Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2017 i Women's Health

But we’ll get to that in a moment. First, I’d like to welcome you to our 100 Percent Confessions Issue! Inspired by some of our most popular online stories—readers’ first-person health revelations, a peek inside a nutritionist’s own daily menu, creepy stuff dentists see—we wanted to give women a forum to talk about anything and everything on their minds, and start key conversations. Particularly because there are health benefits to speaking the truth. Studies show that holding things in can result in anxiety, depression, and other stress-related issues like high blood pressure and a wonky metabolism. Research has also found that, once you start spilling, these mental and physical side effects of being secretive are cut by at least half. Wow. So we asked our readers, our editors, our advisors,…

It’s smart to keep your frozen foods as cold as possible, so you’re better off picking up your freezer and refrigerator goods last. If cold perishables are at room temperature for too long (more than two hours), the outside of the food can get warm enough to allow bad bacteria to multiply. If you put the item back in the freezer, the microbial growth will stop, but the bugs that have grown will still be on the food when you take it out again, potentially making you (or whoever eats it) sick. Plus, refreezing can cause moisture loss or texture changes, so the unfortunate person who eventually purchases the semi-thawed product might notice a quality dip. (Think of what ice cream is like after it melts and refreezes—it just isn’t…

Deep breathing is hugely beneficial for reducing stress (which helps you concentrate on your workout), relaxing your muscles, and increasing your energy. In yoga, we call it “pranayama,” meaning breath that moves energy through the body. But some students—especially newbies—may overcompensate by exaggerating their breath, which can interfere with your focus. Since there’s nothing you can do about another person’s actions, I recommend politely excusing yourself to another part of the room. Not an option? Think of your expressive neighbor as a reminder for your real yoga practice of the day: allowing another person to be as they are.…

Annual checkups have been standard for decades, but recent research found that if you feel fine, they don’t necessarily change health outcomes. For example, one review showed that yearly doctor visits increased the delivery of preventive services—like colonoscopies—but they didn’t significantly lower the instance of life-threatening diseases or deaths. That said, even if you don’t have any medical conditions, a physical is an opportunity to check for issues you may not be aware of (like high cholesterol), assess risk factors like family history, and build a relationship with your doctor. Plus, recent screening tests (like skin cancer checks) may also be reviewed. Bottom line: There’s no formal rule for how often a healthy person needs a checkup—risk factors and medical history come into play—so ask your doctor if every four…

SHOCKER! Sure, spring is right around the corner, but right now you’re still at risk for Hellraiser strands every time you remove your beanie. The static struggle (caused by friction-induced electrical charges) was so real for interior designer Kris Church (she admitted to us she was so riddled with static she couldn’t even pet her dog without shocking him) that she concocted her own antidote. A few spritzes of the all-natural Static Schmatic for Hair ($12, staticschmatic.com), which can be used pre- or post-cling, coats strands with a combo of glycerin, coconut oil, and water, diffusing would-be shocks and making your day a whole lot less annoying. *PSST.. HOW GROSS IS MY LOOFAH? If you’re like the 60 percent of Whisper respondents who said they don’t toss theirs until it’s…

A LOVE LETTER TO THE LOSE IT! APP You changed my life. Twice! First, back in 2012 when I used you, dear mobile foodtracking app, to drop the 10 pounds I gained while freelancing (a.k.a. sitting on my tuchus). Once I hit my goal, I deleted you. Foolish. Last summer, up one size too many, I came crawling back. And my, how you’ve grown! You now offer seamless bar-code scanning for packaged goods to instantly upload cals and fat, and a genius “snap it” feature where I can take a pic of my plate and you spit out the dish and its deets. ( Because who wants to enter every element of a meal? Especially a salad with a bajillion ingredients?) Just six weeks in, I’m down 12 pounds. Lose…

If you’ve ever slept on your back simply to preserve a blowout or used the excuse “I need to wash my hair” to get out of plans and meant it, you get it: Hair is massively important. And hair is…more than just hair. Particularly when you’re losing it. In a 2011 study conducted by Marianne LaFrance, Ph.D., a professor of psychology and women’s, gender, and sexuality studies at Yale, American women reported that thinning hair affected them more than a serious breakup. “Women are taught that physical appearance is the primary criterion of their worth,” says LaFrance. And out of our many visible attributes, hair, a sign of femininity, historically gets the most attention. “Girls are praised if they have long hair or a lot of hair. Flowing locks matter.”…

