Your Health Questions
Answered by Professionals

Persistent exhaustion with brain fog, weight gain, or feeling cold can signal an underactive thyroid, where low thyroid hormones slow your metabolism and drain energy. There are several factors to consider; next steps usually include TSH and Free T4 blood tests and, if confirmed, personalized levothyroxine with regular monitoring, while also checking for other causes like anemia, sleep apnea, and vitamin deficiencies. Key red flags, alternative diagnoses, and step-by-step guidance are explained below.

Always tired, gaining weight, or feeling cold could signal hypothyroidism, most often from Hashimoto’s; key next steps are seeing your doctor for TSH and Free T4 labs, possibly TPO antibodies, and starting levothyroxine if appropriate. There are several factors to consider, including subclinical results, medication or postpartum effects, and risks of leaving it untreated, plus how to take thyroid meds and monitor levels; see below for crucial details that can shape your care plan.

Intersex refers to natural biological variations in chromosomes, hormones, gonads, or reproductive anatomy that may appear at birth, during puberty, or in adulthood. There are several factors to consider, and symptoms alone cannot confirm it; see below for important details that may change your next steps. Recommended next steps include recording your symptoms and family history, seeing a clinician for examination and, if appropriate, hormone, chromosome, and imaging tests, and seeking urgent care for severe or concerning symptoms; fuller, step by step guidance is below.

There are several factors to consider: ovulation often shows up as egg white cervical mucus, a predictable 21 to 35 day cycle, a slight basal temperature rise, or a positive LH test, while stalling can look like irregular, very long or very short cycles, skipped periods, trouble conceiving, or absent fertile mucus, commonly due to PCOS, stress, thyroid or high prolactin issues, perimenopause, or low weight and overexercise. Medically approved next steps include tracking your cycle with BBT and OPKs, targeted blood tests for progesterone, FSH and LH, TSH, prolactin, and androgens, and a pelvic ultrasound, followed by lifestyle adjustments or medications like thyroid treatment, dopamine agonists, ovulation induction, or cycle regulation based on your goals. See below for the specific red flags and timelines for when to see a doctor, plus important details that can change which next step is right for you.

Home pregnancy test results can vary for several reasons, including testing too early before hCG rises after implantation, diluted urine, or not following instructions; testing on or after a missed period with first morning urine gives the most reliable result. If the test is positive, confirm and book a visit; if negative but your period is late, retest in 48 to 72 hours and see a clinician if it stays negative, and seek urgent care for severe one-sided pain, heavy bleeding, dizziness, or shoulder pain that may suggest ectopic pregnancy. For all the key details and medically approved next steps that could change what you do next, see below.

An aneurysm is a bulge in a weakened artery wall that can stay stable or rupture, most commonly in the aorta or brain, with risk increased by high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, smoking, age, and family history. Medically approved next steps include watchful monitoring with imaging, tight blood pressure and cholesterol control and smoking cessation, and surgical repair when size, growth, symptoms, or rupture risk warrant it, while sudden severe abdominal or back pain or the worst headache of your life is an emergency. There are several factors to consider, including specific size thresholds and who should be screened, so see the important details below.

Cracked, sore corners of the mouth are often angular cheilitis, usually caused by saliva-related moisture that allows yeast or bacteria to overgrow, and sometimes linked to irritants, ill-fitting dentures, iron or B vitamin deficiencies, diabetes, or immune problems. Medically approved steps include protecting the skin with a barrier ointment, using antifungal or antibiotic creams when indicated, and addressing dentures and nutritional or medical issues, with most cases healing in 1 to 2 weeks. There are several factors to consider, so see below for key details on diagnosis, prevention, and when to seek care that could change your next steps.

Feeling on edge often means your brain’s alarm system is stuck on, with amygdala overactivity, stress hormones, and neurotransmitter shifts driving persistent worry, physical symptoms, and sleep trouble; there are several factors to consider, including different anxiety disorders and medical conditions that can mimic them, so see the important details below. Medically approved next steps include starting with a symptom check, speaking with a clinician, using evidence-based therapy like CBT, considering medication when appropriate, and making targeted lifestyle changes, with emergency care for chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, or self-harm thoughts, and the complete guidance is outlined below.

