Struggling to Distinguish Between Mental and Physical Health Issues (24, Female)
Lately, I find myself questioning whether I'm fabricating my health challenges. It's hard to articulate my experiences, so I'll lay out the essential details: I am a 24-year-old female, standing 5'1'' and weighing 120 pounds. For over a year, I've sought help from various healthcare professionals due to an alarming issue – in June 2022, my menstrual cycles, which had always been consistent, simply ceased. After numerous tests, including blood samples, an ultrasound, and an MRI, I received different findings. The MRI returned normal results, but my blood tests revealed significantly low levels of estrogen and progesterone, with the exception of cortisol and TSH, which were at the higher limits. The ultrasound indicated the presence of cysts. The diagnosis? PCOS, with a recommendation for birth control. Initially, this approach increased my estrogen levels from 10 to 19, but it also reduced my progesterone, led to a weight gain of about 10 pounds, and triggered severe depression, prompting me to discontinue the medication after just two weeks. I experienced a withdrawal bleed, but since then, that was the only cycle I've had in over a year – it occurred in April. My symptoms extend far beyond just menstrual irregularities. I struggle with intense fatigue, relying on a minimum of two cups of coffee daily to function, and my bedtime is around 8 PM. I find myself frequently waking at night to urinate, rising very early without the ability to doze off again, dealing with overwhelming hunger and a noisy appetite, and grappling with feelings of anxiety and depression. I'm currently exercising twice a day, constantly anxious about gaining weight again. This creates a relentless cycle, particularly troubling given that many with PCOS do tend to gain weight. However, my doctor insists there's nothing physically wrong with me. I suppose he has a point? Most of my blood results do appear normal, and I’m actively managing my situation. But does that mean I’m fabricating my symptoms? Should I disregard these other challenges? My growing concern about thyroid function stems from my desire for a more efficient metabolism, which could potentially alleviate worries about weight gain, a struggle that has surfaced rather easily in the past. Am I imagining these issues? I’ve discussed them with my doctor, but he reassured me that everything is okay, suggesting I might want to reconsider birth control. I doubt he’d provide any solutions for my hunger or concerns about weight management, which makes sense as he acknowledges my current weight as healthy. Nevertheless, I'm experiencing tangible symptoms like unexpected weight fluctuations (especially when I'm not meticulously monitoring calories and exercising consistently), incessant hunger, and overwhelming fatigue. I'm left wondering whether these struggles are more psychological or rooted in physical health. I recognize that I don’t have an eating disorder, as my daily caloric intake averages around 2500, largely fueled by my insatiable hunger. My doctor also confirmed that conditions like HA/Reds were excluded in my case. So, is this simply the reality of PCOS, or am I losing my mind?
Answers (1)
8/24/2025, 9:21:09 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's completely understandable to feel overwhelmed by the challenges you're facing, especially when they involve complex symptoms and conflicting medical opinions. You're not imagining your issues; they are valid experiences that seek to be understood. Let’s break this down and address your primary concerns.
Main Points:
- Understanding PCOS: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can cause a range of physical and psychological symptoms, including menstrual irregularities, fatigue, and mood changes.
- Validation of Symptoms: Your symptoms are real. While they may not have clear physical roots according to some tests, this does not mean they are not significant.
- Focus on Management: Strategies to manage your symptoms effectively can help improve your quality of life.
Explanation:
PCOS is a complex condition that can affect various aspects of health beyond just reproductive issues. It's common for individuals with PCOS to experience emotional and physical challenges, including fatigue and anxiety. Your symptoms like fatigue, persistent hunger, and weight fluctuations may be linked to hormonal imbalances typical in PCOS, even if blood tests sometimes appear normal.
Your previous experience with birth control shows how your body can react differently to treatments due to your unique hormonal profile. The emotional toll of managing PCOS can also lead to feelings of frustration, especially when trying to figure out whether symptoms are psychological or physical.
Actionable Steps:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a daily journal of your symptoms, noting any changes, triggers, and emotional feelings. This can help identify patterns and provide valuable information for your healthcare provider.
- Evaluate Dietary Choices: Focus on a balanced diet rich in whole foods, proteins, and fiber-rich carbohydrates to help stabilize blood sugar levels and manage hunger. Consider seeking guidance from a registered dietitian who specializes in PCOS.
