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Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
I Followed My Doctor's Orders Religiously, But Didn't Seem To Get Better. Then I Made A Shocking Discovery.
I experienced my first concussion when I was 16. A poorly timed wave struck me while I was surfing and an abandoned kayak slammed into my head. I came home from the beach feeling nauseous and groggy, but I chalked it up to the rough day in the water. However, when I woke up the next morning with a piercing headache, I started to wonder if it was something more serious. I decided to go to school that day, but the moment I sat down for my calculus lecture, I knew something was wrong. The equations on the whiteboard blurred before my eyes, and the room spun like a carnival ride. I went to see a doctor and she confirmed my suspicions: I was concussed. Sitting in the exam room, I read the recovery instructions the doctor gave me with a mixture of pain and a slight sense of relief. I was told to stay in a dark room with no stimulation — no loud noise, bright light, strong smells or cognitive triggers — until I felt my symptoms start to improve. 'How long will it take?' I asked. The doctor assured me that most concussions resolve within a week or two. We scheduled a follow-up for the following week, and before I left, she handed me thick packet of return-to-play guidelines intended for high school football players. The irony wasn't lost on me — I wasn't a football player. I went straight home, popped an Advil, turned off the lights, and got in bed. As a perfectionist and a rule-follower, I stuck to the doctor's instructions religiously. My phone went on 'Do Not Disturb' and I committed myself to absolute rest. The following days were agonizing — an endless cycle of boredom and restlessness. I spent most of the time staring at the ceiling with my thoughts clouded by an aching brain. By the end of the week, I was desperate to return to my normal routine. However, when I tried to read the morning newspaper, the words swirled on the page, and a throbbing pain forced me back into bed. At my follow-up appointment, my doctor seemed unconcerned by my lingering symptoms. I was advised to continue brain rest and take another week off school. A month later, I was still struggling. Mundane tasks like walking the dog, driving to the grocery store, or having a five-minute conversation felt almost impossible. I was living in a constant haze, as though I was trapped behind a concussion-induced fog. I returned to my doctor, who finally referred me to the concussion sports clinic at UCSF, where I began a long and frustrating journey of treatments including physical therapy, an occipital nerve block, acupuncture and electrical nerve stimulation, just to name a few. It wasn't until the next year that I began to feel significantly better. The symptoms became more manageable, and I started resuming daily activities. But as anyone who has experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI) knows, the risk of reinjury is high. Like a sprained ankle prone to future sprains, a concussed brain is more susceptible to subsequent injuries. Physicians found that post-concussion, there is a greater chance of sustaining another concussion and that those injuries often occur even if less force is involved and take longer to resolve. My second concussion happened far less dramatically than my first. While laughing with a friend outside my senior high school history classroom, I stepped forward just as she stepped back, and our heads collided. It seemed absurd that something so minor could cause such a significant setback. After all, as a child, I'd surely hit my head countless times on the playground or in dance class. But the symptoms were undeniable. In the years that followed, I experienced additional head injuries — from car doors, on crowded dance floors, and other unremarkable incidents. While each concussion was uniquely challenging, there was a critical difference between my first and subsequent injuries: I had better information. During recovery from my second concussion, I stumbled upon a website called the Concussion Alliance. One section, in bold letters, read: Concussion Myths. One myth stood out: 'Do not lie in a dark room.' As I sat in the suffocating silence of my pitch-black room, tears streaming down my face, I realized I'd been doing everything wrong. After discovering this information, I scheduled an appointment with a new doctor at the concussion clinic. She was shocked by the outdated advice I had initially received, and explained that many physicians still relied on obsolete concussion protocols due to the recent and ongoing changes in concussion research. In 2022, the