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There are many conditions that can affect a woman’s reproductive health. Certain medications or conditions that need hysterectomy can cause early menopause in women. There are many likely reasons why this happens. According to Office on Women’s Health (OASH) family history, smoking, chemotherapy or pelvic radiation or autoimmune conditions like thyroid disease and rheumatoid arthritis, could be some of the reasons why some women go through early menopause.
However, a new study shows that endometriosis could also be a reason for early menopause in women. The study published in the Human Reproduction journal found that women with endometriosis are seven times more likely to undergo surgical menopause, which involves the removal of both ovaries, compared to women without the condition. Furthermore, they are twice as likely to have this surgical procedure before the age of 40.
Women with endometriosis face a greater risk of experiencing natural menopause earlier than others. They are 1.4 times more likely to enter natural menopause before the age of 40, a stage defined as premature menopause. These women also have an elevated risk of early menopause, occurring between the ages of 40 and 44.
It is a persistent condition affecting approximately one in 10 women of reproductive age in the UK. According to the NHS, it involves tissue similar to the womb lining appearing in other parts of the body. Previous research has shown a significant delay of nearly nine years in receiving an endometriosis diagnosis, potentially leading to missed treatment opportunities and irreversible organ damage due to the continued growth of this misplaced tissue.
According to the World Health Organization, 190 million women throughout the globe have endometriosis, which is roughly 10% of people. Not only does it cause pain during periods, issues in bowel movements, urination etc., but also causes bloating nausea, fatigue and mental health issues like depression, anxiety and infertility.
It's crucial for women with endometriosis to be aware not only of the wide range of debilitating menopause symptoms they might experience earlier in life but also of the broader health risks associated with premature menopause, whether it occurs naturally or is surgically induced. These risks include cardiovascular disease and premature death.
Researchers from the study stressed the importance of understanding the causes of early or medically induced menopause to implement proactive measures for managing the associated long-term health risks.
OASH explains that women who experience menopause early may face similar symptoms and health issues as those going through regular menopause. However, some women with early or premature menopause might also have a greater chance of developing serious health problems like heart disease and weak bones (osteoporosis) because they'll live for a longer time without the protective benefits of higher estrogen levels.
They might also have more intense menopause symptoms, and there are treatments available to help manage these if they interfere with daily life. Additionally, some women may feel sad or depressed about losing their fertility early or the changes in their bodies. If these feelings, like low energy or loss of interest in enjoyable activities, last for more than a few weeks, speaking to a doctor is recommended.
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Maitlyn Walrich or Mae, who goes by @satangjuseyo on her Instagram with 57.6K followers, is a content creator and an artist with her releases on several music and streaming platforms, based in the US shared a story of how she was misdiagnosed when she noticed something was off with her period.
The video is titled "Weird Stuff", and the text on it reads "We're Still Learning About Female Anatomy". The video was shared on April 9, and has garnered over 169,700 views. She shares that six years ago, she thought her uterus fell out. She shares that she had been bleeding for 14 days, however, she noticed that there was a chunk of blood in her trousers. "I thought my uterus fell out"
Thinking that it is her uterus that fell out, she collected the blood chunk, put it in the Tupperware and refrigerated it.
When she went to see a doctor, the doctor had no idea about what actually happened with her. It was over the course of 6 years that she was finally told that it was decidual cast, which means that your entire period comes out all at once.
In her video, she also touches about the fact that there have been many times when doctors are unaware or dismiss patients' concerns. In fact, when she shared with another doctor about the excruciating pain she felt, the doctor told her to just take a hot bath. She also pointed out that every since she had issues with her period, she has learned so much about female anatomy, including that the uterus do not look like what we are taught in the diagrams.
As per Cleveland Clinic, a decidual cast is when the lining of your uterus or the endometrium sheds in one piece. This lining usually comes out of your vagina and gradually during your menstrual period.
However, with a decidual cast, the entire lining of your uterus sheds in one piece at one time. It often takes shape of your uterus, like an upside down pear or an upside down triangle. This is why Mae initially thought that it was her uterus that fell off.
Over the course of your cycle, your endometrium, which is the lining of your uterus, thickens up. This happens because your body is preparing your uterus for a potential pregnancy. If you do not get pregnant in that cycle, you get your period. This now thick lining sheds over several days. However, with decidual cast, the thick lining is expelled from your uterus in one large piece of tissue instead of happening gradually.
While decidual casts are rare, it is not always a sign of a serious problem or a medical emergency. It is most common in pregnancy women who experience ectopic pregnancy, which occurs outside your uterus.
It can also happen in people who are not pregnant, usually due to progesterone contraceptives.
A decidual cast could be as big as the size of your palm, however it could be of the size of a walnut too. The size varies on person. While decidual cast usually comes out in one big piece, it could also come in pieces.
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Managing diabetes requires consistent effort, lifestyle changes, and a proactive mindset. While the diagnosis may feel overwhelming at first, several celebrities have opened up about how they live with the disease—and thrive. From adjusting their diets and exercise routines to emphasizing mental health, their stories serve as powerful reminders that diabetes can be controlled. Here’s how some well-known personalities manage their condition—and what you can learn from them.
