The Potential Link Between PCOS and Hypothyroidism

The term “polycystic” refers to the presence of multiple fluid-filled sacs (cysts) within each ovary. These cysts are actually ovarian follicles that are unable to mature enough to release egg cells. In PCOS, the follicles cannot grow and mature properly due to high androgen levels. Illustration by Emily Roberts, Verywell With hypothyroidism, the main hormone change is the decreased amount of thyroid hormone. Especially when there is another condition (hyperprolactinemia) that is due to high prolactin....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 197 words · Kelsey Atkinson

The Power of Emotions in Broken Heart Syndrome

This condition is different from a heart attack, but it can be just as dangerous, even fatal. Many types of cardiomyopathy exist, each with specific causes or risk factors. Broken heart syndrome is known as stress-induced or Takotsubo cardiomyopathy because it develops from intense emotional or physical stress. Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health What Is Angina? “Angina” is the medical term for chest pain. It shows up when the heart isn’t getting enough oxygen....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 161 words · Elizabeth Alexander

The Proper Way to Apply Sunscreen

If you’ve ever wondered if you’re using sunscreen the right way, you aren’t alone. Maybe you’ve wound up with a nasty sunburn even though you took time to applySPF. Read on for everything it’s crucial that you know about proper sunscreen app. OJO_Images / Getty Images The only difference is timing. 2018 Apr;32(4):e123-4. 2019;6:195. doi:10.3389/fmed.2019.00195 American Cancer Society.Spend time outside and stay sun-safe.

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 63 words · James Gentry

The Pros and Cons of the Birth Control Pill

When used as directed, the pill is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. Most women can safely use birth control pills. However, as with all medications, they do have possibleside effectsand risks. Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health Here’s a rundown of the pros and cons of using oral contraceptives, including common side effects. Protection against developing these cancers can last up to 30 years after stopping combination birth control pills....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 489 words · Shannon Trujillo

The Pros and Cons of Ultrasound-Guided Injections

Commonly injected medications includecortisone,local anesthetics, and joint lubricants such as hyaluronic acid. In some cases, delivering an injection is not as easy as it sounds. Some require you to hit the target just right, often with the slimmest margin of error. Slobodan Vasic / Getty Images Ultrasound-guided injections reduce the risk of errors or complications during such injections. This article explains the pros and cons of ultrasound-guided injections. It touches on how the procedure is done, why it is controversial, and alternative methods available....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 410 words · Nicholas Curry

The Psoriasis Diet: What to Eat (and Avoid)

On the flip side, there are also foods that may trigger flare-ups or aggravate symptoms. Illustration by Laura Porter for Verywell Health How Diet Affects Psoriasis Psoriasis is a chronicautoimmune disease. This results in itchy, scaly, flaking patches known asplaques. Illustration by Laura Porter for Verywell Health Other foods are considered anti-inflammatory because they help decrease inflammation in the body. Can You Eat Eggs With Psoriasis? Some people with psoriasis stop eating eggs because they believe they increase inflammation....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 228 words · Cheryl Berger

The Psychological Effects of Being Yelled At

Being yelled at has significant effects on both the body and the brain. Living withverbal abusefrom a parent, spouse, or loved one can change how you think about yourself. Verbal abuse usually involves using psychological force to cause emotional pain. EmirMemedovski / Getty Images EmirMemedovski / Getty Images Can You Be Traumatized By Yelling? Severe verbal discipline takes yelling to a new level and is more harmful. It may include swearing, cursing, name-calling, or insulting....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 685 words · Adam Parker

The Purpose and Uses of a Gingival Retraction Cord

Retraction cord has different sizes and sometimes the dentist uses a double layer of cord. This diameter is the part that goes around the tooth. However, it can sometimes cause side effects and minor injury, particularly in those with gingivitis. Peter Cade / Getty Images A gingival retraction cord can sometimes cause bleeding as the cord rubs against the gum. Gum bleeding can be difficult to control and, in turn, make impressions hard to capture....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 119 words · Michael Jackson

The Purpose of Elastic Ligatures on Braces

Elastic ligatures are the rubber bands onorthodontic braces. Elastic ligatures come both in rubber and metal as well as a variety of fashion colors. They are routinely inspected, adjusted, or replaced at each and every orthodontic check-up. Apisit Sorin / EyeEm / Getty Images This article describes the types of elastic ligatures commonly used in dentistry as well as their distinct purposes. Depending on how the elastic is tied to a tooth, varying degrees of tension can be exerted....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 211 words · Ashley Goodwin

The Rapid-Onset Gender Dysphoria Controversy

This article discusses the theory of rapid-onset gender dysphoria. It explains the initial study, its controversy, and why it was edited after publication. It also looks at recent studies published in the aftermath and where the theory stands today. Adam Hester / Getty Images What Is Rapid-Onset Gender Dysphoria? Rapid-onset gender dysphoria is a theoretical new subtype of gender dysphoria. Rapid onset means it appears suddenly. It is not a recognized diagnosis but a controversial research theory....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 363 words · Carrie Lawson

The Recovery Position in First Aid

Does the common first aid practice work? Decreased consciousness ranges from sleepiness (somnolence) to unresponsiveness (coma). Instead, chest compressions or an automated external defibrillator (AED) should be employed right away. Gary Ombler / Getty Images How to Put Someone in the Recovery Position First ensure the scene is safe. At this point, you should also look for other serious injuries such as neck injuries. The recovery position is not indicated for children under age 1....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 377 words · Jennifer Cox

The Relationship Between Fatigue and Headaches

Fatigue and headaches often go hand in hand. For most people, headaches and tiredness are occasional nuisances. They may disrupt productivity for a day or cause you to cancel plans for the evening. Jan Stromme / Getty Images However, for some people, they can be a chronic, debilitating duo that affects their daily life. They can also be a side effect of certain medications or sparked by lifestyle habits. This article explores the relationship between fatigue and headaches....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 354 words · Scott Nguyen

The Relationship Between Genetics and HIV Infections

Millions of people are exposed to HIV each year, but not everyone will become infected. Researchers estimate DNA accounts for 28% to 42% of an individual’s risk for contracting HIV. Genes may also impact the course of the disease and the effectiveness of different treatments. Abraham Gonzalez Fernandez/Getty Images This article discusses genetics and HIV. The first genetic mutation related to HIV was identified in the mid-1990s asCCR5-Delta32. Research shows people with a homozygous 32 bp deletion inCCR5are less likely to contract HIV....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 343 words · Ashley Lewis