Your Health Questions
Answered by Professionals

Yes—there are several factors to consider. Older adults face higher risk of side effects because aging can reduce liver and kidney clearance and polypharmacy raises interaction risks (e.g., with warfarin), so many should use lower daily limits (often 2–3 g vs 3–4 g), avoid duplicate cold/flu products, and watch for liver/kidney warning signs. Important dosing tips, interaction cautions, and when to seek care are outlined below and could influence your next steps.

Yes—an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can lower alkaline phosphatase by slowing bone turnover, and levels often normalize after thyroid hormone treatment. There are several other potential causes (nutritional deficiencies, malabsorption, rare genetic disorders), so persistent low results merit repeat testing and checks like TSH/free T4 and nutrient levels—see the important details and next‑step guidance below.

Yes—sleeping in awkward positions can compress or stretch nerves and limit blood flow, causing left arm pain, numbness, or tingling that often eases after you get moving. There are several factors to consider, including which positions raise your risk, simple fixes to prevent it, and red-flag symptoms (like chest pain or sudden weakness) that require urgent care—see the complete details below.

Yes—workouts can trigger pain under the right armpit in females, most often from muscle strain (pectoralis/serratus/latissimus), pectoralis minor syndrome, or improper form and overuse. There are several factors to consider: other causes include swollen lymph nodes, breast or skin conditions, intercostal or cervical nerve issues, and thoracic outlet problems, with red flags like a hard lump, fever, numbness, or sudden severe pain needing prompt care. See below for how to tell if it’s workout-related, prevention steps, and guidance on when to see a clinician.

Yes—swollen axillary lymph nodes can cause pain under the right armpit in women, often tender and worse with arm movement, and most commonly linked to infections, recent vaccinations, or minor injuries. Seek prompt care if a lump is hard, fixed, rapidly enlarging, >2 cm, or accompanied by fever, night sweats, weight loss, or breast changes; imaging like ultrasound and mammography may be used. There are several factors to consider; see below for other possible causes, home assessment tips, supportive care, and when in-person evaluation or biopsy may be needed.

Yes—while acetaminophen is generally safe at recommended doses (no more than 3,000–4,000 mg/day), daily or long‑term use—especially near the upper limit—does increase the risk of side effects, most notably liver stress or injury. There are several factors to consider; see below for who’s at higher risk (e.g., alcohol use, liver disease, low body weight or interacting medicines), key warning signs, safer dosing tips, and when to get labs or contact a clinician.

Yes—exercise can trigger lower-left abdominal pain in females, often from gastrointestinal factors (side stitch, gas/bloating, IBS) or muscle strains, especially with poor meal timing, dehydration, or sudden intensity changes. But it can also signal gynecologic issues (ovarian cysts or rare torsion), UTIs/kidney stones, diverticulitis, or hernias that may need urgent care—watch for sudden severe pain, fever, vomiting, blood in urine/stool, or a growing groin bulge. There are several factors to consider, with prevention tips and specific red flags that can guide your next steps—see the complete details below.

Fast relief steps you can try now include applying heat, taking appropriate OTC pain relievers (ibuprofen/naproxen or acetaminophen), hydrating, gentle movement or supportive positioning, and short‑term diet tweaks (smaller meals, limit gas‑producing foods; gentle self‑massage if gas/constipation). Because causes range from common cramps, gas, or constipation to UTIs, ovarian cysts, or diverticulitis, watch for red flags (sudden/severe or >24‑hour pain, fever, vomiting, bleeding, painful urination) and seek care promptly—key cautions, specific steps, and when to go to urgent care are outlined below.

For sudden testicle pain when torsion is a concern, treat it as an emergency—go to the ER now; while you head there or wait, elevate/support the scrotum, apply a cold pack 10–15 minutes at a time, rest on your back with knees bent, and consider ibuprofen as directed if safe (avoid warm baths until torsion is ruled out). Red flags include sudden severe one‑sided pain, rapid swelling/redness, a high‑riding testicle, and nausea/vomiting—torsion needs treatment within about 6 hours to prevent permanent damage. There are several factors to consider; see below for step‑by‑step pain relief, what not to do, and the exact urgent steps and evaluation to expect.

Yes—low alkaline phosphatase can signal nutrient deficiency, most often low zinc or magnesium and sometimes vitamin B6; vitamin D deficiency more commonly raises (not lowers) ALP. However, it’s not specific and can also reflect hypothyroidism, malnutrition/malabsorption, certain medications, or genetic hypophosphatasia—so repeating the test and checking zinc, magnesium, B6, and thyroid is often appropriate. There are several factors to consider; see below for key red flags, other causes, and step-by-step next tests and referrals that could change your next steps.

Not common—pregnancy usually raises alkaline phosphatase as the placenta grows, so a low result can be a red flag for placental insufficiency and is linked to risks like fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia (though nutritional deficiencies, certain medications, or rare genetic conditions can also lower it). There are several factors to consider; see below for how timing in pregnancy affects normal ranges, causes to rule out, symptoms to watch, and the next steps your care team may recommend (repeat labs, ultrasound/Doppler, closer monitoring, and targeted nutrition).