Maheep Kapoor recently revealed her Type-1 diabetes diagnosis on the Netflix show Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives. Calling the diagnosis “liberating and empowering,” she told HT City: “I am not going to let the disease control me or my narrative. I’m going to control the disease.”
For Maheep, managing diabetes begins with weight training and a structured exercise routine. She also highlights the importance of balanced meals and eating at the right time. “Now I've had to modify my way of eating. It’s eating your proteins first and having fruits as dessert,” she shared. She also avoids long gaps between meals to keep her blood sugar stable. Her approach reflects a fundamental truth: mindful eating and consistency matter.
Sonam Kapoor was diagnosed with Type-1 diabetes at the age of 17. Despite being part of a culture that values religious fasting, she opts out of practices like fasting during Karwa Chauth due to health risks. “I don’t fast FYI, but I like the mehendi, dressing up, and food,” she said on Instagram.
Sonam’s story underlines the importance of listening to your body and not adhering to social norms at the cost of your health. She focuses instead on balanced meals and staying active—key elements in blood sugar management.
Pakistani actor Fawad Khan also received his Type-1 diabetes diagnosis at 17. He swears by a diet low in high glycemic index carbs, paired with lean proteins and vegetables. He also relies on medical support, including metformin, to manage insulin sensitivity and follows a personalized plan with a nutritionist.
His emphasis on routine monitoring and seeking expert advice shows that managing diabetes isn't about guesswork—it’s about informed action.
For actor and cricket presenter Gaurav Kapur, managing diabetes for over 12 years means planning even amid an unpredictable schedule. “I ensure seven hours of sleep, eat on time, and take small meals at regular intervals,” he said. Importantly, he stresses managing stress, calling it a major factor in worsening symptoms.
Regular exercise and conscious de-stressing help him stay both physically and mentally balanced.
Diagnosed with Type-1 diabetes at 13, singer Nick Jonas has spoken openly about the challenges of managing his condition while on tour. “There are days that are unpredictable and challenging and you need to just find your way through it,” he said.
He sticks to routine meal planning, frequent self-monitoring, and mindfulness. Jonas shows that with the right tools—like blood glucose monitors and meal prep—even the busiest lifestyle can accommodate effective diabetes care.
Academy Award-winning actor Tom Hanks was diagnosed with Type-2 diabetes in 2013. He attributes it to poor lifestyle choices earlier in life and now sticks to a structured fitness routine. “I watch what I eat to a point of boredom,” he admitted, adding that he tries to stay active for at least one hour every day.
His story is a reminder that lifestyle corrections, no matter when you start, can help manage diabetes and improve overall health.
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The human brain is composed of approximately 100 billion neurons, all of which can be changed based on your experiences. This is all possible because of neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to change, recognise, and grow neural networks. The human brain is designed to survive; therefore, over the years, it carefully prunes neurological pathways, strengthening those which are useful and killing those that don't serve any purpose.
Plasticity refers to the brain's malleability or ability to change according to situations. Neuro refers to neurons, the building blocks of the brain. Therefore, neuroplasticity, together, implies to a process that allows nerve cells to change or adjust. Neuroplasticity can involve functional changes due to brain damage or structural changes in learning.
Structural neuroplasticity involves the brain's ability to move functions from damamged areas of the brain and undamaged areas. Functional neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to move functions from damamged areas to the undamaged areas.
Do Experiences Change Neuroplasticity?
Prominent philosopher John Locke gave the concept of tabula rasa, or that all children are born with a brain which is like a blank slate. It shapes up eventually as we experience things. There is biology behind this point. At birth, every neuron in the cerebral cortex (which is responsible for higher-level cognitive functions) has nearly 2,500 synapses. A synapse is a gap between two nerve cells through which nerve impulses are transmitted. As the child reaches the age of three, this number goes up by 15,000 synapses per neuron.
However, an average adult has only half the number of synapses. Because as we gain new experiences, some connections are strengthened while others are eliminated. This process is known as synaptic pruning. Neurons that are used frequently develop stronger connections, and those which are never used or rarely used die. Therefore, it is safe to say that our neurons are killed or survive based on our experiences.
One of its most significant benefits is that it allows us to learn new skills at any age, from picking up a new language to mastering a musical instrument. It also plays a crucial role in enhancing existing cognitive abilities, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
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For individuals recovering from strokes or traumatic brain injuries, neuroplasticity offers hope. The brain can often reroute functions from damaged areas to healthy ones, allowing people to regain movement, speech, or other capabilities. Additionally, it helps strengthen areas of the brain that may have declined due to ageing or disuse, which is essential for maintaining mental sharpness.
Regular mental stimulation, physical exercise, and mindful practices like meditation can all boost neuroplasticity, ultimately leading to improved brain fitness. This adaptability not only helps us navigate a changing world but also enhances our quality of life and mental resilience.
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