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I need a lot of caffeine to function. I take caffeine pills during exams and drink several cups of coffee and cola a day. OK? |
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Not great. Five or six cups of coffee a day can make you very jittery and anxious, may mess up your sleep and could cause ulcers. There actually hasn't been a lot of research on women's bodies and mega-doses of caffeine (most studies do indicate that four cups or fewer of coffee a day is absolutely fine). Try cutting back, slowly--caffeine's a drug, and going cold-turkey is never pleasant. |
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I have this weird nipple-like spot under my breast. I'm self-conscious about it. What can I do? |
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Technically speaking, that is most likely a "supernumerary nipple," a.k.a. a teeny 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, doesn't affect breast-feeding in the future, doesn't do anything, really. Some people actually think it's kinda cool. But if you're concerned about it, you can easily have it removed. Ask your family doctor about the specifics. |
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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 I'm still too short. Don't just tell me I should love my body or I'll scream. |
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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. Some of us are tall, short, wide-hipped, narrow hipped, pear-shaped, teeny-waisted, round, pale, dark, freckly. Some of us have second toes that are actually larger than our big toes! Yes, it's true! We aren't all born to look like miss supermodel of the world.
It's hard to tune out these images of so-called perfection, 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 (sturdy, short, etc.) 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 earthly corpus, whether you're fat or thin. If you are heavier than you'd like to be, try cutting back on empty junk-foody calories (the food pyramid is a good guide!) and increasing your daily activity. Rest assured that studies indicate that being a bit over your so-called "ideal weight" is not a big health risk. Fad dieting is a much greater risk, actually, since you're still at an age when you're growing and your bones are developing.
Ask friends to help you choose clothes that flatter you, get an awesome haircut, celebrate your body in the bathtub with some extravagant gels (and soothing lotions afterwards), stare at your fine self 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 petiteness, big breasts or tiny ones, solid thighs, short legs, skinny calves, whatever. Self-confidence is the best beauty secret. Easier said than done, but it's the truth. |
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What are ovarian cysts? |
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Ovarian cysts are what happens when an ovary-holding follicle gets big and rupture-ready, but unaccountably fails to burst and release an egg. If your period is slow in coming, you have pain or soreness in your lower abdomen, swelling of your tummy or pain during sex, you may have an ovarian cyst. Most disappear on their own, and this problem is actually not that uncommon. If you're concerned, speak to your doctor. Rarely, if the cyst doesn't obligingly go away, a woman may need surgery. |
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I've noticed other fluid in my underwear. It isn't blood, so I know it isn't my period. What is it? |
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This is a normal part of your cycle. Your vagina is simply getting rid of some dead cells. This takes the form of a clear or whitish-yellow fluid. A pantiliner can help to absorb this fluid. However, if you notice that the fluid is a darker color, or it itches or burns, or has a strong odor, consult a doctor to check for a possible infection. |
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What causes TSS? |
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It's caused by the bacterium called Staphylococcus Aureus, which exists normally in the nose, armpits, groin or vagina of about 1/3 of the healthy population. Sometimes certain strains of this bacterium give off a toxin (poison) that gets into the body, probably through the bloodstream. Although scientific data suggest that the use of tampons increases the risk of TSS, tampons themselves have not been found to cause TSS.
Please see Questions and Answers about Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Or, check out Important Information about Toxic Shock Syndrome. |
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How will I know if I have TSS? |
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TSS symptoms appear very quickly and are often severe. They include a sudden high fever; vomiting; diarrhea; dizziness, fainting; or a rash that looks like a sunburn. But not all TSS cases are exactly alike, and not all of these symptoms are always present. If you start to show one or more of these symptoms during your menstrual period, take out your tampon if you're using one and seek medical attention right away. |
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What should I do if I get TSS symptoms during my period? |
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Remove your tampon if you're using one. Get to a doctor immediately. Don't be afraid to suggest TSS! Your doctor will want to know what your symptoms are and when they started; when your period began; whether you've had TSS before; and what brand and absorbency of tampon you use -- regular, super, super plus etc. |
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Is TSS curable? |
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If it's caught early enough, TSS can be successfully treated with antibiotics and treatment for shock symptoms. So it's really important to get medical attention immediately if you start to show TSS symptoms during your period. |
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How can I reduce my chance of getting TSS? |
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Probably the single best thing you can do is to use the lowest absorbency or size tampon that meets your menstrual flow needs. You may also be able to reduce your chance of getting TSS during menstruation by alternating tampon use with pad use. |
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Why do some people get TSS and others don't? |
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Since TSS is caused by toxins from strains of bacteria, scientists believe that people who are susceptible to TSS simply don't have sufficient antibodies in their blood to neutralize those toxins. Other people, who do have enough antibodies, are more resistant to TSS. |
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Can someone get TSS more than once? |
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Yes. In fact, once someone has gotten TSS, he or she is more likely to get it again than someone who's never had it. So if you've ever had TSS, it's important for you to talk with your doctor before you use tampons. Are young people more susceptible to TSS? TSS can affect any person at any age. Menstrually related TSS does occur mostly among tampon users under age 30, especially those 15 to 19 years old. But don't freak out; even in this group, TSS is extremely rare. |
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Where can I learn more about TSS? |
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TSS information in or on tampon packages is required by law. Read this information each and every time you buy tampons. Also, ask your doctor for new information when you go in for a checkup. And, you can order copies of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services brochure "Toxic Shock Syndrome and Tampons" by sending a postcard to: FDA, HFE-88, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857.
For more information about TSS, see Important Information about Toxic Shock Syndrome. |
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