Your Health Q + A

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Don’t you wish sometimes that your body came with an owner’s manual? Here you’ll find answers to a variety of women’s health questions that might help you “troubleshoot” a few key issues.

Q. I need a lot of caffeine to function. I take caffeine pills during exams or drink several cups of coffee and cola a day. Is this O.K.? A. There’s no problem with having one or two cups of coffee a day. But much more than that can make you very jittery and anxious, mess up your sleeping patterns, and cause ulcers. Try cutting back, slowly; caffeine is a drug, and going cold turkey is never easy. For more energy during the day, make sure you’re getting seven or eight hours of sleep each night. A good nap or brisk walk can help, too.

Q. I really wish I were thinner. Even when I am at my lightest weight, and even when I’m working out, my thighs are still too big and my arms aren’t toned enough. What can I do? A. It’s hard to love your body when media frequently present the message that every physique should look a certain way. Yet genetics have given us all different body blueprints. We aren’t all born to be supermodels.

But the best thing to do is try to make your body your friend. Understand how it works. See how strong it is. See how far your legs can carry you, how well they propel you on a bike. Exercise and eating healthily will make you feel more in touch with your body. If you are heavier than you’d like to be, try increasing your daily activity and cutting back on empty calories. (The food pyramid is a good guide.) Rest assured that studies indicate that being a bit over your so-called "ideal weight" is not a big health risk.

If you’re concerned about the way you look, ask friends to help you choose clothes that flatter you. Get an awesome haircut, stare at yourself in the mirror, and try to love what you were blessed with, whether that’s a curvy physique or a dainty one, stately height or short stature, big breasts or tiny ones, solid thighs, short legs, skinny calves, whatever. Remember, having self-confidence is the greatest beauty secret of all.

Q. I have this weird, nipple-like spot under my breast. I’m self-conscious about it. What can I do? A. That is most likely a “supernumerary nipple,” or a third nipple. It’s genetic, and runs in families. Guys get them, too. It’s usually under the breast (not above, for reasons not really understood). It doesn’t increase your risk of breast cancer or affect breast feeding. It doesn’t do anything, really. But if you’re concerned about it, you can have it removed. Ask your doctor about the specifics.

Q. What are ovarian cysts? A. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs or pockets within or on the surface of an ovary. If your period is slow in coming or you have pain or soreness in your lower abdomen, swelling of your tummy or pain during sex, you could have an ovarian cyst. It’s not an uncommon problem and most ovarian cysts disappear on their own. But if you’re concerned, speak to your doctor.

Q. I’ve noticed other fluid in my underwear. It isn’t blood, so I know it isn’t my period. What is it? A. A vaginal discharge is a normal part of your cycle. Your vagina is simply getting rid of some dead cells, usually in the form of a clear or whitish-yellow fluid. A pantiliner can help absorb this fluid. However, if you notice that your vaginal discharge is a darker color, or it itches, burns or has a strong odor, consult a doctor to check for a possible infection.

Q. What is a vaginal yeast infection? A. A vaginal yeast infection is caused primarily by an overgrowth of the yeast fungus Candida albicans. Candida is always present in women’s bodies in small numbers, but antibiotics, high blood sugar, pregnancy, birth control, a weakened immune system and hormonal changes can upset its balance. Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include itching, soreness, irritation or burning, thick or lumpy discharge, rash or redness on the skin outside the vagina, burning during urination, and pain during sex.

Q. How can I get rid of a vaginal yeast infection? A. Yeast infections can be treated with topical creams, pills or a combination of the two. And there are plenty of over-the-counter remedies that use each of these options. If you get a yeast infection often, like once a month or three times in six months, talk to your doctor.

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