Ginny Graves

This informational guide, part of POPSUGAR's Condition Center, lays out the realities of this health concern: what it is, what it can look like, and strategies that medical experts say are proven to help. You should always consult your doctor regarding matters pertaining to your health and before starting any course of medical treatment. Anxiety is a universal emotion. While it isn't pleasant to experience, it can be helpful at times, giving you a shot of energy and focus before a big speech, a major surgery, or a tough conversation with a loved one. But if you feel anxious most of the time or the symptoms (like trouble breathing, heart palpitations, and obsessive thinking - for example) interfere with your regular life, you may have an anxiety disorder. So what is an anxiety disorder, exactly? And how can you tell if you're experiencing anxiety disorder symptoms? Ahead, 2 psychologists break down anxiety disorder types, symptoms, causes, and best treatment options. What Is an Anxiety Disorder? Anxiety disorders are incredibly common, affecting about 31 percent of people in the US at some point in their life. Their symptoms can range from mild to severe. "Anxiety disorders can diminish your day-to-day well-being and take a toll on your relationships, your social life, your ability to do your job, and your health," says Kathleen Cairns, PsyD, a clinical psychologist in private practice in West Hartford, CT. Anxiety sufferers often have insomnia, for instance, as well as digestive problems, headaches, and chronic pain. Types of Anxiety Disorders These are three of the most common types of anxiety disorders, according to Dr. Cairns: Generalized anxiety disorder, in which you are flooded by intense worry about common problems, such as family, work, money, or health. Phobias, which are characterized by extreme fear of something specific (e.g., small spaces, heights, social events). Panic disorder, in which your anxiety becomes so overwhelming that your heart races, you sweat and tremble, you have chest pain, and you have an impending sense of doom. Anxiety Disorder Symptoms Anxiety disorder symptoms can show up in number of ways, including physically, mentally, and behaviorally, per the Cleveland Clinic: Physical symptoms of anxiety Cold or sweaty hands Dry mouth Heart palpitations Nausea Tingling or numb hands or feet Tense muscles Trouble breathing Mental symptoms of anxiety Panic Nightmares Obsessive thinking Flashbacks to traumatic experiences Behavioral symptoms of anxiety Trouble sleeping Inability to be still Ritualistic behaviors Causes of Anxiety Disorders Anxiety disorders can be triggered by a number of biological and environmental factors. These include: Genetics. Certain anxiety disorders may run in families, research has shown. Stress and difficult life experiences, including childhood and adult trauma. Hormones. "Women are twice as likely to have anxiety as men, partly because of hormones," says Ken Abrams, PhD, a professor of psychology at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada. Past research has linked fluctuations in sex hormones like estrogen to a vulnerability to mood disorders like anxiety. Brain biology likely contributes to the risk as well. Studies have shown that people with anxiety have increased activity in certain areas of their brains that relate to emotion processing; this could be caused by genetic and/or environmental factors. How Are Anxiety Disorders Diagnosed? "There are no lab tests or scans that can diagnose anxiety disorders," per Cleveland Clinic. But a mental health professional (like a psychiatrist or psychologist) will be able to assess your reported systems and observe your behaviors to make an an assessment. They may also consult the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) when going about determining a diagnosis, Cleveland Clinic reports. Anxiety Disorder Treatments "Anxiety is usually treated with psychotherapy, medication, or both," Dr. Abrams says. A variety of therapy types can be useful for the treatment of anxiety, including cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches people with anxiety to notice their worried thoughts and replace them with more realistic ones, Dr. Abrams says. Exposure therapy, which focuses on gradually confronting the fears underlying your anxiety, can be helpful as well. Another effective option: acceptance and commitment therapy, which teaches anxiety sufferers techniques like mindfulness and goal setting. "Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, a type of antidepressant, are helpful for some people. So are benzodiazepines, like Valium, although they can only be used briefly - if you have anxiety about an upcoming event, for instance - because they can cause dependence and withdrawal," Dr. Abrams says. Beta blockers, which lower blood pressure to reduce the physical responses associated with anxiety, like a racing heart, are also useful and are commonly prescribed. Unlike benzodiazepines, they are less addictive. Research has shown that exercise can be calming for people with anxiety, too. It can also be useful to connect with