Experiencing Jitters After Starting Hormonal Medication
Recently, I've found myself under a considerable amount of stress, leading to an unusual occurrence where I had my menstrual cycle three times in a single month, which is definitely not ideal. After visiting my doctor, she prescribed a hormonal therapy for me, though I don’t recall the specific name of the medication. The regimen consists of taking it twice a day at 12-hour intervals, specifically in the morning and evening at the same time, and I am to continue this for a duration of 21 days. I've noticed that I've been more emotional than usual, with tears coming more frequently. Just yesterday, I opened up to my friends about the emotional turmoil and stress I’ve been enduring, including experiencing nightmares and waking up unexpectedly. However, upon waking today, I initially felt fine. After taking my medication, I soon began to feel excessively jittery and hyperactive. My grip has been off too, as I keep dropping small objects, like bottle caps. Additionally, I’m experiencing a bit of lightheadedness. Is it possible that these symptoms are a side effect of the medication, or could it be that my stress levels are just too high?
Answers (1)
2/8/2026, 8:40:28 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about the symptoms you’re experiencing after starting hormonal therapy, especially during a stressful time. You're likely experiencing side effects from the medication, but stress could also play a significant role. Let's break this down.
Key Points:
- Your symptoms of jitteriness and lightheadedness may be related to the hormonal medication.
- Emotional changes can be a side effect of hormonal treatments as your body adjusts.
- Increased stress can heighten anxiety and contribute to physical symptoms.
Explanation:
Hormonal medications can affect mood and physical sensations as your body adapts. Feelings of jitteriness, emotional sensitivity, and issues with coordination (dropping objects) could all link back to either the hormonal changes or your current stress levels. Since you recently began treatment and have also been under significant emotional stress, both factors could be influencing how you feel.
Next Steps:
-
Track Symptoms: Keep a daily journal noting when you take your medication and any changes in your symptoms. This will help identify patterns related to the timing of your medication and any triggers.
-
Monitor Stress: Incorporate stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or light exercises into your routine. Finding time for self-care can help manage your overall stress levels.
-
Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you’re well-hydrated and eating balanced meals, as this can positively impact how you feel both physically and emotionally.
-
Communication: If your symptoms of jitteriness, lightheadedness, or emotional changes persist or worsen, consider discussing these concerns with your doctor. It’s essential to inform them about your side effects, as adjustments to your medication or additional support may be needed.
-
Gradual Adjustment: Remember that your body may take time to adjust to the hormonal changes, but do not hesitate to seek medical advice if you are ever unsure about how you're feeling.
Recognizing and addressing these issues can lead to improved well-being. It's great that you are already reaching out and sharing how you feel, as discussions can alleviate some emotional burden.
Related Questions
Concerns About Cognitive Decline at Age 18
I’d like to share my experience regarding some troubling changes I’m noticing in myself. For as long as I can remember, my memory has been quite poor—some might say it’s a bit ironic. This could be linked to a mild brain injury I sustained in a car crash about a decade ago. Unfortunately, I believe my memory issues are deteriorating further. In recent months, I've become increasingly aware of various troubling symptoms emerging. These include: a declining grasp of my surroundings, a significant memory deficit, vague discomfort in my eyes, difficulties with reading comprehension, challenges in articulating my thoughts and feelings, and an alarming loss of awareness beyond my immediate field of vision. I've also started to experience a resurgence of fear related to darkness and growing unease towards subjects that didn’t bother me for years, such as graphic violence, death, and other unsettling themes. While the cause of these issues is unclear, I'm hypothesizing that excessive screen time, especially scrolling through short videos for hours daily, might be a factor. However, I engaged in similar habits for years before these symptoms emerged, which have surfaced rather abruptly over just the past few months. This rapid progression raises my concerns that it could be something more severe, potentially even early-onset dementia. A couple of years ago, I dealt with intense health anxiety that lasted about a year but seemed to disappear completely until now. Now, I’m recognizing some overlapping symptoms from that period, such as anxiety, eye discomfort, and fears regarding my cognitive abilities. I faintly remember experiencing a fear of the dark then as well, but I had since become quite comfortable in it until recently when those same fears have started to resurface. Interestingly, I’ve also noticed a revival of my childhood sense of wonder, as I find myself enjoying nature and animals more than I have in years. While this should be a positive development, in light of my other symptoms, it feels concerning and suggests that something may be deteriorating within my brain. My sleep patterns have always been problematic, often staying up far too late, but until now, I’ve managed to function cognitively without major concerns. I am aware that insufficient sleep can lead to cognitive issues, yet the speed of my deterioration suggests there could be other underlying causes. I’m feeling as though I’m reverting to a child-like state while my cognitive abilities slip away, and this frightens me. Just as I’m attempting to establish my independence, it feels like it’s all slipping away too quickly. I’m reaching out for insight or help in understanding what’s happening. This situation terrifies me.
