Heavy Periods, Hair Loss, Tiredness, Light Headed, Cramps

[sasha_s]

I'm 20 years old, and clearly a female to be having my period. For the past few months I've been getting severe hair loss. I completely understand that it's natural for your hair to drop, but the hair loss has been significant to the point that I have start to develop balding patches. There are a few areas where you can see the scalp because so little hair is covering it--it's in the midst of balding. In late October I got my period, it lasted 2 weeks and was terribly heavy. It then stopped, and a week later I got my period again and this is still going on, and it's surpassing 2 weeks. It's more heavy than ANY of my periods to the point where I find myself running to the washroom very very often only to pass blood and very little urine. I know I'm stressed as I'm a University student and I have my finals on, but I don't feel like I've been pushing myself overboard. On top of that, I've been having horrible head aches and last night as I laid down to sleep I began to feel very light headed. As well, I've become very, very tired and weak. I don't have the energy I'd normally have. I can't get out of bed, and I'm going to bed earlier than usual. I can't concentrate during the day, and I have a loss of appetite.

I've been looking up things online, and I'm really worried. I saw the doctor and she recommended doing a blood test but I haven't gone to do one as yet, but I feel the problem is much bigger than she's making it out to be. Any suggestions about what might be causing this? Or what I might actually have?

Oh, as for medications. I'm currently in my 3rd month of Accutane and I'm on my 5th day of starting birth control.

[Dr Santos]

Hello,
With regards to the stomach pains, does it resolve with food intake or not? Do you skip meals or eat regularly? This could not be connected with the other symptoms. But it would really help to have a complete physical examination and lab tests to rule this out. Take care and do update us on your next consult.

[NayHam]

I would check to see if you have a thyroid condition. I had similar symptoms and only thru my own research as well my persistance in suspecting a thyroid problem was I diagnosed because my test I was told was "within normal range". However everyone does not have the same range and anyway I would have it checked. Check out about.com and type in thyroid conditions to fully arm yourself with information. I was misdiagnosed w/ depression before they found true cause by endochrinologist. My cure Armour thyroid, and spirnolactone to help with hair and also it help my complexion too.

[sasha_s]

I'm going to see a new doctor Monday. I feel as though my old doctor isn't really paying much attention to me and my symptoms. I'm pretty sure he'll have me do blood tests as well so I will let you know of the results.

As well, for the past couple of days I've been getting severe pains in my stomach. It almost feels as if my stomach is shrivelling up inside as if it were a prune. It comes mostly towards the end of the day, and when it comes, it comes with a lot of pain.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? I also recommend that you have a blood test done to rule out anemia that may be causing the tiredness and fatigue as well as hormonal imbalance. Prolonged and abnormal bleeding may be caused by changes in hormone levels, endometrial hyperplasia, uterine fibroids, uterine polyps, adenomyosis, thyroid problems, use of pills or certain medications, infection, stress, change in diet or exercise routine, recent weight loss or weight gain,and other gynecological issues. Have this evaluated for proper management. Do keep us posted on your check-up. Take care and best regards.

[CHARM82]

I am having very similar issues except im NOT getting a period!  Im havent had a period in almost 90 days, for the past 2 weeks been spotting and I woke up today with bald patches and my hair breaking off.  I went to the ER and they said they think it is a hormonal imbalance.  They did blood work and everything came back normal except for my thyroid test, I have to wait for the results of that one but I had one done before and it was normal.  They gave me a perscription called NORETHINDRONE.  Its a female hormone for woman who will not stop bleeding or will not start bleeding.  You should look it up.  Im trying to get an appointment with my primary doctor and GYN.  If your doctor takes your situation too lightly, you should keep going or switch doctors!   Good luck and you really should see your doctor.  Keep me posted please!