25-Year-Old Female: Gums, Hair, and Weight Concerns
A 25-year-old female patient has been noticing a troubling change in her oral health. Over the past three weeks, she has observed a recurrent darkening of her gums, which take on a purple hue that varies throughout the week. In addition to this, she has unintentionally shed 7 pounds in a month. Acne has also begun to appear around her jawline, an area she has never had issues with before. There is an increase in underarm sweating accompanied by an unusual odor that she hasn’t experienced previously. The patient has been prescribed Adderall for ADHD for the last few months and has received confirmation from her psychiatrist that her symptoms are not linked to the medication. A visit to the dentist revealed that her gums appear to be in good condition. In her daily regimen, she takes 325 mg of ferrous sulfate along with 25 mcg of vitamin D3. Recently, she has also been facing significant hair loss, raising questions about whether these changes could be associated with nutritional deficiencies or hormonal imbalances. Blood work was conducted this morning, which included tests for CBC, iron levels, vitamin D, and B12; however, results are still pending. She is now contemplating whether a hormonal panel should have been included in her tests. Has anyone experienced similar issues or have insights into her situation?
Answers (1)

7/27/2025, 1:30:58 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a combination of concerning symptoms, including changes in your gum color, unintended weight loss, new acne, increased sweating, and hair loss. These changes can be indicative of several issues, including potential hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, or other underlying conditions. Given your ongoing evaluation, here are some key points to consider:
Explanation:
-
Gum Changes: Darkening or a purple hue in the gums can sometimes be linked to changes in blood flow, vitamin deficiencies (like Vitamin C), or hormonal fluctuations. Since your dentist found your gums in good condition, this could suggest it's not purely dental.
-
Weight Loss & Hair Loss: Unintentional weight loss, especially combined with hair loss, can raise concerns about thyroid issues or other hormonal changes, along with potential nutritional deficiencies.
-
Increased Sweating & Acne: New-onset sweating and acne can also be symptoms of hormonal changes, possibly related to stress, thyroid function, or other endocrine issues.
Next Steps:
-
Track Symptoms: Start a symptom diary to log daily observations about your gums, weight, hair loss, acne, and sweating patterns. This can provide valuable information to any healthcare provider later.
-
Follow Up on Blood Tests: Since you've had blood work done, wait for those results to come back, as they will help clarify some of your concerns about nutritional levels and bodily function.
-
Consider Hormonal Testing: Since your symptoms suggest potential hormonal imbalances, consider discussing with your healthcare provider the value of adding tests for hormones such as thyroid hormones (TSH, Free T4) and possibly sex hormones if irregularities persist.
-
Nutrition Assessment: Ensure you are meeting your nutritional needs. You might consider increasing your intake of vitamins and minerals (fruits, vegetables, proteins) and monitor how you feel with these adjustments.
-
Stay Hydrated and Manage Stress: Stay hydrated and practice stress management techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or moderate exercise, as stress can worsen hormonal imbalances.
It is understandable to feel concerned about these changes, and taking a proactive approach is crucial. Stay aware of any new symptoms and reach out for further evaluation once your blood test results are available. If you notice any alarming signs (like severe weight loss, fever, or other significant symptoms), do not hesitate to seek immediate medical care.
Related Questions
Concerns About Breast and Nipple Changes: Seeking Guidance from My Doctor
A bit of background about myself: I am a woman in my early twenties, living with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and I also experience low levels of iron and vitamin D, along with irregular menstrual cycles. Recently, I have noticed several changes: 1. My right breast seems to be slightly sagging. 2. There is a persistent odor emanating from my right underarm. Despite maintaining good hygiene, including regular showers and scrubbing, I find that after about ten minutes, an unpleasant smell returns, even though my activities do not typically induce excessive sweating. 3. Both of my nipples have tiny white dots. I reported this to my physician several times, and while she ordered a blood test to check for nipple discharge, the results were normal. She suggested these could be caused by oil or dirt accumulation from my skin. Though she has performed a manual examination of my breasts and an ultrasound, both of which returned normal results, my concerns persist. A few days ago, I noticed these white dots again and attempted to squeeze them out. Upon further inspection today, I discovered tiny black scabs on my nipples. I squeezed these off as well, revealing very small scab-like spots embedded in the nipple skin. After doing this, I noticed some blood beneath the surface, and when I pressed my nipple, a small amount of oil was released. Additionally, one region of my right nipple appears darker than the surrounding area, although I have had that for several years without significant change. While my nipples are generally darker, some patches are slightly darker than others. I have also occasionally experienced discomfort in my upper body. I am feeling quite anxious as I am uncertain about what I should ask my healthcare provider. The thought of conditions such as Paget’s disease or other forms of cancer is concerning. What specific tests should I discuss with my doctor to ensure a thorough evaluation of these symptoms? I am considering suggesting a patch test for my nipple and possibly an MRI of the area from my shoulders down. Additionally, could you inform me if there are any blood tests that might help in detecting cancer?