- Incorporate Stress Management: Practices like yoga, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises can help alleviate anxiety and improve mood. Find activities that you enjoy that also help you relax.
- Consider a Second Opinion: If you're unsure about your current care, seeking a second opinion from an endocrinologist or a reproductive health specialist can provide further insights into managing your PCOS and hormonal health.
- Physical Activity Balance: While exercising is beneficial, ensure it's balanced and not causing additional stress. Consider incorporating mindfulness practices that include physical activity, such as walking or dancing, rather than solely focusing on intensity and calorie burning.
Reassurance:
It's important to know that your concerns about mental versus physical health are shared by many individuals facing chronic conditions like PCOS. Your feelings and symptoms matter, and finding the right team to support you in managing them can make a significant difference. You are not alone in this journey, and taking actionable steps can help you regain a sense of control.
If you find that your anxiety or feelings of being overwhelmed continue, consider discussing these emotions with a mental health professional who can help you work through them.
Related Questions
Seeking Insights: My Journey with Undiagnosed Neurological Symptoms
Hello everyone, I'm a 34-year-old female grappling with neurological symptoms that first appeared in October, and I’m eager to hear from anyone who might have faced similar challenges. My journey began with unexpected migraines, blurred vision, and an ongoing sensation of being off-balance or intoxicated. Gradually, I began experiencing mainly sensory-related symptoms, such as tingling and burning sensations, feelings of extreme heat and cold, sharp pains radiating in my arms and back, as well as discomfort in my hands and toes, alongside intermittent numbness. I also endure varying degrees of weakness and heaviness in my right side, specifically my arm and leg, although I haven’t suffered complete functional loss. The nature of my symptoms is erratic; they fluctuate rather than consistently deteriorate. An MRI revealed mild, scattered lesions in the white matter, which were deemed nonspecific. Further tests from a lumbar puncture returned normal results, showing no markers of inflammation, and the oligoclonal bands were not present. A thorough range of lab tests yielded no significant findings. After evaluating my case, the neurology team suggested a possible diagnosis of MS and administered a three-day course of intravenous steroids. While I noticed a slight improvement in some sensory pain, my symptoms persist and continue to vary day by day. I still experience headaches and pressure in my head along with episodes of blurred vision, but there have been no new deficits since treatment. I am reaching out to connect with others who have had similar experiences. I would like to learn about the insights or diagnoses you encountered and what treatments proved beneficial (such as those related to migraine disorders, dysautonomia, or sensory neuropathy, for example). If you have navigated a similar path, I would greatly appreciate your sharing your story. Thank you!
Should I Seek Medical Attention for Left Ear Pulsatile Tinnitus?
A 31-year-old woman reports an ongoing issue with pulsatile tinnitus, which she is currently experiencing solely in her left ear. Although she's noticed this condition intermittently before, she hadn’t paid it much mind due to the absence of pain. Recently, however, her curiosity piqued her interest in researching the condition, where she stumbled upon information suggesting it could be serious. Usually, she avoids searching online for health worries, but now she is contemplating whether a visit to the doctor might be warranted. Can anyone advise on the need for a medical evaluation in this case?
Concerns About Angular Cheilitis
I’m a 23-year-old woman with no history of smoking, and I’m seeking assistance regarding a health issue. Back in January, I experienced angular cheilitis three times, each episode involving a minor crack at the corner of my mouth that healed within a few days. Following the last occurrence, I became quite anxious due to saliva accumulation in that area. I found myself frequently brushing my finger along that spot. After a few days, I observed a small area forming that appeared white and had a rough texture. Eventually, I realized it was not just a coincidence, and I started taking action, but only after it became noticeably larger. To address it, I cleaned the area with a mix of alcohol and apple cider vinegar. I’m uncertain about what this issue could be, but I’ve recently begun using over-the-counter Clotrimazole cream while also keeping the area moisturized with either lanolin or petroleum jelly. Unfortunately, I haven’t noticed any improvement, and I’m concerned as it seems to be expanding. The patch continues to be rough and excessively dry. Although I can open my mouth wide without any cracks forming, I do feel tension in the skin, similar to having a bandage over that location. At times, I experience a burning sensation after thorough washing, and I’ve noticed tiny red spots appearing on the outer edges of the patch sporadically.
