Pregnancy : Symptoms

The first sign of pregnancy is usually a missed menstrual period. A little bleeding or spotting may occur, due to implantation of the fertilized egg. Some women experience no early symptoms of pregnancy during the first few weeks, while others may...

Unintentional weight gain is an increase in body weight that occurs when a person takes in more calories than the body needs or uses.

The term overweight is used to describe an excess amount of total body weight including all tissues (fat, bone, muscle, etc.) and water. Obesity , in contrast, is an excess amount of body fat. An adult woman or man who has a body-fat percentage exceeding 35 percent (for women) or 25 percent (for men) is considered obese . A person can be overweight without being obese, as many professional football players and bodybuilders are, for such individuals have large amounts of muscle but not much fat. Likewise, a person can be obese without being overweight, such as some elderly individuals or lazy "couch potatoes," who may not weigh a lot but have too much body fat. However, almost all obese people are also overweight. Because body fat is very difficult to measure accurately, height and weight are used to estimate overweight and obesity. Body mass index (BMI) is a formula that combines both height and weight. It is computed as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared, or as weight in pounds times 703 divided by height in inches squared. Normal weight for adults is represented by a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9; overweight by a BMI of 25 to 29.9; and obesity by a BMI of 30 or greater. SEE ALSO O BESITY ; W EIGHT L OSS D IETS ; W EIGHT M ANAGEMENT . John P. Foreyt

Whether you’ve already gained a few extra pounds or have yet to reach perimenopause, here are strategies to help you maintain a healthy weight in midlife and beyond.

When weight gain occurs suddenly or can't be explained by your eating and exercise habits, it's worth taking a closer look.

Between the late 30s and late 40s, it's not uncommon for both men and women to gain 10 pounds.

In experiments on mice, suppressing a chemical linked to stress and appetite prevented the formation of abdominal fat cells, which could lead to new possibilities for weight loss drugs.

A Harvard Medical School physician discusses how to avoid holiday weight gain.

Most people who gain weight are taking in more calories per day than they are using. If you are gaining weight despite eating fewer calories and maintaining your usual amount of physical activity, this guide is for you.

Does insulin cause weight gain? I started taking insulin in July and gained 15 to 20 pounds in three months.

The most common prescription medications to cause weight gain include drugs that treat depression, heartburn, bipolar disorder, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

Nausea is the sensation of having an urge to vomit. Vomiting is forcing the contents of the stomach up through the esophagus and out of the mouth.

 A Recipe to Ease Nausea: Gingerbread With Brown Sugar Meringue"Gingerbread. Ginger cookies.

Nausea is the sensation of having a queasy stomach or being about to vomit. Vomiting , or emesis, is the expelling of undigested food through the mouth.

Will excess fluid in the ear cause dizziness and nausea? David Vernick, M.D. is assistant clinical professor of otology and laryngology at Harvard Medical School and interim chief of the Division of Otology and Laryngology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

Morning sickness is nausea and vomiting that can actually occur at any time of the day during pregnancy. See also: Hyperemesis gravidarum; Pregnancy care.

For nearly two-thirds of pregnant women, morning sickness is a common occurrence.

Morning sickness is the nausea and vomiting experienced during pregnancy , particularly in the first trimester. Although it is called morning sickness, it can and usually does occur at any time of the day or night.

Absent menstruation means no menstrual flow, or period. Absent menstruation may be: Primary - no menstruation before age 16; Secondary - menstruation begins at the appropriate age, but later stops for more than 3 cycles or 6 months. Absent menstruation is called amenorrhea.

Many women experience absent, short, skipped or irregular menstrual periods at some point in their lives. The most common reason for missed, skipped or irregular periods is pregnancy, often an unexpected or unplanned pregnancy.

Breast pain is any discomfort or pain in the breast.

