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Bhopal docs give new lease of life to man living with severe health issues

In another significant achievement, doctors in the Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS) at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhopal has successfully performed a complex cardiac surgery, giving a new lease of life to a man suffering from a serious medical condition.  The 30-year-old patient from Hoshangabad (now Narmadapuram district) had been suffering from severe health complications for the past six months, Dr Yogesh Niwariya, Head of the CTVS Department at AIIMS Bhopal, said on Monday. Dr Niwariya said the patient had a history of heart attack, paralysis and kidney dysfunction. In addition, several large clots were found in the left side of the heart (left ventricle), and the heart muscle was also weak. He said that because of the clots, the patient suffered a heart attack around six months ago. Subsequently, around 20 days ago, the kidney artery became blocked and he also developed paralysis. Despite receiving treatment at several places, the patient did not get relief. Considering the severity and complexity of the condition, he was referred to AIIMS Bhopal. After a detailed evaluation at the CTVS Department of AIIMS Bhopal, the experts decided to proceed with surgery. Investigations revealed the presence of multiple mobile clots in the left ventricle, which posed a high risk of travelling to other organs and causing paralysis or even death. A team of specialist doctors performed a complex open-heart procedure known as a left ventricular thrombectomy. During the surgery, all clots present in the heart were successfully removed, thereby reducing the risk of stroke and other serious complications in future. “After surgery, the patient was kept in the ICU, where his condition remained stable, and he was later shifted to the ward. At present, the patient is completely healthy,” Dr Niwariya, who led the surgical team, said. Executive Director of AIIMS Bhopal Dr Madhabananda Kar said patients would no longer need to go outside the state for treatment of such serious illnesses. “This achievement reflects the capability of AIIMS Bhopal to provide advanced treatment for serious and complex diseases. With advanced facilities and expert doctors, effective treatment of even the most complex diseases is now possible,” Dr Kar said in a statement. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

14 January,2026 08:39 PM IST | Bhopal | IANS
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Women and elderly more likely to be vaccine-hesitant, says study

Women and the elderly are more likely to be vaccine-hesitant, according to a study on Tuesday, January 13, which analysed data from more than 1.1 million people.  The study, published in The Lancet, analysed hesitancy based on Covid-19 vaccine uptake and found that hesitancy against vaccines was rooted in concerns about their efficacy. While it reduced over time, it persists in some people. The researchers from Imperial College London, UK, found that the likelihood of remaining unvaccinated was higher for older people, women, people who were unemployed or living in deprived areas, those with a history of Covid, and people with a lower level of education. They identified eight categories of vaccine hesitancy, including concerns about effectiveness and side effects, perception of low risk from Covid, and mistrust of vaccine developers, and fear of vaccines and reactions. Men were more likely than women to report not feeling Covid was a personal risk (18 per cent vs 10 per cent). Women were also more likely to be worried about fertility-related consequences (21 per cent vs 8 per cent), while those aged 74 years or older were more likely to be against vaccines in general compared with 18–24-year-olds (12 per cent vs 2.5 per cent). More than 40 per cent also reported concerns around long-term health effects, 39 per cent that they wanted to wait to see whether the vaccine worked, and 37 per cent that they had concerns about side effects. "We show that certain types of vaccine hesitancy are more readily addressed than others, for example, concerns relating to pregnancy or breastfeeding,” said co-author Professor Helen Ward from Imperial College. "Our study suggests that as the vaccine was rolled out, public confidence increased and the original vaccine scepticism was largely overcome," Ward added. The study followed more than 1.1 million people in England between January 2021 and March 2022 during the Covid pandemic, Overall, 3.3 per cent of participants reported some degree of Covid vaccine hesitancy. Hesitancy rates declined over time from an initial high of 8 per cent of those surveyed in January 2021, to a low of 1.1 per cent at the start of 2022. There was a small uptick in hesitancy to over 2.2 per cent in February and March 2022 during the Omicron wave. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

14 January,2026 08:24 PM IST | New Delhi | IANS
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AIIMS: Cold wave, pollution surging heart diseases, COPD, asthma cases in Delhi

