Health

When menopause should not be managed alone

Dr Ramya Raj, Specialist Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, International Modern Hospital Dubai

While many women do move through menopause without formal medical care, certain symptoms should prompt professional guidance. These include hot flushes or night sweats that disrupt sleep or daily functioning, mood changes such as persistent anxiety or low mood, brain fog affecting work or memory, vaginal dryness or pain during intimacy, recurrent urinary symptoms, unexplained weight gain, or changes in blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar. Heavy or irregular bleeding, especially after periods have stopped, should always be medically assessed.Some women also assume that symptoms like mood changes, joint pain, or fatigue are unrelated to menopause and therefore not worth mentioning lets explore what are mood swings during menopause? who gets them?as this question will be haunting most of us,they are extreme abrupt fluctuations in mood common during the menopausal transition and upto 75% of women over 40 going through menopause.

Doctors can make these conversations more approachable by normalizing menopause as a life stage rather than a medical failure. Simple, open-ended questions such as “How are these changes affecting your daily life?” or “What worries you most right now?” help women feel heard rather than rushed into treatment decisions.

Supporting women emotionally and physically during menopause

Healthcare providers can play a crucial role by addressing menopause holistically, not just hormonally. Emotional support is as important as symptom control. Many women feel dismissed or embarrassed discussing sleep disruption, libido changes, or emotional volatility. Acknowledging these experiences as common and valid can significantly reduce hesitation to seek help.There are certain triggers for hot flushes during menopause like stress ,smoking, excessive caffeine intake ,alcohol consumption and having spicy food and hot weather. So Practical support includes individualized care plans that may involve lifestyle adjustments avoiding these triggers, non-hormonal therapies, hormonal treatment when appropriate, mental health screening, and referrals to nutritionists or physiotherapists. Non prescriptive medications do have a role in alleviating symptoms like isoflavane supplements ,soy products, black cohosh and vitamin E.Regular follow-ups, even brief ones, help reinforce that menopause is an ongoing transition, not a one-time consultation.life style modifications like maintaining a healthy weight ,smoking cessation ,relaxation response techniques and acupuncture do help.

Creating women-friendly clinical environments—longer appointment slots, educational materials, and reassurance that symptoms will be taken seriously—also encourages engagement.

Misconceptions that prevent women from seeking care

Several persistent myths keep women from accessing support. One is the belief that menopause symptoms are something to “just endure.” Another is that treatment, particularly hormone therapy, is universally unsafe—despite strong evidence that it can be safe and effective for many women when appropriately prescribed.systemic estrogen therapy is the most effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms and only therapy currently approved by US FDA.It has other benefits like preventing alzheimers disease in the presence of normal brain tissue, increases good cholesterol and reduces atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease, improves bone health and helps in maintaining quality of life in menopausal lady if appropriately prescribed by medical expert ruling out contraindications .Harmone replacement therapy is versatile and can be administered in various forms including transdermal patch,topical preparation, vaginal suppositories and oral medications.This way , its clear and informative that there are multiple options to tailor the treatment to each individuals need.

Doctors can counter these misconceptions by offering clear, balanced information and emphasizing that seeking help does not mean over-medicalizing a natural process. Practical advice includes encouraging women to track symptoms, prioritize sleep and bone health, maintain cardiovascular screening, and understand that early conversations allow for simpler, more effective interventions.

Bottom line: Menopause is a normal life event and not a disease! Menopause does not require medical intervention for every woman, but no woman should feel she has to suffer in silence. Open dialogue, reassurance, and personalized care can transform menopause from an isolating experience into a manageable and well-supported life transition.Maximal Benefit with Harmonal replacement therapy requires early onset of treatment with right dose for the appropriate duration according to an individual patient’s need

Health

This Is the Age When You’re Most Physically Fit

Researchers have pinpointed the age when people reach their peak physical fitness.

In an exhaustive 47-year study, researchers followed 427 people from ages 16 to 63, regularly measuring their height and weight, and testing their fitness by evaluating endurance on a stationary bicycle and the weight they could bench press.

They found that age 35 is the time of peak physical performance for both men and women, according to the study published in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle. “There is no sex difference in decline with age,” researchers found. They also said that while physical decline is inevitable, active people experience a slower decline.

And the earlier you start moving, the better: “Individuals who were physically active in their leisure time at age 16 maintained higher aerobic capacity, muscular endurance and muscle power throughout the observation period,” the study says.

“This emphasizes the importance of early intervention to establish positive exercise habits in adolescence and early adulthood, as these patterns appear to have long-term benefits for physical function.”

But it doesn’t mean that once you’re 36, it’s all over: “It is never too late to start moving. Our study shows that physical activity can slow the decline in performance, even if it cannot completely stop it,” Maria Westerståhl, lecturer at the Department of Laboratory Medicine and lead author of the study, said in a press release from Karolinska Institutet.

“Now we will look for the mechanisms behind why everyone reaches their peak performance at age 35 and why physical activity can slow performance loss but not completely halt it,” she said, adding that the next step will be to evaluate the subjects when they are 68.

People magazine

Health

Dubai Hernia Summit Concludes Its Second Edition with the First-Ever Inclusion of Diastasis Recti Congress

International experts highlight the shift from cosmetic perception to clinical reality in abdominal wall reconstruction

Dubai, February 6, 2026

The Dubai Hernia Summit (DHS) successfully concluded its second edition in Dubai, marking a significant milestone with the first-ever inclusion of a dedicated International Congress for Diastasis Recti as part of this year’s scientific programme. The summit was held in collaboration with American Hospital Dubai and brought together a distinguished group of international surgeons and medical experts specialising in abdominal wall surgery.