Detailed information on mastalgia (breast pain), including information on cyclical breast pain and noncyclic breast pain

Detailed information on mastalgia (breast pain), including information on cyclical breast pain and noncyclic breast pain

Detailed information on mastalgia (breast pain), including information on cyclical breast pain and noncyclic breast pain

A guide to the causes and treatment for recurrent breast pain.Menopause has come and gone. Why do I still have breast pain?

Can caffeine make a woman's breasts hurt? Joan Bengtson, M.D., is assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproduction at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Amenorrhea is the medical term for the absence of menstruation . There are two types of amenorrhea, primary and secondary. Primary amenorrhea refers to delayed menarche (the first menstrual period) and is defined as any one of three conditions: the absence of menarche by age 16 in a girl with otherwise normal pubertal development (development of breasts and/or pubic hair) the absence of menarche by age 14 combined with delayed pubertal development the absence of menarche two years after puberty is otherwise completed Secondary amenorrhea is defined as the absence of menstruation after menarche has taken place. Although it is not uncommon for a girl's menstrual periods to be irregular during early adolescence , most girls' periods usually become regular within 18 months after the first one. After that time, it is considered abnormal for an adolescent to miss three consecutive periods.

Detailed information on amenorrhea, including causes, diagnosis, and treatment

Amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation. There are two types of amenorrhea, primary and secondary. Primary amenorrhea is delayed menarche (the first menstrual period) and is defined as any one of three conditions: 1.) absence of menarche by age 16 with otherwise normal pubertal development (development of breasts and/or pubic hair) 2.) absence of menarche by age 14 with delayed pubertal development 3.) absence of menarche two years after puberty is otherwise completed Family history should be taken into consideration in any adolescent with primary amenorrhea. Mothers who started to menstruate late will often have daughters who also menstruate late. Secondary amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation after menarche has taken place. Although it is not uncommon for menstrual periods to be irregular during early adolescence, periods usually become regular with in 18 months after the first one. After that time, it is considered abnormal for an adolescent to miss three consecutive periods.

Detailed information on amenorrhea, including causes, diagnosis, and treatment

Detailed information on amenorrhea, including causes, diagnosis, and treatment

When you first get your period, it’s normal to be confused and wonder what’s happening to you. If all your questions aren’t answered here, talk to your mom or someone else you trust.

Detailed information on amenorrhea, including causes, diagnosis, and treatment

The absence of menstrual periods is called amenorrhea. If a woman has never had any menstrual blood flow by the age of 16, doctors call this primary amenorrhea.

Amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation and is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Primary amenorrhea refers to the absence of the onset of menstruation by age 16 whether or not normal growth and secondary sexual characteristics are present, or the absence of menses after age 14 when normal growth and signs of secondary sexual characteristics are present. Secondary amenorrhea is the absence of menses for three cycles or six months in women who have previously menstruated. In terms of the relationship of amenorrhea to cancer, amenorrhea may be a symptom of a gynecologic tumor, or the pause or cessation in menstruation may develop as a side effect of cancer treatment.

The absence of menstrual periods is called amenorrhea. Primary amenorrhea is the failure to start having a period by the age of 16. Secondary amenorrhea is more common and refers to either the temporary or permanent ending of periods in a woman who has menstruated normally in the past. Many women miss a period occasionally. Amenorrhea occurs if a woman misses three or more periods in a row.

This decision guide is designed to help women with secondary amenorrhea understand what may be causing it and the questions your doctor will want to ask.

I have been off of the birth control patch for seven months and I am still not getting a period. I am not pregnant, and my annual physical was fine. Why would I still not be getting a period?

Pain is a universal human experience. The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) defines pain as "an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage or described in terms of such damage." Pain may be a symptom of an underlying disease or disorder, or a disorder in its own right. At the same time that pain is a universal experience, however, it is also a complex one. While the physical sensations involved in pain may be constant throughout history, the ways in which humans express and treat pain are shaped by their respective cultures and societies. Since the 1980s, research in the neurobiology of pain has been accompanied by studies of the psychological and sociocultural factors that influence people's experience of pain, their use of health care systems, and their compliance with various treatments for pain. As of 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to pain treatment that takes this complexity into account.

