Feeling Overlooked: My Health Concerns as a Woman on Medication
I’m a 23-year-old female, standing at 5’1.5” and weighing 108 pounds. I don't smoke traditional cigarettes; instead, I vape nicotine and avoid alcohol altogether. Currently, I’m on a low-dose birth control (mini pill .35mg) and have been prescribed Prozac (50mg) for the past year and a half. I also take Claritin for my allergies when necessary. Over the last two years, I've experienced a decline in my health, starting with a severe burning sensation in and behind my ears upon waking. Despite my concerns, my doctor assured me that there was nothing wrong with my ears. I then began to have what seemed like allergic responses—itchiness, hives, and issues with my skin being more prone to markings. This eventually progressed to sudden swelling of my salivary glands at night, seemingly without any trigger, along with overwhelming fatigue that forces me to rest after even minimal physical activity. I require excessive sleep to feel rejuvenated. I consulted my primary care physician and underwent blood tests. The results indicated low ALT levels and a deficiency in vitamin D, while my thyroid function was normal. I visited an allergist to explore potential food allergies and had tests done for common and autoimmune conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, all of which returned negative. In the last year, I've been troubled by urinary urgency that has, at times, led to incontinence. I decided to address this issue with a doctor and was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection, for which I received antibiotics. However, upon consulting with a urologist, she expressed doubts that pelvic floor dysfunction was the source of my problems, explaining that while UTIs could exacerbate the symptoms, they typically do not initiate them. During my visits, my urine tests showed concerning results: elevated protein levels, ketones, and positive readings for bilirubin and urobilinogen. Although the latest test confirmed the UTI has cleared, I still grapple with ongoing urgency and incontinence episodes. Throughout this year, my blood pressure readings have consistently been on the higher side; during my last visit, it was measured at 131/89. Surprisingly, none of the doctors have addressed this aspect of my health. Instead, I was simply advised to increase my fluid intake. While this is valid advice, I feel lost about how to move forward. Additionally, I've been suffering from chronic migraines behind one eye, which have worsened in both intensity and duration. The first question I received regarding these headaches was whether I wanted medication, but I am more interested in understanding the underlying cause. It’s frustrating that my health concerns are met with indifference. Neither the urologist nor the allergist seemed interested in discussing the abnormal results of my urine tests, particularly the protein levels. Overall, I’m left feeling like my health issues are being downplayed.
Answers (1)
8/5/2025, 4:20:59 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the numerous health challenges you've been experiencing. It's understandable to feel overwhelmed and overlooked, especially when your concerns don't seem to lead to clear answers or solutions. Your symptoms, including persistent fatigue, urinary urgency, migraines, and abnormal lab results, deserve further exploration. Let’s break down what you’re facing and consider the next steps that may help you find relief and clarity.
Key Points to Consider:
- Multisystem Symptoms: Your experiences with ear discomfort, skin issues, fatigue, urinary changes, and migraines are interconnected and may require a more comprehensive evaluation.
- Urine Test Abnormalities: Protein in the urine can indicate various underlying issues, and it’s concerning that this hasn’t been fully addressed by your past healthcare providers.
- Blood Pressure: Elevated readings, especially the one you shared (131/89), should be monitored and discussed. Consistent high readings can indicate hypertension.
Explanations & Insights:
- Vitamin D Deficiency: Low vitamin D can contribute to fatigue and muscle pain. Consider incorporating dietary sources of vitamin D (like fatty fish, fortified dairy, or supplements) as advised by a healthcare professional.
- Potential Causes of Symptoms: Symptoms related to urinary urgency and incontinence can stem from various causes, including infection, structural issues, or pelvic floor dysfunction. The presence of protein in urine might suggest kidney-related concerns that should be monitored.
- Chronic Migraines: These may be related to stress, hormonal changes (especially with your birth control), dehydration, or other neurological triggers.
Actionable Steps:
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Track Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, including frequency, severity, and potential triggers (food, activities, stress levels). This information can provide valuable insights for your next healthcare visit.
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Follow-Up on Urine Test Results: Seek another consultation, possibly with a nephrologist (kidney specialist), to discuss the elevated protein levels and other abnormal findings in your urine. It’s essential to know if these indicate an underlying condition that needs attention.
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Re-evaluate Blood Pressure: Monitor your blood pressure regularly at home and document these readings. Consider lifestyle changes such as a low-sodium diet, increased physical activity, and stress management techniques. This data will be helpful when discussing your health with a provider.
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Explore Migraine Triggers: Identify potential triggers for your migraines. Consider factors like hydration, sleep patterns, diet, and stress. Discuss these findings with a healthcare professional for targeted management strategies.
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Advocate for Comprehensive Care: It's essential to assert your concerns about the various symptoms you're experiencing in a clear and concise manner. Ask for a holistic evaluation that considers the interplay of all your symptoms instead of addressing them in isolation. This might mean seeking a new primary care provider who's willing to take a more integrated approach or a specialist who can look at multiple systems.
Closing Thoughts
It's important that you feel heard and supported in your health journey. Keeping detailed notes of your symptoms and advocating for a thorough investigation can lead to more effective care. If you find that your current providers are not addressing your concerns adequately, it’s completely reasonable to seek a second opinion or consult another physician who specializes in women's health or integrative medicine. Remember, your health matters, and you have the right to pursue clarity and care. Please keep me updated on your progress if you wish.
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