Concussion Sports Group published recovery guidelines based on the 6th International Conference on Concussion in Sport. Their findings confirmed that recommending strict rest until the complete resolution of concussion-related symptoms, sometimes referred to as cocooning or cocoon therapy, is often not beneficial. Relative rest (such as limiting screen time and other activities of daily living) is encouraged immediately and for up to the first two days after injury. Slowly, I began incorporating parts of my daily routine back into my life, pushing just beyond my comfort zone but not to the point of danger. Surprisingly, weightlifting became my greatest ally. Through cautious and deliberate exercise, I found a way to challenge my body and rebuild my confidence. With time, I felt stronger — both physically and mentally. With this new understanding, I began to approach concussion recovery in an entirely different way. To my pleasant surprise, I found that my subsequent concussions lasted only a fraction as long as my earlier ones did, and they didn't disrupt my social, academic, or daily life as much as they once had. I am currently in my second year of undergraduate studies at UC Berkeley. From bunk beds to frat parties to scooter accidents, there are numerous opportunities for concussions to occur. I have been disheartened by the number of peers who have been diagnosed with concussions and still follow the same outdated protocols my doctor prescribed to me when I was 16. One day, as I was aimlessly scrolling through Instagram, I stumbled upon a friend's story. In bold white letters on a black background, it read: 'No one ever tells you how bored you are with a concussion. Like, wtf am I supposed to do in the dark all alone? I'm bored.' I immediately swiped up. My friend explained that she was in her second week of isolating in her room. I offered to hop on a call, but she couldn't tolerate phone conversations due to her symptoms, so we exchanged voice notes instead. She had been in a car accident and felt hopeless, unable to return to her normal life. I shared my own experience, and that day, she made a small step toward recovery by listening to her favorite podcast. A week later, I woke up to a message that read, 'Thank you. You saved me.' Of course, I am not a physician and no one should attempt to heal from a concussion without professional medical advice. If you ever find yourself with a head injury, see a doctor immediately. However, it's never a bad idea to be informed and educated about TBI and the recent research that has upended the way concussions are treated. It is this information that could make a world of difference in your recovery. Today, I still grapple with the lasting effects of my initial concussion. Amid the usual worries of maintaining a good GPA, securing a summer internship, and getting to class on time, the fear of hitting my head remains ever-present. I've discovered that I may always have lingering symptoms from my concussions, some of which are more difficult to pinpoint than others, including frequent migraines and difficulty with balance and coordination. But I've also found a path forward. I've used Botox treatments to help with my residual headaches and I am extra careful about avoiding crowded spaces where collisions are more likely to occur. There is still so much we don't know about brain injuries, but what we do know should be used wisely. Recovery for me — and now the vast majority of people — isn't about shutting out the world and living in complete darkness. It's about balance, patience, and informed care. My experience taught me that healing is possible, but it starts with access to the right information. Sarah Goody is a social entrepreneur and climate activist currently studying at the University of California, Berkeley. She is the founder of Climate NOW, a global youth-led organization that has empowered over 10,000 young people to take action on climate change. Her activism has garnered political attention from leaders, and she has served as an advisory member for Lady Gaga's Born This Way Foundation. Recognized for her impact, Sarah received the prestigious Princess Diana Award in 2020. She is passionate about the intersections of public health, sustainability, business, and law. Do you have a compelling personal story you'd like to see published on HuffPost? Find out what we're looking for here and send us a pitch at pitch@ Related... My Husband's Medical Team Was Failing Him. Then A Stranger Stepped In And Said 6 Words That Saved His Life. An 88-Year-Old Woman Was Brought To My ER. When Her Family Told Me Why, I Was Stunned. My Doctor Emailed Me The Worst Possible News. It Sent Me Into A Tailspin — And Changed My Life.
