[19F] Experiencing nausea, dizziness, and cold flashes

Patient Description

A 19-year-old female is experiencing persistent nausea that is not alleviated by eating and does not lead to vomiting. The nausea has been present for one day and is rated at a severity of 5 out of 10, worsening in the middle of the night and the afternoon/evening. Additionally, she is experiencing dizziness described as lightheadedness, along with tingling or numbness in her hands, feet, and sometimes mouth, which started a few hours ago and is rated at a severity of 6 out of 10. The patient also reports cold flashes and fatigue but is unable to sleep. She was on birth control until two weeks ago, had a delay with her pharmacy, and resumed the birth control yesterday. No other medical conditions or medications were reported.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible causes for your symptoms include:

  • Side effects from starting birth control again: Hormonal contraceptives like birth control pills can cause side effects like nausea, dizziness, and changes in sleep patterns, especially when you first start taking them or when you restart them after a break.

    • Usually, these side effects improve after your body adjusts to the medication, which can take a few weeks.
  • Anxiety or stress: Physical symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and changes in sleep patterns can sometimes be caused by anxiety or stress.

    • If you've been feeling particularly stressed or anxious lately, this could be contributing to your symptoms.
  • Viral gastroenteritis ("stomach flu"): This is an infection of your intestines that can cause nausea, vomiting, and sometimes dizziness or fatigue.

    • It usually improves on its own within a few days.

What you can do

  1. Monitor your symptoms: If your symptoms are due to restarting birth control, they should start to improve over the next few weeks as your body adjusts to the medication. If they don't improve, or if they get worse, you should reach out to your healthcare provider.

  2. Stay hydrated: Dehydration can make nausea and dizziness worse. Try to drink plenty of fluids, especially if you're also experiencing vomiting or diarrhea.

  3. Rest: If you're feeling fatigued, make sure you're getting plenty of rest. This can also help your body recover if you're dealing with a viral infection.

  4. Manage stress: If you think stress or anxiety might be contributing to your symptoms, techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help manage these feelings.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Blood in your vomit or stool
  • A high fever (over 100.4°F)
  • Severe dizziness or fainting
  • Symptoms that last longer than a few days or get worse

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor. Please consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

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10 mo ago

People Also Ask


Can restarting birth control cause nausea and dizziness?

Yes, restarting birth control can cause nausea and dizziness as your body adjusts to the hormones. These side effects are common and usually improve within a few weeks.


What are some common side effects when restarting birth control after a break?

Common side effects when restarting birth control can include nausea, dizziness, headaches, mood changes, and changes in menstrual cycles. These typically subside as your body adjusts.


How can stress or anxiety contribute to physical symptoms like nausea and dizziness?

Stress or anxiety can trigger physical symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and sleep disturbances due to the body's 'fight or flight' response, which can affect various bodily functions.


What are some effective ways to manage stress-related symptoms?

Effective ways to manage stress-related symptoms include practicing deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, regular physical activity, and ensuring adequate rest and hydration.


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