• What it is: The female equivalent of male pattern baldness (it accounts for 95 percent of hair loss in men), androgenetic alopecia can affect women as early as their teens and is a lifelong condition. “The hair follicles go through miniaturization,” says Fusco, “where dihydrotestosterone—DHT, a derivative of testosterone—circulating in the bloodstream gets picked up by the follicles and programs them to slowly shrink up until there is no hair follicle, no hair.” New York City dermatologist Neil Sadick, M.D., says this appears in women with a family history of genetic hair loss on either the maternal or paternal sides, or both. • What it looks like: It occurs all over the head, but can be most noticeable around the crown, center part, and temples. • What helps: Both…

Product: Sunscreen Full-Time Gig: No big deal—just shielding your skin from aging and cancercausing ultraviolet radiation Side Hustle: Frizz Fighter and Hair Texturizer As if your sunscreen weren’t working hard enough for your skin, it goes and pitches in to help your hair. “I keep Coppertone sunscreen in my kit at all times,” admits Joseph Maine, a hairstylist at the Serge Normant at John Frieda salon in New York City. Rub a pea-size amount into your hands and smooth it along your part to subdue errant hairs. For truly beachy hair, scrunch “a little more SPF throughout your ends” post-curling iron to give it definition and a sexy, undone feel. Product: Brown Eye Shadow Full-Time Gig: Lid definer Side Hustle: Root Cover-Up “I frequently use eye shadow to cover roots,”…

“I HAVE A SQUARE BUTT” A body geometry lesson for those playing along at home: That means your butt goes from your hip bone to your outer thigh in one straight line. For WH online senior associate editor Ashley Oerman, 26, it’s been a very personal struggle. “I didn’t own a full-length mirror for three years to avoid looking at my lower half,” says Ashley, who felt it was out of proportion with her petite torso and made her look shorter. The laundry list of clothes she deemed unwearable? Low-rise jeans, shift dresses, and white anything. Our fix: high-waisted pants that are generously cut on the sides and shorts with trompe l’oeil details and soft textures. STRIPE THAT Straight-leg pants may seem like the last thing you’d want. But since…

High-impact running + high-impact cross-training = too much impact, right? Actually, quite the opposite. The secret to becoming a faster, stronger runner and preventing common overuse injuries (shin splints, runner’s knee, IT band syndrome, the list goes on) is to add more explosive movements to your routine, says sports medicine physician Jordan Metzl, M.D., author of Dr. Jordan Metzl’s Workout Prescription.* “Plyometric exercises involve powerful jumps to train your fast-twitch muscle fibers, which you need for speed,” he says. “Even better, they strengthen the muscles around your joints, so your joints will be more protected when you run.” Complete two sets of this circuit at least twice a week. Starting with the first exercise, perform the move for one minute, then begin the next with as little rest as possible.…

Furtive online hunts for hot young ferns. Steamy rendezvous at the greenhouse. Lustful thumbing through seed catalogs. All signs of a new obsession among scores of young women: the quest for the most luscious, vibrant, exquisite houseplants. These phytomaniacs would rather spend their weekends hitting up their local nurseries than their local wine shops. Just look at their browser histories: Google searches for “succulents” grew by over 5,000 percent between 2010 and 2015. There’s some psychological ish around plant love. Pantone’s color of the year—which is never just a color, but a reflection of the zeitgeist—is a bright lime called Greenery. What the Pantone pros spotted? People are yearning for nature in an emotional way, but it turns out there’s literal renewal going on too: Houseplant leaves can absorb indoor…

When you decide you’re going to spill... You can usually jam on a work PowerPoint like a boss; today, it’s been hours and you’re stuck on the first slide. The reason: Your brain’s cognitive and emotional centers are freaking out about the big reveal, making everyday tasks more mentally taxing. Imagining how your guy/friend/boss will react (rage? tears?) activates your brain’s emotional hub. If you anticipate a bad scene, your adrenal glands get the signal to pump out fightor- flight hormones, including adrenaline and norepinephrine. Cue a rapid heart rate, tense muscles, and an “I can’t catch my breath” sensation in your lungs. You’ll also feel stomach butterflies and nausea as that wave of stress hormones temporarily shuts down nonessential systems like digestion. Taking a few deep belly breaths can…