Buzz Feed
11-07-2025
- Health
- Buzz Feed
21 Doctors Share Health Lies And Myths
We recently wrote a post where doctors, nurses, and other medical workers revealed the health "lies" people should stop believing, and their answers were eye-opening. In the comments, other medical professionals shared the health myths and misconceptions that more people should know. Here's what they had to say: "As a Paramedic/EMS Director, working in the 911 and private sectors, one myth is that if you call an ambulance, you will be seen faster in the emergency department. This is not the case. If you call for something that could be handled at an urgent care or primary physician's office, or didn't need care at all, you will be sent to the waiting room and triaged." "'Dirty-looking urine' or an abnormal urine test does NOT mean you have a urine infection unless you're having fever or other symptoms to go with it. Similarly, a shadow on a chest X-ray or CT is NOT necessarily pneumonia, unless you have a fever or breathing symptoms." "This may shock you, but 'high blood pressure' without other symptoms is not a medical emergency. Unless you are pregnant, bleeding out, or having a heart attack, your blood pressure needs TO BE OVER >220/115 before we do anything emergency-related to treat it. Because it's dangerous and unnecessary to intervene (we can lower it now, but you'll be right back in here, after you faint at home and hit your head). Save the trip for your primary care doctor." "ER Doc here: Please do not come in for back pain, shoulder pain, ankle pain, etc., without having tried Tylenol, Advil, or other over-the-counter pain meds. Otherwise, when you come to the ED, that is exactly what we will give you; you will most likely feel better, and then you will get a huge bill." "Allergist/immunologist here. Not every rash is caused by an 'allergic' reaction. The immune system is complex and constantly adapts and responds to our environment. This means that rashes can be due to all sorts of things, including viruses and other infections. If you have a rash or even hives for a day, you do not need to immediately see an allergist! Take some antihistamine (like Zyrtec), and give it a few days. Most rashes or acute hives clear up on their own once the immune system is no longer triggered." "People, PLEASE stop googling symptoms and coming in with what 'you think is what you have.' Just tell us, and we will treat you accordingly. Is Google helpful for something? Yes, but when symptoms have been going on for weeks or months, see your PCP (primary care provider), or go to an urgent care. Google is not helping you; if anything, it's making you think there's more wrong with you. Just go to the doctor, and please stop telling us, 'Well, Google said...'" "When dealing with an open skin wound, do not remove a dressing to expose it to drying-out air. Grandma was wrong when she told you to 'let air get at the wound.' The body exists in a wet environment, and drying out open skin will not make it heal faster. Keep the wound covered, the surface moist, and the body will heal." "Myth: Developmental disorders like autism and ADHD are being overdiagnosed now. Fact: The increase in diagnosis of these disorders is due to the increase in research and understanding of how such disorders present, FULL STOP. The majority of research is often conducted using white, male participants. As research has expanded to include a wider variety of individuals, we now understand these disorders can present in women compared to men." "We do not control drug prices, insurance coverages or decisions, your co-pay, your bill, etc. The vast majority of us do not have ANY TIES to specific hospitals or pharmaceutical companies; in fact, we dislike them or the bureaucracy as much as you do. Because private insurance companies in the US are part of a capitalistic system, they operate based on what is best and most profitable to THEM, not on what is best for patients. Because of the flawed health care model and insurance companies, most of us don't know and cannot consistently find out or keep track of how much our own services cost, and what's worse, hospitals can change their fees and/or insurance companies can change what they will cover at any time." "A sore arm, slight fever, and/or feeling a little icky/tired for a day or two after a vaccine means your immune system is actually making antibodies to protect you in the future. It's not an allergic reaction or a reason to avoid getting vaccines in the future. These symptoms are COMMON and are a good sign that the vaccine is effective. Similarly, inactivated vaccines cannot give you