Lifestyle & Nutrition: the solution for hormone-related infertility

Hormones are special chemical messengers in our body. They are made by the endocrine glands and travel through the bloodstream to all organs and tissues telling them what to do. Our environment and lifestyle have a huge effect on our hormonal balance. In fact, lifestyle and dietary changes can help prevent up to 70 percent of hormonal imbalances.

Endocrine disruptors

Endocrine disruptors alter the normal functioning of hormones by mimicking the action of hormones. A wide range of substances, both natural and man-made, are thought to cause endocrine disruption.

“Endocrine disruptors may be found in many everyday products– including plastic bottles, metal food cans, detergents, flame retardants, food, toys, cosmetics, and pesticides. NIEHS National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences supports studies to determine whether exposure to endocrine disruptors may result in human health effects including lowered fertility and an increased incidence of endometriosis and some cancers. Research shows that endocrine disruptors may pose the greatest risk during prenatal and early postnatal development when organ and neural systems are forming.”

Xenoestrogens, in particular, are a type of endocrine disruptors that mimic oestrogen. These are not biodegradable and are stored in the fat cells of

Can being overweight lower my testosterone levels?

Obesity is no doubt a major health challenge worldwide. Being overweight brings plethora of

health issues such as heart diseases, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, osteoarthritis and some cancers like colon and breast. And not only these, but obesity highly affects your sex life too. One is considered to be obese when you weigh more than 20% above of your ideal weight.

How obesity can affect your sex life?

Being overweight hinders stamina which is important to sustain sexual performance. It disturbs ones hormonal balance which in turn affects testosterone levels, causing loss of libido or low sex drive. Obesity also affects blood flow to the genitals and lack of blood circulation there causes erectile dysfunction.

Testosterone is actually an important male hormone which helps in development of male sexual organs and builds strong bones. Testosterone levels begin to rise at puberty and peak in early adulthood and then start declining with age. Furthermore, excess fat in the inner thighs and pubic region results in high testes temperatures of over 35°C. This may be

Pregnancy in your 40s!

Age is always one such issue which tops the list if you want to become pregnant because you can’t do anything about age. Though the cosmetic procedures are very much in and may holds your age over your face but there’s no medicine, no cure for old age and the disabilities that come with it. The only thing you can do is plan your future well and make the best of today. The ideal age for pregnancy is the mid-to-late 20s. 

If you want to wait, then you can push that limit up to 35 only and not beyond. After 35, the chances of a successful pregnancy start declining. 

IVF or In vitreo fertilization treatment, for so long considered the only hope for women who are unable to fall pregnant on their own but I believe that IVF isn't the only answer for women wanting to get pregnant. 

How to deal with hormonal changes

By Dr. Shobha Gupta  

You just cannot avoid hormonal changes. From puberty through to pregnancy and even post-menopause, hormonal imbalances can affect all areas of your life including your ability to feel comfortable during intimacy with your partner. 

Today, in this blog I will talk about few tips on how to handle these hormonal changes: 

1. Ensure that you take a balanced diet 

Take balancing healthy fats. Start eating avocado, coconut and olive oil, as well as switch to omega-3s in oily fish, walnuts and chia seeds. Cutting back on sugar and refined carbohydrates can be really beneficial for hormonal symptoms like fatigue and hot flushes,. 

2. Track changes in your sexual desire 

The reproductive hormones including estrogen and progesterone can affect sexual desire in phases. You may find your desire tends to increase in the days leading up to ovulation (when oestrogen is highest) and decrease shortly after ovulation is over. As women age, levels of oestrogen and testosterone start to fall, and changes to sexual desire are common. 

3. Vaginal cleanliness 

Peri menopause is the precursor to menopause and can start as early as the mid-thirties. You will still have regular periods, but ovulate less effectively,

Some common facts about male infertility

By Dr. Shobha Gupta

Infertility is a complex and often misunderstood condition, which is why there's so much confusion surrounding it. Infertility in males is also very common these days. Let’s have a look at some facts about male infertility: 

1. Alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol can lower testosterone levels, cause erectile dysfunction and decrease sperm production. Liver disease caused by excessive drinking also may lead to fertility problems.

2. Occupation or job: There are certain occupations can increase your risk of infertility, including those associated with desk jobs or extended use of computers or video display monitors, shift work, and work-related stress.

3. Tobacco or smoking: Men who smoke may have a lower sperm count than do those who don't smoke. Secondhand smoke also may affect male fertility.

4. Hormonal imbalances: Low thyroid hormone levels can cause poor semen quality, poor testicular function and may disturb libido.  May be caused by a diet high