Phlebotomy is a quick, low risk way to spot problems early, monitor chronic illness, ensure medication safety, and prevent emergencies, so skipping blood work can delay treatment when it is most effective. Next steps include knowing why your lab was ordered, following prep like fasting or hydration, telling staff about anxiety and using simple calming techniques, watching for red flag symptoms that need urgent care, and reviewing results with your clinician. There are several factors to consider, and the complete step by step guidance is outlined below.

Diazepam is a fast-acting benzodiazepine that enhances GABA to quickly calm overactive brain activity for short-term relief of severe anxiety, muscle spasms, seizures, or alcohol withdrawal, but it is not a first-line long-term solution and carries dependence and safety risks, especially with alcohol or opioids, so it must be taken exactly as prescribed and never stopped abruptly. For medically approved next steps, talk with a clinician about whether short-term diazepam is right for you versus longer-term options like CBT or SSRIs, how to monitor side effects and avoid interactions, and which red flags require urgent care; there are several factors to consider, so see the complete guidance below.

Right lower abdominal pain that starts near the belly button, shifts to the lower right, gets sharper with movement, and comes with nausea, vomiting, or fever can signal appendicitis and needs urgent medical care to prevent rupture. There are several factors to consider; see below for medically approved next steps, red flag symptoms, what not to do at home, common lookalikes, how doctors confirm appendicitis, and when antibiotics versus surgery or a trusted symptom check tool can guide what you should do next.

Blood pressure spikes are often driven by stress, salt, caffeine, pain, certain medications, poor sleep or sleep apnea, weight gain, smoking, or other conditions, and persistent readings at or above 130/80 on a blood pressure chart suggest hypertension while 180/120 with symptoms is an emergency. Confirm your numbers with proper technique, track them over several days, improve diet, activity, sleep, and alcohol or nicotine use, and speak with a doctor about tests and treatment if needed. There are several factors to consider that can change your next steps, including red flag symptoms and medication effects, so see the complete guidance below.

Sleep paralysis is common and usually not dangerous, happening when your mind wakes up before your body’s REM paralysis turns off, briefly leaving you unable to move and sometimes causing vivid, scary hallucinations. Medically approved next steps include a consistent 7 to 9 hour sleep schedule, stress reduction, side sleeping, staying calm and wiggling a finger or toe during an episode, and getting evaluated for narcolepsy or other sleep disorders if episodes are frequent. There are important red flags and exceptions that could change your plan, including when to seek urgent care, and those details are outlined below.

Bacterial vaginosis is an imbalance of vaginal bacteria that commonly causes thin gray or white discharge with a fishy odor and mild irritation; it is not an STI or a hygiene problem, but it should be confirmed by a clinician with pH and discharge testing and treated with antibiotics such as metronidazole or clindamycin. There are several factors to consider that can change your next steps, including pregnancy risks, higher STI and PID risk if untreated, frequent recurrences, what to avoid, and prevention strategies; see below for complete details and how to decide when to seek care now versus routine follow up.

Balanitis is inflammation of the head of the penis that is usually treatable and can cause redness, itching, swelling, discharge or odor, and pain with urination or sex, most often from yeast or bacterial infections, irritants, skin conditions, poor hygiene, or STIs, especially if uncircumcised or diabetic. Start with gentle daily cleaning, avoid scented products and other triggers, consider an over-the-counter antifungal if yeast seems likely, pause sex, and see a clinician promptly for severe or persistent symptoms such as fever, spreading redness, thick discharge, trouble urinating, unusual skin changes, or recurrent episodes. There are several factors to consider that can change your next step; see below for the complete details to guide your care.

