Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am 18- years old, 170 centimeters tall, and weigh 55 kilograms. I have been struggling with a lower belly pouch, mostly bloating in my lower abdomen and pelvis area. It has been there for about three to four months and does not go away at any time of the day. Food does not seem to affect it. I also have not had my period for the last six months, and now I only get a slight white discharge, but it is not much. I also have trouble fully emptying my bowels and bladder, as it feels like I can not completely go. Additionally, I am very sensitive to the cold and have had worsened gut motility and constipation over these three months. I also feel low mood and low libido. I wondered if this could be related to my hormones or reproductive health. I eat and drink normally, walk daily, and consider myself quite healthy, although I sometimes struggle with stress. But the main issues for me are the low mood, low libido, missed periods, and bloating.
Kindly help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
Your symptoms might be linked to hormonal imbalances, gut health issues, or a combination of both. Given your missed periods (amenorrhea), bloating, low mood, low libido, and difficulty with urination and bowel movements, there are a few possible causes to consider. Hormonal imbalances, such as hypothalamic amenorrhea (caused by stress, weight loss, or over-exercising), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and thyroid issues like hypothyroidism, can cause missed periods, bloating, cold sensitivity, slow digestion, low mood, and low libido. Digestive and gut health issues, such as slow gut motility (gastroparesis or IBS-C) and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), can lead to bloating, constipation, and trouble emptying your bowels. Pelvic or reproductive health problems, such as ovarian cysts, endometriosis, or fibroids, could also be contributing to bloating, missed periods, pelvic pain, and difficulty urinating. Additionally, chronic stress can deplete cortisol and other hormones, leading to missed periods and mood changes, while deficiencies in iron, B12, or vitamin D can affect energy, mood, and hormonal balance.
To address this, it is recommended to get blood tests to check your thyroid (thyroid-stimulating hormone, T3, T4), sex hormones (luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone), cortisol, and prolactin levels. Checking your gut health through a stool test or SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) test may also help if digestive issues are present. An ultrasound can help identify ovarian cysts or other reproductive health concerns. Managing stress through practices like meditation, deep breathing, or therapy might be beneficial, and ensuring you are eating a balanced diet with enough healthy fats (for hormone balance) and fiber (for digestion) is also important. Since you have missed your period for six months, it is crucial to consult with a doctor to rule out any underlying conditions. Let me know if you need help understanding any tests or next steps.
I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.
Thank you.
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Answered byDr. Georges Hany Kozah
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
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