SPAGHETTI SQUASH TACOS WITH CASHEW SOUR CREAM SHOWN ON PAGE 95 ¾ cup cashews, soaked overnight 3 Tbsp fresh lime juice 1 Tbsp distilled white vinegar 2½ tsp kosher salt, divided 1 spaghetti squash (about 3 lbs), halved and seeded 2 tsp olive oil 1 medium sweet onion, sliced 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 cans green chilies (4 oz each), drained 2 tsp chili powder 1 can black beans (15 oz), rinsed 12 crispy corn taco shells or tostadas 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes ¼ cup chopped cilantro OR SNEAK CASHEWS INTO… E A sauce for pasta or veggies (first soak nuts, then puree). E Pureed soups, to thicken them. Presoaking nuts not required—just simmer them at least 75 minutes, then blend until smooth. E Dips. Mix cashew cream with…

COVER EXCLUSIVE IT’S DAYBREAK IN NEW YORK CITY AS A BLACK SUV WITH DARK TINTED WINDOWS ROLLS SMOOTHLY UP TO THE CURB ON AN EAST VILLAGE STREET. The door opens and out steps a striking woman in head-to-toe black, from baseball cap and cropped jacket to slim pants and ballet flats. She smiles and furtively pats the black leather tote on her shoulder. “I came prepared,” Gabrielle Union says in a soft purr. “I’ve got a bottle of wine in here for after the shoot.” Stealth moves like this have been a recurring theme for the 44-year-old actress. Since her breakout role in the 2000 high school comedy Bring It On, Gabrielle (Gab to her friends) has glided from role to role, quietly raising her profile. In the past year,…

Our heartfelt regrets to the apology, that cornerstone of common decency. You had quite a run as two words that couldn’t be minced. Now you send nothing but mixed messages. You can be cryptic (see: Katy Perry tweeting that she might collaborate with Taylor Swift “if she says she’s sorry”…for something). You’re defiantly sarcastic (in her hit single “Sorry,” Beyoncé spends three minutes and 52 seconds saying anything but that). You’ve made history, for all the wrong reasons (Hillary Clinton was the first presidential candidate ever chronicled to say the words I’m sorry in a concession speech). You hijack conversations so often that some companies have created “Sorry” jars, with female employees contributing a $1 bill for every gratuitous apology that slips out. Still, that scarlet S has lost its…

Kathleen Oswalt, 36, executive assistant to the CEO at Rodale Looking back, changing my hair color was a way to document my feelings and separate different eras in my life. It all started in college—I was cast as Anne from Anne of Green Gables in a play and dyed my strawberry-blonde hair a bright red. It was such a rush. I felt bolder and took more risks socially—even if it was as small as smiling at a stranger. hen I moved to New York and wanted to feel more sophisticated. To me, that meant brunette, so my colorist dyed it chocolate and cut bangs. I looked like a totally new person! My mom was so sad because it was such a departure from my natural color. We had a family portrait taken…

• Memory loss starts. The subtle moments of forgetfulness—getting lost while driving a commonly traveled route or losing track of important dates—are typical of somebody under stress, so may only be noticed in hindsight. • Damage to brain cells makes it difficult for sufferers to express thoughts or carry out everyday tasks like paying bills. Moodiness can be common, especially in social situations or other mentally challenging activities. • As the brain continues to change, motor neurons fail to send messages to the rest of the body, including the arms and legs. Writing and talking become difficult; walking becomes slower, or less controlled. • Problems related to immobility and the basic functions of daily life lead to death. A common scenario: The patient no longer remembers how to swallow and…

Will or Revocable Living Trust These contain inheritance instructions and appoint people to handle who gets what, when, and how. Directive to Physicians This dictates general wishes about medical treatment, such as whether or not your mom would want to be kept alive on life support. If she’s in the late stages of Alzheimer’s, consider adding a Physician Orders for Life- Sustaining Treatment (POLST), an end-oflife planning tool that specifies which life-preserving treatments (e.g., antibiotics, feeding tubes) can be used or withheld in an emergency. Power of Attorney This puts you in charge of decisions about treatment, finances, and assets when your mother is no longer mentally or physically capable of making her own calls. You may face difficult choices, like which mementos siblings get, so be sure you’re emotionally…

