OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Insight on Health Concerns and Whether Medical Attention is Necessary

I’m a 17-year-old assigned female at birth, and I want to share some health concerns that have been troubling me, particularly given my family’s medical history. My mother’s side has dealt with various issues including low iron levels, autoimmune disorders (like Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), and Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes, both classical and vascular types. In contrast, my father’s family has mostly experienced blood pressure difficulties and celiac disease, though not to the same extent as my mother’s side. I’ve given a brief overview of my family background, and I can provide more details if necessary; however, I’m uncertain about what other information might be relevant. Recently, I have been experiencing a series of unusual symptoms. One of the most alarming occurrences is that when I stand up, my vision sometimes darkens momentarily—this can last for several seconds or, at times, a little longer (though I can't measure it precisely, it definitely resolves in under a minute). This phenomenon has been going on for what feels like approximately three years, and it seems to happen more frequently now, occasionally up to several times a day. Additionally, I struggle to remain standing still for long durations before feeling dizzy and having trouble with my breathing, a problem I’ve faced for years. For clarity, I am not significantly overweight; I maintain a healthy weight for my height and even lift weights at the gym 2 to 3 times a week. On school days, I typically walk over 4 miles. I usually stay hydrated, although I sometimes neglect my water intake when I’m visiting others. Chronic fatigue has been a constant in my life; I generally sleep between 7 to 8 hours each night, often accompanied by a nap lasting an hour or two. While my family’s diet isn't the healthiest, it includes vegetables, and despite having experienced minor eating disorders in the past, I currently manage to eat at least two meals daily, sometimes more. I don’t believe my symptoms stem purely from my lifestyle choices. I tend to bruise easily, with some bruises appearing mysteriously and lasting longer than expected. Friends have even asked if I suffer abuse due to the number of bruises on my legs, but I assure you, I don’t engage in any sports that could cause this. Additionally, I experience daily nausea that can intensify to the point of almost vomiting. Dizziness is a regular issue for me now, though I recall it being much harder to induce in my childhood when I would spin around just to show I wouldn't get dizzy. There was one day when dizziness overwhelmed me so much that I had to leave school. Despite eating and drinking water, it persisted throughout the day, leading my friends to question if I was intoxicated due to my slurred speech and unstable posture. Curiously, that day coincided with my menstrual cycle, which I typically don’t notice affecting me this way. I abstain from alcohol, smoking, or any illicit drug use. I know there are more symptoms, but I can't recall them at the moment. I’m reaching out to see if anyone might have insight into what could potentially be going on with my health. Should I consider visiting a doctor? I’m open to providing additional information if needed. Thank you for reading through this long message!

Answers (1)

7/3/2025, 10:01:35 AM

OpenHealth AI

Your symptoms, including dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and easy bruising, are important to discuss, especially given your family history of autoimmune disorders and related conditions. While some of these issues might stem from lifestyle factors, your family medical history suggests a more thorough evaluation might be beneficial.

Main Points:

1. Symptoms of Concern: Your dizziness when standing, chronic fatigue, easy bruising, and daily nausea warrant further examination.
2. Family Medical History: The presence of autoimmune diseases in your family may increase your risk for similar issues.
3. Next Steps: Prioritize tracking your symptoms and seeking medical attention for a comprehensive evaluation.

Explanation:

Many of the symptoms you've described, such as dizziness, can occur for various reasons, including dehydration, blood volume issues, or even potential vascular problems like those observed in conditions related to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Your easy bruising and fatigue may align with similar conditions. Autoimmune disorders can also cause symptoms like fatigue and dizziness due to systemic effects on your body.

Next Steps:

1. Keep a Symptom Diary: Start documenting your symptoms, noting when they occur, their intensity, any potential triggers (like standing, menstrual cycle, etc.), and how long they last. This information can be invaluable for your healthcare provider.

2. Hydration and Diet: Make sure to stay well-hydrated throughout the day, especially when you're out. Continue including a variety of foods in your diet. Consider refining it to ensure you're meeting your nutritional needs.

3. Schedule a Medical Consultation: It's important to visit a healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and family history. They might recommend blood tests to check iron levels, and vitamin deficiencies, or investigate your blood pressure regulation (such as through a tilt table test).

4. Monitor Activity Levels: Since you experience symptoms after standing for prolonged periods, try to pace yourself and hopefully reduce dizziness by resting or taking breaks as needed.

5. Support Network: Talk to a trusted adult about your situation, enhancing your support system, which can be helpful emotionally as you pursue answers.

It's understandable to feel concerned about these health issues, but seeking medical guidance is a proactive and wise step towards better understanding your health. You deserve to feel your best, and proper assessment can lead to effective management of your symptoms. Let me know if you'd like any more information or resources!