OpenHealth Q&A

Concerns About Blood Pressure and Irregular Periods

Let me begin by sharing a bit about my health background. I have been diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease, which I manage through a regimen of desiccated thyroid and Cytomel. In addition, I deal with asthma, for which I use Advair. At 36 years old, I am currently overweight, standing at 5’4” and weighing 196 pounds. I am two years postpartum and am still nursing my baby. My menstruation resumed approximately eight months after giving birth, quickly returning to a regular cycle of about 31 days. Since the fall months of September and October, I've experienced intermittent sharp discomfort in my lower right abdomen. This pain has escalated in intensity to the point where applying pressure resulted in significant discomfort. After several months, a new physician diagnosed it as rebound pain. I underwent various diagnostic procedures, including blood tests, and imaging via both pelvic and abdominal ultrasound as well as a CT scan with contrast. The only notable finding was diverticulitis, which is somewhat uncommon for someone my age, but it does not appear to be infected. Last month, my menstrual cycle brought immense pain, with the discomfort radiating to my right ovary and hip. The sensation in my hip was particularly pinching. Additionally, I have struggled to shed any excess weight and noticed the swelling in my legs. I frequently experience visual disturbances, dizziness, nausea, and get winded easily. My bowel habits are notably irregular; I almost always need to visit the restroom, sometimes facing difficulty, and my stools alternate between being thin and loose. After dinner each night, I find myself rushing to the bathroom due to strong urges for bowel movements. Currently, I am 12 days late for my period. Previously, I suffered from intense PMS symptoms, cramps, and those sharp abdominal pains, but menstruation has yet to begin. I have taken three pregnancy tests from various brands, all returning negative results. It’s important to mention that I do not feel pregnant; I was merely checking due to the missed period. Additionally, I am experiencing significant fluctuations in my blood pressure. Typically, I have maintained a stable reading around 120/60, but I previously encountered episodes of elevated blood pressure during my last pregnancy that resolved on their own. Now, however, my readings have been erratic, swinging between 149/95 and dropping down to 120/70 within a single day. One day, feeling very unwell, I measured my blood pressure while standing and received a shocking reading of 200/152. I contacted emergency services, took two Advil, and rechecked, which brought it down to 161/102. By the time the paramedics arrived, my reading was 139/89 with a normal ECG. Since then, while my blood pressure hasn’t spiked to those alarming highs again, it still fluctuates between the 140s and 150s before declining within an hour. I've stopped taking Cytomel due to its potential cardiovascular effects and have cut back on salt, sugar, and caffeine. I often feel utterly drained. My physician insists that stress and anxiety are contributing factors to my condition. Although I had a particularly stressful year previously, things have since calmed down—I've taken time off work and often find myself worn out quickly. The combination of unusual menstrual cycles and unprecedented blood pressure levels is worrying me. If anyone has insights or suggestions, I would greatly appreciate the assistance. For context, I reside in Canada and do not engage in smoking, drinking, or drug use.

Answers (1)

4/2/2025, 1:01:13 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you're dealing with a complex set of symptoms related to your Hashimoto's disease, gastrointestinal issues, menstrual irregularities, and fluctuating blood pressure. Your concerns are valid, and I appreciate your detailed history, which helps in understanding your situation better.

Key Points:

1. Menstrual Irregularities: Being 12 days late and experiencing discomfort could be tied to hormonal fluctuations or stress, especially given your postpartum status.
2. Blood Pressure Variability: Fluctuating blood pressure can result from various factors, including hormonal changes, medication adjustments, and stress.
3. Gastrointestinal Issues: Your diverticulitis and bowel irregularities can contribute to gastrointestinal discomfort and may influence your overall well-being.

Explanation:

• Hormonal Factors: After pregnancy, hormonal imbalances can affect your menstrual cycle. Stress and thyroid fluctuations could also play significant roles.
• Blood Pressure: The erratic blood pressure readings you’ve experienced are concerning, especially the high reading. Factors such as dehydration, medication effects, anxiety, or hormonal shifts are potential contributors.
• Gastrointestinal Concerns: Given your background with diverticulitis and reported symptoms (bloating, changes in bowel habits), it’s crucial to consider how these issues interact with your overall health.

Next Steps:

1. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your menstrual cycle, blood pressure readings, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Note any triggers for your symptoms, particularly with meals or activities, to identify patterns.

2. Hydration & Diet: Ensure you're drinking enough fluids, as dehydration can impact both blood pressure and bowel function. Maintain a balanced diet rich in fiber to support digestion, but be cautious of certain foods that can exacerbate diverticulitis.

3. Stress Management: Since stress plays a role, practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or gentle exercise, if possible. These practices can help mitigate stress and, in turn, its effects on your bodily systems.

4. Follow-Up with Healthcare Providers: Given the complexity of your symptoms, maintaining regular contact with your healthcare providers is essential. Consider discussing:

   • Potential adjustments to your thyroid medication.
   • Referral to a gynecologist for your menstrual health concerns.
   • Ongoing evaluation of your blood pressure, especially with your recent spikes.

5. Emergency Preparedness: If you experience extreme symptoms or extremely high blood pressure readings, seek emergency help again. Continue monitoring how your symptoms evolve and don’t hesitate to reach out for immediate care if you feel unwell.

Your health is multifaceted, and each part interacts with the others. Being proactive and making small, manageable changes can help you navigate through these challenges better. Please keep prioritized communication with your healthcare team to ensure you get the comprehensive care you need.