Left arm pain can be a heart attack warning—especially if it comes with chest pressure, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea/lightheadedness, or pain spreading to the jaw, back, or right arm; in those cases, call emergency services immediately. On its own, left arm pain is often from muscle, joint, or nerve issues, but there are several factors to consider; see below for how to tell heart-related symptoms from more common causes and the exact next steps. If the pain is sudden or severe, or you have heart risk factors, seek prompt medical care even without chest pain.

Yes—lower left abdominal pain can sometimes involve the ovary (torsion, cysts, endometriosis, infection), but it’s often due to non-ovarian problems like diverticulitis, IBS/constipation, UTIs or kidney stones, hernias, or ectopic pregnancy. There are several factors and urgent red flags to consider (e.g., sudden severe pain, fever, persistent vomiting, fainting); see the complete details below for the full list of causes, tests, and the right next steps, including when to seek emergency care.

Seek emergency care immediately if the pain is sudden or crushing, radiates to the chest/jaw/back/neck, or is accompanied by shortness of breath, cold sweat, nausea, lightheadedness, fainting, or a rapid/irregular heartbeat. Otherwise, see a doctor if it lasts more than a few days, worsens or limits activity/sleep, follows an injury, involves swelling/redness/warmth, numbness/tingling/weakness, or if you have heart risk factors (heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure). There are several factors to consider—see below for the full list of red flags, common causes, what tests to expect, and safe self-care steps that could affect your next move.

Yes—being open with your OBGYN about dildo use helps them check for irritation or injury, guide STI screening and infection prevention, recommend the right lubricants and cleaning methods, and tailor advice for comfort, anatomy, and pelvic floor needs. If you’ve had persistent pain, bleeding, unusual discharge, or other concerning symptoms, seek care; there are several factors to consider—see below for what details to share, how to bring it up, cleaning and sharing safety, and urgent red flags.

Early effects can be subtle—nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sweating/pallor, and mild abdominal discomfort—then 24–96 hours later may progress to right‑upper‑abdominal pain, markedly abnormal liver tests, jaundice, easy bruising/bleeding, low blood sugar, confusion/encephalopathy, and potentially acute liver failure. Other serious complications include acute kidney injury (reduced urine), pancreatitis, metabolic acidosis, low blood pressure, respiratory distress, and even multi‑organ failure; there are time‑sensitive steps (e.g., antidote timing with N‑acetylcysteine, lab monitoring, ER evaluation) and risk factors that affect outcomes, so see the complete details below and seek urgent medical care if an overdose is possible.

Lower left abdominal pain in women can stem from the GI tract (diverticulitis, IBS/IBD, constipation, colitis or obstruction), gynecologic causes (ovarian cysts or torsion, ectopic pregnancy, endometriosis, PID, ovulation pain), urinary issues (UTI, kidney stones, pyelonephritis), or musculoskeletal/hernia and vascular problems. There are several factors to consider—and some are emergencies, especially sudden severe pain, fever, vomiting, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or symptoms in early pregnancy—so see the complete details below to recognize red flags and choose the right next steps.

Sudden left arm pain can arise from heart problems (heart attack or angina, rarely aortic dissection), but also from muscle/tendon strain or rotator cuff issues, pinched nerves in the neck, and less commonly lung/vascular conditions, reflux, or shingles. Get emergency care if it comes with chest pressure, shortness of breath, sweating, fainting, or pain spreading to the jaw or back; activity-linked, tender, or tingling pain may point to musculoskeletal or nerve causes. There are several factors to consider—see below for important details and next steps that could affect what you do next.

Low alkaline phosphatase can result from genetic hypophosphatasia; nutrient deficiencies (zinc, magnesium, protein); endocrine issues (hypothyroidism, poorly controlled diabetes); hematologic disorders (vitamin B12 deficiency, aplastic anemia); malabsorption (celiac/IBD); liver/metabolic disease (Wilson disease, severe fatty liver); severe illness or cachexia; medications/toxins (chemotherapy, corticosteroids, heavy metals); and even lab handling or assay errors. Mild reductions can be benign, but very low levels—especially with bone pain, fractures, jaundice, or persistent fatigue—warrant medical follow‑up; there are several factors to consider, and important testing and next steps are detailed below.

In women, pain under the right armpit can stem from muscle strain; swollen lymph nodes or skin infections (including abscesses or shingles); breast issues like mastitis or, less commonly, cancer; nerve problems; referred pain from the gallbladder or liver; or even a vein clot. There are several factors to consider—see below for specifics, urgent warning signs (severe chest pain or breathing trouble, fever with redness, arm swelling/discoloration, rapidly growing lumps with night sweats/weight loss), and next steps including self-care for mild strain versus seeing a clinician if symptoms persist beyond 1–2 weeks or worsen.