other people with anxiety in a group therapy setting. "It's easy to assume you're the only person who experiences these feelings, which makes you feel worse - so group therapy can be comforting," Dr. Abrams says. "Treatment doesn't completely cure anxiety, but it can help you get on top of it so it doesn't take as much of a toll on your life." If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, the National Alliance on Mental Illness has resources available, including a helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6424). You can also dial 988, the nation's new mental health crisis hotline. - Additional reporting by Alexis Jones Alexis Jones is the senior health and fitness editor at POPSUGAR. Her passions and areas of expertise include women's health and fitness, mental health, racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare, and chronic conditions. Prior to joining POPSUGAR, she was the senior editor at Health magazine. Her other bylines can be found at Women's Health, Prevention, Marie Claire, and more. Ginny Graves is an award-winning writer in the San Francisco Bay Area whose work focuses on science, psychology, health, nature, and the human-animal bond. Related: 18 Expert-Backed Affirmations For Anxiety Can Anxiety Cause You to Have Bad Dreams? We Asked Experts

This informational guide, part of POPSUGAR's Condition Center, lays out the realities of this health concern: what it is, what it can look like, and strategies that medical experts say are proven to help. You should always consult your doctor regarding matters pertaining to your health and before starting any course of medical treatment. For a health problem that strikes around four million people in the US and is common across all ages, constipation is rarely talked about. But having infrequent or painful bowel movements is uncomfortable at best, and it can sometimes be a sign of a more serious health problem. Constipation also affects more women than men (particularly premenopausal women), so becoming familiar with the signs and treatments can ensure you know what to do if pooping becomes problematic - including when to see a doctor. What Is Constipation? Almost everyone has times in their lives when they don't go for a day or two. Travel can mess up your bathroom schedule, as can stress. But if you have three or fewer bowel movements a week on a regular basis, the stool is hard and difficult to pass, and your sluggish poop schedule makes you feel uncomfortable and unwell, you likely have the diagnosable condition known as constipation. "The 'uncomfortable' part is key," Shanti Eswaran, MD, a gastroenterologist with the University of Michigan Health System, says. "People's bodies are different, and some people feel fine when they move their bowels less frequently. But if you're straining when you move your bowels and you feel bloated and it's bothering you, it's time to make some simple dietary and lifestyle changes that will help correct the problem." Constipation usually isn't a cause for alarm, she adds. But if you have new-onset constipation that's accompanied by rectal bleeding and abdominal pain, you should see your doctor to rule out more serious issues like thyroid disease or possibly colon cancer. How to Tell If You're Constipated Think about your trips to the bathroom recently. Have you passed at least four bowel movements this week? Three or fewer bowel movements a week on a regular basis is considered a pretty sure sign that you're constipated. Stool that is hard and difficult to pass, accompanied by a general discomfort are also signs that you may be constipated. Symptoms of Constipation Constipation is typically marked by the following signs and symptoms, per the Mayo Clinic: Three or fewer bowel movements a week Hard, dry, or lumpy stool Stool that's difficult to pass Feeling like your stool hasn't passed or the rectum is blocked Having to use a finger to help stool pass If your symptoms are long-lasting (longer than 3 weeks), impact quality of life, or are accompanied by rectal bleeding and abdominal pain, it's best to see a doctor. What Causes Constipation? There are lots of reasons you may get backed up, Dr. Eswaran says. A variety of medications have constipation as a side effect, for instance. Common ones include antacids with aluminum and calcium; diuretics; iron supplements; narcotic pain medications; and some antidepressants. Health problems - like celiac disease, diabetes, hypothyroidism, Parkinson's disease, irritable-bowel syndrome, and intestinal obstructions (from a tumor, for instance) - can all cause constipation. Poor motility in your colon, which keeps waste moving, might slow digestion to an uncomfortable degree. Women are more affected, partly because some conditions that cause constipation, like hypothyroidism, affect them more often, Dr. Eswaran tells PS. "Also, constipation commonly crops up during pregnancy and after giving birth because they can damage the pelvic-floor muscles, making it more difficult to have bowel movements." Hormonal shifts that affect women can add to the problem, and so can the length of one's colon. Also, women's