Cold waves with dipping temperatures, along with severe air pollution, are driving a sharp rise in heart and respiratory illnesses in the national capital, said health experts at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi.  The experts highlighted the precautions that should be taken in various comorbidities and extremes of age, and the precautions one can take when there is any health issue. Prof. Rajiv Narang, HOD, Department of Cardiology, AIIMS, shared how to deal with conditions like coronary artery disease and cardiovascular disease in these extreme cold conditions, which occur mainly due to reduced blood supply to the heart muscles. "It is very cold these days, and there is much discussion about how to take care of your health. When it comes to heart disease, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Especially during winter, there is a tendency for blood pressure to rise,” Narang told IANS. “Many patients who previously had their blood pressure well under control now report an increase. To manage this, it is recommended to have a blood pressure monitor at home and check your BP at least twice a week. Blood pressure monitors are now affordable and easy to use. If your BP exceeds 140/90 mmHg, you should consult your doctor," he added, while also advising proper diet and hydration. He also recommended against morning walks due to extreme cold conditions, as well as increasing pollution levels in the city. "It is very important to maintain body temperature during winter. Avoid going out in the early morning or late evening. Perform daily activities, especially for the elderly, during the daytime, preferably after 11 a.m. when the sun is up. Stay active, but do so safely," Dr. Abhijith R. Rao, Department of Geriatric Medicine, AIIMS, told IANS. Dr. Sanjeev Sinha, a Professor of Medicine at AIIMS, highlighted the risk of respiratory diseases due to the cold wave and pollution. “During a cold wave, exposure to cold air can trigger bronchospasm. When a patient inhales cold air through the nostrils, the airways can constrict, leading to narrowing or closure of the respiratory passages and difficulty in breathing,” he said. The expert noted an increase in patients in the AIIMS Delhi OPD and emergency departments due to COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) -- a condition commonly associated with a history of smoking, indoor pollution, or outdoor pollution. “Patients with COPD often present with coughing, wheezing, and breathlessness. Many of them come with acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, especially during cold weather. Due to increased exposure and lowered immunity, some patients also develop pneumonia,” Sinha said. He urged elderly individuals and patients suffering from chronic bronchitis, emphysema, COPD, or bronchial asthma to take extra precautions during cold waves to protect their respiratory health. Paediatrician Prof. Rakesh Lodha highlighted the need to also care about children’s health and physical well-being this winter. "Young children are particularly vulnerable to problems caused by cold exposure. To protect them, they should wear warm clothing and be properly covered, including using a cap for their head. Handkerchiefs or scarves can also help reduce exposure," he said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

14 January,2026 06:53 PM IST | New Delhi | IANS
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Just five more minutes of sleep can help add one more year to your life: Study

Just five more minutes of sleep, and two minutes of moderate exercise like brisk walking or climbing stairs can add a year to your life, according to a study on Wednesday.  Adding half a serving of vegetables per day more could also lead to an extra year of life for people with the worst existing sleep, physical activity, and dietary habits, revealed the study that followed 60,000 people for eight long years. The study, published in The Lancet journal eClinicalMedicine, suggested that seven to eight hours of sleep per day, more than 40 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity a day, and a healthy diet were associated with over nine years of additional lifespan and years spent in good health. “The combined relationship of sleep, physical activity, and diet is larger than the sum of the individual behaviours. For example, for people with the unhealthiest sleep, physical activity and dietary habits to achieve one additional year of lifespan through sleep alone would require five times the amount of additional sleep per day (25 minutes) than if physical activity and diet also improved a small amount,” said the international group of researchers from the UK, Australia, Chile, and Brazil. In a separate study, published in the journal The Lancet, researchers from Norway, Spain, and Australia showed that adding just 5 minutes of extra walking to the daily routine can cut down the risk of death in the majority of adults by 10 per cent. It will also help the least active adults to reduce their risk of death by around 6 per cent. Further, the study based on data from more than 135,000 adults found that reducing sedentary time by 30 minutes per day was associated with an estimated 7 per cent reduction in all deaths if adopted by the majority of adults (who spend 10 hours being sedentary per day). Around 3 per cent of all deaths can be reduced if adopted by the most sedentary adults (who spend 12 hours being sedentary per day on average). “These estimates provide important evidence on the wide range of public health impacts associated with even small positive changes in physical activity and inactivity,” said corresponding author Prof Ulf Ekelund, from the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo. The researchers cautioned that the findings should not be used as personalised advice; rather, they highlighted the potential benefits for the population as a whole. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