Expert-reviewed information summary about pain as a complication of cancer or its treatment. Approaches to the management and treatment of cancer-associated pain are discussed.

Pain, medically termed "nociception," is a response to noxious stimuli that is conveyed to the brain by sensory neurons . The discomfort signals actual or impending injury to the body. However, pain is more than a sensation, or the physical awareness of pain; it also includes perception, the subjective interpretation of the discomfort. Perception gives information on the pain's location, intensity, and something about its nature. The various conscious and unconscious responses to both sensation and perception, including the emotional response, add further definition to the overall concept of pain.

Communicating About PainResourcesAmerican Pain Foundation888-615-7246www.painfoundation.orgAmerican Chronic Pain Associationwww.theacpa.orgThe National Pain Foundation www.painconnection.orgYou have a right to have pain treated. Untreated pain can...

Pain is an unpleasant feeling that is conveyed to the brain by sensory neurons. The discomfort signals actual or potential injury to the body. However, pain is more than a sensation, or the physical awareness of pain; it also includes perception, the subjective interpretation of the discomfort. Perception gives information on the pain's location, intensity, and something about its nature. The various conscious and unconscious responses to both sensation and perception, including the emotional response, add further definition to the overall concept of pain.

Measuring Your PainA pain scale helps you rate pain intensity. In the scale, 0 means no pain, and 10 is the worst pain possible.

Pain is an unpleasant feeling that is conveyed to the brain by nerves in the body.

Pain is an unpleasant feeling that is conveyed to the brain by sensory neurons. The discomfort signals actual or potential injury to the body. However, pain is more than a sensation, or the physical awareness of pain; it also includes perception, the subjective interpretation of the discomfort. Perception gives information on the pain's location, intensity, and something about its nature. The various conscious and unconscious responses to both sensations and perception, including the emotional response, add further definition to the overall concept of pain.

This comprehensive report describes the many causes of pain, the latest treatments, and the best preventive strategies.

I have recurring sores in my mouth, most generally on the sides of my tongue, and the tip of my tongue gets very tender and sore. Do I have a vitamin deficiency? What else could be the cause of this?

Examines the role of forgiveness in personal health and happiness, ranging from reduced stress to improved relationships.

Children who experience verbal abuse are at as much risk for developing anxiety or depression as those who are abused physically or sexually. This may be due to the fact that verbal abuse is likely to persist over a lengthy period of time.

Fatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.

Fatigue is physical and/or mental exhaustion that can be triggered by stress , medication, overwork, or mental and physical illness or disease.

Boosting Your Energy provides information on the causes and treatments of persistent fatigue. Includes information on aging and energy, eating for energy, and boosting your energy.

Fatigue may be defined as a subjective state in which one feels tired or exhausted, and in which the capacity for normal work or activity is reduced. There is, however, no commonly accepted definition of fatigue when it is considered in the context of health and illness. This lack of definition results from the fact that a person's experience of fatigue depends on a variety of factors. These factors include culture, personality, the physical environment (light, noise, vibration), availability of social support through networks of family members and friends, the nature of a particular fatiguing disease or disorder, and the type and duration of work or exercise . The experience of fatigue associated with disease will be different for someone who is clinically depressed, is socially isolated, and is out of shape, as compared to another person who is not depressed, has many friends, and is aerobically fit.

Fatigue: TreatmentIf the fatigue is related to a decrease in hemoglobin, or oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, then replacing the red blood cells by transfusion or taking erythropoietin can help reduce fatigue. If the fatigue is not related to...

If you regularly feel weary after waking from a good night’s sleep or for no apparent reason, it’s time to find out why.

