Real Talk: Summer – Winter 2020-2021

Short Answer: Yes, give in! But in moderation. Long Answer: Period cravings are very common and are totally normal. Most people who have periods crave foods with high carbohydrate and fat content, like chocolate, cookies, chips, etc. While we don’t know the exact science behind such cravings, they may be a response from our bodies trying to increase our happy hormone, serotonin. Foods high in carbohydrates and fat get a bad rap in the media, but they can be part of a healthy, balanced diet! Here’s where moderation comes in. It’s ok to have some ice cream or a chocolate chip cookie (or a few) while on your period; just follow the portion recommendations on the package. As long as these foods don’t become part of your daily diet, and you eat plenty of veggies, grains, and protein throughout the day, a little chocolate won’t hurt.

Deanna Dawson, MD, MPH

The vulva is the fleshy part of the female genitals that includes the lips (labia) and the clitoris. Many people refer to this part of the body as the vagina, but the vagina is actually on the inside, also known as the birth canal. Vulvas come in all shapes and sizes and may change as you go through puberty. You may find that the outer lips (labia majora) are covering the inner lips (labia minora) or you may have inner lips that are longer than the outer lips. Don’t be surprised if your vulva doesn’t look like what you see in pictures. Photos might be edited or show women who had cosmetic surgery called labiaplasty to make their vulva look a certain way. Differences in shape and size are nothing to worry about. When you are ready, how you look won’t affect sexual intercourse or your ability to have a baby, if you decide to have one. However, if you notice any lumps, bumps, or rashes that worry you, always let your doctor know. Bottom line, just like we all have different noses, eyes, and mouths, it is only natural that our vulvas are different too. It is what makes us each unique!

Sara Lever, MD

LGBTQ patients are often overlooked and have higher rates of inequitable health care and worse health outcomes. It’s important to disclose your sexual orientation and/or gender identity to your doctor to ensure you get the care you need. But it can be hard to tell your doctor if you don’t know if they’ll treat you differently. While there is no “LGBTQ” specialty in medicine, many doctors are LGBTQ allies and have taken time to educate themselves on the specific health needs of the community. So how do you find such a doctor? GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality is an organization that works to ensure equal health care for LGTBQ individuals and runs a free online directory where you can search for LGTBQ-friendly providers in your area. Just go to glma.org and click on “Find a Provider.” Going to the doctor can be scary, but there are doctors who are LGBTQ-friendly and will take your needs into account.

Eleanor Germano, MD

Let me start off by saying that pH is simply a scale used in chemistry to describe how acidic or basic something is. The lower the number, the more acidic. This measurement is affected by the organisms, cells, and chemicals that make up that fluid. All of the different fluids in the human body have a different pH. For example, the stomach has a low pH compared to other bodily fluids, which is important because the acid helps with food digestion. For the vagina, the pH can fluctuate depending on age because of changes in hormone levels. For younger girls and women, the normal pH is around 4-4.5. It’s important to know that the normal pH can be affected by hygiene products such as soaps, lotions, and scented pads/tampons. So, if you recently switched one of your hygiene products and are now experiencing some uncomfortable changes (like itching or increased or smelly discharge), try ditching the new fancy products and going back to your old routine to get that pH back where it belongs!

Selamawit Whitfield, MD

Great question! This is actually a very common experience for women. Almost half of all women have breasts that are not the same size. The breasts are very dynamic and can change size and shape depending on factors such as hormonal changes during puberty and your menstrual cycle. It is important to pay attention to what your breasts normally look and feel like. Always ask your doctor to look at any new lumps or bumps you might notice!

Ariella Price, MD