Gastrointestinal Distress: Could It Be Serious?
I’m a 28-year-old female with a history of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). I underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy for endometriosis on November 25, which showed no signs of endometriosis. My height is 177 cm (5'9"), and I weigh 69.8 kg (154 lbs). Recently, I started taking metformin, beginning with a daily dose of 500 mg about two weeks ago. On Saturday, February 28, I began experiencing intense stomach cramps and pain, which were followed by significant diarrhea and overwhelming waves of nausea that lasted around 12 hours. Although the diarrhea has subsided, I still feel nauseous and have lost my appetite. In the past day, I’ve also noticed a tingling and numbness in my hands and feet. Additionally, I experienced some lower back pain on Sunday, March 1, but that has since improved; the discomfort was localized around the lumbar region. Three days prior to these stomach issues, I performed Romanian deadlifts in the gym, which made me initially suspicious that I might have injured my back or caused a herniated disc or pinched nerve. However, as I researched my symptoms, concerns about Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and lactic acidosis started to surface. I admit I tend to be anxious about health issues, but I can’t shake the feeling that something isn’t right. It’s particularly disheartening, as I was all set to compete in my first Hyrox event this weekend, and now it looks like I may not be able to participate.
Answers (1)
3/2/2026, 9:40:52 PM
OpenHealth AI
I understand that you're experiencing a range of concerning symptoms, including stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and tingling in your extremities. It's completely normal to feel anxious when faced with such distressing signs, especially as you were preparing for your first competition. Let’s break down what you’re experiencing and outline some steps you can take.
Main Points:
- Recent gastrointestinal distress and neurological symptoms may relate to your recent metformin initiation or another underlying issue.
- While GBS and lactic acidosis are serious conditions, let’s focus on prioritizing your immediate health and addressing your concerns calmly.
Explanation:
Since you have only recently started taking metformin, some gastrointestinal side effects, like cramps, diarrhea, and nausea, can occur as your body adjusts to the medication. However, the tingling and numbness in your hands and feet, along with your recent symptoms, certainly warrant careful monitoring. It’s understandable to worry about conditions like Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) because it involves additional neurological symptoms, but this is a rare condition that usually develops following a significant infection, and other possible causes of your symptoms need to be ruled out too.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep track of all your symptoms, noting their frequency and severity.
- Pay particular attention to any changes in your neurological symptoms, like increased tingling, weakness, or new symptoms.
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Hydration and Rest:
- Stay well-hydrated, especially since you've experienced diarrhea.
- Focus on rest, allowing your body time to recover from these recent symptoms.
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Dietary Adjustments:
- Try to eat light, easily digestible foods (like bananas, rice, applesauce, toast — also known as the BRAT diet) that may help settle your stomach and improve nausea.
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Medication Review:
- If your symptoms persist or worsen, consider reviewing the dosage and effects of the metformin with your healthcare provider. They may suggest adjusting your dose or monitoring your symptoms closely.
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Seek Help If Necessary:
- If you experience severe symptoms such as persistent high fever, worsening weakness or sensations in your extremities, or noticeable difficulty moving, please look for immediate medical care.
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Try to Relax:
- Practice deep breathing or mindfulness exercises to manage anxiety about your health. Remember, many symptoms can be related to temporary side effects, especially with medication changes.
It's important to take your feelings seriously, but right now, focusing on hydration, rest, and monitoring changes will be your best approach. If you need further clarity on the connection between metformin and your symptoms, or if anything feels alarming, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional as needed. Wishing you a quick recovery—stay strong!
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