Dr. Roshini Rajapaksa answers our most uncomfortable questions–including these queries from women readers regarding hair loss, urinary trouble, and yoga during your period.
Q: My hair is thinning. Is there anything I can do?
A: For nearly half of women who experience some hair loss, it’s caused by a hereditary condition known as alopecia. One solution: Women’s Rogaine, the only U.S. Food and Drug Administration–approved treatment for hereditary hair loss in women. But if your hair’s coming out in clumps or patches, it could be a sign of a thyroid disorder (diagnosed with a blood test) or a result of stress, illness, damage from blow-drying and styling, and even crash-dieting. Make sure you get plenty of protein and iron in your diet: Try adding a little extra lean red meat or an occasional boiled egg. Certain medications that meddle with hormones, like some antidepressants, antiarthritis meds, and even birth control pills, can cause thinning, too. If you’re taking one of these, your doc might be able to change your prescription or dosage.
Finally, a new-mom alert: Postpregnancy hormone shifts often cause some hair loss, but that should end after a few months.
Q: Sometimes when I laugh or exercise, a little pee squirts out. Am I doomed to wear diapers?
A: Sounds like you’re experiencing mild urinary incontinence (UI), one of those bummers of being a woman. It affects women twice as often as men. And it can show up after childbirth or during menopause, thanks to a weakening of the pelvic-floor muscles that help with bladder control. Some women lose just a few drops when they exercise, cough, sneeze, or belt out a hearty laugh. Others may feel an urgent need to go—followed by a heavy, uncontrollable release of urine. Being overweight can make things worse because extra pounds put extra pressure on those struggling pelvic muscles.
One way to tone your pelvic floor is by doing Kegel exercises, which many women do before and after pregnancy. Tense the muscles around your vagina and anus several times (sort of the opposite of bearing down), while avoiding tightening your stomach, legs or buttocks; hold for three seconds, release, and repeat, building up to 10 to 15 repetitions three times a day. Also, try wearing a panty liner or thin pad to catch any leaks, and avoid coffee and tea for about an hour before you hit the gym. Ask your doctor about other options, like medication or biofeedback.
Q: I’ve been told I should avoid yoga during my period. Is that true?
A: For years, some yogis have said that inverted poses like shoulder stands create an obstruction to the natural energetic menstrual flow, which is, of course, downward. But there is no medical research that supports the advice to avoid inversions (or any other yoga pose) while you have your period. The best rule of thumb: Practice in a way that feels most comfortable to you at that time of the month. You may find that some common poses like cat and cobra actually alleviate PMS-induced cramps and moodiness. Ask your yoga teacher if you’re unfamiliar with these moves.
Roshini Rajapaksa, MD, is an assistant professor of medicine at NYU Medical Center.
Comments (24)
I just read your Most Embarrassing Questions and the one about the toenail. I got fungus in my toenail from a pedicure. I didn’t want to take the drugs so I looked into it on the internet and Tea Tree Oil from Australia (Wikipidia has a good definition of it and where it is from) was the answer. You can get it at any Natural store like Trader Joes or Whole Foods. It take awhile to grow out but it cures it without all the drugs in your system. Just wanted your readers to have another safe option.
My hair is extremely oily and can’t go a day without washing it, but now even after washing and drying there is still an abnormal amount of oil. What can I do? I have tried clarifying shampoos and still experience the same problem. I want my hair to be healthy and remain oil free if possible after washing. Does this have to do with diet? I was wondering if this has anything to do with dairy products. Your assistance is appreciated.
Anna
If you need a pick me up mid day for your hair dry using a dry shampoo. My hair gets pretty oily too. Oscar Blonde makes a purse size powder or Oujon makes a spray. You can pick them up at Sephora. They disapear into your hair absorbing excess oil and making you look refreshed. Best of Luck
AFTER MY BABY I START HAVEING GRAY HEIR ?
I am from Ghana IN WEST AFRICA.I’VE BEEN HAVING SOME VIRGINAL DISCHARCH WHICH ARE ALSO UNPLEASANT TO MY NOSE.I WANT TO KNOW IF EVERY WOMAN HAS SOME UNPLEASANT ODOUR FROM THE VIRGINA AT TIMES OR YOU COULD HELP ME TREAT MY VIRGINA VERY CLEAN WITH NICE ODURS .THANK YOU.
i am sorry if i have broken your rules.
