Support for Irregular Menstrual Cycles
I am a 28-year-old woman weighing 222 pounds, and I haven’t experienced my menstrual cycle since October 2025. Recently, I underwent extensive blood tests and urine analysis, but everything returned with normal results. My primary care physician mentioned that my weight gain might lead my body to believe I’m pregnant. Since beginning January, I’ve managed to lose around 10 pounds, but my cycle remains absent. It’s important to note that I am not involved in any sexual activity. Previously, I was taking metoprolol tartrate at a dosage of 100 mg twice daily. This month, I transitioned off that medication and have switched to losartan, taking 25 mg once daily. Additionally, I’ve been experiencing heart palpitations, which prompted my cardiologist to modify my medication, suspecting that my blood pressure may not be under control.
Answers (1)
2/8/2026, 7:10:30 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're facing a challenging situation with your irregular menstrual cycles, particularly given your recent weight changes and medication adjustments. Let's break down the main points and address your concerns.
Main Points:
- You haven't had a menstrual cycle since October 2025 and have experienced weight gain.
- Recent tests showed normal results, and you’ve lost some weight recently.
- You are not sexually active and have changed from metoprolol to losartan due to heart palpitations and blood pressure management.
Explanation:
Irregular menstrual cycles can be caused by several factors, including hormonal imbalances, significant weight changes (both gain and loss), stress, and underlying medical conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Since your tests came back normal, hormonal causes related to lifestyle factors, including weight, could still be a factor. The fact that you are not sexually active reduces the likelihood of pregnancy, but other hormonal conditions could still be at play.
Next Steps:
-
Continue Weight Management: Losing weight gradually can help regulate your menstrual cycle. Aim for a healthy weight loss of 1-2 pounds per week with a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, including any changes in mood, sleep patterns, and physical health. Track your menstrual cycle (if it starts) and any palpitations.
-
Nutrition and Hydration: Focus on a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Stay well-hydrated, as this can help overall health.
-
Manage Stress: Since you mentioned feelings of insomnia and anxiety, incorporating stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or yoga may benefit your overall well-being and potentially help regulate hormones.
-
Follow Up on Medications: Because you recently changed your blood pressure medication and have experienced palpitations, continue to monitor your heart health closely and communicate any concerns with your healthcare team.
-
Consider Hormonal Evaluation: If your menstrual cycles do not resume soon, it might be helpful to discuss with your healthcare provider the possibility of a hormonal evaluation to rule out any other issues.
If you have any concerning symptoms or your menstruation does not resume, please consider discussing these next steps with your healthcare provider for personalized advice. Remember that you’re not alone in this; it may take time to find the right balance for your body.
Related Questions
Concerns About Doctor's Tests and Health Perception
At 27 years old, I find myself grappling with anxiety and managing bipolar disorder. In the past, I was someone who frequently visited doctors and emergency rooms, convinced that I had serious health problems, even when there was no basis for those fears. To me, everything felt genuine, and I couldn’t be swayed from my beliefs, no matter how unreasonable they appeared. Since my diagnosis with Bipolar Disorder, I have reflected on this behavior and have developed a profound appreciation for the medical professionals who help patients. However, after discontinuing a medication last year that was detrimental to my bipolar condition, I’ve noticed that many people remark I seem fatigued. While it’s true I may be tired, I suspect much of it is tied to my mental health, particularly since a previous medication had alleviated these feelings. Now that I have relocated, I must establish care with a new physician before receiving a referral to a psychiatrist. I worry he might observe my fatigue and advocate for tests, which I fear will yield normal results. I know I should have faith in his expertise, yet I am apprehensive about potentially utilizing healthcare resources that might be better suited for others in need. How can I communicate to him that my concerns are likely related to my mental health rather than physical ailments?
