouth health. These results suggest that a decline in how well your mouth works might increase your risk for lifestyle-related diseases and make you more likely to become frail as you age. 

<h2>Why the Link? Possible Explanations </h2>

Scientists believe this connection could be due to unhealthy bacteria that grow when the mouth isn't well cared for, or because of inflammation (swelling and irritation) found in diseased gums and teeth. These problems in the mouth might then affect other parts of the body, leading to broader health issues. 

It’s important to remember that this study only observed a link; it doesn't directly prove that poor dental health causes these other illnesses. It's also possible that having chronic diseases might make it harder to maintain good oral health. 

More research with a larger number of people is needed to fully understand how mouth health and long-term diseases are connected. 

In the meantime, experts suggest it wouldn't hurt to include simple checks like counting teeth and doing speech clarity tests during regular doctor visits. These simple checks could potentially give early clues about hidden health problems. Keeping your mouth healthy is always a smart step for your overall well-being. 

Poor Dental Health

Chronic Health Condition

serious long term health

early sign of serious health

reduced kidney function

lifestyle related diseases

Our parents always ensure that we learned the importance of dental hygiene. Being taught from a young age, most of us are aware of how a lack of oral hygiene not only makes us sick but can make a bad impression of us on others. However, there may be a lot more to oral hygiene than we know. A new study suggests that poor dental health might be an early sign of serious long-term health problems like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Researchers recently reported in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation that people with signs of unhealthy mouths—such as missing teeth or a coated tongue—were also more likely to have high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and reduced kidney function. What the Study Examined For the study, researchers followed 118 men and women aged 50 or older. They compared dental exam results from 2021 with physical exam results from both 2021 and 2023. The dental exams checked several aspects of oral health, including:Tongue coating: How much buildup was on the tongue.Mouth dryness: The level of moisture in the mouth.Number of functional teeth: How many healthy teeth remained.Tongue pressure: The strength of the tongue.Chewing and swallowing ability: How well a person could perform these actions.Oral Diadochokinesis (OD): A test measuring how quickly and accurately someone can repeat syllables (like "pa-ta-ka").Oral-Systemic Connection The study discovered clear links between a person's mouth health and their overall body health. People with high blood sugar often had fewer teeth left and struggled more with the speech clarity test. This suggests a link between diabetes risk and losing teeth or having weaker mouth muscles Those with high cholesterol frequently had a coated tongue and also performed poorly on the speech clarity test. This points to a surprising connection between fat levels in the blood and certain mouth signs. Individuals with reduced kidney function showed signs like a coated tongue, fewer healthy teeth, and poorer scores on the speech clarity test. This indicates that kidney problems might show up in mouth health. These results suggest that a decline in how well your mouth works might increase your risk for lifestyle-related diseases and make you more likely to become frail as you age. Why the Link? Possible Explanations Scientists believe this connection could be due to unhealthy bacteria that grow when the mouth isn't well cared for, or because of inflammation (swelling and irritation) found in diseased gums and teeth. These problems in the mouth might then affect other parts of the body, leading to broader health issues. It’s important to remember that this study only observed a link; it doesn't directly prove that poor dental health causes these other illnesses. It's also possible that having chronic diseases might make it harder to maintain good oral health. What You Can Do Now More research with a larger number of people is needed to fully understand how mouth health and long-term diseases are connected. In the meantime, experts suggest it wouldn't hurt to include simple checks like counting teeth and doing speech clarity tests during regular doctor visits. These simple checks could potentially give early clues about hidden health problems. Keeping your mouth healthy is always a smart step for your overall well-being. 

poor dental health could be linked to chronic health condition

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The Itchy Truth About Pads and Tampons: What Your Period Products Are Not Telling You

Quick Stories

Premature Menopause Could Increase The Risk Of Developing Depression In Women

Poor Dental Health Could Be Linked To Chronic Health Condition

Rage Recedes After 50 In Women But Suppressed Anger Could Be Harming Your Health, Here's How

Health Conditions A-Z

Could Eggs Help Ward Off Alzheimer’s? Here is What the Study Reveals

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