Concerns About My Health Journey
At the age of 28, I began experiencing troubling symptoms in November 2025. A persistent dry cough accompanied by a sense of breathlessness made even the slightest physical activity feel overwhelming. After a few weeks of grappling with these issues, I recognized that this was more serious than a typical illness, prompting me to consult a physician who has since recommended a series of diagnostic tests. One significant test administered was a CT scan with contrast. I should mention that I have a history of asthma, which required an inhaler during my early childhood years, though I have only recently resumed its use due to my current symptoms. Additionally, I have dealt with knee arthritis and joint pain that began around the age of 12, continuous migraines dating back even further, and ongoing eczema. Although my doctor suspects an autoimmune condition, the blood test results have yet to provide a clear answer. Regarding my current medications, I am utilizing a Qvar inhaler twice a day, alongside 300 mg of Wellbutrin, 40 mg of Lexapro, and 20 mg of Buspar twice daily. I also take 60 mg of Propranolol, .5 mg of Klonopin as needed, and manage discomfort with Ibuprofen as required. Currently, I rely on supplemental oxygen at 3 liters per minute while at rest, and up to 4 liters per minute when engaging in household activities. I hope that this situation is temporary, but I find myself uncertain about how feasible it is to expect a return to normal breathing without assistance in the future.
(24F) Seeking Clarity on Crepitus Symptoms - Any Guidance?
Hello! I'm feeling quite anxious and could really use some advice. Previously, I shared a post discussing my elevated CRP levels. For several months now, I've been experiencing a strange sensation throughout my upper body that feels like dry leaves crunching or bubbles popping. Although it's silent, the feeling is distinctly present. This started in early 2025 and began with a noticeable urge to stretch my whole body, evolving into a feeling of muscle heaviness and discomfort, culminating in this crepitus whenever I attempt to stretch. It’s felt around my sternum, ribs, spine, shoulders, hips, and occasionally even in my jaw. After I began taking magnesium supplements, the severe heaviness and pain in my upper back significantly decreased by around 80%. Yet, the crepitus remains stubbornly persistent and annoying. It feels as if my muscles haven’t been used in ages or perhaps have air bubbles within them. Whenever I give in to stretching to alleviate the pressure, I experience mild stiffness. In a moment of desperation, I consulted AI for insights regarding my condition. It suggested that systemic inflammation (my CRP is over 10 and decreasing gradually) might lead to a slight thickening of synovial fluid, which could explain the crepitus. On top of this, I also battle fatigue, widespread body aches, and significant anxiety that heightens my awareness of even the slightest sensations in my body. My iron levels are low (Ferritin at 17), and I’m borderline deficient in both B12 and vitamin D. My gastroenterologist informed me that it may take weeks or even months for my gastrointestinal symptoms to improve. My endocrinologist has approved iron supplementation, which I’ve been on for about a month, and is also treating my issues with PCOD and elevated testosterone, while my CRP levels are slowly decreasing. Despite that, my ongoing anxiety, the crepitus, and a general feeling of malaise continue to trouble me. With a move to a new city coming up in 10 days, I’m worried about how that might affect me. I’d like to see a general practitioner, but I’m uncertain about how to approach it. While my ongoing concerns are being addressed, I haven't experienced any clear signs of improvement yet. However, it's only been a month and a half since the treatment for H Pylori and a month since I started all my supplements. Transitioning to a new place and finding a suitable doctor will also take time, and I feel lost regarding what’s happening with my body. Could this be benign? Is it part of the healing journey? Should I wait a few more weeks before consulting my GP or should I share my experience with them right away? I’m feeling quite confused. My parents advise seeking reassurance, but I have apprehensions about this specific GP due to their sarcastic demeanor, though I do trust them. I understand that any doctor would prefer my consultation over ignorance, yet I can’t shake the feeling that I might be overanalyzing everything, as I’ve been told in the past.
