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Morning headaches are common and often linked to short or poor-quality sleep, dehydration, caffeine withdrawal overnight, or snoring/sleep apnoea. Try sleeping 7–8 hours, drinking water before bed and reducing tea after 4 pm. Please check your blood pressure too. If headaches get worse, wake you up at night, or come with vomiting, weakness or vision changes, see a doctor promptly.

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It can take a few months for your natural cycle to settle after stopping hormonal pills, so some variation is expected. Keep a record of your cycle dates. Since you're planning pregnancy, start folic acid now. If cycles stay longer than 35 days after 6 months, or you notice acne, excess hair growth or weight change, book a consultation — a few simple tests can check hormones and thyroid.

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A night-time cough after a cold is very common — mucus drips down the throat when children lie down. Keep him well hydrated, use saline nose drops and raise his head slightly. Avoid cough syrups in young children unless prescribed. See a doctor if the cough lasts more than 2–3 weeks, he wheezes or breathes fast, or develops fever.

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This sounds like telogen effluvium — temporary hair shedding that starts 2–3 months after an illness, high fever or stress. The good news is that it usually recovers on its own within 3–6 months. Eat enough protein, iron-rich foods and be gentle with your hair. If shedding continues beyond 6 months or you see bald patches, consult a dermatologist to check iron, vitamin D and thyroid levels.

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Pain on stairs with crackling at your age is often due to early osteoarthritis or kneecap strain. Strengthening the thigh muscles (straight-leg raises, gentle cycling) helps a lot, as does keeping a healthy weight. Use the railing on stairs. A physiotherapy programme is very effective. Please see a doctor if the knee becomes swollen, red, locks, or gives way.