the disease they are created for — so, the inactivated flu vaccine does not give people the flu." "Having an egg allergy is no longer a reason to avoid the flu shot. The manufacturing of flu vaccines has nothing to do with eggs or cultures from eggs anymore." "When I ask if you have any medical history, and you say no, and then list 15 medications that you are on…you have past medical history. If you aren't connected with a health system, trust big brother, or don't have a smartphone, write all your medications, medical history, and allergies on a piece of paper, and fold it to the size of a business card and stuff it into your wallet behind your ID." "Being able to pee is not a sign that your kidneys are doing just fine; there are a lot of people on permanent dialysis who still pee every day. They just pee water, not urine (which is water plus toxins plus salts)!" "I work in an STI clinic, and I cannot tell you how many times we have patients coming to us in a panic, saying they had sex in the past 24 hours and now have XYZ symptoms and want to be tested. Not all STIs manifest symptoms within a few days, and testing may not be reliable within the first 10–15 days for some infections. So, no, the pimple that appeared on your private parts one day after having sex is likely either from a *pre-existing* STI you've had for a while or is just a pimple, AND, no, we cannot test you for all STIs one day after having sex." "Myth: People with schizophrenia are violent and can't live fulfilling lives. Fact: There are many, MANY successful, bright, funny, creative individuals with schizophrenia who have never harmed anyone. Statistically, someone with schizophrenia is more at risk of being a victim of a crime than the perpetrator." "Food allergy is a serious diagnosis and means the person could die if they are exposed to the food. Food allergy is NOT the same as food intolerance, which is much more common. Food allergy means a person will experience symptoms of swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, and low blood pressure every time they are exposed to that food, and they will likely need emergency care. Therefore, if you had hives once around the same time as a meal but otherwise eat a normal diet and haven't had more episodes of symptoms, you almost certainly don't have a food allergy, and those hives were due to something else going on at the time that happened to coincide with a meal." "Health care providers run late for all sorts of reasons that we can't control, including other patients being late to their appointments (but still within an allotted grace period so they are still allowed to be seen), medical emergencies, unexpected situations or complex conversations that must be handled, outside requests that are time sensitive, such as calls from insurance companies, pharmacies, and more. We do not always have staff helping us handle these items. We also are NOT purposely making you wait 20–30 or sometimes more minutes to be seen." "Urgent care centers are not the place for head injuries, chest pain, or abdominal pain. I will send you to the ED for advanced imaging or lab testing to make a proper diagnosis and treatment plan." "You can't 'detox' your body through your feet, with essential oils, or any drastic diet. That's what your liver and kidneys are for, and they don't care what snake oil you bought to do the job they were made to do!" "Been an ICU nurse for 28 years. Nothing surprises me, but things still gross me out from time to time. If I tell the visitors to wait in the waiting room while I do a dressing change, maybe don't think I'm hiding something. Seeing necrotizing fasciitis or maggots in a wound is pretty unsettling. I can't pick you up off the floor and take care of your loved one." And finally... "Whoever told you wearing a seatbelt in pregnancy is dangerous and could kill your baby or rupture your uterus in an accident is a moron. Getting thrown into the dashboard or out of the vehicle is much more likely to kill you, your baby, or both. It's important to have the lap belt across your lap, under the bump, and the shoulder belt above the bump, with neither going across the bump. Placing the shoulder belt behind you, which some people will advise you to do, may be worse than not wearing it at all." Doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals, what are some other health "lies" and misconceptions that more people should know? Tell us in the comments, or if you prefer to remain anonymous, you can use the form below.
Health Line
24-06-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Is It Possible to Overdose on Ibuprofen?