Duration of Symptoms Post-Alprazolam Overdose
I apologize for any lack of clarity in my message; I’ve been quite disoriented lately. I also hope I’m posting in the right forum for this discussion. A bit about me: I’m a 22-year-old woman (transgender male, no medical transition) at 5’2” and weighing 181 pounds (82 kg). I’ve been prescribed venlafaxine 75 mg for my depression, oxcarbazepine 150 mg twice a day for mood stabilization, alongside a generic folate supplement, and alprazolam for managing anxiety and panic attacks. Additionally, I'm on Ozempic (semaglutide) for weight management and am currently in week 3 of a 0.25 mg dosage. I used to smoke as a teenager but recently started having cigarettes sporadically after quitting for a while. My overall physical health is mostly unremarkable, although I experience pain while walking. Historically, my vital signs have been stable. I struggle with alcohol dependency when financially able, but I recently broke a sobriety period that lasted for a while. Recently, I consumed an entire bottle of 1 mg Xanax (about 60 mg) and had approximately 11 beers (Cayman Jack, 5.8% alcohol), ultimately passing out before finishing the twelfth. Somehow I survived this experience, but I’m reaching out because I’ve been feeling very unstable, stumbling, and occasionally groaning during activities. There are moments when I lose consciousness entirely—not fainting, but instead feeling a compelling need to lie down and sleep for varying durations, from an hour to as much as six. After going to bed at night, I find myself waking up in the afternoon. I often slur my speech, experience uncontrollable tears, hyperventilate, and swing between a state of emotional emptiness and being overwhelmed by feelings. This is significantly worse than my emotional state prior to my overdose attempt. My mother mentioned that I seem slightly improved today (though she is unaware of my recent actions), and I agree that I’m not as severely affected, but the experience remains intense. I assume the substances are gradually clearing from my system, and I realize it’s unrealistic to expect a rapid return to normalcy following such a critical event. However, I’m curious to know how much longer I might feel this way and when I might regain a sense of normality. To provide some context, I am under the care of a psychiatrist, and I’ve engaged with mental health services since childhood, including multiple hospitalizations for psychiatric reasons, as well as consultations with various therapists and professionals over the years. I am actively seeking help to navigate through this, but I’d like to understand when I might stop experiencing these physical effects. Thank you for taking the time to read my message. I apologize if this topic feels inappropriate for this platform.
My Initial Experience with Citalopram
Overview: Weight: 203 lbs, Height: 5’1”, Age: 32, Female Current Medications: Valsartan/HCTZ 160/25mg, Phentermine 37.5mg, Slynd 4mg, Citalopram 10mg I am currently dealing with some PTSD issues stemming from my daughter’s time in the NICU. In light of this, my physician has prescribed Citalopram, and today marks my first dose. After taking the medication, I initially felt okay. However, the moment I paused to catch my breath, I became extremely lightheaded and dizzy. I experienced tingling sensations in my arms, a racing heartbeat, and overwhelming fatigue that made it hard to keep my eyes open. Shortly after, I felt chills and decided to take a shower. Unfortunately, after my shower, I felt as though I might faint and needed to sit down for about half an hour before I felt stable enough to resume normal activities. When I noticed my heart racing, I checked my pulse; it was at 82 beats per minute at first, then rose to 94 while I was sitting still. I have attempted to contact my doctor for advice, but since it’s the weekend, I'm unable to reach her. I also inquired at my local pharmacy but received minimal guidance, only being told that it might be a normal response and to consult my physician. If these sensations are typical, should I anticipate enduring this every day while my body acclimates? As the primary caregiver for a young child, I find myself questioning whether it is safe or sustainable to feel this way. My instincts suggest that this isn't a normal reaction, but my research hasn't provided any clarity on the matter.