colons are typically longer than men's, meaning that they empty slower, which could make them more prone to getting backed up. Certain lifestyle habits may cause slow stool movement, including not drinking enough fluids, lack of fiber in one's diet, infrequent exercise, and putting off bowel movements when there's an urge to pass stool, per the Mayo Clinic. How to Treat Constipation Most cases of constipation can be safely and effectively treated at home with basic lifestyle changes. Eating around 25 grams of fiber a day - whole grains, oatmeal, beans, berries, vegetables, and nuts have it in abundance - can soften your stool, making it one of the best ways to alleviate constipation. (Processed foods, on the other hand, can actually cause constipation.) "Fiber is good for your overall health, too," Dr. Eswaran says. Just make sure to increase your intake slowly if you've been eating very little up until now to avoid bloating, and drink plenty of water and other fluids at the same time to help the fiber work its magic. "Exercising on a regular basis can increase the wavelike contractions of your colon that move its contents along, and the faster your stool moves through your large intestine, the less likely it is to become hard and dry," Dr. Eswaran adds. Sticking with a regular sleep schedule can help, too. "Inconsistent sleep throws your whole body out of whack, including your GI tract," she says. If you've already tried these strategies and you're still having problems, see your doctor. "We often start with over-the-counter fiber supplements, and if that doesn't fix the problem, we move on to prescription laxatives, which work very well," Dr. Eswaran says. "The vast majority of patients find relief with simple treatments." Ginny Graves is an award-winning writer in the San Francisco Bay Area whose work focuses on science, psychology, health, nature, and the human-animal bond. Related: How to Poop Better, According to TikTok's Nurse Wong This Is Why You're Always Bloated During Travel - Here's How to Fix It Before Your Next Trip

This informational guide, part of POPSUGAR's Condition Center, lays out the realities of this health concern: what it is, what it can look like, and strategies that medical experts say are proven to help. You should always consult your doctor regarding matters pertaining to your health and before starting any course of medical treatment. Pelvic pain - especially around one's period - is incredibly common. But while a little cramping is normal, severe pain with your period can be a red flag for endometriosis, a condition that occurs when the tissue lining the uterus, the endometrium, begins growing on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other places outside of the uterus, says Hugh Taylor, MD, professor and chair of obstetrics at Yale University School of Medicine. "Because it's often mistaken for normal period-related pain, endometriosis is frequently misdiagnosed and left untreated for years, which causes unnecessary suffering and can lead to a number of additional health problems," he says. Your best protection: recognizing the signs and bringing them to your doctor's attention early. What Is Endometriosis? The condition occurs when tissue lining the uterus grows outside of the uterus. The most common symptom of endometrios is pain: painful menstrual cramps, chronic low-back and pelvis pain, pain deep in the vagina during and after sex, intestinal pain, and pain with bowel movements or urination. "Pain is tricky, because it's subjective and, as a result, it's easy for doctors - and even the patients themselves - to dismiss it," says Dr. Taylor. "But if you miss work or can't exercise or do things you normally do, it's not 'normal' period pain." If you find yourself lying in bed all day with a heating pad or needing to take large amounts of pain medicine during your period, you should definitely alert your medical provider. Endometriosis affects up to 10 percent of people with uteruses who are of reproductive age, especially those in their 30s and 40s. What Are Symptoms of Endometriosis? Endometriosis is typically marked by symptoms of pain, including: Painful menstrual cramps Chronic lower back and pelvis pain Pain deep in the vagina during and after sex Intestinal pain Pain with bowel movements or urination The condition can have other symptoms, too, like fatigue, diarrhea, depression, and anxiety. "Endometriosis causes inflammation, which affects the whole body," says Dr. Taylor. "It increases the risk of autoimmune disease and cardiovascular disease, and it changes genes and neurotransmitters in the brain. Getting a diagnosis and treatment is important." Endometriosis can make it more difficult to get pregnant because it can block fallopian tubes and cause ovarian cysts; as many as 30 to 40 percent of people with endometriosis are infertile (meaning they won't get pregnant after having unprotected sex for a year). What Causes Endometriosis? While the cause of the disorder is not known, experts have theories about the risk factors and possible causes of endometriosis. They include: Excess estrogen, which thickens the lining