Struggling with Nerve Pain and Job Challenges
For around eight to nine months now, I have been experiencing significant issues with my hands. Despite visiting a hand specialist in Louisville four or five times, all the tests, including EMGs and blood analyses, have come back normal, indicating no underlying problems. Unfortunately, this situation has reached a point where I've had to leave one job and am currently facing difficulties in my new position, having only been there for two months. My hands remain numb throughout most of the day, and in the evenings and mornings, they feel as if they're aflame. Recently, the discomfort has escalated to include spasms, and there are moments when the pain is so severe that it feels like my fingers are being brutally yanked off, accompanied by excruciating shooting sensations. I've been waking up every half hour at night due to the agony. It’s disheartening to feel abandoned by the medical community, particularly when my doctor insists he has done everything possible on my behalf. The hand specialist suggested a referral to a rheumatologist, but the wait time is over a year and a half. I do want to mention that I struggled with alcohol in the past, managing to stay sober for about six years. However, for the last three years, I’ve returned to drinking daily, which I’m trying to curb due to the pain I’m enduring. I apologize for reaching out, but I'm desperate for any guidance you might offer. Thank you for your consideration. A bit about myself: I am 31 years old, weigh 188 pounds, and stand at 5'11". I truly appreciate any help you can provide to steer me towards a better path!
Evaluating Cortisol Levels: Are They Within Normal Limits?
Hello everyone, I’m a 33-year-old female, weighing 165 pounds and standing at 5 feet 4 inches. Recently, I've been dealing with symptoms resembling a post-viral syndrome, which primarily includes persistent fatigue and fluctuations in my heart rate. To get some clarity on my condition, I conducted a saliva test to measure my cortisol levels. I would greatly appreciate it if someone could help me determine whether my results fall within normal parameters. The reason for my inquiry is that a healthcare practitioner (not a medical doctor) I've consulted has recommended a regimen of 5 mg of hydrocortisone twice daily for a month, claiming I have "low cortisol levels." I am quite skeptical about this suggestion and currently do not intend to pursue steroid treatment. Therefore, seeking a second opinion feels necessary. I plan to share these findings with my primary care physician to obtain her perspective, yet I hesitate to bring it up since she was not the one who ordered this specific test. She is already familiar with the health challenges I have been facing, such as referring me to a Long COVID clinic, conducting tests for sleep apnea, and performing routine blood tests. The cortisol levels from my test are as follows: - 7 AM: 296 ng/dL - 11 AM: 60 ng/dL - 3 PM: 50 ng/dL - 9 PM: 50 ng/dL I would be grateful for any insights or guidance regarding these results. Thank you!
Severe Pain in My Uninjured Arm While Lying Down
I'm a 30-year-old female. Previously, I shared this in r/brokenbones, but the subreddit isn't ideal for medical inquiries. Approximately a month ago, I fractured my right wrist. About a week back, I've started feeling excruciating pain in my left arm. It's a type of pain reminiscent of nerve discomfort, but it only occurs when I'm in a prone position. Sometimes, it's so severe that it disrupts my sleep. The discomfort radiates from my upper arm down through my forearm—particularly along my ulna, though it seems more muscular in nature. My wrist aches too, especially in the palm area where my knuckles bend, and I sometimes experience slight numbness in my fingertips. The pain intensity is quite high, yet it tends to subside once I sit or stand for some time. Over the past few weeks, I've been noticing signs of overexertion in my left arm, leading me to wear a wrist brace during the day for support. This new pain in my arm feels unusual and quite alarming. Unfortunately, I lack health insurance, making a doctor's visit prohibitively expensive, especially after incurring costs from my recent fracture. Is this a common issue? I understand that overworking the uninjured arm can happen, but I haven't come across anyone discussing pain of this nature. It could indicate nerve compression or perhaps tendinitis? However, I’m not a medical professional, so I can't diagnose it myself. In summary: I've been suffering from significant pain in my uninjured arm while lying down after using it extensively for around three weeks. The pain alleviates after I get up and move around, but it’s very worrisome, and I currently have no financial means to consult a doctor.
Urgent Assistance Needed
I am a 13-year-old weighing 78 kg with no prior medical conditions. I abstain from alcohol and do not take any medications. Since August 2025, I have been experiencing episodes of dizziness and vertigo, which usually begin around 4 PM. The intensity seems to increase when I move around or switch on the lights. Just yesterday, the feelings of dizziness and vertigo escalated significantly, to the point where I felt faint. These symptoms appear to be particularly severe at night. Today, I noticed the same symptoms returning in the evening. I have concerns regarding my well-being, especially considering my family dynamics. My mother has a history of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, and both of my parents display narcissistic traits. I suspect this may be linked to my mother previously fabricating my autism diagnosis. Additionally, I have unsettling memories of an incident involving my father while I was asleep. Furthermore, I have observed a decline in my memory and an increase in episodes of confusion since September. I hope to receive guidance and support as soon as possible.