Fatigue may be defined as a subjective state in which one feels tired or exhausted, and in which the capacity for normal work or activity is reduced. There is, however, no commonly accepted definition of fatigue when it is considered in the context of health and illness. This lack of definition results from the fact that a person's experience of fatigue depends on a variety of factors. These factors include culture; personality; the physical environment (light, noise, vibration); availability of social support through networks of family members and friends; the nature of a particular fatiguing disease or disorder; and the type and duration of work or exercise. For example, the experience of fatigue associated with disease will be different for someone who is clinically depressed, is socially isolated, and is out of shape, as compared to another person who is not depressed, has many friends, and is aerobically fit. Fatigue is sometimes characterized as normal or abnormal. For example, the feeling of tiredness or even exhaustion after exercising is a normal response and is relieved by resting; many people report that the experience of ordinary tiredness after exercise is pleasant. Moreover, this type of fatigue is called acute since the onset is sudden and the desired activity level returns after resting. On the other hand, there is a kind of fatigue that is not perceived as ordinary; that may develop insidiously over time; is unpleasant or seriously distressing; and is not resolved by rest. This kind of fatigue is abnormal and is called chronic . Some researchers regard fatigue as a defense mechanism that promotes the effective regulation of energy expenditures. According to this theory, when people feel tired they take steps to avoid further stress (physical or emotional) by resting or by avoiding the stressor. They are then conserving energy. Since chronic fatigue is not normal, however, it is an important symptom of some mental disorders; of a variety of physical diseases with known etiologies (causes); and of medical conditions that have no biological markers although they have recognizable syndromes (patterns of symptoms and signs). Fatigue is sometimes described as being primary or secondary. Primary fatigue is a symptom of a disease or mental disorder, and may be part of a cluster of such symptoms as pain, fever, or nausea. As the disease or disorder progresses, however, the fatigue may be intensified by the patient's worsening condition, by the other disease symptoms, or by the surgical or medical treatment given to the patient. This subsequent fatigue is called secondary.

Fatigue is physical and/or mental exhaustion that can be triggered by stress , medication, overwork, or mental and physical illness or disease.

Fatigue is a feeling of exhaustion or loss of strength. The duration of fatigue for a patient with cancer has been found to last from one to two times the length of time between diagnosis and completion of treatment, so it is common for fatigue to persist beyond a patient's treatment regimen.

Fatigue: ManagementIf the person on chemotherapy has decreased hemoglobin, or oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, and it seems like the low hemoglobin level will last for a while, then a medicine called PROCRIT® (Epoetin alfa) may be prescribed...

Fatigue: CausesWe currently understand some of the causes of fatigue but not all of them. Fatigue may be related to physical changes caused by cancer or its treatment (chemotherapy, biotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery).

Fatigue: DefinitionFatigue is a vague feeling of being tired, weak, or exhausted. It is often a symptom of cancer, when cancer is first diagnosed, or when cancer progresses (Ferrell et al, 1996).

Oncology: Managing FatigueFatigue is a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It can be caused by worry, lack of sleep, and poor appetite.

Many people experience late-in-the-day energy lags, but you can take steps to prevent them.

Vomiting is the forceful discharge of stomach contents through the mouth.

Vomiting can deplete you of fluids and electrolytes, so repeated vomiting requires medical treatment if it results in a lasting lightheaded feeling or weakness.

Although nausea and vomiting can make you feel miserable, it's important to remember that these are not diseases, but rather symptoms of many illnesses.

Nausea with or without vomiting is common in children. Most of the time, the cause is not serious. The symptoms usually go away in a day or two and can be managed at home. However, there are times when you should alert your child's doctor immediately.

Vomiting is very common in babies. Sometimes it can be entirely normal, like when babies spit up mouthfuls of breastmilk or formula after eating. Sometimes it can be a sign of illness or a blockage somewhere in the intestines. Less commonly, it can even be a sign of accidental poisoning or be caused by a bad bump to the head.