of your uterus during your period. Retrograde menstrual flow, in which some of the tissue shed during your period goes through the fallopian tube into the pelvis. Genes undoubtedly play a role in some people as well. "If your mother or sister has endometriosis, you're at very high risk," says Dr. Taylor. Cell transformation. In a process known as "induction theory," hormones or immune factors may cause certain cells that line the inner side of your abdomen to turn into endometrial-like cells. After surgeries like a hysterectomy or C-section, endometrial cells may attach to the incision. Immune-system dysfunction that prevents the body from destroying endometrial-like tissue near the uterus. There are a handful of other symptoms that may imply an increased risk of endometriosis, including getting your period before age 11, having short menstrual cycles (27 days or fewer), and having heavy periods that last longer than seven days. Pregnancy and breastfeeding lower the risk, according to a 2017 study out of Harvard. Why? The researchers suggested that breastfeeding may extend postpartum amenorrhea (aka, how long it takes your period to return after being pregnant), which may reduce the likelihood of retrograde menstrual flow. Breastfeeding is also thought to alter the circulation of certain hormones that impact endometriosis, including oxytocin, estrogen, and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone, while ovulation suppression that occurs during pregnancy and lactation decreases stimulation to the endometriosis. How Is Endometriosis Diagnosed? Despite the high stakes, an endometriosis diagnosis can take anywhere between four and 11 years on average, according to the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. And race and ethnicity can be a barrier to diagnosis. Research has shown, for example, that Black people are nearly half as likely to be diagnosed with endometriosis as their white peers due to social factors like implicit bias. Many are misdiagnosed instead, often times with Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), a sexually transmitted disease. A pelvic exam, ultrasound, or MRI may reveal physical clues of endometriosis, though a normal test does not rule out endometriosis. The only definitive way to diagnose it is through laparoscopic surgery. Dr. Taylor and others, however, believe the telltale symptoms are enough to make the diagnosis. "If you have painful periods that are getting worse over time, or period-like pain that occurs during other stages of the menstrual cycle, it's almost always endometriosis," he says. You can try some noninvasive strategies that often work to ease endometriosis symptoms, even without having an official diagnosis. How Is Endometriosis Treated? Unfortunately, there is no cure for endometriosis. If you're not trying to get pregnant, hormonal birth control - usually the pill - is the medication doctors try first. "It reduces estrogen and increases progesterone, which helps with endometriosis," says Dr. Taylor. "It's simple, inexpensive, and benign." But it doesn't work for everyone. An ovulation-suppressing medication known as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist also lowers estrogen - and can serve as an alternative for those who don't get relief with the pill. If your pain gets better with either medication, you'll have additional confirmation that the symptom was almost certainly being caused by endometriosis. These drugs don't cure the condition, however. When you stop taking them, the endometriosis symptoms may come back. When you go through menopause, however, most symptoms will stop. If medications don't provide relief, or if you're trying to get pregnant and are experiencing fertility problems, you may need to have surgery to remove the endometriosis. If you're struggling to conceive, your doctor may also recommend fertility treatment, such as ovarian stimulation (to encourage the ovaries to make more eggs) or in vitro fertilization (IVF). When to Contact a Doctor Again, general pelvic pain - particularly around one's period - is relatively common. But severe pain with your period is not normal and should not be ignored. Finding a doctor who will listen to you is essential. "If you're having extreme pain during your period and your doctor doesn't take it seriously, find a gynecologist who is knowledgeable about endometriosis," Dr. Taylor says. "You need a doctor who listens to you when you say you're having severe period pain - and who knows what it means." - Additional reporting by Alexis Jones Alexis Jones is the senior health editor at POPSUGAR. Her areas of expertise include women's health, mental health, racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare, diversity in wellness, and chronic conditions. Prior to joining POPSUGAR, she was the senior editor at Health magazine. Her other bylines can be found at Women's Health, Prevention, Marie Claire, and more. Ginny Graves is a POPSUGAR contributor. Related: I'm a Latina With Endometriosis, and Here's Why My Story Matters If You Have Endometriosis, Consider These 3 Types of Birth Control to Help Alleviate Pain