A barking cough in a child is usually croup, a viral swelling of the larynx and trachea that narrows the airway and causes a seal-like cough, hoarseness, and sometimes stridor, often worse at night. Most cases are mild and improve with calming, fluids, and cool mist, but call a doctor for stridor at rest, labored breathing, persistent high fever, age under 6 months, or symptoms beyond a week, and seek emergency care for severe trouble breathing, blue lips, drooling, or extreme fatigue; steroids and, when needed, nebulized epinephrine rapidly reduce swelling and are commonly used in clinic. There are several factors to consider; see below to understand more.

A Bartholin cyst swells when the gland’s duct gets blocked and fluid builds up; if bacteria infect it, the area can become red, very tender, and form a painful abscess. Medically approved next steps include warm sitz baths and OTC pain relief for small, mild cysts, and seeing a clinician if pain is severe, swelling is rapid, fever develops, it does not improve in a few days, or any new lump occurs after age 40; treatments may include drainage with a Word catheter, antibiotics for infection, and minor procedures if it keeps coming back. There are several factors to consider for your situation, so see the complete guidance below.

BBL pain is common after surgery and usually comes from liposuction trauma, swelling and inflammation, and posture changes that can also trigger back pain, with discomfort peaking around days 2 to 5 and steadily easing over 3 to 6 weeks. Medically approved next steps include surgeon guided pain medications, properly fitted compression, gentle walking, correct positioning with BBL pillows, and surgeon approved lymphatic massage, while urgent signs like shortness of breath, chest pain, fever, spreading redness, or one sided leg swelling need immediate care; there are important details below that could change your next steps, so review the complete guidance and stay in close contact with your surgeon.

A persistent belly bulge is often diastasis recti, where the six pack muscles separate along the linea alba from pregnancy, chronic abdominal pressure, or improper lifting. Most cases are managed with a clinician-guided program that activates the transverse abdominis and pelvic floor, optimizes breathing and posture, and avoids high pressure moves like sit-ups. Start by seeing an OB-GYN, primary care clinician, or pelvic floor physical therapist to measure the gap and rule out a hernia; support garments can add comfort, surgery is for severe cases, and urgent care is needed for a firm painful bulge, vomiting, fever, or blockage symptoms. There are several factors to consider for your safest next steps, expected timeline, and prevention, so see the complete guidance below.

Kegel exercises often fail to stop bladder leaks when the problem is incorrect technique, a too-tight pelvic floor, overactive bladder, hormonal changes, or another underlying condition rather than true muscle weakness. Medically approved next steps include pelvic floor physical therapy, bladder training, lifestyle changes, medications, vaginal estrogen when appropriate, and devices or procedures for persistent cases, with urgent evaluation for red flags like blood in urine, severe pain, or new weakness. There are several factors to consider, so see the complete details below to understand more and choose the right next step with your clinician.

Bleeding on Plavix is common because it prevents platelets from clumping, so minor issues like nosebleeds, gum bleeding, or easy bruising can occur. Seek urgent care for black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, severe headache, stroke-like symptoms, blood in urine, or heavy bleeding that does not stop, and do not stop Plavix without medical advice. There are several factors to consider and medically approved next steps, including key risk factors, medication and lifestyle changes, and what your doctor may do to balance clot prevention with bleeding risk; see below for complete details that could shape your next steps.

Persistent bleeding can signal hemophilia, which occurs when clotting factors are missing or blocked, most often from inherited factor VIII or IX deficiency and sometimes from an immune problem that develops later in life. There are several factors to consider; see below for key symptoms, risk clues, urgent red flags, and medically approved treatments including factor replacement, newer non factor medicines, and immune therapy for acquired cases, any of which can change your next steps. If bleeding does not stop after 10 to 15 minutes of firm pressure or follows a head injury, seek urgent care now.

Bloating after bananas is usually from fiber fermentation, more resistant starch in greener fruit, fructose sensitivity, IBS related FODMAPs, or large portions, and it is often harmless and improves with riper bananas, smaller servings, and pairing with protein or fat. There are several factors to consider; see below for medically approved next steps, including how to adjust ripeness and portions, build gut tolerance, keep a food journal, and the red flags like persistent or severe pain, weight loss, blood in stool, vomiting, or allergy symptoms that mean you should seek care.

