Struggling with Food Aversion after Inducing My Periods
I'm a 22-year-old Indian woman with PCOS, and recently I took medication to bring on my period. While my cycle started as expected, I've been facing an unexpected issue: a strong aversion to food. This has been persisting since August 13th, and it's been quite sporadic, coming and going. My appetite has also taken a noticeable shift. I suspect that alcohol might be one of the triggers. If anyone has advice or insights, I would greatly appreciate your help!
Answers (1)
8/28/2025, 9:31:18 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing food aversion and appetite changes, which can sometimes occur after taking medication to induce your period, especially in conjunction with PCOS. Understanding how your body responds to these medications is important, and your feelings are valid.
Food aversion can have many causes, including hormonal fluctuations or changes in your body's response to food and drink, like alcohol. Let’s focus on manageable steps to help you navigate this situation.
Explanation
When you induce your period, particularly with hormonal medications, it can lead to emotional and physical side effects, including changes in appetite and food preferences. Alcohol can also affect your appetite and mood, possibly intensifying feelings of nausea or aversion to certain foods. This is especially relevant for individuals with PCOS, where hormonal imbalances can affect overall mood and appetite.
Next Steps
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Monitor Triggers: Pay attention to what foods or drinks seem to worsen your aversion. Since you suspect alcohol, consider reducing your intake to see if your symptoms improve. Note any other patterns related to specific foods.
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Focus on Nutrient-Dense Foods: When you do feel hungry, try to choose foods that provide good nutrition but are gentle on your stomach. Options include smooth foods (like yogurt or smoothies), light proteins (like chicken or fish), and easily digestible carbohydrates (like rice or toast).
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Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water or herbal teas to ensure you are staying hydrated. Dehydration can also make you feel worse when it comes to appetite.
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Snack Small and Often: If large meals are unappealing, try eating smaller, more frequent snacks throughout the day. This can help you maintain energy levels without overwhelming your appetite.
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Practice Relaxation Techniques: Stress can exacerbate appetite changes. Consider techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation to manage stress and potentially improve your appetite.
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Keep a Food Diary: Track what you eat, how you feel before and after meals, and any correlation you see with your food aversions. This can help you identify patterns and what works best for you.
Remember, fluctuations in appetite can be linked to hormonal changes, and patience is key. If the food aversion persists or worsens, or if you experience additional symptoms such as significant weight loss, it may be wise to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation. You don’t have to go through this alone, and support is available. Let me know if you have any other questions or need further assistance!
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