Some peole find it very weird and disgusting but my story is, i shower once a week. But the thing is that my hair doesnt get oily really easily, and i never smell… even after a while..
So is that normal?
Honestly, bathing once a week is not good hygiene. Even though your hair might not be oily, doesnt mean the rest of your body doesnt need to be washed. You dont have to wash your hair everyday, actually hair dressers recommend every 2 to 3 days. Like I said though your body needs to be washed every day.
To Maame–
Every man or woman has a certain unique “bodily scent”, stronger at certain parts of the body, but with proper hygiene your vagina should have little or no detectable smell.
If you are having an abnormal discharge w/ unpleasant odor you should see your doctor immediately.
The issue could be any number of things from natural smell to hygiene, infection, or disease.
See your doctor for the best treatment. The sooner you find out the cause of the mysterious odor, the healthier you’ll be.
I just started having sex a few months ago and ever since, my vagina has been burning. only once in a while though. and then it would feel like i would have to urinate really bad, but when i go, it wont come out and it hurts really bad. do you think i have a STD and go get checked…or is it something else?
Chances are you have a urinary tract infection. This is easily fixed by the doctor. Or drink lots of cranberry juice.
I use facial hair removal for my upper lip but there seems to be a dark shadow of a mustage. Is there anyway of getting rid of that shadow on my upper lip?
I have had my period for about three weeks it comes and goes I blame it on having an extra job at night which means I sleep about 3- 5 hrs a day if I’m lucky, should I be worried ? Or is it because I haven’t had enough rest?
For the past 2years l been having some blisters on my feet, the fluid dries and then the skin peel off, and more blisters comes out, tried savlon cream but not working. doc says not to wear closed shoes but l need them for work. PLEASE HELP MY FEET ARE NOT NICE TO WEAR FLIP FLOPS.
Is it okay to have sex on your period
Yep, Sure is. But could be messy
Use “Your Crown and Glory” shampoo. This will remove the oils and leave your hair feeling clean and healthy. It is a natural shampoo for thninning hair but can be used by everyone
Brittney, pain is your body’s way of telling you that somehting is WRONG. Go to a doctor and get checked out.
Shorai, your problem sounds like a variety of athlete’s foot. Try some anti-fungal cream.
BRITTNEY, you probably have a UTI (urinary tract infection). At any grocery store by some Uricalm (by the condoms and feminine hygiene isle) for minor relief from the discomfort – and then see a doctor. This can be dangerous if left untreated.
To CLAUDIA, my mother, my aunts on both sides, and both of my grandmothers have all had the same issues with their periods. PLEASE get checked for durmoids or fibrous cysts in your ovaries and get a pap smear. This is VERY common (getting durmoids and fibroids), but you definitely need to get it checked by an OB/GYN ASAP.
I have really large breasts and everytime I’ve had my annual pap they never detect anything but my breasts are really lumpy and hard to detect anything unusual. But before my period and during ovulation my breast have become really tender. I’m 32 and I have put on about 30 lbs in the past year or so.
OKAY AFTER YOU SHAVE YOUR ARMPITS N PUT DEORATED ON DOES THAT CAUSE BREAST CANCER?
WHAT IS THE YOUNGEST AGE TO GET BREAST CANCER?
I am fixing 2 be 40 I’ve had a mammograohy 2-3 weeks ago they called me back to have another one,they thought they seen something the first time, the next one came back ok,over the past 2 weeks the same breast that was in suspicion seems to be getting bigger, and very sore on the nipple, should i contact my docter?, also they have already sent me a letter to have another one done.
Ann,
Here’s a very cheap mid-day hair-oil-buster: cornstarch. Sprinkle a little on your fingers and massage through hair/scalp. Be sure to massage it in well, though–otherwise your hair will look ‘dusty’. Works for me!
Hi ladies.
This is Irha fro mPaksitan. I have a very good advise for all who having hair complains. Just put oil in your hair and message it properly. Then take bath or cleam your hair with any shampoo which you are regulary using. You can see improvment wihtin a month. and yo uwill find your hair healthy as compare to previous. Once you srted this never leave it. Take care