On the Cover Splendid tank $38, splendid.com Peixoto swim bottom, $58, xandraswimwear.com John Hardy eagle silver pendant necklace, $595, and modern chain silver diamond bracelet, $1,995, johnhardy.com Monica Rich Kosann white gold pavé poesy bracelet, $1,925, monicarichkosann.com Buttfessions PAGES 62 TO 63 Ashley Wanderlust + Co. XL-knot rose gold cuff, $69, wanderlustandco.com Vince Camuto gold-tone spike-tip cuff, $58, vincecamuto.com Rebecca Minkoff Brianna heels, $195, rebeccaminkoff.com Wanderlust + Co. knot silver bangle, $49, wanderlustandco.com Hue shaping tights in insignia blue, $18, hue.com Jen Nine West Tatiana heels, $79, ninewest.com Botkier New York matte black bangle, $98, botkier.com Ashley Calvin Klein metallic flats, $99, calvinklein.com Lotus Jewelry Studio dagger earrings, $50, lotusjewelrystudio.com Botkier New York delicate stone cuff with lapis, $38, and pavé pull-tie bracelet, $78, botkier.com Leggings for Days PAGES 72…

And the Confessions Continue Off the Page! Junk Food R.D.s Love Not even nutritionists want kale and salmon all the time. Check out our Instagram Stories on March 14 to learn which indulgences some of our favorite food pros just can’t quit. Hey, everything in moderation, right? Broken Promises What went down when four women said “I don’t” to their partner’s proposal? Be a voyeur at WomensHealthMag.com/March2017. Orgasm Advice— Anytime, Anywhere You’re on a bus or in the waiting room, so why not get some sex tips? No one will know you’re learning the secrets to longer, stronger Os with WH’s “Easy Orgasms” e-book. $4, e-book retailers. Class Complaints While they’re working your bod, you could be working their last nerve. Seven fitness instructors vent their biggest pet peeves at…

There are two smart strategies I recommend when asking someone if they want to be your diet partner. First, couch what you’re doing as “trying to be healthier” or “trying to feel better,” since you risk hurting her feelings if you focus on appearance and losing weight. Second, even if your pal is overweight, don’t assume dropping pounds is something she wants to do. Making a lifestyle change is an extremely personal decision, so just because you’re ready and willing to change your habits doesn’t mean she is. Here’s a sample script that shouldn’t cause any conflict: “Lauren, I have something I want to run by you. I’m trying to get healthier by cleaning up my eating, and I think I’ll do better if I have a buddy doing it…

I have imposter syndrome—like I’m faking my way through my career. Slap some sense into me, Dad! In my day, nobody had “imposter syndrome” because we had another two words: “job security.” Now the skills you have today don’t seem to matter tomorrow. Everyone’s disposable. It’s easy to doubt yourself. But what don’tcha understand? You’ve got smarts and drive. Feeling like an imposter means you’ve got a healthy ego. Remember, nobody’s thinking about you as much as you’re thinking about yourself—so just do your job. I’M PARANOID ABOUT HAVING BAD BREATH. HOW CAN I TELL? —Michelle Stacey, features director Stink is usually in your saliva, so lick your wrist, let it dry for a few seconds, then smell it.…

*PSST... UNDER MY SKIN Getting a tattoo may evoke a powerful reaction—and not just pain. “Body art can serve as a coping tool for mental illness,” says psychologist Gabriel Crenshaw, Psy.D., a neuroscience lecturer at the University of Southern California. People all over the world are getting semi-colon tattoos to signify they haven’t given up after suicidal thoughts, addiction, and other psychological struggles (learn more at projectsemicolon.com). And as one Whisper user put it, “My Harry Potter tattoo is an homage to my lifelong battle against depression and anxiety. Brave like a Gryffindor.” Just don’t ink on impulse: A tat can help you tap your mental strength, but it won’t solve your problems. No Hoots Given Tiffani Thiessen, Saved by the Bell alum and host of the Cooking Channel’s Dinner at Tiffani’s, spills…

HIIT ON ME Several dating apps aimed at fit folks have launched (Snap Together, Sweatt), but plenty of women still get hit on the old-fashioned way—at the gym. Whether the flirting is welcome or not, it makes for a story! Take it away, readers. “This flirty dude offered to help me with my squat form. I wasn’t interested, so when he asked for my number, I gave him the wrong one. But then he called me right on the spot—and knew I’d lied because my phone didn’t ring. Awkward!” —Sarah Scott, 28 “I always wear my hair in a ponytail, but I forgot an elastic one day. This guy with a man bun noticed— he told me my hair looked nice down and proceeded to hand me one of his…