14 January,2026 06:25 PM IST | New Delhi | IANS
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WHO: Increase taxes on fruit juices, sugary drinks, alcohol to reduce diabetes

Increasing taxes on fruit juices, sugary drinks, and alcohol is essential to curb the rising non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancers, and injuries, especially in children and young adults, said the World Health Organization (WHO).  In two new global reports, the WHO flagged concerns that sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages are getting cheaper, due to consistently low tax rates in most countries. While more than 100 countries tax sugary drinks like sodas, other high-sugar products, such as 100 per cent fruit juices, sweetened milk drinks, and ready-to-drink coffees and teas, escape taxation. The median tax for these accounts for only about 2 per cent of the price of a common sugary soda. Besides, only a few countries are adjusting taxes for inflation, allowing the health-harming products to become steadily more affordable. Being cheap for consumption, the harmful products are generating billions of dollars in profit. On the other hand, health systems across the globe are facing mounting financial pressure from preventable noncommunicable diseases and injuries, the WHO said, while calling on governments to significantly strengthen taxes on sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages. “Health taxes are one of the strongest tools we have for promoting health and preventing disease," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. "By increasing taxes on products like tobacco, sugary drinks, and alcohol, governments can reduce harmful consumption and unlock funds for vital health services,” he added. In a separate report, the WHO stated that alcohol has become more affordable or remained unchanged in price in most countries since 2022, despite clear health risks. At least 167 countries levy taxes on alcoholic beverages, while 12 ban alcohol entirely. WHO found that across regions, tax shares on alcohol remain low, with global excise share medians of 14 per cent for beer and 22.5 per cent for spirits. “More affordable alcohol drives violence, injuries and disease,” said Dr Etienne Krug, Director of WHO’s Department of Health Determinants, Promotion and Prevention. “While industry profits, the public often carries the health consequences and society the economic costs,” Krug said. The WHO called on countries to raise and redesign taxes and increase the real prices of tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks by 2035, making them less affordable over time to help protect people's health. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

14 January,2026 06:14 PM IST | New Delhi | IANS
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Aspiring paralympian walks again after 20 years, gets a new lease of life

Karen, an aspiring Paralympic archer living with multiple sclerosis (MS) for nearly three decades has got a new lease of life with the help of precision Ayurveda.  She arrived at the Apollo AyurVAID Hospital earlier this year with over twenty years of near-complete dependence on a wheelchair.  She had persistent chronic pain, weakness, and gait imbalance, and had been advised that no additional clinical interventions were likely to improve her mobility. While training in Chennai, Karen sought to explore whether a structured Ayurveda approach could help restore her mobility, improve muscle strength and overall function. She consulted Dr Susmitha C, a specialist in neurological and autoimmune conditions at the hospital and enrolled in a rigorous Precision Ayurveda programme. Following a detailed assessment grounded in the principles of Precision Ayurveda, Karen's treatment plan combined classical Panchakarma therapies,targeted Ayurveda medication, a therapeutic diet and focused neuro-rehabilitation formed the cornerstone of her care. Karen's journey was documented with clinical rigour, as measurable outcomes are vital in progressive neurological conditions. Standard neurological scales - including the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Berg Balance Score and MS-specific functional assessments - were used to track her progress at every stage. Dr. Susmitha C, Physician, at the hospital, said, "Karen presented with long-standing functional limitations and limited avenues within conventional care. Our objective was to design a phased, clinically safe programme that addressed the underlying drivers of her condition. Each component of her care, from therapies to diet to physiotherapy, was individualised to her clinical profile and athletic requirements. This integrative approach to whole-person care addresses body, mind, and soul, supporting both immediate recovery and long-term functional maintenance. Her progress reinforces the role of a precision-based Ayurveda approach in improving function in complex, chronic conditions. She continues with consolidation therapy and strength development, and we anticipate further gains as she progresses through her long-term plan." Karen added, "Living with MS for nearly three decades, I had learned to adjust to limitations, but never imagined I could regain true mobility. Working with the team at has been transformative, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. The therapies and guidance helped me reconnect with my body in ways I hadn't felt in years. Standing up on my feet again feels like reclaiming a part of myself I thought was lost forever. I'm now able to integrate focused lower limbtraining into my archery practice, and it's empowering to feel my strength and balance returning. This experience has given me renewed confidence andmotivation to pursue my dream of competing in the 2028 LA Paralympics, knowing that my body can respond to my efforts once more." Karen, who is also a pharmacist and an advocate for disability visibility and access in sports, has transformed her health challenge into a purpose. She has represented the US national para archery team and competed in two world championships while inspiring others to believe in possibilitiesbeyond limitation.

