Frustrating Health Struggles Doctors Dismiss as Normal
At 19 years old, my health took a significant downturn last October, which has left me feeling completely overwhelmed. My hair has turned excessively greasy, and my face exhibits noticeable swelling. I went from having clear skin to suffering from severe breakouts, and I'm experiencing what I suspect are episodes of low blood sugar. Additionally, I’ve developed insomnia, and my menstrual cycle has shortened to just 22 days. I've invested around $5,000 in consultations with various specialists in hopes of uncovering the underlying issue affecting my health, and I'm determined to continue seeking answers. Unfortunately, I have not been taken seriously by any medical professionals, as they claim that these symptoms are simply a part of normal hormonal changes, recommending only that I increase my food intake. I have undergone comprehensive blood tests and have consulted with two gynecologists as well as an endocrinologist. The results generally came back normal, except for slightly elevated prolactin levels and low DHEA, which the endocrinologist dismissed as not concerning. Discussing my health complications is difficult, particularly since they began after my first experience with sexual intercourse, which was extremely painful. I've been continuously reassured by medical practitioners that there is nothing they can do, yet I felt perfectly well prior to that experience. Shortly after, I began experiencing unexpected allergies, persistent fatigue, a decrease in libido, and trouble sleeping at night. Lately, my symptoms have escalated. My skin condition has worsened; despite attempts to manage it with Accutane, there have been no improvements. My moods have plummeted, and the most distressing aspect of my situation is an unrelenting hunger that doesn’t diminish, often accompanied by feelings of dizziness and lightheadedness. It’s not the usual hunger that comes from needing food; rather, even eating doesn’t alleviate this sensation. I'm at a loss and long for a return to normalcy. My ability to concentrate has been severely affected, and I’ve had to withdraw from university because I can only manage work, eating, and sleeping. In August of last year, I was told I had a cyst in my pouch of Douglas, but I’ve since learned that it has resolved, leaving me with 22cc of free fluid in that area; I’m unsure if this detail is pertinent. Presently, I maintain a healthy diet, consuming four meals a day and trying to eat within half an hour of waking. I avoid caffeine and limit alcohol to perhaps twice a month. My diet consists of whole foods, plenty of vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains. I also drink about 3 to 4 liters of water daily and have an active job. Furthermore, I don't have polycystic ovary syndrome or endometriosis. Any suggestions or guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)
7/13/2025, 11:40:40 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the difficult health challenges you're facing. It sounds incredibly overwhelming and frustrating, especially given the significant effort and resources you've already invested in seeking answers. Your symptoms and concerns are valid, and it’s essential to address them systematically.
Main Points:
You’re experiencing multiple distressing symptoms, including greasy hair, facial swelling, severe breakouts, short menstrual cycles, insomnia, and feelings of unrelenting hunger with dizziness. With normal test results, it's crucial to focus on potential underlying conditions and lifestyle adjustments while continuing to seek specialist guidance.
Explanation:
Your symptoms could arise from various causes, including hormonal imbalances, stress, dietary insufficiencies, or conditions that haven’t yet been identified. The elevated prolactin and low DHEA can indicate hormonal fluctuations that might need further exploration. Persistent fatigue, changes in your skin, and issues with hunger could suggest underlying metabolic or hormonal functions that aren’t fully diagnosed yet.
It's particularly concerning that your symptoms escalated after a specific event; it may be worth investigating any potential trauma or physical implications from that experience. Given the central role hormones play in numerous bodily functions, particularly regarding your reproductive health, it’s essential to maintain an open dialogue with your healthcare providers about all your symptoms, including psychological impacts.
Next Steps:
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Keep a Detailed Symptom Diary: Track your daily symptoms, mood changes, appetite variations, sleep patterns, and any potential triggers (like stress or food). This will help identify potential correlations or patterns.
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Consider Nutritional Feedback: Since you're already eating a healthy diet, consult with a nutritionist who specializes in hormonal health. They can help tailor your diet further to address energy levels and hunger issues, perhaps focusing on stabilizing blood sugar levels and increasing nutrient variety.
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Stress Management Techniques: Incorporate stress-relief practices such as mindfulness, yoga, or meditation, which can help with hormonal balance and mental wellbeing. Even brief daily practices can be effective.
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Explore Alternative Therapies: Since traditional medicine hasn’t yielded satisfactory results, consider exploring integrative medicine options, such as acupuncture or herbal supplements, under the guidance of a knowledgeable practitioner.
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Request Further Evaluation: If symptoms persist or worsen, you might want to seek a second opinion from a different specialist, such as a functional medicine doctor, who can take a more holistic view of your health concerns.
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Follow Up on Hormonal Tests: Ensure you discuss the implications of elevated prolactin and low DHEA with your endocrinologist. Sometimes, low DHEA can be linked to mood and energy changes, warranting further exploration.
Conclusion:
You’re doing well by seeking help and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Keep advocating for yourself and your health; persistent symptoms are worth exploring until you find a solution. Please keep track of any changes or new symptoms, and stay in touch with any support networks available to you. Don't hesitate to reach out for further guidance or updates on your progress. You deserve to feel better and reclaim your quality of life.
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