• What it is: During pregnancy, you get a surge in estrogen, which can cause your hair to grow like a weed. But about three to four months after giving birth, the hormone plummets, which helps send many follicles from the growth (anagen) phase to the resting (telogen) phase at the same time—doctors refer to this condition as telogen effluvium. This shedding can last anywhere from four to seven months, says Fusco. And it’s not always a zero-sum game: You can end up losing more hair than you gained during pregnancy. • What it looks like: Most women notice loss all over, but a significant indicator is a hairline that’s further back from where it was before you got pregnant, and—later—the appearance of somewhat odd-looking baby bangs as your hair…

If you’re losing hair at the front hairline or around the temples: Ask your stylist for a cut with faceframing layers or bangs about two inches further back than usual, says Los Angeles hairstylist Ryan Richman (whose wife is currently experiencing this). Styling the hair forward is also helpful for disguising shedding, he notes: “Using a round brush, blowdry your hair in a forward position or pull the longer hair slightly forward over the top of the baby hair.” If you’re losing hair along the part: Change it. Rodney Cutler, owner of the Cutler salons in New York City, says that crisscrossing your part helps mask any gaps. “Grab a small piece of your hair, like an eighth of an inch, and pull it to the left. Then, grab another…

Preparation H The hemorrhoid cream is infused with “phenylephrine HCI, a vasoconstrictor that reduces swelling,” says cosmetic chemist Ni’Kita Wilson. But why not use an eye cream that does more than de-puff? We say look for one laced with caffeine, also a vasoconstrictor, along with peptides, which will smooth lines. Pepto-Bismol The pink stuff contains a pimplefighting salicylic acid derivative, explains Melanie Palm, M.D., a dermatologist in Solana Beach, California. That’s why YouTubers started touting it as an acne cure. But its drying salts (there to add flavor) can lead to flaky zits, so you’re better off sticking with a skin-specific treatment. Vagisil YouTuber Huda Kattan recently tested the lady-itch reliever as a foundation primer. Mineral oil and propylene glycol add hydration, which could be a helpful pre–makeup cushion, says…

PHOTOGRAPHS BYMITCH MANDEL…

JEN “I live in spandex—sometimes on national TV! I know which pairs perform best.” GAB “I’ve styled hundreds of models for fitness shoots and videos. I’ll tell you what flatters your body.” BELLY CONTROL The high, wide waistband paired with a hold-you-in fabric keeps fuller tums tucked in. Athleta, $98, athleta.com LEG LENGTHENER Lots of ombré styles fade at the top, broadening quads and hips (oops). These draw the eye down the leg, making you look long, long, long. Reebok, $65, reebok.com COMFIER COMPRESSION “From long runs to long flights, these graduated compression tights promote blood flow,” says Jen, “yet don’t feel bulky or constricting.” 2XU, $80, 2xu.com GREAT DEFINITION The main graphic starts at the slimmest part of your thighs. “And there are no weird patterns in areas where…

“What if I’m too clueless to even talk to a salesperson?” You can score some good plants even if you don’t know a cactus from a chrysanthemum. It’s wise for newbs to hit the nursery on a weekday, when the crowds are thinner, so you can have more uninterrupted one-on-one with the salesperson. Tell him about the light in your space, since it’s the most important plant-success factor (see “Go into the Light,” page 84). Also describe yourself—be up-front about how much time and effort you’re willing to commit. A salesperson can steer you to a match only if you’re honest. Then get into aesthetics: Maybe your house has minimalist-chic vibes and you need a few geometric succulents to complement the decor; perhaps you want to make your bathroom into…

I own exactly two cookbooks. I’m in the Kitchen, Now What?! was given to me as a bridal shower gift 12 years ago, but if you were to leaf through it now, the pages would peel apart like an algebra book on day one of seventh grade. The second, What the F**k Should I Make for Dinner?, perfectly sums up my feelings toward the time-and-energy killer that is cooking: a bittersweet blend of apathy and resentment, plus a pinch of Resting Bitch Face. Sure, Seafood and Spring Vegetable Risotto sounds amazing. But unlike the mavens of the Food Network— who can’t seem to sauté garlic without climaxing—when I think about hovering over the counter, handpicking the poopshoots out of a dozen shrimp, I want to barf. The irony? I’m a…

Dylan Ali, 21, student and DJ I first experimented with my look in high school, but makeup helped me to really refine it after a breakup back in 2015. Then it became exciting to put together new looks, and it helped me to define myself in New York City, where it’s easy to fade into the crowd. I’m a student by day but a DJ by night, so I take different risks for different things. During the day, I'll wear something like a pink lip. If I'm going to a fashion event, I’ll go full-on and highlight, which feels sophisticated. If I’m playing an underground rap show, I’ll wear a winged liner and a vibrant lip, which feels chic. It makes a difference in how I interact with people. For…

