[18F] Experiencing headaches, dizziness, overheating, and irregular menstruation

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, here are a few possibilities:

• Pregnancy: Given your age, sex, recent weight gain, nausea, headaches, and the fact that you're not sure if you're pregnant, it's possible that you could be experiencing early pregnancy symptoms. These can include missed periods, nausea (sometimes called "morning sickness"), headaches, and changes in body temperature.

  • To confirm a pregnancy, you would need to take a pregnancy test. These are available over-the-counter at most pharmacies.

• Hormonal Imbalance: Your symptoms could also be due to a hormonal imbalance, such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid issues. PCOS can cause irregular periods, weight gain, and acne. Thyroid issues can cause weight changes, feeling hot, and headaches.

  • To diagnose these conditions, you would need blood tests and possibly other diagnostic tests.

• Migraine: Your headaches, along with nausea and sensitivity to movement, could be indicative of migraines.

  • Migraines are typically diagnosed based on symptoms, but a doctor may order imaging tests to rule out other causes.

• Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): This is a common virus that can cause cold sores. It's possible to contract the virus and not show symptoms until much later.

  • Diagnosis is usually based on symptoms, but a swab of the sore can confirm the diagnosis.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of possibilities, and these conditions can coexist. It's also possible that there's another explanation for your symptoms.

What you can do

1. Take a home pregnancy test: If you're sexually active and there's a chance you could be pregnant, this should be your first step. Pregnancy can cause a variety of symptoms and it's important to confirm or rule out this possibility.

2. Schedule an appointment with your doctor: They can perform a physical examination and order appropriate tests based on your symptoms. This could include blood tests to check your hormone levels, a swab of your cold sore to test for HSV, or imaging tests to investigate your headaches.

3. Keep a symptom diary: This can help you and your doctor identify patterns and triggers, which can be useful for diagnosing and managing your condition.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe headache or a headache that is different from your usual headaches
• Sudden or severe abdominal pain
• Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of your face or throat, or a widespread rash
• Symptoms of a severe HSV outbreak, such as multiple painful sores, sores near your eyes, or flu-like symptoms (fever, swollen lymph nodes)

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.