18 Years Old, Assigned Female at Birth: Seeking Clarity from My Doctor
I feel quite foolish expressing my concerns here, but I visited my family physician today, and she seemed completely stumped regarding my situation. To be honest, I didn’t anticipate much support; my previous reluctance to seek medical advice has been significant this year—only going for essential vaccinations or infections. As a result, I’m not entirely certain how to interpret my symptoms, which, while concerning, I’ve managed to endure. For the past three weeks, I have been overwhelmed by exhaustion. Most days after class, I find it nearly impossible not to take a lengthy nap, typically around three to four hours. This fatigue is disrupting my studies; I frequently miss morning classes due to waking up utterly drained, feeling as though I’ve hardly rested at all. My eyes persistently ache, accompanied by a sense of constant pressure. I’m acutely aware of their discomfort. Additionally, I’ve noticed an increase in nosebleeds recently, which I rationalize as normal since I suspect it’s broken; however, the frequency over the last couple of weeks has seemed unusual. Yesterday, I noticed a change for the first time: my skin appeared almost translucent. Although my pale complexion typically explains some transparency, my legs looked unexpectedly so. Moreover, I often feel either too cold or too warm, with rarely any comfortable middle ground. At one point, I stood up and experienced a near-fainting spell. I generally love food, but my appetite has considerably diminished. I notice hunger pangs, yet the desire to eat is virtually nonexistent. I intend to consult another physician soon since I'm concerned about these symptoms and hoping for some insight regarding what might be going on with my health. :')
Answers (1)
2/7/2026, 12:50:40 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed by your symptoms, and I commend you for seeking clarity regarding your health. The combination of persistent fatigue, eye discomfort, frequent nosebleeds, skin changes, temperature sensitivity, and reduced appetite suggests that you may be experiencing a health issue that requires attention. While I cannot provide a diagnosis, I can share some important points and next steps to help you navigate this.
Explanation of Your Symptoms
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Chronic Fatigue: Feeling excessively tired, especially if it disrupts your daily activities, could be related to multiple factors, including anemia, hormonal imbalances, or sleep disturbances.
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Eye Discomfort: Eye pressure and aches can stem from several causes, such as digital eye strain, allergies, or other underlying conditions.
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Nosebleeds: Increased frequency of nosebleeds can indicate dryness or vascular issues, which could be related to systemic factors.
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Skin Changes: The translucence you noticed in your skin along with feelings of being excessively cold or warm could point to circulatory issues or possible anemia.
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Appetite Changes and Near-Fainting: These symptoms might be influenced by fatigue, dehydration, low blood sugar, or other metabolic concerns.
Next Steps
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Maintain a Symptom Journal: Track when your symptoms occur, their duration, and any triggers or reliefs. This information can be vital for your healthcare provider.
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Optimize Your Diet: Aim for balanced meals rich in iron (like spinach, legumes, lean meats) and hydration to support your overall energy levels. Consider small, frequent meals to help with your appetite.
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Monitor Your Fatigue: Note what activities increase your exhaustion. Gradually incorporate light physical activity, if you can, as it may help improve your energy levels over time.
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Assess Your Environment: Given your eye discomfort and nosebleeds, consider if there are environmental factors at play, such as dryness in your home or excessive screen time.
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Seek Medical Evaluation: Since you plan to consult another physician, express your comprehensive list of symptoms. They may want to conduct blood tests to check for anemia, thyroid function, or other conditions impacting your health.
Reassurance
It's fine to feel confused and concerned about unfamiliar symptoms. Seeking medical advice when needed is a strong and proactive step toward understanding your health. Allow yourself some grace as you navigate this, and prioritize reaching out for appropriate help. Your well-being is important, and addressing these symptoms can lead to improved health and quality of life. If you have further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to share.
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