Seeking Guidance for Unexplained Health Issues
My visits to my primary care physician have left me feeling more confused than reassured, as he has admitted his uncertainty regarding my health concerns and only considered referring me when I suggested it myself. I'm in desperate need of advice and insights. To introduce myself, I’m a 22-year-old female, 5’2” tall, and weigh 115 pounds. I will include more relevant details in this post. A bit of background: I was diagnosed with significant anxiety and depression in 2020. Simultaneously, I began using adrenal support supplements due to low adrenal function, but my inconsistent routine has made it challenging to remember them lately, especially as a mother coping with my health struggles. My anxiety reached a point where going outside felt impossible, resulting in daily panic attacks that have persisted since then. I tried lexapro, which initially helped, but after stopping during my pregnancy, resuming it only intensified my panic attacks. Next, I experimented with sertraline, which led to distressing intrusive thoughts. This situation is my first major concern; I believe medication may be necessary, but I'm uncertain what direction to take. Additionally, I am contemplating whether a holistic approach might be beneficial. While I’m not sure how much this contributes to the overall picture, I’ve dealt with irregular menstrual cycles—sometimes lasting months without a period, having unusually heavy periods, or even menstrating three times in a month. My eyes have been persistently dilated as well. After previously smoking marijuana, I have now been clean for almost three years, and I recently stopped vaping. I abstain from alcohol and used to enjoy running, but haven't been able to do so for about a year. This last detail ties back to my PCP's insights. I unexpectedly became pregnant in November 2022, which was particularly surprising given my diagnosis of severe PCOS; I suspect my hormone fluctuations contribute to my mental health struggles. During my pregnancy, my anxiety and depression seemed to improve, possibly due to the hormonal changes. I welcomed a beautiful baby boy and experienced joy, but shortly after, the anxiety and depression returned. I'm uncertain if this qualifies as postpartum issues, since I’ve been battling these conditions prior to pregnancy. My anxiety triggers sensations of tingling in my head and fingers, coupled with nausea, leading to an almost surreal experience right before a panic attack. In November 2023, I woke up feeling incredibly dizzy, prompting me to call in sick and rest until my mother could assist me with my son. The ER visit that followed included an EKG, X-rays, and checks of my blood pressure in various positions, along with urine tests, all yielding normal results. The attending physician dismissed my concerns, attributing my symptoms to being a hungover teenager. Unfortunately, since that day, dizziness has plagued me continuously, impacting my ability to drive and making public outings or being alone at home daunting due to fears of fainting or losing control over my ability to care for my son. This ongoing dizziness is exacerbating my anxiety and depression. I long for a return to normalcy, yet my doctor appears unconcerned, often brushing aside my plight by saying he doesn’t know or attributing it all to anxiety. After giving birth, I was found to be anemic, but my doctor later confirmed that I had recovered from it. It's worth mentioning that I had a conch piercing shortly before the onset of my dizziness, and although my physician believes it’s not the cause, I’m open to removing it if others suggest it could be a contributing factor. Aside from this, my lifestyle remains relatively healthy; I eat well, stay hydrated, and maintain some physical activity, although limited due to the dizziness. I sincerely need assistance in unraveling this mystery surrounding my health. Any suggestions or experiences that might bring clarity or lead me closer to a solution would be immensely valued! As for potential conditions that could explain my symptoms, I have considered Addison’s disease, POTS, elevated cortisol levels, or perhaps it could all link back to my PCOS, though I'm skeptical of this last notion.
Answers (1)
4/4/2025, 7:31:02 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your detailed experience. It sounds like you're navigating complex health challenges that have understandably created stress and uncertainty, especially as a new mother. Let's break down some of your key concerns and explore potential next steps.
Main Points:
- Mental Health: You are dealing with anxiety and depression, which seem to be exacerbated by ongoing physical symptoms.
- Dizziness: This has become a significant concern impacting your daily activities and well-being.
- Hormonal and Menstrual Irregularities: These may connect to both your mental health and other physical symptoms.
- Desire for Clarity: You seek actionable advice towards understanding and addressing your health issues.
Explanation:
Your history of anxiety and depression, coupled with physical symptoms like dizziness, creates a challenging picture. It's important to understand that both mental and physical health can deeply influence one another. For instance, anxiety can lead to physical symptoms like dizziness, and hormonal imbalances (e.g., from PCOS) could potentially affect both mood and physical sensations.
Your symptoms, especially dizziness despite normal tests, can be frustrating and may not only emanate from anxiety. Conditions such as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) or hormonal disruptions could contribute. You mentioned potential Addison's disease; while it is a serious condition, diagnosing it typically requires specific tests by an endocrinologist.
Actionable Next Steps:
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Referrals and Evaluations:
- Endocrine Consultation: Given your concerns about PCOS and hormonal issues, consider seeing an endocrinologist who can provide a thorough evaluation for hormone-related conditions. Bring along your menstrual history and any related symptoms.
- Neurologist Visit: If dizziness continues, consult a neurologist to rule out any neurological issues that might explain your symptoms. Be sure to detail your dizziness, any triggers, and how it impacts your daily life.
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Mental Health Support:
- Therapy: Since you've had challenging experiences with medication, a mental health therapist specializing in anxiety and postpartum issues can provide coping strategies and therapeutic approaches tailored to your needs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often found helpful.
- Medication Review: If therapy is insufficient, you may want to revisit medication options with a psychiatrist. Express your concerns about previous medications and inquire about alternative treatments.
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Lifestyle Adjustments:
- Adrenal Support: Consistency with adrenal support supplements may help, but discuss this with your healthcare provider to ensure any supplementation is appropriate for you.
- Physical Activity: As dizziness allows, gentle physical activity (like walking) can help both mental and physical health. Start slow and gradually increase.
- Mindfulness or Relaxation Techniques: Engage in mindfulness practices or relaxation exercises to help manage anxiety symptoms, potentially easing the severity of panic attacks.
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Monitoring Your Symptoms:
- Symptom Diary: Begin a daily diary to document your symptoms, menstrual cycles, and any potential triggers for both anxiety and dizziness. This can provide valuable information for your doctors.
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Conch Piercing Evaluation:
- If you believe your piercing may be contributing to your symptoms, it’s reasonable to remove it and observe if your condition improves.
Empathetic Reassurance:
You are doing your best to cope with these intertwined health issues, and it's valid to seek clarity and solutions. It might feel overwhelming at times, but taking these steps can help you gain insight and improve your overall well-being. You are not alone in this journey, and many have found resolution by pursuing comprehensive care. Keep advocating for your health, and don't hesitate to reach out for help when needed.
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