Taking too much ibuprofen can result in an overdose. This can cause dangerous side effects such as damage to your stomach or intestines. In rare cases, an overdose can be fatal. Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (OTC NSAID) used to relieve inflammation, fever, and mild pain. People take this medication to treat: headaches back pain toothaches arthritis menstrual cramps fevers Brand names for ibuprofen include Motrin and Advil. You should always take ibuprofen exactly as directed on the label or as recommended by a doctor. If you think that you or someone you know has overdosed on ibuprofen, contact your local poison center or your local emergency services. In the United States, you can reach the poison center by calling 1-800-222-1222. Recommended dosage Your recommended dose of ibuprofen depends on your age. For adults The recommended dosage for adults is one to two 200-milligram (mg) tablets (400 mg per dose) every four to six hours. Adults should not exceed 3200mg in 24 hours. Adults over 65 years old should take as little ibuprofen as possible to manage their symptoms. Older adults have a higher risk of kidney and gastrointestinal side effects. For children To determine the safe dosage for children, you need to know the child's weight and the formulation of ibuprofen you're using. Ibuprofen for children is available in: infant drops liquids chewable tablets Liquid measurements are given in milliliters (mL). Make sure to read the label and measure carefully. Never give your child more than four doses in one day. The following chart shows how much ibuprofen a child can consume depending on their weight. Weight 50-mg/1.25-mL infant drops dosage 100-mg/5-mL liquid dosage 50-mg/1 chewable tablet dosage 12 to 17 pounds 1.25 mL (50 mg) Ask your doctor Ask your doctor 18 to 23 pounds 1.875 mL (75 mg) Ask your doctor Ask your doctor 24 to 35 pounds 2.5 mL (100 mg) 5 mL (100 mg) 2 tablets (100 mg) 36 to 47 pounds 3.75 mL (150 mg) 7.5 mL (150 mg) 3 tablets (150 mg) 48 to 59 pounds 5 mL (200 mg) 10 mL (200 mg) 4 tablets (200 mg) 60 to 71 pounds n/a 12.5 mL (250 mg) 5 tablets (250 mg) 72 to 95 pounds n/a 15 mL (300 mg) 6 tablets (300 mg) over 95 pounds n/a 20 mL (400 mg) 8 tablets (400 mg) For babies Do not give ibuprofen to children under 6 months old. For infants ages 6 months to 1 year, the safe dose of the infant formulation depends on their weight. Weight 50-mg/1.25-mL infant drops dosage under 12 pounds Ask your doctor before administering this medication. 12 to 17 pounds 1.25 mL (50 mg) 18 to 23 pounds 1.875 mL (75 mg) Drug interactions Certain medications can increase your risk of having an overdose of ibuprofen. According to research, do not take any of the following medications with ibuprofen without first talking with your doctor: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which can interfere with the metabolism of NSAIDs while also increasing pain and bleeding antihypertensives, which are medications for high blood pressure that may increase the risk of kidney damage aspirin, which may increase the risk of serious side effects diuretics (water pills), which increase the risk of kidney failure when combined with ibuprofen lithium, which increases the risk of toxicity methotrexate, which increases the risk of toxicity anticoagulants (blood thinners), such as warfarin, because they can increase your risk of serious gastrointestinal bleeding Mixing ibuprofen with alcohol can also increase your risk of having serious side effects, like stomach or intestinal bleeding. Symptoms of an ibuprofen overdose Not everyone will experience symptoms of an ibuprofen overdose right away. Some people won't have any visible symptoms at all. If you do experience symptoms of an ibuprofen overdose, they're usually mild. Mild symptoms may include: tinnitus (ringing in the ears) heartburn nausea vomiting stomach pain diarrhea dizziness blurred vision rash sweating Severe symptoms can include: difficult or slow breathing convulsions hypotension (low blood pressure) seizures little to no urine production severe headache bleeding in the stomach coma What should you do if you suspect an overdose? If you or someone you know has taken more than the maximum recommended dose of ibuprofen, contact your local poison center. In the United States, you can reach the poison center by calling 1-800-222-1222. You can call this number 24 hours a day. Stay on the line for further instructions. If possible, have the following information ready: the person's age, height, weight, and gender how much ibuprofen was ingested when the last dose was taken whether the person also took other drugs, supplements, or had any alcohol You can also receive guidance by using the poison center's webPOISONCONTROL online tool. TIP Text 'POISON' to 202-677-7600 to save the contact information for poison control to your smartphone. If you can't access a phone or computer, go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Do not wait until symptoms