Assuming you’re not sexually active and pregnancy is not a consideration, two other common causes of secondary amenorrhea are physical stress and emotional stress. For instance, female athletes who exercise vigorously on a regular basis may develop this condition. As stated, emotional stress can also disturb the menstrual cycle. My advice: If you’re normally regular and skip more than two cycles, see your doctor.

Is it bad to take a bath with bath beads or bath oil in it?
In my practice, I see more problems related to dry skin than problems related to excessively moisturized skin. Bathing tends to dry the skin, depleting it of its natural oils and moisturizers. Therefore, it’s a good idea to use a moisturizer either during or immediately following your bath.

If you have a problem with acne, however, it’s not a good idea to put oils on your face. Some scented products may also cause irritation, particularly in the vaginal area. Remember, your skin needs lubrication, but avoid products that cause any itching or irritation. If you have further questions, consult a professional, either a certified cosmetologist or your physician.

I’m 14 and already have some spider veins on my legs. How can I get rid of them?
It’s not uncommon for girls your age to develop a few spider veins in their legs. If you’re overweight, this may be more of a problem since excessive weight may increase the pressure in the veins of your legs. Prolonged standing or sitting may also contribute to this condition.

My advice is to maintain proper body weight and exercise regularly. It may also be helpful to elevate your legs while studying, watching TV, etc. If you have significant trouble with spider veins, you may want to consult your physician. There are many new techniques such as laser therapy that have been developed to help deal with this problem. However, most of these therapies are expensive and should be done only under the direct care of a certified medical professional.

I have a problem with heat rash. It’s all over my stomach and upper body. What should I do?
First and foremost, any persistent rash should be evaluated by your doctor. Several disorders may cause rash primarily involving the trunk of the body, including a fungal infection known as tinea versicolor. In my experience true heat rash, known as miliaria, is rather rare. Since there are several conditions that can cause the type of rash you are describing, I’d suggest that you see your doctor for evaluation and treatment.

My teeth are sort of yellow. I want them to look white. What can I do?
Obviously there is no substitute for good oral hygiene. If you brush your teeth regularly and still have discolored teeth, I’d suggest that you see your dentist. He or she may recommend a bleaching agent that will help whiten your teeth. One word of caution: Be careful using nonprescription bleaching agents. These may be ineffective and cause irritation to the oral cavity.

These are the opinions of one physician and not necessarily those of Focus on the Family. In similar cases, you should consult your own physician.