THE EASY UPDO No, an updo doesn’t have to be arm numbing. We asked hairstylist Ashley Rubell to break down the totally doable double bun from her Instagram (@ashleyrubell). “Create a clean part and then pull hair back into a low ponytail, securing it with a clear elastic. Separate the top half of the pony from the bottom, then flip the top half up and secure it with bobby pins a few inches from the tips so that some hair falls loosely. Then flip the bottom down and secure the same way.” Sydney Halela, 28, associate buyer at Bandier_ Growing up, I didn’t change my hair much at all. But when I moved to New York, I saw so many people from different walks of life with such a strong…

WORK The Bomb: You Botched a Project Fess Up or Shut Up? Fess up, especially if your goof has caused real harm, meaning it impacts your company’s bottom line or reputation, says career expert Maxie McCoy. “Say you sent an e-mail with sensitive information to the wrong recipients, or your budget forecast was flawed—you need to come clean, and soon.” How to Do It: First, privately assess possible solutions to your flub. (You want to own up with a fix-it strategy, not just a sorry.) Then, says McCoy, ask to see your boss (in person is best), and “get to the point quickly: ‘I made a mistake I need to talk to you about, and I have some ideas about how we can course-correct.’ It’s crucial to take full responsibility.…

NOTHING’S OFF-LIMITS. OUR PROS ANSWER ALL. This month, WH editors pony up their personal Qs! With credit card debt causing grief for so many Americans, your fear makes sense. However, not having a credit card means you can’t show you can responsibly use one, and this can have a negative impact on your FICO score, which is used in more than 90 percent of “lending transactions.” Without the plastic, your limited history could prevent you from getting approved for a home mortgage or for borrowing money at a good rate. To ease your mind, get a no-annual-fee card, set up monthly auto-pay of the full balance, and charge only one purchase a month (say, your cell phone bill). That way, you won’t incur late fees or have to pay interest…

I've been single for a few years now-and as a result, celibate. Will a new guy care? GND: ONLY IN A GOOD WAY. In fact, he may actually like you more. It shows you’re selective, and most guys find that sexy. GND: HE MIGHT BE RELIEVED. Unless you forgot how to have sex along the way, you’ll be just fine. Bring it up when a passionate makeout turns to dedicated explorations—it’ll be more comfortable than an awkward dinner conversation. GND: THAT’S UP TO YOU. He won’t care if you don’t. Like most things we might be embarrassed about, it’s not a big deal to anyone else. And you don’t know the guy’s situation either—his dry spell may be even longer. THE CONSENSUS As Pumbaa famously said: no worries. Celibacy is…

No shame—I often find whether I am up to social interaction depends heavily on my mood, schedule, how many bars of service I’m getting, and random chance. But if you really feel bad about looking the other way, contact said victim to schedule a casual street interaction at a time that is more suitable for you. Otherwise, live your life, do you, and continue to slay. CAN SOMEONE PEER IN ON ME THROUGH MY WEBCAM AS I WATCH NETFLIX IN MY UNDERWEAR? —Ali Finney, beauty writer Likely not if you keep your webcam off (or disabled), set your Internet privacy settings to high, and use a password-protected Wi-Fi network.…

Confessions are big news. Consider how Whisper, the buzzy secret-sharing website and app, doubled its active users to more than 30 million in 2016 (it draws 17 billion views a month). So we partnered with the social platform to bring you a Discuss! that’s more revelatory than ever. Whenever you see the *PSST… logo on the following pages, you’ll find eye-opening admissions from thousands of Whisper users. And because we believe that one woman’s revelation has the potential to be another woman’s breakthrough, we encourage you to fess up too: Fill in the blanks below, take a pic, then tweet it at us at @WomensHealthMag using the hashtag #WHconfessions. Come one, confess all! No one would ever imagine that I ________ . And the reason I do is _______ .…

FADING FLOW Perimenopause—the four- to 10-year transition phase before menopause—can start as early as (oof) 30. Many younger women don’t know it’s a possibility, and docs don’t always recognize the symptoms in this group. Irregular periods aside, signs that Auntie F may be on her way out: COULD BE PERIMENOPAUSE Low Sex Drive Your relationship is otherwise great. Hormonal shifts can decrease your desire. Sweatiness You have true hot flashes: sudden, intense heat sensations along with sweating and a rapid heartbeat. Insomnia Your subpar sleep is unexplained and often accompanied by night sweats. Weight Gain You haven’t changed food or fitness habits. Less estrogen can cause an increase of body fat (up to 15 pounds over the entire peri period). PROBABLY NOT Low Sex Drive You’re having bond problems, such…