When should parents be concerned about their child vomiting? If the child, age 5 and a bit overweight, has what the parents think is a stomach bug that causes vomiting, and this happens for a couple days at least every two months or sometimes shorter periods in between, should they have tests done or should they just assume its a virus?

Being tired is the familiar aftermath of physical exertion, prolonged labor or lack of sleep. When does being tired become a symptom of a condition? Fatigue, malaise, lassitude, exhaustion are all subtle variations of the same subjective feelings of not having enough energy to meet the demands of one's life.

Constipation refers to infrequent or hard stools, or difficulty passing stools. Constipation may involve pain during the passage of a bowel movement, inability to pass a bowel movement after straining or pushing for more than 10 minutes, or no bowel movements after more than 3 days. Infants who are still exclusively breastfed may go 7 days without a stool.

Constipation is an acute or chronic condition in which bowel movements occur less often than usual or consist of hard, dry stools that are painful or difficult to pass. Bowel habits vary, but an adult who has not had a bowel movement in three days or a child who has not had a bowel movement in four days is considered constipated.

Detailed information on constipation, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Contrary to popular myth, it is not necessary for you to be "regular" (have daily bowel movements) for your bowel pattern to be normal. If your bowel movements are so infrequent that they cause you discomfort, or if bowel movements are an effort for you, then you are experiencing constipation.

Detailed information on constipation, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Detailed information on constipation, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Detailed information on constipation, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Oncology: Controlling ConstipationConstipation(difficulty passing stool) is a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Constipation can be caused by the medications you are taking.

Constipation is an acute or chronic condition in which bowel movements occur less often than usual or consist of hard, dry stools that are painful or difficult to pass. Although constipation is a relative term, with normal patterns of bowel movements varying widely from person to person, generally an adult who has not had a bowel movement in three days or a child who has not had a bowel movement in four days is considered constipated. Infants who are still exclusively breastfed may go seven days without a stool.

Difficulty with producing a bowel movement, or infrequent bowel movements. Constipation, a condition that can affect the human digestive system at any stage of life, is rarely serious or chronic. Because bowel functions vary from individual to individual, the individual's own normal pattern should be taken into consideration when constipation is suspected. For this reason, it is important for parents and caregivers to be familiar with the bowel patterns of their infants and young children. Although constipation may cause considerable discomfort, a return to normal bowel function is usually accomplished within a day or two. Constipation is caused when the muscles at the end of the large intestine restrict the fecal material from passing through and out of the body. A tendency toward constipation seems to be hereditary. The longer the fecal material is "stalled" in the large intestine, the drier it becomes, making it more difficult and even painful to pass. For children, the discomfort associated with passing a dry stool may cause them to avoid the process, thereby exacerbating the problem.

ConstipationSymptom and DescriptionConstipation means being unable to move your bowels, having to push harder to move your bowels, or moving them less often than usual. Bowel movements will be small, dry, and hard.

Constipation is an acute or chronic condition in which bowel movements occur less often than usual or consist of hard, dry stools that are painful or difficult to pass. Bowel habits vary, but an adult who has not had a bowel movement in three days or a child who has not had a bowel movement in four days is considered constipated.

Lots of children suffer from constipation -- bowel movements that are hard or painful. Your child may become constipated because of toilet-training troubles or anxiety related to using the toilet. Or, he may not be getting enough fiber or liquids in his diet or may not be getting enough exercise.

Colds usually are mild illnesses that get better within one or two weeks. However, even mild symptoms can make children feel miserable.

Many parents worry that their baby is constipated, which can happen for many reasons. Sometimes, however, babies are not really constipated, but just have their own way of pooping.

