Q How can I tell when Im ovulating?

Ovulation usually occurs 12-15 days before your period starts. So if your periods are regular, you can easily determine your ovulation period by subtracting 14 days from the expected date of the next menstrual cycle. One in 5 women experience mild abdominal cramps when they are ovulating. You can also use a basal body thermometer to check your basal body temperature which shows the lowest reading followed by a sudden rise when you ovulate. During ovulation, your cervix becomes softer and gives out more discharge (mucus) than normal. You can also buy ovulation kit available in chemist to determine your ovulation.

Q When do most girls start shaving their underarms?

It is completely a matter of personal choice and clothing preferences. You may start as soon as you notice a lot of hair growth. Most girls start doing around the onset of their first menstrual period.

Q What are low-glycemic index foods?

Foods that are very slowly absorbed are said to have low glycemic index. These don~t affect blood sugar levels much.

Q My penis bleeding during sex and its hurts. my age 31

You seem to have injured yourself during the act. Please visit a physician to determine the cause and further management. Meantime maintain hygiene, avoid sexual intercourse to allow healing process, wear cotton underwear.

Q What is a panic attack?

A panic attack is a sudden onset of intense fear or apprehension without any known cause. A panic attack comes suddenly lasts for few minutes and may disappear of its own without any medicine. Sometimes, panic attacks can be very frightening. Some of the symptoms you may experience during the panic attack include - palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, a choking sensation, chest pain and feeling sick etc. If the attack is recurrent, it is advised to consult the physician to get the best possible treatment.

Q What can i do if my child is overweight?

Overweight children are more likely to grow up into overweight adults, so your concern for raised weight of child is appropriate. It is usually better that the child maintains their current weight while they continue to grow in height. Making changes to your family~s lifestyle can make a real difference to your child~s weight. Eat regular meals, together as a first step towards a healthier diet. Use homemade food rather than relying on ready-made meals to help you to lower the fat and sugar content in your meals. Avoid the diet like snacks and meals that are high in fat or sugar, such as chocolate, biscuits, sweets and fizzy drinks, and aim to replace these with healthier alternatives such as fruits. Exercise is helpful to burn extra calories in your child. Kindly focus on light exercises done by your child like standing up, moving around, walking at a slow pace and less energetic play. Also active play (such as hide and seek and stuck in the mud), fast walking, riding a bike, dancing, swimming, climbing, skipping rope, gymnastics are helpful depending upon the age.

Q How can i overcome intrusive thoughts?

The person having anxiety has to cope with intrusive thoughts. To overcome intrusive thoughts, it is important to realise that you are in complete control of yourself. People with intrusive obsessive thoughts are gentle and non-violent. You have to believe in yourself. It is you, who can help yourself and no one else. Try to solve the thoughts "logically" by telling yourself some positive statements. You have to relax yourself and give out the negative energy stored in your body and mind. It is advised to have a change in the attitude. A change in attitude will quickly disarm the emotional reaction you are having to the fearful thoughts.

Q What is Bulimia? What are the causes of the same?

It is a type of eating disorder. A person with bulimia eats a lot of food in a short amount of time and then tries to prevent weight gain by getting rid of the food either by vomiting or with the help of laxatives. The causes for the disease include - family history, any mental illness or stress, cultural factor etc.

Q What causes Hashimotos thyroiditis, and what is the best method of treatment? Can iodine help this condition?

It is an autoimmune disease in which the thyroid gland is attacked by a variety of cell- and antibody-mediated immune processes. Hypothyroidism caused by Hashimotos Thyroiditis is treated with thyroid hormone replacement agents. If there is no evidence of thyroid hormone deficiency, you may just need to be seen regularly by a health care provider. If you do need medication, chances are you will need it for the rest of your life.

Q Whats causing my palpitations and how can I get rid of them?

The causes for palpitations are - strong emotions such as anxiety, fear, or stress; palpitations often occur during panic attacks; caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, or illegal street drugs such as cocaine; some medical conditions, including thyroid disease, a low blood sugar level, anemia, low blood pressure, fever, and dehydration; hormone changes associated with menstruation, pregnancy or menopause etc. In most cases, palpitations are found to be harmless and often go away on their own. Treatment depends on the cause of your palpitations. Some lifestyle changes like exercise and yoga and quitting smoking and alcohol help a lot.