What you need to know about pregnancy

Melasma is a common skin pigmentation disorder that primarily manifests on the face, with hyperpigmented patches appearing in areas exposed to the sun. It appears as symmetrical brown or gray-brown spots, most commonly on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, nose, and chin. This condition is more frequent in women, especially those with darker skin (Fitzpatrick III–V type). Causes and Mechanisms of Development The causes of melasma are diverse. One of the primary factors is sun exposure (ultraviolet and visible rays), which stimulates melanocyte activity, increasing melanin production. Hormonal influences also play an important role, as melasma often occurs during pregnancy (known as chloasma or the "mask of pregnancy"), or with the use of contraceptives or hormonal treatments. Notable factors include genetic predisposition, thyroid disorders, certain medications, or cosmetic products that make the skin more sensitive to light. In melasma, from a dermatological perspective, there is an increase in melanin in the epidermis, dermis, or both, depending on the type of melasma. Clinical Picture Three main forms are differentiated: • Epidermal Melasma – light brown, well-defined edges, which intensifies under Wood's lamp examination. • Dermal Melasma – grayish or bluish color, poorly defined edges, which does not intensify under Wood's lamp. • Mixed Form – contains features of both types. Diagnosis The diagnosis is primarily based on the clinical presentation. Wood's lamp examination plays a supporting role, as it helps determine whether the pigment is located in the epidermis or dermis. If necessary, dermatoscopy is performed. Treatment The treatment of melasma requires a comprehensive and individualized approach, as it has a chronic and recurrent course. 1. Sun Protection – the most important step. Broad-spectrum sunscreens with SPF 50+ should be used daily to protect against UVA/UVB rays. 2. Topical Treatment – skin lightening agents such as hydroquinone, azelaic acid, and niacinamide are used. 3. Aesthetic Interventions – chemical peels and laser therapy (e.g., Q-switched Nd:YAG) can improve the appearance of the skin, but they must be done with caution, especially in individuals with darker skin, as they may cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Conclusion Melasma is a benign but long-lasting condition. Although it may not always fully resolve, consistent treatment and the use of sun protection can lead to noticeable improvement. Patients should be informed that recurrences are possible, and it is crucial to maintain sun protection, avoid irritating agents, and perform gentle care.

Women's health is not just the absence of diseases; it includes physical, hormonal, psychological, and sexual well-being. Daily preventive and mindful habits can significantly enhance the quality of life, providing energy, self-confidence, and harmonious relationships with one's body. Below are 10 essential pillars of women's healthy life that are scientifically backed and easy to incorporate into daily routines: 1. Regular Gynecological Visits At least once a year, it is recommended to undergo a gynecological exam, Pap test, and, if necessary, a vaginal ultrasound. This approach allows early detection of inflammatory, infectious, or hormonal changes, which often develop without noticeable symptoms. Early diagnosis is one of the most effective preventive measures. 2. Sensitive Monitoring of the Cycle Keeping a cycle calendar helps in understanding the dynamics of hormonal balance. It is important to note: • Cycle duration, • Nature of blood discharge, • Presence of pain, • Changes in mood. This information facilitates both self-monitoring and cooperation with a doctor, ensuring a more accurate approach. 3. Balanced Diet and Sufficient Iron Diet plays a key role in regulating a woman's hormonal system. It is essential to increase the intake of: • Proteins (fish, poultry, legumes), • Green vegetables, • Foods rich in B vitamins. Iron deficiency is a common issue for women, so attention should also be given to iron-rich foods such as meat and leafy vegetables. At the same time, it's advisable to limit excessive sugar and caffeine, which can disrupt the natural hormonal cycle. 4. Hydration At least 1.5–2 liters of water per day is the minimum required to: • Reduce the risk of urinary infections, • Improve skin elasticity, • Boost recovery processes. Dehydration can also affect energy levels and concentration. 5. Movement and Circulation Stimulation Walking, yoga, pilates, or light aerobic exercises promote better circulation in the pelvic area. This, in turn, supports hormonal balance, reproductive health, and overall vitality. Systematic but moderate physical activity also helps reduce stress accumulation. 