• What it is: Another form of telogen effluvium, this type of shedding is triggered either by a medical hormonal imbalance (including thyroid-related disorders) or by a traumatic event (like surgery or dramatic weight loss). Both causes result in a dip in hair-growth-promoting hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, and an increase in hair-loss-promoting hormones, such as androgen and testosterone. This, in turn, flips a switch, sending hairs into the telogen phase all at once. This can last for up to seven months, during which time you won’t experience much new growth in the affected areas. • What it looks like: Thinner hair all over—the shedding happens throughout the scalp, so you might just notice a tinier ponytail. • What helps: Ample exercise, meditation, and healthy habits are the best…

In this special section, pros reveal under-the-radar intel to make your lotions, potions, and sprays work harder, better, and in fascinating new ways. ILLUSTRATIONS BY ALESSANDR A OLANOW Q How can I prevent my manicure from chipping two days in? —@mrs_teeoba, Instagram follower You know, I’m so glad you asked. I hate when people soak their nails in water before putting me on. Your nail beds expand slightly in the H20 and then shrink after the manicure. Which means you end up with too much (well-meaning!) polish for your nail, making it easy for cracks and chips to happen. Ask for dry manis—or DIY! Sally Hansen Color Therapy Nail Polish in Red-y to Glow, $9, at drugstores Q How can I keep my lipstick from fading? —Julie Lee, WH sales director Resist…

A Love Letter to Aveeno Eczema Therapy Hand Cream By Amy Keller Laird, WH editor-in-chief I don’t have eczema. But I do have OCD, and that— coupled with testing new lipsticks and shadows on my hands for 12 years as a former beauty editor— means a ton of hand washing. To assauge the irritation, I tried thick ointments that pilled, oil-laden goos that greased my palms, and some pretty pricey salves that did pretty much diddly but leave behind white residue. Then: this Aveeno gem! It goes on like a light lotion, no slickness, making you doubt its prowess. But put it on at night and you’ll awaken to sealed cracks and softness. The formula blends hydrating glycerin, anti-inflammatory panthenol, and barrierprotecting colloidal oatmeal. $6, at drugstores The Night-Before Trick…

Everyone knows that runner’s high is a thing: Scads of research and anecdotal evidence prove that (whee!) endorphins are real. Also very much a thing, but rarely spoken about? Runner’s low. Thirdly a thing? Everything in between runner’s high and runner’s low. Because this is our confessions issue…and because data shows that about 21 million women and girls consider themselves runners...and because this is not Fight Club, we are going to talk about it. All of it. More pointedly, four of the country’s finest athletes are sharing what actually happens when they put sneaker to asphalt. From the small ways they find inspiration and stay motivated, to the mortifying moments that can happen on mile 15, there’s gobs of wisdom in their words. Our hope: #RunnerProblems may always be a…

Hilaria is about to get deep. Like, real deep—deep into your core muscles. “After you have a baby, the focus shouldn’t be on losing weight,” says the founder of NYC’s YogaVida studio and author of The Living Clearly Method* (and yes, Alec Baldwin’s wife). “It should be about restoring strength in your abdominal area, because those muscles are the first to go.” Hilaria’s trade practice does just that. Once she gave birth to her third child in September, she relied on this yoga flow. The sequence engages your deepest core muscles to reestablish the connection between them and every other muscle group. Sound complex? Think of it like this: Just as a stronger power source will make a string of lights shine brighter, a stronger core will better activate your…

My name is Keri Peterson, M.D. I’m an internist , and my issues are frequents colds and flu . This is how I keep my immune system in peak shape. AT WORK As a family doc, I’m the one people come to with a respiratory virus or the flu. Many sick patients don’t cover their mouths when they sneeze and cough. To protect myself from germs, I wear a lab coat (droplets can live for four hours on clothes) and, if a patient is highly contagious, a mask. If I shake hands with an ill patient, I scrub with soap and water or squirt on an alcohol-based hand sanitizer right away. This keeps me—and my next patient—from catching the bug. AT HOME I have a 2-year-old son, and kids are…