Low alkaline phosphatase means your level is below the lab’s reference range and is most often tied to nutrition or absorption issues (low protein, zinc, magnesium, B12), hypothyroidism, chronic liver disease, or rarer conditions like hypophosphatasia or Wilson’s disease; most cases are mild and reversible. There are several factors to consider—see below for detailed causes, red-flag symptoms (bone pain or fractures, jaundice, neurologic changes), and clear next steps such as repeating the test, checking related labs, reviewing diet/medications, and when to see a clinician.

Fast relief typically comes from rest and supported positioning, cold for the first 24–48 hours then heat, over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen/naproxen or acetaminophen), topical gels, gentle stretching or self‑massage, a TENS unit, and quick ergonomic adjustments. There are several factors and warning signs that could change your next steps—especially chest pain or shortness of breath, sudden severe pain, numbness/weakness, or fever/redness—so review the complete guidance below to know when to continue self-care versus seek urgent care.

Left arm pain is more likely from a nerve when it’s burning, shooting, electric, or “pins and needles,” follows a clear path from the neck/shoulder into the hand, and includes numbness or specific weakness—often aggravated by neck, wrist, or elbow positions. There are several factors to consider, including important look‑alikes (heart pain, muscle/joint issues) and red flags like sudden crushing chest pain or rapidly worsening weakness; see the complete guidance below for key signs, simple self-checks, and when to seek urgent care versus try conservative treatment.

Lower left abdominal pain in women is serious when it’s sudden or severe, or accompanied by fever, persistent vomiting, fainting/shock, vaginal bleeding or possible pregnancy, inability to pass stool/gas with distension, or blood in stool/vomit—potential emergencies include ectopic pregnancy, ovarian torsion, diverticulitis complications, kidney stones/infection, bowel obstruction, or a ruptured ovarian cyst. Seek emergency care for these red flags; otherwise, call your clinician if symptoms last more than 48 hours or worsen. There are several factors to consider—see below for detailed causes, nuanced red flags, and the exact tests and next steps that could change your care.

The most important acetaminophen side effects that impact the liver are elevated liver enzymes (an early sign of injury), hepatic necrosis, and acute liver failure—often accompanied by jaundice, coagulopathy (easy bruising/bleeding), and hepatic encephalopathy (confusion). There are several factors to consider that can change your risk and next steps (dose limits, alcohol use, malnutrition, interacting medicines, early symptoms, and the role of N-acetylcysteine); see the complete guidance below.

There are several factors to consider. Even when not pregnant, post‑workout nipple pain is usually from friction/chafing, sweat/salt irritation, contact dermatitis, yeast/bacterial overgrowth, chest‑muscle strain, or normal hormone sensitivity—and it often improves with a well‑fitting moisture‑wicking sports bra, protective balm, and prompt drying. See below for step‑by‑step prevention and the red flags (new lump, discharge, spreading redness/fever, or skin changes) that determine when to seek medical care.

There are several factors to consider: even when not pregnant, nipple tenderness is usually benign and can result from cyclical hormone shifts (including perimenopause), stress-related cortisol changes and chest wall tension, friction from clothing or ill‑fitting bras, skin conditions or infections, medication effects, referred chest wall pain, and—less commonly—Paget’s disease or breast cancer. Try a supportive bra, stress reduction, warm/cold compresses or OTC pain relief, and track triggers; seek prompt care for persistent one‑sided pain, discharge (especially bloody/clear), nonhealing rash/ulceration, a lump, fever, or sudden severe pain—complete details and next steps are outlined below.

Most nipple pain during your cycle when you’re not pregnant is usually from normal hormonal swings (cyclical mastalgia) that increase breast sensitivity, but fibrocystic changes, skin irritation, friction, infection, or rarer issues can also contribute. Simple steps like a supportive bra, warm compresses, OTC pain relievers, and cutting back on caffeine/salt/alcohol often help, but seek care for one-sided or persistent pain, discharge, skin changes, a hard lump, or infection signs. There are several factors to consider and important next steps that may apply to you—see below for details.

Skin irritation is a leading cause—often from contact dermatitis (soaps/detergents, fabrics), eczema/psoriasis, chafing, or allergies—but hormones, infections (bacterial/yeast/herpes), injury, and rare conditions like Paget’s disease or inflammatory breast cancer can also contribute. Try gentle, fragrance-free products, a supportive bra, cool compresses, and short-term hydrocortisone for dermatitis, and seek care urgently for persistent/worsening pain, discharge (especially bloody), new lumps, spreading redness/fever, or nipple/skin changes. There are several factors to consider; key details and next steps that could affect your care are outlined below.

There are several factors to consider: sudden right‑side armpit pain is often from muscle strain, swollen lymph nodes, or skin issues, but can also arise from shingles or nerve irritation, or be referred from deeper conditions like gallbladder disease, liver/diaphragm irritation, atypical heart symptoms, or (rarely) a lung apex tumor. Seek urgent care for severe or unexplained pain, fever/redness or pus, a hard or rapidly enlarging lump, chest tightness/shortness of breath or sweating, jaundice, or new arm weakness/numbness. See below for key details that can guide your next steps, including what to watch for, home care, prevention, and when to call a doctor.