Pain in legs

Dear Rehana,

Excess hair growth on the face (known as facial hirsutism) can occur due to multiple reasons, such as hormonal imbalances, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid issues, or sometimes even due to genetic or ethnic factors.

🩺 To recommend the right treatment, it's important first to understand the root cause. We suggest you consult with an endocrinologist, who may advise some initial evaluations, like:

• Hormonal profile (including androgens/testosterone)

• Ultrasound pelvis (to check for PCOS if suspected)

• Thyroid function test

🔍 Treatment options may include:

• Medical treatment: Hormonal therapy (if hormonal imbalance is found)

• Cosmetic procedures: Laser hair reduction (LHR) gives long-term results, but only if advisable.

• Lifestyle modifications: Managing weight and diet if PCOS or insulin resistance is a contributing factor

🌸 Don’t worry — this is a common concern and with the right guidance, it can be managed effectively.

Dear Rinki ji,

Thank you for reaching out. It's wonderful that you're taking proactive steps to improve your health. At 47, regular health check-ups are a smart way to monitor your well-being and catch any potential issues early.

You can absolutely buy a health insurance policy that supports this goal. Many policies today come with free annual health check-ups, even if you don't make any claims.

✅ Here's how you can proceed:

1. Look for a health insurance plan that includes:

   • Annual or bi-annual health check-up coverage

   • Cashless OPD or diagnostic test coverage (if available)

   • Wellness rewards or discounts for healthy living

2. Consider plans that suit your needs as a single, independent individual, with:

   • Individual sum insured of ₹5–10 lakh (or more, based on your budget)

   • Pre and post-hospitalisation coverage

   • Option for critical illness add-on (optional)

3. Top insurers offering such benefits include: HDFC ERGO, Niva Bupa, Star Health, ICICI Lombard, and Care Health.

Hi Divya,

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

Back and leg pain during pregnancy, especially around the 5th week, is quite common due to the body undergoing several changes to accommodate the growing baby. Here are a few potential reasons for your pain:

Possible Causes

1. Hormonal Changes: During pregnancy, your body releases a hormone called relaxin. This hormone helps your body prepare for childbirth, but can also make your ligaments more relaxed, leading to discomfort in the back and legs.

2. Weight Gain: As your baby grows, additional weight can put strain on your back and legs, causing pain.

Tips for Relief

• Proper Posture: Maintain a good posture while sitting, standing, or sleeping to relieve strain on your back.

• Gentle Exercises: Prenatal yoga or light stretching can help with flexibility and reduce discomfort. Always check with your doctor before starting.

• Supportive Footwear: Avoid high heels and wear comfortable, supportive shoes.

• Warm Compress or Cold Packs: Apply heat or cold to the affected area for relief.

• Sleep Position: Sleep on your left side with a pillow between your legs to reduce pressure on your lower back.

It’s important to keep your gynaecologist informed about any new pain. They may suggest additional remedies or check for underlying conditions, especially if the pain worsens.

Take care and wishing you a healthy pregnancy!