12 January,2026 03:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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Genetic study links pregnancy stress to foetal brain defects

Stress during pregnancy such as gut changes or a trigger of the immune system can impact the brain health of the foetus, potentially paving way for neurodevelopmental abnormalities to develop, according to a new genetic study in mice. In a paper published in the journal Nature Neuroscience, researchers have mapped how stress events during pregnancy can affect the neuroimmune landscape of the developing foetal brain using spatial transcriptomics -- they help reveal which genes of a tissue were active and where. "Our study establishes a detailed spatial transcriptomic resource of immune gene networks during a critical window of embryonic brain development," lead researcher Brian Kalish, a physician in the division of newborn medicine at US' Boston Children's Hospital, said. The study mapped the location of gene relevant to the neurodevelopment of the developing brain. The researchers also discovered notable sex-specific responses in the foetus, such as a vulnerability for a specific immune pathway in the male brain, that could be a potential target for early intervention. "Unlike previous atlases focused on the adult brain, our dataset captures dynamic immune signalling interactions at a stage when the brain is highly vulnerable," Kalish said. Further, the team also proposed a specific pathway in the immune system -- known as the 'CXCL12/CXCR7' signalling pathway -- important for neural stem cells to incorrectly develop as neurons, potentially resulting in structural or functional defects. "As a neonatologist, this work adds to our understanding early-life environmental factors that may impact neurodevelopmental potential and lends insights for potential interventions," Kalish said. The authors "determined how embryonic neuroimmune landscape was altered after maternal immune activation and maternal microbiome depletion." "This resource underscores how the maternal environment programs precise regulation of immune molecules in developing brain, highlighting sex-specific vulnerability," they said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

12 January,2026 09:58 AM IST | New Delhi | PTI
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Simple at-home blood tests accurately detect Alzheimer’s biomarkers

Simple finger-prick blood samples that can be collected at home and mailed to laboratories without refrigeration or prior processing can help detect Alzheimer's disease biomarkers accurately, according to an international study. The research, published in the journal Nature Medicine, represents the first large-scale validation of the accessible testing approach that removes geographic barriers and opens brain disease research to global populations without requiring specialised health care infrastructure. Alzheimer's disease is usually confirmed through brain scans or spinal fluid tests, which are invasive and expensive. Blood tests that measure biomarkers, such as p-tau217, are emerging as accurate and accessible tools for detecting Alzheimer's disease. "This breakthrough could fundamentally change how we conduct Alzheimer's research by proving that the same biomarkers doctors use to detect Alzheimer's pathology can be measured from a simple finger prick collected at home or in more remote community settings,” said Professor Nicholas Ashton, senior director of US-based Banner Health. "Ultimately, we are moving toward a pathway of treating people for Alzheimer's disease before symptoms emerge. If this trajectory continues, we will need innovative ways to identify eligible individuals who are not routinely presenting in clinical settings. This work represents one such approach in that direction, and further validation remains," he added. The researchers tested the new method using a few drops of blood obtained from the fingertip and then dried on a card. This process was used to find proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease and other brain changes in the 337 participants across seven European medical centres. The study found that levels of p-tau217 in finger-prick samples closely matched results from standard blood tests and were able to identify Alzheimer's disease-related changes in spinal fluid with an accuracy of 86 per cent. Two other markers, GFAP and NfL, were also successfully measured and showed strong agreement with traditional tests. While not ready for clinical use, this breakthrough addresses critical barriers in Alzheimer's research by enabling remote participation in studies, clinical trial recruitment and monitoring, broader population sampling for epidemiological research, and inclusion of underrepresented communities and regions with limited health care infrastructure. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

