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Whether it's sudden hair loss or the unmitigated urge to move to a third-world country (permanently), our bodies do these things that no Sex and the City episode could ever explain. You may chalk it up to a temporary wiring malfunction—or you may panic over what these physiological and psychological mysteries could mean. Find out what's typical and what's not—and how to get help when you need it. We promise not to point and laugh.
Am I Normal? I pop ibuprofen like it's Trident.
One study found that 44 percent of people who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen take more than the recommended amount, and chronic users are three times more likely to develop gastrointestinal discomfort, bleeding, or ulcers (which are potentially lethal side effects) than nonusers. "The first question you should ask is, 'Why do I need to take ibuprofen on a regular basis?'" says Radley Griffin, M.D., chief resident at the University of Florida Department of Family Medicine. "Using pain medication for acute instances like menstrual pain and muscle aches is acceptable; however, chronic pain may result from an underlying condition or disease like migraines, menstrual disorders, fibromyalgia, arthritis, or depression." Use ibuprofen as directed, and try acetaminophen (Tylenol), which has fewer side effects, Dr. Griffin says.
Am I Normal? I have more gas than a Texaco tanker.
You would think men have the run on gastrointestinal TNT, but statistically, men and women both pass wind an average of 13 times a day. There is, however, one difference. "Women tend to be more sensitive to the same amount of gas that is present in the gastrointestinal tract," says Linda Lee, M.D., assistant professor of gastroenterology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore. Healthy foods like broccoli, garlic, onions, and beans cause gas, as do carbonated drinks. But excess gas can be a sign of irritable bowel syndrome, a hypersensitivity disorder that affects more women than men. You should see a doctor if your gas is accompanied by constipation, diarrhea, weight loss, pain, or blood in your stool.
Am I Normal? I'm doing nasty stuff to an ex-boyfriend from way back.
Every single one of us has wanted to ram our high heels into his backside at some point, but there's a difference between thinking and doing. "It's normal to have revenge fantasies when someone hurts you," says Gilda Carle, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, New York. The key word is fantasy. Actually breaking his windows, spreading scathing gossip, or deep-frying his BlackBerry hurts you, because it's emotionally draining (not to mention the fact that it might be a crime). Best solution: Write out your revenge fantasy, destroy it, then say, Tom who? "When you forgive, you're releasing negativity and stress," Dr. Carle says. "Understand that the opposite of love is not hate; it's indifference."
Am I Normal? I'm shedding like my Labrador.
Start collecting and counting. "It's annoying, but we ask our patients to count how many hairs they're losing a day," says Jeanine B. Downie, M.D., director of Image Dermatology in Montclair, New Jersey. Losing more than 150 hairs a day or a sudden increase in hair loss (from 20 to 100 hairs a day) may indicate a thyroid or hormonal condition, be a consequence of pregnancy or stress, or be genetic. Although doctors can't always pinpoint why it happens, it's a good idea to have a thyroid test if the hair loss continues for more than 3 months; a scalp biopsy may be needed if blood tests come back normal. You may also benefit from not treating your hair as though it's your lawn. "Stop torturing your hair and you will help it to not fall out," Dr. Downie says. Excessive blow-drying and constant or nonprofessional processing can cause the hair shaft to break.
