PREVENTION – We asked medical experts about 12 weird symptoms people experience and what they actually mean. They explain what’s going on, why, what you can do about it—and when to call your doctor.
Hair Loss
Whether your hair is coming out in clumps or you’ve just noticed more shedding than usual, stress may be the culprit, says Elina Ashirova, a physician assistant at Russak Dermatology Clinic.
“The stressor usually precedes hair loss by 3 to 5 months,” she says—and it can affect your eyebrows and eyelashes too. That said, hair loss can also stem from “malnutrition, weight changes, hormonal imbalances,
It’s a good idea to tell your doctor and get blood work done to identify the cause of your hair loss. Paint a picture of any life changes you’ve undergone and any stress you’ve experienced over the past few months.
Darkening Underarms
Noticing your armpits getting darker and darker? Some people naturally have more melanin in their skin, and they may be more prone to dark pigmentation under their arms, under their breasts, or around their groin, Ashirova says. Darkening underarms can also be caused by a deodorant, detergent, or fabric irritating your skin and causing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, she says.
Any noticeable change in skin color is worth investigating, Ashirova says. A dermatologist can help you pinpoint irritants and suggest alternatives, and a doctor can run tests to see whether there’s a more serious cause, like insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, or a hormonal imbalance.
Eyelid Twitching
The occasional eye twitch is common, especially when you’re tired, stressed, or over-caffeinated. (This benign, sporadic twitching is called ocular myokymia.) But if your eye is twitching all the time, you may have blepharospasm (BSP)—a movement disorder that can be triggered by anxiety, allergens, bright lights, pollution, dry eyes, or fatigue, says Peter Lee, M.D. …
