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.
Ulcerative Colitis
The Recipes I Make on Repeat as a Registered Dietitian With Ulcerative Colitis
Crispy waffles, pumpkin muffins, an easy weeknight lasagna, and more delicious dishes that don’t upset my stomach.
Health
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.
Axial Spondyloarthritis
What Might Be Going On If Rest Makes Your Back Pain Worse
Sometimes a little wiggle or two (or three) is the only fix for a painful flare-up.
Heart Disease
More Young Women Are Having Heart Attacks—and It’s Not for the Reasons You Think
Distinct risk factors, causes, and symptoms in this group pose a unique threat.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
People With PCOS Are Taking GLP-1s for Their Symptoms. Here’s What to Know
The research is early-stage, but doctors are hopeful about the hormonal upsides of these weight-loss drugs.
Condition Spotlight
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.
RSV
This virus sometimes seems like a cold, but it can get bad—fast—for a lot of people.
MEDICAL ADVISORY BOARD
Migraine
My Depression and Migraine Were So Intertwined, I Thought I’d Never Feel Better
My pain was unbearable for so long, but the right treatment—and finding community—saved my life.
Shingles
I Had Shingles During Pregnancy. It Taught Me an Important Lesson in Letting Go
Summer House alum Ashley McAtee shares how the illness was a “really big wake-up call.”
Breast Cancer
13 Black Women Share How They Found the Strength to Thrive With Breast Cancer
Here’s how they picked themselves back up after a devastating diagnosis.
Weight Management
For Some Women, Weight Loss Drugs Are a Secret They Keep From Their Partners
“If my husband found out, it would just be a series of lectures.”
Weight Management
How Taking a GLP-1 Could Affect Your Bone Health
Plus, expert-backed tips for protecting your bones.
Health Conditions
Can You Actually ‘Boost’ Your Metabolism?
Forget everything you think you know about apple cider vinegar and cold plunges.
Allergies
How to Find Relief From Allergy Headaches, Spring’s Under-the-Radar Offender
A runny nose and irritated eyes aren’t the only pollen indicators for some.
Sleep Disorders
Sleep Apnea Impacts Women Differently. Here’s How—and Why That Matters.
For starters, you might not even snore.
Mental Health
After Losing My Son, I Didn't Want to Be ‘Strong’
During Black Maternal Health Week, we must discuss what it means to live after trauma, preventable harm, and indescribable loss, says Mielle founder Monique Rodriguez.
Health Conditions
3 Surprising Factors That Could Be Fueling Your Migraines
A new study shows a strong link.
Health
Everyone Wants This Unapproved Weight Loss Drug—And Some Have Found a Way to Get It
Retatrutide is hailed as a game changer, but experts caution against taking any medication that is still being tested.
Menopause
The Dry Vagina, Shrinking Labia, and Constant Peeing of Perimenopause Have a Name
It’s genitourinary syndrome of menopause—and yes, there are treatments that can help.
Workouts
A Beginner Strength Training Workout for People on GLP-1s
Combat muscle loss with this seven-move routine.
Health
Free Mobile Mammograms Bring Lifesaving Care to NCAA Fans
With breast cancer on the rise in young women, Final Four weekend is a moment to encourage early screening.
Health
Foundayo vs. Wegovy: How Do the New Weight Loss Pills Compare?
Their effectiveness also depends on what else you do when you take them.
Weight Management
On a GLP-1? This Is the Workout Plan That Helps You Keep Muscle
Physical activity is crucial when you’re taking this medication.
Crohn's Disease
5 Questions to Ask Your GI Doctor After a Crohn’s Disease Diagnosis
Having an open conversation can help you feel more prepared (and a lot less anxious).
Weight Management
If You Want to Lose Weight, Try a Boring Diet
New research turns on conventional wisdom.
Weight Management
How GLP-1s Are Quietly Reshaping Gym Culture
These medications could be one reason why weight room floors seem busier than ever.
Multiple Sclerosis
Christina Applegate’s MS Didn’t Pause for Her Book Tour
“I’m still not on the other side of acceptance with my disease.”
Menopause
5 Women on What It’s Really Like to Be in Menopause Before 40
“All my friends were having babies…and the only people I could relate to were my mom’s age.”
Health
Women Explain Why They’re Self-Medicating With Dopamine Patches for ADHD
They’re marketed as a natural alternative to prescription drugs and are popular on social media, but do they work?
Diarrhea
Why Stress Can Throw Off Your Poops—and How to Find Relief
It’s about shifting out of fight-or-flight and into rest-and-digest.
Cardiovascular Health
5 Habits Cardiologists Avoid for Long-Term Heart Health
Quitting these everyday behaviors can seriously pay off.
Healthy Eating
The Ultimate Grocery List for GLP-1 Users, According to a Dietitian
These kitchen staples are nutrient-dense and easy to tolerate.
Health
Can Women Actually Be ‘Allergic’ to Their Boyfriends?
Beyond symptoms like burning, swelling, itching, and general irritation, it can even interfere with your ability to conceive.