6. Quality Sleep Sleep deprivation disrupts estrogen and progesterone levels while increasing the effect of stress hormones. For women, it is especially important to have: • 7–9 hours of restful sleep, • Regular sleep patterns, • Reduced screen time before bed. Good sleep is a cornerstone of hormonal balance and mental stability. 7. Mental Peace Stress can interfere with the menstrual cycle, affect fertility, and impact the thyroid gland. Helpful practices include: • Meditation, • Breathing techniques, • Self-care rituals, • Social support. Mental health is an integral part of a woman’s overall health. 8. Mindful Preservation of Sexual Health Sexual health includes not only safe sexual behavior but also a mindful attitude toward one’s body. It is important to: • Use reliable protective methods, • Maintain proper hygiene, • Have open and healthy communication with a partner, • Avoid self-medication. Regular check-ups help monitor any changes. 9. Vigilance toward Hormonal Changes A woman’s life is divided into phases: adolescence, reproductive years, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and perimenopause. Each stage has its own requirements, and it is essential to consult a specialist not only for problems but also for general awareness and support. 10. Love for Womanhood Health is not just about the state of the body, but also the attitude toward oneself. A woman’s identity becomes more complete when she learns to love her body, accept her cyclical nature, and value both her strength and gentleness. Womanhood begins with health, and health begins with care and awareness.

Menopause or climacteric is one of the natural stages of a woman's life, following the climacteric period. Menopause is mostly observed between the ages of 48-52. It is characterized by the absence of menstrual bleeding for one year or more. From this point on, the woman's reproductive function is completed, and the ovarian function is reduced. The secretion of sexual hormones (estrogens, progesterone) and gonadotropic hormones is quantitatively altered, and the sexual organs perform their function partially. The presence of blood in the sexual organs is no longer normal and becomes unusual. The sexual organs undergo physiological aging and atrophy if not surgically removed. A perimenopausal period is distinguished, which precedes and follows menopause. Many and various changes occur in the woman's body, both general and local in nature: In the vagina, there is dryness of the mucous membrane, atrophic phenomena, and minor injuries. Urinary problems, such as incontinence, often arise. There may be pelvic muscle and ligament weakness, organ prolapse. Hot flashes, increased sweating, tachycardia, heart palpitations, sleep disturbances, nervous irritability, mood instability, and depression are common. Symptoms of anxiety, memory loss, vision deterioration, fluctuations in blood pressure, headaches, dry skin, hair loss, joint pain, weight changes, etc., may also occur. Bone tissue loss is often observed, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Sexual function disturbances may also occur.Causes and Negative Factors of Menopause The course of this physiological stage in a woman’s life can be negatively affected by harmful habits, psychological factors, poor and unbalanced nutrition, a sedentary lifestyle, the presence of inflammatory and other diseases (including endocrine gland disorders), and others. Menopause may also occur due to: • Surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus. • Other medical interventions, such as radiation or chemotherapy. Main Approaches to Menopause Treatment It is very important to perform research and treatment for women in this age group. It is recommended to perform ultrasound, mammography, laboratory tests, and other examinations. Treatment depends on the presence and severity of symptoms and can be both pharmacological and non-pharmacological. Pharmacological treatment may include: • General, • Local, • Combined. This includes: • Hormone therapy, • Treatment of comorbidities, symptomatic treatment. A healthy lifestyle is also essential and plays a significant role. • Balanced diet, • Adequate physical activity, • Water procedures, • Regulation of blood pressure and weight, • Giving up harmful habits, • Positive emotions, • Avoiding stress. In some cases, physiotherapy is also used: • Reflexotherapy, • Electrophoresis of the lumbar region. Early Consultation with a Doctor — Individual Approach In all cases, it is essential to consult a doctor early, and an individual approach is crucial. Early treatment results in better health for the woman and makes this phase of life more tolerable. Thus, menopause is one of the natural stages in a woman’s life, which causes numerous changes in the skin, sexual organs, and psychological state. Take care of your health and consult a doctor in time to avoid severe consequences.

