I need a lot of caffeine to function. I take caffeine pills during exams and drink several cups of coffee and cola a day. Is that OK?
Well, it's really not that 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. Though most studies indicate that four cups or fewer of coffee a day is absolutely fine, there actually hasn't been a lot of research on women's bodies and mega-doses of caffeine. Try cutting back, slowly --caffeine is addictive, and going cold-turkey is never pleasant or easy.
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I have this weird nipple-like spot under my breast. I'm self-conscious about it. What can I do?
Technically speaking, that is most likely a "supernumerary nipple" (a.k.a. a teeny third nipple), which for reasons not really understood usually develops under the breast. It is genetic and runs in families, and even guys get them too. Fortunately, it doesn't really do anything (i.e. it doesn't increase your risk of breast cancer or affect breast-feeding in the future). If you're concerned about it, though, you can easily have it removed. Ask your 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.
It's hard to love your body when media frequently present the message that every physique should look a certain way. Yet the reality is that genetics have given us all different body blueprints. We 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! In short, 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. And, actually, fad dieting is a much greater risk.
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?
Ovarian cysts occur when an ovary-holding follicle gets big and rupture-ready, but unaccountably fails to burst and release an egg. Ovarian cysts are actually not uncommon and it's good to know most disappear on their own. If your period is slow in coming, you have pain or soreness in your lower abdomen, swelling of your tummy or pain during sex, there is a chance you may have an ovarian cyst. 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?
This is usually when your vagina is simply getting rid of some dead cells, which is a normal part of your cycle. This takes the form of a clear or whitish-yellow fluid. (Liners are a great option in helping to absorb this fluid). However, if you notice that the fluid is a darker colour, or it itches or burns, or has a strong odour consult a doctor to check for a possible infection.
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Please note that the contents of this section are for informational purposes only, and are not intended as medical advice or as a substitute to your doctor's advice. For medical care and advice, you should consult your doctor on a regular basis. If you have any problem which concerns you, consult your doctor immediately.