10 January,2026 09:36 AM IST | New Delhi | IANS
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India’s first government AI clinic to boost public health system

India’s first government-run artificial intelligence (AI) clinic, launched recently at the Government Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) in Greater Noida, marks a major step in integrating advanced technology in the public health system of the country, according to a media report. The initiative aims to boost early detection of diseases, diagnostics, and treatment, which can be crucial to improving outcomes and survival rates, Gulf News reported. The clinic will reportedly perform genetic screening using AI, which can help in faster detection of diseases such as cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, and liver disease. AI tools at the centre will also assist in interpreting X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRI reports, and laboratory investigations, helping doctors improve accuracy and speed of diagnosis. “The clinic will use artificial intelligence along with genetic screening to analyse blood tests, imaging scans, and other clinical data,” Brigadier (Dr) Rakesh Kumar Gupta, Director of GIMS, was quoted as saying. He added that the initiative would also open new opportunities for healthcare startups. Typically, an AI clinic works using advanced algorithms and automation. They support doctors in diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient management. The AI health centres also function as standalone units or integrated hospital departments, where AI systems analyse patient data in real time to support clinical decision-making, the report said. Another key advantage is that it improves access to quality healthcare, particularly in remote and underserved areas, where the availability of specialists is limited. While AI tools are already used in select private hospitals and diagnostic labs, this is the first dedicated government AI clinic. The report stated that the AI model could be replicated across government hospitals in other states. AI tools are known to play a significant role in healthcare delivery, particularly in labs, radiology, and cancer screening. In pathology, doctors can use AI for analysing tissues and detecting diseases that can be missed by the human eye. This not only reduces processing time but also improves diagnostic precision. AI has shown significant potential in identifying early signs of cancers such as breast and lung cancer by reducing false positives and negatives. The early diagnosis improves survival rates and treatment outcomes. The advanced technology has also demonstrated its skill in processing vast genomic datasets to identify disease-linked biomarkers and predict how patients will respond to treatment. It can aid in precision therapy with customised drug dosages and lifestyle changes, by analysing medical history, lifestyle, and genetic data. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

09 January,2026 11:02 AM IST | New Delhi [India] | IANS
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Air purifier searches jumped by 103 per cent pan-India as pollution worsened

India’s winter pollution worsened across major metros in late 2025, with government monitoring agencies reporting sustained deterioration in air quality. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi repeatedly slipped into the 'Severe'  and 'Severe Plus' categories during November and December, triggering stricter measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Air Quality Index (AQI) levels crossed 400 on multiple occasions, far exceeding safe limits. Mumbai, while typically less affected than the capital, also saw air quality decline. Monitoring stations across the city recorded 'Poor' to 'Very Poor' AQI levels during peak winter weeks, particularly in high-traffic and industrial areas, indicating that pollution stress is no longer limited to north India. Against this backdrop, consumer search behaviour across urban India points to a clear shift towards both preventive and compliance-driven responses. From protecting indoor air quality to meeting vehicular emission standards, urban consumers are acting with increased urgency and awareness. According to data from Indian search engine Justdial, searches linked to pollution-related categories recorded a sharp rise during October–November–December 2025 (OND’25). To assess this behavioural shift, the search engine compared search trends between 2025 and 2024, as well as with the preceding quarter July–August–September 2025. Searches for air purifier dealers surged significantly across the country, underlining growing concern around indoor air safety amid deteriorating outdoor air quality.  Pan-India searches rose 103 per cent year-on-year, while demand intensified sharply in recent months, with the searches becoming six times the levels in 2025.  Delhi emerged as the strongest city, recording a 134 per cent increase compared to 2024, with November 2025 alone witnessing a sixfold jump over October 2025, reflecting the immediate impact of worsening air conditions. Other urban centres such as Gurgaon and Mumbai also saw notable spikes, pointing to a broader metropolitan response. Alongside indoor air solutions, searches for Pollution Under Control (PUC) Testing also recorded consistent growth, signalling rising awareness around vehicular emission compliance. Pan-India PUC searches increased 55 per cent year-on-year in 2025, with a 4 per cent rise compared to 2025.  In Delhi, searches grew 38 per cent versus 2024, alongside an 11per cent quarter-on-quarter increase, indicating sustained intent rather than a short-term surge. Mumbai emerged as another key market showing notable growth in PUC-related searches. Taken together, the data reveals a clear shift in urban consumer behaviour, where pollution is prompting both immediate protective actions within homes and a more responsible approach towards emissions on the road. While air purifier searches reflect an urgent need to secure indoor environments, rising PUC queries highlight growing accountability towards pollution control. With search volumes rising across major metros, the searchers reveal that the findings indicate that pollution is no longer viewed as a temporary seasonal challenge, but as a catalyst shaping everyday decisions and search behaviour across India’s cities.