Experiencing Heart Palpitations Following Chest Impact
I'm a 17-year-old female who has struggled with tachycardia for several years, having been diagnosed with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) about five years ago, although I haven't pursued further testing because I haven't completely lost consciousness. Recently, over the past month or two, I've started to experience sensations of my heart skipping beats, accompanied by difficulty in breathing during these episodes. These occurrences have become significantly more frequent, even when I'm at rest. Five years ago, I underwent a Holter monitor test, which indicated primarily tachycardia with occasional premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), but nothing alarming was found. In early December, I was struck hard in the chest by an elbow while in a mosh pit, which resulted in some pain when taking deep breaths for a few days. My sternum became bruised and slightly swollen, and it remained tender to touch for about two weeks, but this discomfort was manageable. I still feel some soreness when stretching, although it’s not severe. Additionally, I have diagnoses of Crohn’s disease and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (HEDS), and I am currently on immunosuppressants. Given these circumstances, would it be advisable for me to seek medical evaluation, or could these symptoms be considered typical?
Understanding My Experiences with Dissociation and Physical Symptoms
Hello everyone! I'm 15 years old and I’ve been grappling with intense feelings of dissociation recently. About two years back, I experienced what I now refer to as a "silent seizure" for the first time. It happened around 2 PM while I was at school in the band hall. Suddenly, I found myself zoning out completely; I was just sitting there, disassociated from reality, until it dawned on me that I couldn’t seem to reconnect with my surroundings. Feeling lost, I turned to a friend and anxiously asked, "Where am I?" She chuckled, unaware of the seriousness of my situation, but I stood up and wandered out of the classroom, aimlessly walking towards the bathrooms. The sensation was akin to being in a dream—you know you’re somewhere, yet you can’t fully engage with the moment for what felt like 5 to 10 minutes. Strangely, I even had the feeling of observing myself from above as I moved through the halls, like a scene from a dream. In a state of panic, I contacted my mom. By the time I managed to leave school, my mind was clearing. She took me to her workplace where a colleague checked my blood sugar levels, revealing it was low. I had eaten that day, so this was unexpected (especially since my mother also faces issues with low blood sugar). This occurrence was unprecedented for me; thankfully, I haven’t faced such low levels since then. In the following weeks, I experienced intermittent dissociative episodes, prompting me to visit a doctor. I underwent blood tests, an electrocardiogram (EKG), and a routine examination. Everything appeared normal, except I was diagnosed with anemia—something my mother and sister also deal with. I walked away from that appointment without any real explanations, and after a while, the episodes subsided—thankfully, a relief. FAST FORWARD TO NOW: (15 years old) (Potentially relevant context) Recently, I’ve been enduring severe heart and chest discomfort. I’ve been noticing irregular heartbeats, sporadic strong pulsations, and sharp pain localized in my heart region and upper right chest. Lying on my side can be quite painful, and sometimes I struggle to take deep breaths. I make it a priority to get a full eight hours of sleep each night, I take daily vitamins, and I’m actively involved in competitive cheerleading, maintaining a healthy fitness level for my height and weight. We sought medical advice again, underwent numerous tests, and, once more, everything checked out fine. My heart was deemed healthy, and all other measurements were satisfactory. Initially, we suspected anxiety might be a factor, but my mom is hesitant to consider antidepressants, believing that my age may limit treatment options. She has recommended that I hydrate more and practice breathing exercises (which is somewhat ironic since I struggle to breathe when these pains occur, yet I don’t argue). UPDATE: During practice today, I unexpectedly experienced my first "silent seizure" episode in two years. It was more disconcerting than I recalled. I lost track of my location again and couldn’t re-engage with reality. It felt as if I was observing those around me from a dream-like vantage point. This realization frightened me, thinking that I had moved past these episodes. It took about ten minutes for me to regain my awareness of my environment. Additionally, this week, I noticed moments of dissociation, albeit not as intense as previous episodes. I found myself vacantly staring, and my vision felt oddly lazy, frequently. It's worth noting that I do not have a lazy eye. I plan to document these occurrences meticulously, and if they persist, I will consult my doctor again. Meanwhile, if anyone has suggestions about what might be happening to me, I would greatly appreciate it. Is this potentially linked to anxiety? I’m genuinely confused about my condition!