start. Some people who overdose on ibuprofen will not show symptoms right away. Treating an overdose At the hospital, doctors will monitor breathing, heart rate, and other vital signs. A doctor may insert a tube through the mouth to look for internal bleeding. You may also receive the following treatments: medications that make you throw up decontamination of the stomach with activated charcoal benzodiazepines to control seizures breathing support, such as oxygen or a breathing machine (ventilator) intravenous fluids antihypertensive medications to reduce blood pressure Children who consume more than 400 mg/kilogram (kg) of ibuprofen are at a higher risk of overdose and will likely require hospitalization. If they consume 100 mg/kg or less, they may be monitored at home. Complications of an ibuprofen overdose An overdose of ibuprofen can cause severe problems in the gastrointestinal tract. These include: inflammation bleeding ulcers stomach or intestinal perforation, which can be fatal liver or kidney failure Taking high doses of ibuprofen over long periods of time can also increase your risk of having a stroke or heart attack. Takeaway Taking too much ibuprofen can result in an overdose. With prompt medical treatment, you're likely to recover from an ibuprofen overdose. However, some people develop liver, kidney, or stomach issues. People with a prior history of ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding should not take NSAIDS like ibuprofen. Always read product labels carefully and take the smallest amount of ibuprofen possible that will help relieve your symptoms. An adult should not take more than 3,200 mg of ibuprofen per day. A safe dose for children is much less than that. If you or someone you know has taken more than the recommended dose, call your local poison center or your local emergency services. If you experience symptoms of an ulcer after taking ibuprofen, stop taking ibuprofen and call a doctor.
Hindustan Times
18-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
What is razor blade throat? New Covid variant ‘Nimbus' causing very painful symptom, know about prevention
A new COVID-19 variant, called NB.1.8.1, might be behind nearly a third of new cases, according to health officials. This variant, which some people are calling 'Nimbus,' is getting attention because of one painful symptom—something people are now describing as 'razor blade throat.' The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says Nimbus made up about 37% of COVID-19 cases in the US in the two weeks ending June 7. Experts believe Nimbus spreads more easily, but doesn't seem to cause more severe illness, as cited by Fox news report. Also Read: What is 'Nimbus'? New COVID variant spreading in THESE 14 US states, know symptoms here People who have caught the Nimbus variant have described having a really bad sore throat — some say it feels like swallowing broken glass. Doctors say the pain can get so bad that it's hard to talk, eat, or even drink water. While sore throats have always been a symptom for some COVID-19 patients, this variant is causing throat pain that's much more intense than usual. If you're dealing with a sore throat caused by the Nimbus variant, there are a few things you can try to feel better: Over-the-counter medicine: Pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can help reduce throat pain and swelling. Saltwater gargle: Gargling warm salt water can help soothe your throat and might lower the amount of virus in your mouth. Throat lozenges and sprays: Look for ones with menthol or benzocaine. These can numb the throat and bring short-term relief. Stay hydrated: Drinking warm liquids like tea or broth can keep your throat moist and ease the pain. Use a humidifier: Adding moisture to the air can help prevent your throat from getting dry and irritated. These home remedies can help, but it's important to keep an eye on your symptoms. If your sore throat doesn't get better or gets worse, call your doctor. The Nimbus variant often causes a sore throat, but most people only get mild symptoms. Still, some signs mean you should get medical help: Your symptoms don't go away or start to get worse You're having trouble breathing or feel tightness in your chest You have a high fever (over 100°F) that lasts for several days You can't drink enough fluids because your throat hurts too much, and you start feeling dehydrated Older adults, pregnant people, or anyone with other health issues should talk to a doctor right away if they get sick. To lower your chances of catching the Nimbus variant, follow these basic COVID-19 safety steps: Wear a mask in crowded places or indoor spaces Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds Keep your distance from people who are sick Get vaccinated and stay up-to-date on COVID-19 shots to help protect yourself from serious illness
Cosmopolitan
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
What Is Wrong With Norah from Netflix's ‘Ginny & Georgia'?