Cataract is an eye disease characterized by clouding of the lens, the biological lens of the eye, which interferes with the normal perception of images. As a result of this process, vision gradually worsens, which may eventually lead to complete blindness if not treated in time. The main symptom of cataract is the gradual decline in vision, and the disease often develops without pain. Initially, the deterioration of vision may be barely noticeable, but over time it progresses. The world around you starts to appear blurry, as if the person is looking through fogged glass or a screen of falling water. Colors become dull, and details become less sharp. Glasses do not help in this case, as the issue is not related to refraction. An important symptom is that, at the beginning of the disease, vision for nearby objects may even improve. This happens because cataract often causes myopia (nearsightedness), which improves the visibility of objects at a close distance. However, as the disease progresses, the situation worsens, and later, patients begin to suffer from vision loss both near and far. Other characteristic signs of cataract include: • The appearance of halos around bright light sources, such as street lamps or car headlights, especially at night. • Double vision. This is also often observed under bright light and in low-light conditions. • Reduced contrast sensitivity. Patients with cataract may have difficulty distinguishing shades of similar colors, such as blue and purple. • Increased sensitivity to light. Even ordinary daylight may irritate the eyes. • Difficulty reading, sewing, or working with small details. These difficulties are related to focus and clarity issues. The symptoms of cataract vary depending on its type and stage. For example, in nuclear cataract (clouding of the central part of the lens), vision for nearby objects may improve at first, but later, a loss of visual acuity occurs. In cortical cataract (clouding at the lens periphery), changes in vision occur more slowly, and the patient may not notice vision deterioration for a long time. As the disease progresses and the clouding of the lens continues, vision can decline to the point where the person loses the ability to distinguish objects and orient themselves in space. In mature cataract, vision is completely lost, and the pupil takes on a milky-white hue. Treatment of Cataract Currently, the only effective treatment for cataract is surgical intervention, as no other methods, such as medication or folk remedies, can restore the transparency of the lens. Surgical Treatment The main method of treating cataract is surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial lens. This surgery is called phacoemulsification. In this method, ultrasound is used to break up the lens, after which the fragments are removed from the eye, and an artificial lens (intraocular lens, IOL) is placed in its place. Phacoemulsification is a modern and minimally invasive method that preserves vision and ensures a fast recovery period. The operation is performed through a small incision, only 2-3 mm, which minimizes the risk of complications and promotes quick healing. It usually takes 15 to 20 minutes and is performed under local anesthesia, making it accessible even for elderly patients. Moreover, after such an operation, stitches are not required, as the incision heals on its own. It is important that the postoperative period usually goes without complications, and patients often regain their vision within a few days. Artificial Lenses After cataract surgery, an artificial lens is placed in the eye. Today, there are several types of intraocular lenses: • Monofocal lenses, which provide clear vision at one distance (e.g., for distance or near vision). • Multifocal lenses, which provide good vision at different distances and can replace glasses for near and far vision. • Astigmatic lenses, intended for patients with astigmatism. The choice of lens depends on the patient’s condition and needs, as well as consultation with an ophthalmologist. It is important to note that even after successful cataract lens replacement surgery, patients may need additional glasses for certain tasks, such as reading.Conclusion Cataract is a common disease that impairs daily life and can lead to blindness if left untreated. However, with modern treatment methods, including cataract surgery with artificial lens implantation, most patients regain their vision and return to normal life. Early detection of the disease and consultation with an ophthalmologist are key to successful treatment and preventing the development of serious complications.