09 January,2026 01:38 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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Mumbai doctors see 30 per cent rise in hairfall among women linked to PCOS

Hair loss is no longer a problem limited to men. A large number of women in their 20s-30s are noticing excessive shedding, thinning, and reduced hair volume. Hair loss can happen due to hormonal disorders such as PCOS and PCOD, which are increasingly prevalent today. These conditions are not just associated with acne, irregular periods, and weight gain; they can also severely impact hair health, causing diffuse thinning or even localised bald patches in some cases. It is necessary to address hair loss without any delay with the help of an expert. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) not only lead to irregular periods, excess hair growth (hirsutism), acne, weight gain, and difficulty conceiving, but even that concerning hair fall. “These conditions tend to disrupt the body’s hormonal balance, often leading to elevated androgen levels, which directly affect hair follicles. The result is a condition called androgenic alopecia, where the hair growth slows and follicles shrink over time. So, this type of hair fall is gradual but persistent, making early diagnosis and treatment crucial,” highlights Mumbai-based dermatologist Dr Shareefa Isa Chause. She further explains, “Androgenic alopecia in women is commonly linked to hormonal conditions like PCOS and PCOD, where increased male hormones gradually weaken hair follicles, leading to thinning hair and widening of the parting. Women with these conditions often experience other symptoms such as acne, facial hair growth, irregular periods, weight gain, and oily skin. If left untreated, hair thinning can slowly progress and become difficult to reverse. Beyond the physical symptoms, hair loss can deeply affect a woman’s self-confidence, body image, and emotional well-being. Many women feel anxious or socially withdrawn due to visible hair thinning. Early diagnosis and hormonal balance are key to controlling hair loss and restoring confidence. In a month, 3 out of 10 women aged 20-30 with PCOS or PCOD experience noticeable hair thinning, and many of them seek medical help due to anxiety and panic over excessive hair fall. There has been a 30 per cent surge in hair fall complaints among women diagnosed with PC Hair fall in women with PCOS or PCOD can be distressing, but it is manageable. “Maintaining a balanced diet rich in protein, iron, and vitamins is essential. Regular exercise helps regulate hormones, while stress reduction techniques like yoga or meditation can further improve hair health. Topical treatments, such as minoxidil, can promote regrowth, and in some cases, oral medications may be prescribed for hair growth. Most importantly, women should consult an expert rather than waiting for hair loss to become severe. Alongside medical treatment, gentle hair care and a good diet is vital; avoid harsh chemical treatments, excessive heat styling, and tight hairstyles. Using mild shampoos and conditioning regularly can help reduce breakage. Hair fall may not reverse completely in severe cases, but timely intervention can slow progression and improve overall hair density,” adds Dr Chause. Dr Priyanka Sonawane, gynecologist, Zynova Shalby Hospital in Ghatkopar West, further explains, “Hair thinning is a very common complaint among women with PCOS and PCOD, and many patients come to us feeling worried. About 20 per cent of women coming to me notice visible hair fall, which often worsens if a hormonal imbalance is not addressed early. In a month, 2 out of 10 women aged 20-30 years have complaints of hair fall. The good news is that with proper treatment, such as hormonal regulation, nutritional support, lifestyle changes, and dermatologist-prescribed therapies, hair loss can be controlled. Early intervention helps slow thinning and, in many cases, improves hair density over time. Timely medical care also reassures patients and helps restore confidence." With lifestyle changes, medical guidance, and targeted treatments, women affected by PCOS and PCOD can significantly manage hair fall. Awareness about the link between hormonal disorders and hair health is the first step toward prevention and recovery. Early action ensures that women regain not only healthier hair but also confidence and quality of life.

08 January,2026 06:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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