Bloating after edamame is most often due to its fiber and FODMAPs, soy sensitivity, or eating large portions quickly, and it usually improves with smaller servings, slower eating, more water, and a gradual fiber ramp. There are several factors to consider, and medical next steps may include keeping a food diary, trying low FODMAP guidance with a dietitian, or seeing a doctor if symptoms persist, are severe, or include red flags like weight loss, blood in stool, or significant pain; see the complete details below.

There are several factors to consider: bloating after protein shakes most often comes from lactose intolerance, sugar alcohols or thickeners, a sudden jump in protein, or swallowing air from drinking too fast; try switching to whey isolate, egg white, or plant-based protein, choose simpler formulas without sugar alcohols, start with smaller servings, hydrate, and track what triggers symptoms. Seek medical care if bloating lasts for weeks or comes with severe pain, weight loss, fever, vomiting, blood in stool, persistent diarrhea, or trouble swallowing, as conditions like celiac disease, IBD, or SIBO may need evaluation; see below for step-by-step fixes and medical next steps that could change your plan.

Bloating after Metamucil is common and usually temporary, often due to a rapid fiber increase, too little water, your gut bacteria adjusting, or a sensitive gut; most people improve within a few days to two weeks. Try a lower dose and increase slowly, take each serving with at least 8 ounces of water, split doses, track total daily fiber, or consider other fiber types; seek care promptly if symptoms are severe, last beyond 2 to 3 weeks, or you have red flags like vomiting, blood in stool, weight loss, trouble swallowing, or inability to pass gas or stool. There are several factors to consider; see the detailed guidance below to choose the safest next steps for your situation.

Bloating usually means digestion has slowed or excess gas is building; medically approved next steps include trying 1 cup of ripe papaya daily for 1-2 weeks, since its papain enzyme, fiber, and water can support protein digestion and bowel regularity, paired with slower eating, more water, and brief walks. There are several factors to consider, and papaya is a support tool not a cure; red flags, when to see a doctor, and situations where papaya helps less are outlined below so you can choose the right next steps for your health.

Cardamom can help ease bloating by reducing gas, supporting digestive enzymes and bile flow, and calming mild inflammation, with simple options like cardamom tea or small daily amounts in foods. Medically approved next steps include tracking food and symptoms, eating slowly, increasing fiber gradually, considering a short-term low FODMAP plan, staying active, checking for intolerances, and using targeted OTC aids, and you should seek care for red flags like persistent or severe bloating, weight loss, vomiting, blood in stool, or worsening pain; there are several factors to consider, and key details that may change your next steps are explained below.

Blood in stool can be bright red, maroon, or black and may come from common causes like hemorrhoids or fissures, or from conditions needing prompt care such as diverticular bleeding, IBD, infections, or colorectal polyps and cancer; the color and amount offer important clues. There are several factors to consider, including red flags like heavy bleeding, dizziness, black tarry stool, or severe pain and the need to monitor symptoms, see a doctor, and keep up with screening after 45. See below for complete, medically approved next steps and details that could change what you do next.

Blood in stool can come from hemorrhoids or anal fissures, diverticular bleeding, inflammatory bowel disease, colon polyps or cancer, or bleeding higher in the digestive tract, with bright red blood suggesting a lower source and black tarry stool pointing to the stomach or small intestine; heavy or ongoing bleeding, black stool with lightheadedness, severe pain, dizziness, or weakness need urgent care. Medically approved steps include not ignoring symptoms, tracking color and amount, reviewing bleeding risk medicines, using a symptom checker, and seeing a doctor for persistent or recurrent bleeding, age over 45, anemia, weight loss, or abdominal pain, with tests like stool studies, colonoscopy, or endoscopy to identify and treat the cause; there are several factors to consider, so see the complete details below.