Meat on the Side author and blogger Nikki Dinki loves cheese and milk. But when she wants to keep a dish light all the way through, cashew cream is her go-to. SECRET INGREDIENT CASHEWS These half-moon-shaped nuts have less fat than most others, plus superhero stashes of metabolism-fueling magnesium. But they’ve got an alter ego: dairy substitute. Soak them in water, then blend until creamy, and you have the perfect mild-flavored base for soups and sauces, or a brilliant sour cream stand-in. Lorraine Pascale, cohost of Food Network’s Spring Baking Championship, likes to use anchovies to intensify the onion flavor in this Provencal classic, and to add a mild saltiness. SECRET INGREDIENT ANCHOVIES These small fish don’t see much action outside of Caesar salads, which means they’re an overlooked source…

The Diaries Our series in which experts help real women decode and overcome real health problems “Three squares” seems about as relevant these days as “clean your plate.” Snacking is a national pastime, an industry unto itself, even a belief system. But is its mantra—“eat small and often”—a healthy move for your body? Experts are divided: Studies find that eating frequently can help balance blood sugar and stave off binge-inducing hunger. But other evidence shows that snacking is incompatible with slimming down. For instance, most members of the National Weight Control Registry, the comprehensive database of people who’ve dropped and kept off at least 30 pounds, do not nibble between meals. Two things experts can agree on: It’s easy to get caught in a constant-noshing mode that sabotages weight loss…

1I worry that people won’t like what I do. With the films I’m a part of, I’m telling stories—that’s what it’s about for me—but you hope that people like the story that you’re telling. 2 I’ve dreamed about my teeth falling out. I woke up thinking, Whoa, that was weird —and then tried to fall back asleep and dream of something pleasant, like sex. I’m sure it ties back to insecurity or something. 3 If my plane was going down, I’d call my sisters. And then I’d call my mom. Gosh, there would be so many people in my thoughts… 4 I don’t really have any pleasures that I feel guilty about. Hmm…maybe buying ridiculously expensive wine. 5 I sleep in a T-shirt. That’s it. —Cathryne Keller And Because It’s…

FINDING # 1 : MEN ARE STRESSED ABOUT SEX. Women’s sexuality is complicated, men’s is simple. Or...not—because our survey turned that tired notion on its head. One-third of women said they were having sex at least two or three times a week, and, round of applause, 71 percent said they were either “thrilled” or “satisfied” with their sex lives. Men, however, were getting busy at exactly the same rate as women, but only 51 percent were thrilled or satisfied. What gives? We asked Daniel Lebowitz, codirector and male sexuality specialist at The Intimacy Institute in Boulder, Colorado, to throw some light on this pleasure chasm. “‘I feel bad about my body’ is a sentence I’ve heard more and more often in the past five years,” says Lebowitz. “A combination of…

I got my first big cut—a pixie—in college. Before that, I’d pretty much had the same haircut since I was 5. I was starting to figure out who I was, and being in art school, I was surrounded by creativity nonstop. I’ve probably had 10 different cuts since then. Each one makes me feel powerful because it’s one little thing that only I can control. Shorter hair always makes me feel daring, and long hair makes me feel feminine. The next cut I'm getting is the shag because I love the middle-parted bangs—they feel retro in the best way. I never love the post-cut attention, so nowadays, I'll ease into a fresh look by hanging around in cafés where strangers have no idea I’m a new woman. A lot of…

“I have Alzheimer’s.” “When I was diagnosed in 2013, at age 65, our six adult children all stepped up. My three girls hired a cleaning woman for me because I forget to do regular things around the house, and they help me plan holiday meals, which will be of use to them when I can no longer host. I’m so thankful for their support and the time we spend together, but it’s hard to put into words how sad it is to not be able to do the things we used to do—I can’t go clothes shopping with my daughters anymore because the many choices confuse me—and to see my memories just fall away. When my kids reminisce about the past, I have to fake it sometimes because I just…

My mom has it. Should I get tested? If you mom passed on one of the gene mutations linked to earlyonset Alzheimer’s, you’ll almost certainly develop the disease before you turn 65. Genetic testing is a personal choice that should be discussed with your family M.D. and a genetic counselor, but you may want to consider it if you’re thinking of having children. Purchase life insurance and long-term care insurance before the test; a positive result could mean higher premiums or denial of coverage. If I have one of the gene mutations, what can I do? One large study found that after just two years, people with early cognitive decline who adjusted their diet (e.g., limiting sugar, avoiding saturated fats, eating fish twice a week); engaged in more social interaction…