The second edition of the Dubai Hernia Summit took place from January 30 to February 1, 2026, at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre, further strengthening the event’s position as a regional and international platform for advanced hernia surgery and abdominal wall reconstruction.

A key highlight of this year’s summit was the introduction of Diastasis Recti as a dedicated scientific track for the first time, addressing a condition that is often misunderstood as purely cosmetic. Diastasis recti—the structural separation of the rectus abdominis muscles—is a clinically significant condition that can affect core stability, physical function, posture, and long-term quality of life.

Expanded Scientific Programme

The scientific agenda featured advanced educational tracks, including the Diastasis Recti Masterclass, ETEP Universe, and Advanced Sessions, focusing on evidence-based practice, modern surgical techniques, and functional abdominal wall reconstruction.

The programme welcomed internationally recognised speakers, including Marco Correa, Rodrigo Galhego, Paulo Michels, Luciano Tracia, and Mario Cherubino, who shared global expertise and presented advanced approaches to complex abdominal wall and diastasis recti reconstruction.

Scientific Leadership and Acknowledgements

Dr Hatem Moussa, Chairman of the Scientific Committee of the Dubai Hernia Summit and Head of the Department of Surgery at American Hospital Dubai, said the successful conclusion of the second edition reflects the summit’s growing scientific impact and international relevance.

“The Dubai Hernia Summit continues to evolve, and the inclusion of Diastasis Recti for the first time this year represents an important step forward in addressing conditions that require proper clinical recognition and specialised surgical management,” Dr Moussa said.

He added:

“I would like to sincerely thank all the physicians and international experts who contributed to the scientific success of this edition. I also extend my appreciation to American Hospital Dubai and Mr Sherif Beshara for their continued support, commitment to advancing healthcare standards, and their key role in the successful delivery of this year’s summit.”

Advancing Abdominal Wall Surgery

The summit placed strong emphasis on robotic-assisted and advanced minimally invasive surgery, positioning the second edition of DHS as a leading platform for showcasing innovation in hernia repair and abdominal wall reconstruction. Specialised workshops provided participants with practical exposure to the latest surgical technologies and techniques.

The event was supported by American Hospital Dubai, alongside leading global medical technology companies including Medtronic, Intuitive, BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), Johnson & Johnson, and Cambridge Medical Robotics (CMR).

Reinforcing Dubai’s Global Role

The successful conclusion of the second edition of the Dubai Hernia Summit, and the first-time inclusion of the Diastasis Recti Congress, further reinforces Dubai’s position as a global destination for specialised medical conferences, advanced surgical education, and innovation-driven healthcare collaboration.

For more information :
Website: www.dubaihernia.com
Email: info@dubaihernia.com

About Dubai Hernia Summit (DHS)

The Dubai Hernia Summit is a leading medical platform dedicated to clinical excellence in hernia surgery and abdominal wall reconstruction. By uniting a global faculty of surgical pioneers and technology leaders, DHS facilitates high-level scientific exchange and the responsible adoption of advanced surgical technologies to improve patient outcomes internationally.

For media contact

Mourad Alsayed
Mobile: +071588144155
Murad.mustafa@awarenessupr.com

Health

A Major Advance in Complex Spinal Surgery: Saudi German Hospital Dubai Ends 30 Years of Suffering for Scoliosis Patient

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – The Spinal Center at Saudi German Hospital Dubai has achieved a significant medical milestone in complex spinal care, successfully performing a highly advanced spinal deformity correction on a patient who had lived with severe, neglected scoliosis for more than three decades.

The condition, which developed during childhood, had progressively evolved into a rigid structural deformity of the spine, resulting in chronic pain, restricted mobility, and long-term physical limitations that profoundly affected the patient’s quality of life.

A Surgical Challenge Requiring Advanced Expertise

This case extended well beyond conventional corrective procedures. Decades of progression had caused the spinal curvature to become structurally rigid, placing the condition among the most technically demanding scenarios in spinal surgery. Such cases require exceptional surgical expertise, meticulous planning, and strict adherence to internationally recognized standards of care.

Led by Professor Hazem Farid, Consultant Spine Surgeon, the multidisciplinary team implemented an advanced surgical protocol aimed at releasing the rigid deformity and restoring the body’s natural axial alignment while minimizing neurological risk.

Precision Techniques and Advanced Safety Measures

The three-and-a-half-hour procedure employed spinal osteotomy, a specialized technique used to reshape and realign solidified vertebrae with high precision. To safeguard neurological function, the surgical team utilized state-of-the-art intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM), providing continuous, real-time assessment of nerve signals throughout the procedure and ensuring the highest standards of surgical safety.

A Transformative Outcome

The results were evident within hours of surgery. The patient was able to stand with a corrected posture and walk independently, marking the end of a prolonged period of pain and physical restriction. Beyond the physical correction, the successful outcome also delivered a profound psychological benefit, restoring confidence, mobility, and independence.

Advancing Specialized Spine Care in the Region

This achievement highlights the advanced capabilities of Saudi German Hospital Dubai in managing complex spinal conditions and reinforces its role as a regional reference center for high-complexity specialty surgeries. By combining specialized expertise with cutting-edge surgical technology, the hospital continues to contribute to Dubai’s growing reputation as a leading destination for advanced and sophisticated healthcare.