Health Conditions
Feel Well
Welcome to Feel Well, an empathetic, trustworthy place to get practical, conversational advice about health conditions. Our content is grounded in science: Authoritative medical experts, who have a deep well of knowledge of the topic at hand, weigh in on every story. As an added layer of expertise, our Medical Advisory Board, a dedicated team of health care professionals, also reviews content for accuracy. Whenever possible, we elevate the voices of real people living with health conditions. Whether you have migraine, psoriasis, heart failure, eczema, diabetes, or any other health condition, you can rely on SELF for positive, inclusive, authoritative, and genuinely helpful tips.
COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
What Does Competing With COVID Do to an Athlete’s Body?
Pushing through to win a medal may feel worth it in the moment. But there are real risks.
Allergies
3 Ways to Unclog a Miserably Stuffy Nose
If allergies, a cold, or something else has you blocked, don’t just try to blow through it.
Cold and Flu
Here’s How the Flu Can Lead to Serious Heart Problems
If you have certain risk factors, you might want to be extra careful about this virus.
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Migraine
Here’s Why We Don’t Say Someone ‘Has a Migraine’
Language matters when it comes to chronic conditions.
RSV
What You Really Need to Know About the RSV Vaccine for Fall 2024
If you’re pregnant, have a baby, or are 60+, you should be paying attention to this virus.
Condition Spotlight
RSV
This virus sometimes seems like a cold, but it can get bad—fast—for a lot of people.
Cold and Flu
Protect yourself from these common respiratory viruses.
COVID-19
Here’s what we’ve learned about SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus.
Long COVID
These post-viral symptoms are still a puzzle, but we know more about the pieces.
Migraine
Migraine pain can include more than just a throbbing headache.
MEDICAL ADVISORY BOARD
Health
A Doctor Told Me the Whooshing in My Ear Would Just Go Away. I Actually Had a Brain Tumor
“I was told to use Flonase.”
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Contraception
I Paid $500 to Be Sedated for My IUD Insertion
Yes, you have the option. Here’s how to ask for it.
Eczema
Tori Spelling Reveals the Physical Way Stress Shows Up on Her Body
It triggers an inflammatory skin condition she shares with her daughter Stella.
Depression
Jennifer Lawrence Wants You to Know About Her Postpartum Anxiety Meds
The Oscar winner shares what helped her significantly.
Menopause
How Do Hormone-Free Menopause Drugs Stack Up Against HRT?
Here’s what ob-gyns want you to know.
Axial Spondyloarthritis
4 People With Axial Spondyloarthritis on What Helps During a Flare
Everyone’s experience with axSpA is different, but these real-life strategies show there are multiple ways to find relief when pain hits.
Sexual & Reproductive Health
The Best Time to Start Hormone Therapy for Menopause May Be Earlier Than You Think
A new analysis highlights surprising health perks beyond symptom relief.
Urinary Tract Infections
The Surprising Cause of Nearly 20% of UTIs
New research ties this common infection to what you eat.
Neurological Health
You Can ‘Train’ Your Brain to Be More Focused in Just 30 Minutes a Day
And it involves playing games.
Neurological Health
The Surprising Risk Factor for Dementia That Has Nothing to Do With Diet or Exercise
The health of your brain is one more reason to practice good oral hygiene, according to a growing body of research.
Mental Health
5 Subtle Signs of Seasonal Depression to Watch Out For
Sure, SAD can famously make you feel, well, sad, but it can also cause less obvious symptoms that are easy to miss.
Breast Cancer
Katie Thurston on Extreme Fatigue, Painful Sex, and Other Hidden Truths of Stage 4 Breast Cancer
The former ‘Bachelorette’ opens up to SELF and debunks common misconceptions.
Constipation
The Surprising Foods—and One Drink—That Could Help You Poop
Reach for these when you’re backed up.
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Endometriosis
I Have ‘Silent’ Endometriosis—and It’s More Common Than You’d Think
For many women, it’s the reason behind their “unexplained infertility.”
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Breast Cancer
7 Early Symptoms of Breast Cancer That Are Easy to Miss
A lump isn’t the only thing to look out for.
Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer is Rising in Young Women—Here Are 5 Signs You May Need a Mammogram Before 40
Being at high risk could qualify you for early, potentially life-saving screening.
Pregnancy & Parenthood
The Data Has Never Been Clearer That You Should Get the COVID-19 Vaccine During Pregnancy
A new analysis sheds light on safety and benefits—for both mom and baby.
Neurological Health
The One Habit a Neurologist Does Every Day to Protect Her Brain Long-Term
It turns out, you can ward off cognitive decline and have fun while you’re at it.
Neurological Health
Hormone Replacement Therapy Could Help Women Avoid Dementia—If It’s Taken at the Right Time
Delaying HRT could do more harm than good, a new study shows.
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Digestive Health
Yes, You Can Probably Poop Better. Here’s How
A few small steps can make your toilet time smoother, faster, and more comfortable.
Axial Spondyloarthritis
My ‘Running Injury’ Turned Out to Be a Rare Chronic Inflammatory Disease
Sandra Voss’s diagnosis journey started while she was training for a half-marathon.
Sleep
Having Insomnia Can Age Your Brain By Years, a New Study Shows
People with the condition experienced faster rates of cognitive decline.
Mental Health
Selena Gomez Says This Therapy Helped Her Process Body-Shaming Comments
“I’ve dealt with a lot of weight issues in my life, and that’s something I’m very sensitive to,” she said in Allure’s Best of Beauty cover.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian Cancer Is Often a Silent Killer. Here Are the Subtle Symptoms to Look Out For
Catching it early could seriously improve your odds of beating it.
Neurological Health
6 Habits Neurologists Swear By to Keep Their Brains Sharp
You’re probably already doing some of them, TBH.
