5 Effects of Winter on Fertility A Guide to Couples Planning a Baby
By, Dr. Smrithi D Nayak, Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Aster RV Hospital
Winter in India introduces a specific set of issues and opportunities for those who want to start or expand their families. Here’s how the cold time of the year may play with fertility, along with some tips to make the best of it:
1. Improved Fertility: Hormones in action during Winters
There are changes of hormones that happen normally at this time. Researchers have found that during the winter, levels ofluteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are made at a greater rate, thus bringing quality to ovulation and sperm. Most men notice a peak in testosterone during winter and women notice regularity of their cycles, increasing their chances of conceiving.
Pro Tip: Keep a close eye on ovulation during this time and have intercourse during your fertile window for maximum success.
2. Improved Sperm Quality in Men
The cooler temperatures are more favorable to sperm production and quality. Heat can damage sperm, but winter’s cooler climate maintains an ideal environment, thus boosting sperm count and motility.
Pro Tip: Advise your partner to avoid overly tight clothing and hot baths to maintain optimum sperm health throughout winter.
3. Seasonal Diet Boosts Fertility
Winter has plenty of fertility-enhancing foods, such as green leafy vegetables (spinach, fenugreek), fresh citrus fruits (oranges, guava), and nuts. These are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals needed to maintain the reproductive system. Foods like sesame seeds and jaggery are also taken as natural fertility enhancers in Indian traditional diets.
Pro Tip: Eat seasonal food in your everyday diet to boost your reproductive health and keep your hormones in check.
4. Less Stress and Improved Sleep
Winter’s longer nights tend to promote improved sleep, which is necessary for the balancing of hormones. Better quality of sleep would enhance the conditions for ovulation and sperm production, whereas decreased stress improves overall fertility.
Pro Tip: Establish a bedtime routine, enjoy warm beverages like herbal tea, and keep your bedroom cozy to maximize the benefits of winter’s restful nights.
5. Chances of Seasonal Diseases and Weight gain
On the other hand, cold weather may have the impact of increasing the vulnerability of acquiring colds and flu, and might thus weaken the body for some time, along with infertility. Also, minimal movement, calorie-rich foods are the factors that lead to gaining weight, which impacts hormone levels.
Pro Tip: Light exercises like yoga or walking, maintain healthy weight, and keep in your diet immunity-boosting foods like turmeric milk and ginger tea.
Final Thoughts for Couples Trying to Conceive
Winter is indeed the perfect time to focus on one’s reproductive health. But the right approach—healthy eating, stress management, and leveraging nature’s hormonal benefits—can definitely make the most of it. Stay warm, stay hopeful, and remember that this is a journey unique to each couple.
Navigating Menopause with Confidence and Clarity
By: Dr. Shivani Chandan L, Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Aster RV Hospital
During their lifespan, women undergo many physical and hormonal changes. One significant change in their life is the stage of menopause. Some women struggle to cope with it, while few others enjoy the process of their menstrual cycle coming to an end. However, it is an under reported transition, both by medical experts and women who go through this transition. As a result, there is little awareness of the fact that some women can begin perimenopause or the beginning of the menopause stage, as early as 40 years old or even younger in some cases. All women regardless of their age, should have access to medical information regarding menopause and be ready to deal with it in a healthy and safe manner.
During menopause, a woman’s ovaries cease production of eggs, leading to a lower level of oestrogen in their body. Oestrogen regulates the reproductive cycle in a woman. When the woman does not experience her monthly menstrual cycle for more than a year, it is said to be the period of menopause.
Symptoms
While menopausal symptoms can vary from one woman to another, there are a few general physical changes and symptoms every woman should be aware of, like irregular period patterns, missed periods, different flow, irregular hormone cycles, frequent urinary tract infections, vaginal dryness, painful sex, night sweats, and decreased libido. Psychological changes or symptoms include depression spikes, irritation, anger, hot flashes like panic attacks or heart palpitations, and difficulty sleeping.
Treatments
Treatment options focus on relieving symptoms and improving overall well-being. Some OF the common approaches include:
- Hormone Therapy (HT) – Helps with hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and bone loss.
- Non-Hormonal Medications which include Antidepressants, Gabapentin & Pregabalin. These medications can reduce hot flashes and improve sleep.
- Vaginal hormone therapy such as Low-dose vaginal creams, rings, or tablets to relieve vaginal dryness and discomfort.
- Lifestyle and Natural Remedies include
- Dietary Changes: Eating soy products (phytoestrogens), whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity to maintain bone health and reduce mood swings.
- Stress Management: Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing.
- Acupuncture: Some women find relief from hot flashes.
- Alternative Therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps manage mood swings and sleep disturbances.
- Bone Health Management includes Calcium, Vitamin D supplements and medications like bisphosphonates (if needed) to prevent osteoporosis.
- The best treatment depends on individual symptoms, health risks, and personal preferences. Always consult a doctor before starting any treatment.
Managing menopause
When it comes to managing menopause, knowledge is the key. Although there is a wide variety of material on the subject, it is crucial to discuss any worries with a doctor.
Women can better understand and manage the symptoms of menopause by being aware of their bodies, as is the case with many health-related issues. From a traditional paper calendar to more advanced techniques like apps, there are numerous ways to monitor one’s health. After that, women can show this information to a medical expert for a possible evaluation and diagnosis that is specific to their bodies, health, and well-being.
Because menopause symptoms can impact both physical and mental health, a positive outlook on wellbeing can sometimes reduce issues. Women should think about implementing strategies to reduce mental stress, like getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, practicing yoga, meditation, eating a balanced diet, and drinking less alcohol.
Lastly, starting a discussion about menopause is a terrific approach to find out more and discover some of the real resources and assistance that are out there. Women can also discuss menopause with other women, including friends, family, spouses, coworkers, and—most importantly—other women who may have gone through it. Finding out the age at which a mother went through menopause can sometimes be related to a daughter’s experience, therefore talking to one’s mother about it may also be helpful.
Women may also feel more supported if they are a part of an informed community. Overcoming obstacles can be aided by pooling information and experiences. Additionally, discussing problems can occasionally relieve stress, ease anxieties, and bring people together via common experiences and knowledge.