Slight Variation in Pupil Size: Should I Be Concerned?
Hello, I’m a 27-year-old male and have no significant vision concerns, aside from needing glasses occasionally. Recently, I’ve observed that my left pupil sometimes appears a bit less dilated than my right, especially in dim light. Interestingly, if I shield my left eye from light, it continues to dilate normally as long as my right eye is exposed. I did some online research regarding potential causes but didn't come across any explanations that seemed credible. I doubt it’s related to a stroke; however, I did experience an unusual numbness in the left side of my mouth yesterday, though my motor function remained unaffected. I've not had any head injuries either. While I plan to consult with my eye doctor, I'm hoping to determine whether this situation warrants a trip to the emergency room. I appreciate any guidance or insights you might have!
Understanding My Tongue Symptoms
Age: 35, Male, Height: 6ft, Location: UK. I’ve noticed some tiny white bumps at the rear of my tongue. Although the tests ruled out oral thrush, my doctor still suspects it could be the issue. After nearly a week on medication, I haven't seen significant improvement; the sensation remains unchanged. Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated!
Unusual Head Pressure
I’m a 14-year-old weighing 124 pounds, and I've been experiencing an odd sensation of pressure in my head. It’s not particularly painful, but it feels as if there’s a need for my ears to pop, creating a sense of fullness throughout. While it’s somewhat bothersome, the discomfort has grown to the point where it's disrupting my ability to sleep. These episodes occur occasionally; however, today’s intensity is greater than what I typically encounter.
Assessing My Copper Levels: Seeking Guidance
Greetings! I appreciate you allowing me to join this discussion. I'm feeling quite anxious about the possibility of having Wilson's Disease. I am currently trying to make sense of my situation. After receiving advice, I underwent Copper and Ceruloplasmin blood tests, especially since my Transferrin levels have been consistently below the normal range. Now, I'm unsure whether I should consider taking a tiny daily amount of copper (0.9 ml) and then retest in three to four weeks. Here are my most recent results. I also completed a 24-hour urine test, which indicated low Copper and Ceruloplasmin levels, while the urine analysis returned normal results. Furthermore, I'm anticipating the results of my ATP7B gene test, which should arrive sometime next week. I’ve also noted that unbound copper levels appear slightly elevated. **Test Results** - Ferritin: 50.0 (normal range 10 - 291 ng/mL) - Iron: 16.8 (normal range 9.0-30.4 µmol/L) - Transferrin: 2.2 (normal range 2.50-3.80 g/L) - Transferrin Saturation: 31 (normal range 16-45 %) - Iron-binding Capacity: 55 (normal range 45 - 63 µmol/L) - Creatinine: 57.0 (normal range 44-71 µmol/L) - ASAT: 20 (normal range <34 u/L) - ALAT: 18 (normal range 10-49 u/L) - Zinc: 86.0 (normal range 70.0-120.0 µg/dL) - Active B12: 159.41 (normal range 27.24-169.62 pmol/L) **Copper Levels** - Ceruloplasmin: 0.18 (normal range 0.20-0.60 g/L) - Copper: 70 (normal range 80 - 155 µg/dL) - 24-hour Urine Copper: 14.3 (normal range <30 µg/24h) - Unbound Copper: 16 µg/dL I would greatly appreciate any insights or advice from anyone who might be knowledgeable in this area. Thank you very much!