New episodes of Ginny & Georgia season 3 went online on Thursday and there is practically no adolescent issue that this mother-daughter dramedy hasn't covered. Losing your virginity? Check. Getting into a huge fight with your bestie? Yep. Getting drunk at a house party? Got that covered. Learning that your mom killed your stepdad? Also check. Okay, maybe that last one isn't so typical, but you get the idea. So it's no surprise that in season 3 of Ginny & Georgia, the Netflix hit is tackling that infamous coming-of-age milestone: periods. For the past two seasons, fans have watched high school sophomore Ginny and her core group of girlfriends, Max, Abby, and Norah try to survive Wellsbury High. In classic teen show fashion, every character has their own issues. Max is a girl-crazy drama queen (literally, she's an actor), Abby is struggling with body dysmorphia and bulimia, and now, in season 3, Norah's got period problems. Throughout the newest season, Norah is either on her period, waiting for it, or complaining about it. 'My period is so irregular, I can't even predict when it's going to happen,' she says in episode 6, right before getting all of her friends to take pregnancy tests with her. The very next episode, her pregnancy scare is forgotten, but her mysterious period ailments continue. 'My mom took me to the gyno, which was pointless because they just ask me a hundred different questions. And you don't know your family history when you're adopted.' (Yep, the show also has an adoption subplot.) The doctors ran tests, Norah explained, but still can't figure out what's going on. Well, I have a pretty good guess. I first got my period when I was 11, and for five years, when doctors asked me if my periods were heavy or irregular, I shrugged and said, 'No.' I didn't know any better. What I didn't tell my pediatrician was that I was bleeding through super tampons and maxi pads, staining my pajamas and sheets, and downing Advil to deal with my period cramps. Despite having two sisters and a whole gaggle of girlfriends, I truly thought that my period was normal because I had learned to live with it. I never thought to compare notes. Then one morning during a particularly heavy period, I took a step out of bed and a blood clot flew out of my underwear and onto the carpet. I had bled through the super plus tampon I was wearing and my overnight maxi pad. The next time my doctor asked me if my periods were heavy, I finally said, 'Yes.' Unlike Norah, I was overweight, so my doctor already suspected I had a hormonal issue and sent me to an endocrinologist straight away. A few doctors appointments and 8 to 10 vials worth of blood tests later, I was diagnosed with PCOS—Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. It's a hormone disorder believed to be hereditary that can cause, among other things, excess facial hair, heavy or irregular menstrual cycles, weight gain, and ovarian cysts. Some women don't have a lot of symptoms; others have all of the above. At the time, the criteria for PCOS was extremely vague, and the possible treatments were basically nonexistent. (In case you need a reminder: Women's health is underfunded, under-researched, and undervalued.) Effective medical treatments for PCOS are hard to come by. When I asked about next steps, my doctor shrugged their shoulders, gave me a prescription for birth control, and told me to lose weight (which, oh, by the way, is harder to do when you have PCOS). Over 15 years later, it seems not much has changed. At the end of the season, Norah's period mystery remains unsolved. She doesn't know why her periods are irregular or why she has bad cramps. And after years of just dealing with it, she seems resigned to just barreling through. I feel her pain. While I assume that she'll get a hard-fought diagnosis of either PCOS or endometriosis in season 4, it's also possible that she'll never get the answers she's looking for. Ask any woman with PCOS or endometriosis and they'll tell you it took years for them to even go to a doctor to discuss period pain, let alone be diagnosed. And that's partly due to the fact that many women just don't know that these conditions exist. In modern America, period pain is often dismissed, and uterus-related conversations are still taboo. Even in teen shows like Gilmore Girls or Gossip Girl, characters don't acknowledge their periods until there's a pregnancy scare plot. Young women like Norah might not learn about PCOS or endometriosis from their friends or their mothers or even their doctors—so I'm hoping that at least for some teens and tweens, Norah's storyline on Ginny & Georgia can fill in the gaps. And if a hormone disorder is the cause of her period problems, I hope she gets diagnosed faster than I did.
