Concerns About My Belly Button's Unusual Behavior
I'm a 28-year-old woman, standing 5 feet 3.5 inches tall and weighing around 145 pounds as of last year. I don't track my weight regularly since I don’t have a scale. I live with ADHD, OCD, anxiety, and depression, and I take a daily dose of 50 mg of sertraline. I maintain a healthy lifestyle, refraining from smoking, drinking, or using drugs. For the past several months, I've experienced a peculiar phenomenon. There are mornings when I wake up and notice that my belly button appears to have sunken into my abdomen. Although this unsettling feeling fades quickly, it always leaves me feeling concerned. Recently, I’ve started to gently touch my belly button at home (never in public) to see if it happens during the day as well, and surprisingly, I find that it sinks in again at times. Should I be alarmed about this symptom?
Answers (1)
2/13/2026, 9:00:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about changes in your body, especially when they seem unusual. The phenomenon of your belly button appearing to sink can be linked to several factors, none of which are typically alarming, but it's important to understand what might be happening.
Explanation: The appearance of your belly button changing—whether it seems to sink or stick out—can be influenced by several benign factors, including fluctuations in body weight (even small changes), hydration levels, and muscle tone. For many, this is a normal occurrence that can vary based on posture, breathing, and physical activity. Given that you mentioned this occurs mostly in the mornings and sometimes during the day, it could relate to changes in how your body is positioned or the levels of gas in your stomach.
Since you have a history of anxiety and OCD, it might be helpful to acknowledge that sometimes stress can amplify awareness of bodily sensations, making you more attuned to changes that are otherwise minor.
Next Steps:
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Keep Observation: Pay attention to when this happens. Make a note if it tends to occur in specific situations or is associated with any other symptoms (like pain or discomfort). This could help identify patterns.
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Stay Hydrated: Ensure you’re drinking enough water daily, as hydration can affect your body and sometimes influence sensations in and around the abdomen.
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Focus on Relaxation: Since you have a history of anxiety, consider incorporating relaxation techniques into your routine, such as deep breathing or mindfulness practices, which might help ease any stress related to these sensations.
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Avoid Probing: While it’s understandable that you want to check it frequently, try to limit how often you touch your belly button. Noticing these changes less frequently may help reduce your anxiety around them.
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Monitor Other Symptoms: If you notice any significant changes, such as persistent pain, redness, swelling, or changes in bowel habits, make a note of these as they could be relevant.
Should these symptoms worsen or remain a significant source of concern for you, it may be worth discussing them with a healthcare provider for further evaluation. Remember, your health and peace of mind are important, so don’t hesitate to reach out for support if needed.
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