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
-
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.
-
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).
-
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.
-
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.
-
Practice Relaxation Techniques: Stress can exacerbate appetite changes. Consider techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation to manage stress and potentially improve your appetite.
-
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!
Related Questions
Is Constipation Possible Without Symptoms?
For me, experiencing a lack of bowel movements for a span of 8 to 10 days on a monthly basis is quite common, and I suspect it is linked to my premenstrual syndrome, as it consistently occurs during the same week every month. However, I find myself questioning whether this situation qualifies as constipation, mainly because I do not exhibit any classic signs. There is no pain, no discomfort, and no bloating; I genuinely feel as though there is no urgent need to relieve myself. I am 24 years old.
Braved the Cold Without Gloves at -20
19-year-old from Toronto here. After being outside in frigid temperatures, I've returned home feeling quite cold. My right hand is experiencing numbness and tingling in the fingertips. What steps should I take? It's been around 7 to 8 hours since I was outdoors.
Managing Early Appendicitis: Antibiotics vs. Surgery
I’m a 21-year-old who recently had a CT scan revealing mild inflammation in my appendix and lymph nodes. My doctor informed me that surgery might not be necessary if the antibiotics effectively alleviate my discomfort by tomorrow. However, I can’t shake my fears about a potential recurrence of the inflammation. The thought of going through a post-surgery recovery terrifies me, so I really want to steer clear of that option. Has anyone opted for antibiotics rather than surgical intervention? What was your experience like?
Severe Abdominal Discomfort
An 18-year-old male, with no history of smoking or current medications, finds himself at home, surrounded by his sleeping family. He stands approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs around 220 pounds. Lately, he has been experiencing persistent discomfort in the lower left side of his abdomen. This sensation has intensified recently, culminating in a bout of vomiting, which was notably different this time, presenting more solid material rather than the usual liquid with some fragments. The level of pain has escalated significantly, leaving him uncertain about seeking medical assistance at this moment. What steps should he take?
Concerns Over My Partner's Persistent Pain and Resistance to Seek Medical Help
I’m facing a worrying situation with my partner, a 40-year-old man who stands 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs approximately 19 stone. Here's a brief overview of his medical background: Twenty years ago, he experienced two instances of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his left shoulder. Following the second incident, doctors discovered an abnormal growth of a rib that was pressing against a vein, which was the cause of those DVTs. More recently, he dealt with a blood clot in his calf last year. Fortunately, that was successfully treated, and he returned to his normal health. Although he was advised to continue taking apixaban for the long term, he has, unfortunately, chosen not to follow through with this guidance. He also has a history of elevated blood pressure. For the past couple of days, he has been experiencing two concerning symptoms that emerged simultaneously: a persistent cough with no accompanying cold or flu signs, and a severe pain located on the right side of his torso. He describes this discomfort as being mostly in his stomach yet extending slightly to his back. I would pinpoint the troubled area as the lower part of his ribs along the side of his body. It's unusual for him to express discomfort or complain about his health, so his recent grievances signal to me that the pain is likely quite significant. Despite my repeated suggestions for him to visit a doctor, he insists that he may have simply pulled a muscle. To manage the pain, he's been applying an ibuprofen cream (voltarol) and taking naproxen, but neither seems to provide relief. What might be the underlying issue here? I hope that some medical professionals who see this post can offer their insights, which might persuade him to consider making a doctor’s appointment. I’m open to providing any additional information you might require for a more informed perspective. Thank you for your help!