What's the best way to relieve constipation in babies? Claire McCarthy, M.D., is a senior medical editor for Harvard Health Publications. She is an instructor in pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, an attending physician at Children's Hospital of Boston, and co-director of the pediatrics department at Martha Eliot Health Center, a neighborhood health service of Children's Hospital. The author of two books, "Learning How the Heart Beats" and "Everyone's Children", Dr. McCarthy was a regular columnist for "Sesame Street Parents Magazine" from 1995 to 1998 and is currently a contributing editor for "Parenting Magazine".

The most common beliefs about alleviating constipation may be myths, say some experts.

Why does taking iron cause you to be constipated? Mary Pickett, M.D., is a lecturer for Harvard Medical School and an assistant professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR. At OHSU, she practices general internal medicine and teaches medical residents and students.

I am suffering from constipation. Dulcolax works, but it cannot be taken too often. Could you suggest a better, non-habit-forming medicine?

Dizziness is light-headedness, feeling like you might faint, being unsteady, loss of balance, or vertigo (a feeling that you or the room is spinning or moving. Most causes of dizziness are not serious and either quickly get better on their own or are easily treated.

As a disorder, dizziness is classified into three categories—vertigo, syncope, and nonsyncope nonvertigo. Each category has a characteristic set of symptoms, all related to the sense of balance. In general, syncope is defined by a brief loss of consciousness ( fainting ) or by dimmed vision and feeling uncoordinated, confused, and lightheaded. Many people experience a sensation like syncope when they stand up too fast. Vertigo is the feeling that either the individual or the surroundings are spinning. This sensation is like being on a spinning amusement park ride. Individuals with nonsyncope nonvertigo dizziness feel as though they cannot keep their balance. This feeling may become worse with movement.

Dizziness is classified into three categories—vertigo, syncope, and nonsyncope nonvertigo. Each category has a characteristic set of symptoms, all related to the sense of balance. In general, syncope is defined by a brief loss of consciousness (fainting) or by dimmed vision and feeling uncoordinated, confused, and lightheaded. Many people experience a sensation like syncope when they stand up too fast. Vertigo is the feeling that either the individual or the surroundings are spinning. This sensation is like being on a spinning amusement park ride. Individuals with nonsyncope nonvertigo dizziness feel as though they cannot keep their balance. This sensation may become worse with movement.

Dizziness is a general term that describes sensations of imbalance and unsteadiness, such as vertigo, mild turning, imbalance, and near fainting or fainting. Feelings of dizziness stem from the vestibular system, which includes the brain and the parts of the inner ear that sense position and motion, coupled with sensory information from the eyes, skin, and muscle tension.

As a disorder, dizziness is classified into three categories: vertigo, syncope, and nonsyncope nonvertigo. Each category has its own set of symptoms, all related to the sense of balance. In general, syncope is defined by a brief loss of consciousness (fainting) or by dimmed vision and feeling uncoordinated, confused, and lightheaded. Many people experience a sensation like syncope when they stand up too fast. Vertigo is the feeling that either the individual or the surroundings are spinning. This sensation is like being on a spinning amusement park ride. Individuals with nonsyncope nonvertigo dizziness feel as though they cannot keep their balance. This feeling may become worse with movement.

Can arthritis in neck and shoulders be the cause of "positional vertigo?" In the past, when I've experienced vertigo symptoms I've visited my chiropractor for an adjustment that would successfully relieve my misalignment, which was pinching a nerve in my neck and causing the dizziness. My last episode was not as successful, though.

Falls or accidents can lead to pain, broken bones, and fear of future falls. Protect yourself and others by preparing for episodes. Simple steps can help increase your safety at home and wherever you go.

Weakness is a reduction in the strength of one or more muscles.

Fainting is a temporary loss of consciousness due to a drop in blood flow to the brain. The episode is brief (lasting less than a couple of minutes) and is followed by rapid and complete recovery. You may feel light-headed or dizzy before fainting. A longer, deeper state of unconsciousness is often called a coma.

