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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Related Questions
Should I Be Alarmed by This Insect Bite?
I am a 30-year-old pregnant woman currently taking allergy medications, namely Claritin and Zyrtec, along with some sleep aids. About a week ago, I was bitten by what I suspect was a mosquito at the base of my neck. This bite shows no signs of healing and features a distinct line extending from it. I've come across similar discussions expressing concern about the significance of such lines in relation to potential bloodstream infections. However, this particular mark does not appear to be expanding, and I believe it has maintained its presence since the day after the bite occurred. The itching is quite intense, yet I am not experiencing any other symptoms.
Can Eye Color Actually Change?
Can a person's eye color evolve over time? While it's widely accepted that eye color can shift as we get older, is it truly feasible for someone who starts out with dark eyes, such as black or brown, to have them transition to blue later in life? This question sparks intrigue among many, especially since there's a considerable community that holds this belief. So, what does scientific evidence say about the possibility of such changes in eye color?
Experiencing Right Side Abdominal Discomfort, Nausea, and Fatigue for Five Days: High WBC Count and Mild Renal Pelviectasis Identified, What Are My Options? [25F]
Hello everyone, I've been experiencing a significant pain level of about 7/10 located on my right abdomen since Tuesday. Initially, the discomfort was in my lower abdomen, beginning with a dull ache linked to my menstrual cycle; however, as of Saturday, the pain has shifted upwards into the upper right area as well. Along with this, I've been feeling increasingly nauseated. Just yesterday, I went through a rather intense experience with constipation, where I found myself in tears trying to relieve myself after becoming stuck for a while. It was a new experience for me, as I've never had constipation before. I visited a nearby walk-in clinic where they conducted an ultrasound, a urinalysis, and a blood test. The results showed an elevated white blood cell count and indicated "mild right renal pelviectasis." The physician suggested the possibility of having passed a kidney stone or perhaps being affected by a stomach virus. Because of the persistent discomfort, fatigue, and nausea, I've struggled to manage my work throughout the week, even with the help of Tylenol and Aleve. Could anyone share insights on what might be causing these symptoms? Moreover, I am wondering if I should seek a transvaginal ultrasound, visit the emergency room, or undergo any additional imaging, or if it’s better to wait and see. I appreciate any advice! Previous Medical History: I previously underwent surgery for a left ectopic pregnancy (with a salpingectomy) and had an appendectomy in 2022. Ultrasound Results: The measurement of my right kidney is 10 cm, with mild pelviectasis reported. Notably, I do not have a fever. Blood Test Results: - Date: 13 Jul, 2025 - Hemoglobin: 132 g/L (normal: 110 - 150) - White Blood Cell Count: 12.52 X 10^9/L (normal: 3.00 - 10.00) - Neutrophil Count: 9.21 X 10^9/L (normal: 1.50 - 7.00) - Lymphocyte Count: 2.21 X 10^9/L (normal: 1.00 - 3.50) - Monocyte Count: 0.9 X 10^9/L (normal: 0.20 - 0.80) - Additional blood parameters within normal ranges. Urinalysis Results: - Date: 13 Jul, 2025 - Specific Gravity: 1.008 (normal: 1.010 - 1.025) - pH: 7 - All tests for ketones, protein, blood, leukocytes, nitrite, bilirubin returned negative.
Issues with Bone Spurs and General Spine Health at 31
A 31-year-old woman is currently facing health challenges, including the presence of Hashimoto's disease, hypothyroidism, and persistent migraines. Presenting symptoms include widespread muscle weakness and pain, with particular concern in her legs, which feel weak and painful. She experiences sciatica-like discomfort, numbness primarily in her toes and hands, and a noticeable loss of sensation in her toes. Additionally, a repetitive tremor in her right hand has been troubling, along with intermittent stabbing pains in her pelvic area. Recently, she has begun seeing floaters in her vision, prompting a visit to an eye specialist. This recent flare-up of symptoms began approximately three weeks ago. Historically, she has dealt with sciatica-related pain on her left side for years, and she has experienced pain and numbness in her right hand, previously attributed to carpal tunnel syndrome. After consulting with her primary care provider, an MRI of the brain was conducted. Although the MRI was returned clear, she subsequently visited the emergency room due to escalating leg weakness and enhanced sensory loss in her toes. During this visit, she requested CT scans of her spine, but was denied an examination of her lower back and only received imaging for her neck and upper back. The imaging results indicated mild to moderate cervical and thoracic spondylosis, significant anterior and anterolateral osteophyte formation at levels T3 to T11, with non-bridging osteophyte formation at T11-12. Mild to moderate anterior spurring was also noted in the C5-C7 region. She was informed that the findings were deemed typical for someone of her age. Seeking further evaluation, she attended an orthopedic urgent care clinic after experiencing severe stabbing pain in her pelvis. X-rays of her lower back revealed bone spurs present at each disc, confirming osteoarthritis as well. An attempt by her primary care doctor to order an MRI prior to the lower back X-ray was denied by insurance. Consequently, she was referred to specialized rheumatology and neurology consultations with a hefty five-month wait. The nurse practitioner at the orthopedic urgent care expressed the need for an MRI of her lower back and hinted that a consultation with a spine surgeon might be necessary. Given her discomfort and concerns, she is uncertain about the next steps. She feels it is imperative to have a comprehensive MRI of her entire spine. Living in rural East Texas, she is contemplating whether to seek care at an emergency room in Houston. Although she recognizes the importance of consulting a rheumatologist, she is anxious about the extended waiting period for appointments. Laboratory tests, including ANA, rheumatoid factor, CRP, sed rate, and HLA-B27 were all negative, yet her history of autoimmune disease and previously elevated CRP levels raise concerns for her ongoing health issues.
Is It Okay to Remove My Holter Monitor Early?
As a 26-year-old male, I was advised to wear my Holter monitor for a duration of two weeks. Currently, I find myself at nearly six days into this period. Unfortunately, I'm experiencing a severe rash resulting from the device, which I cannot stop scratching. Would it be overly drastic to remove it just under a day ahead of schedule?