Fainting is a temporary loss of consciousness, weakness of muscles, and inability to stand up, all caused by sudden loss of blood flow to the brain. Fainting is a relatively common symptom caused by a variety of problems relating to changes in blood pressure. The American Heart Association reports that fainting is responsible for 3% of all visits to emergency rooms and 6% of all admissions to hospitals.

Detailed information on syncope, also called fainting, including causes, symptoms, diagnostic, and treatment information

Fainting is loss of consciousness caused by a temporary lack of oxygen to the brain. Known by the medical term "syncope," fainting may be preceded by dizziness , nausea, or a feeling of extreme weakness.

If your blood pressure drops too low, your brain may not get enough oxygen-rich blood. Your body responds by losing consciousness briefly. You also slump or fall down. This problem is called syncope, fainting, or a blackout.

When the brain receives conflicting signals, or when there is a problem with blood flow, dizziness or fainting can occur.

Syncope, or fainting, is a temporary loss of consciousness, usually caused by decreased blood flow to the brain . Syncope is a symptom, rather than a disease itself, and has many causes. The vasovagal faint, which usually occurs in young, otherwise healthy people, is one particular form of syncope. Syncope accounts for about 300,000 emergency department visits per year, and about 6% of hospital admissions.

Fainting is a loss of consciousness, falling down or needing to lie down, followed by spontaneous recovery. Fainting by itself is not a problem, but it could be a sign of a serious health condition.

Every time I have blood drawn, I have vasovagal reaction. Does that prevent me from blood donation? Any advice how to combat this?

A drug trial shows that beta blockers do not reduce the incidence of fainting spells.

Vaginal discharge refers to secretions from the vagina. Such discharge can vary in: Consistency (thick, pasty, thin; Color (clear, cloudy; Smell (normal, odorless, bad odor.

It is normal for women to have a small amount of vaginal discharge. Normal vaginal discharge is cervical mucous, which is usually odorless and clear or light in color. Vaginal discharge will change over the course of a monthly menstrual cycle. Usually, vaginal discharge gets thicker and increases in quantity for a time between cycles, with these changes beginning about two weeks before the next period is due.

Anorexia is characterized by a loss of appetite or lack of desire to eat.

Detailed information on anorexia, including causes, characteristics, types, diagnosis, treatment, complications, and prevention

Appetite StimulationSymptom and Description Loss of appetite is a loss of the desire to eat. Not eating can lead to weight loss.

Your loss of appetite may be because of anxiety or depression, aging, medications or a health concern.

A harvard Medical school physician answers your question about the prevalence of anorexia in men, and discusses the biological and environmental factors that influence the disorder in both sexes.

Women suffering from anorexia nervosa may benefit more from general support than in-depth therapy, according to a recent study.

Frequent urination means needing to urinate more often than usual. Urgent urination is a sudden, compelling urge to urinate, along with discomfort in your bladder. A frequent need to urinate at night is called nocturia. Most people can sleep for 6 to 8 hours without having to urinate. Middle aged and older men often wake to urinate once in the early morning hours.

Urinary tract infections, kidney stones and prostate problems can all produce these symptoms. Frequent urination without pain also can be a side effect of certain medications, or a symptom of diabetes.

Is frequent urination a sign of kidney dysfunction? Diana Post, M.D., is an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Feeling lightheaded is a sensation that may precede syncope or fainting. It is usually experienced when in an upright position (standing or sitting). If

Abnormal buildup of fluid in the ankles, feet, and legs is called peripheral edema.

Abnormal nipple discharge is abnormal fluid leakage from one or both nipples of the breast.

Detailed information on nipple problems and discharge, including ectasia, intraductal papilloma, and galactorrhea

Detailed information on nipple problems and discharge, including ectasia, intraductal papilloma, and galactorrhea

Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes caused by lack of oxygen in the blood.

Detailed information on the most common skin color changes in a newborn

A swollen abdomen is when your belly area is bigger than usual. See also: Abdominal girth