[19F] With late period, sharp chest pain, and anxiety

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms and history you've provided, here are some possible explanations:

Late Period

• Stress and Anxiety: High levels of stress and anxiety can disrupt your menstrual cycle, leading to a delayed or missed period. This is a common cause, especially given your recent stress, anxiety, and panic attacks.
• Hormonal Imbalance: Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid issues can also cause irregular periods. These conditions often require medical evaluation and blood tests for diagnosis.
• Pregnancy: Although your pregnancy test was negative, it's still a possibility. Sometimes, tests can give false negatives, especially if taken too early.

Sharp Chest Pain

• Anxiety and Panic Attacks: Anxiety and panic attacks can cause sharp chest pain, often described as a feeling of tightness or pressure. This is likely given your history of anxiety and recent stress.
• Musculoskeletal Issues: Sometimes, chest pain can be due to muscle strain or inflammation, especially if it's sharp and worsens with certain movements.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD can cause chest pain that mimics heart pain. This is less likely but still a possibility.

Cramps and Abdominal Pain

• Menstrual Cramps: Even if your period is late, you might still experience cramps as your body prepares for menstruation.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Occasional nausea and changes in bowel movements could indicate a gastrointestinal issue, possibly exacerbated by stress.

Unifying Diagnoses

• Stress and Anxiety: Many of your symptoms, including the late period, chest pain, and mood swings, can be attributed to high levels of stress and anxiety.
• Hormonal Imbalance: A hormonal imbalance could explain the late period, mood swings, and even some of the gastrointestinal symptoms.

What you can do

Late Period

• Manage Stress: Practice stress-reducing techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga.
• Monitor Your Cycle: Keep track of your menstrual cycle using a journal or an app like MDandMe to note any irregularities and share this information with your healthcare provider.
• Consult a Doctor: If your period doesn't start soon or if you have other concerning symptoms, consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Sharp Chest Pain

• Relaxation Techniques: Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation to help manage anxiety and reduce chest pain.
• Avoid Triggers: Identify and avoid triggers that worsen your anxiety and chest pain.
• Seek Medical Attention: If the chest pain persists or worsens, seek medical attention to rule out any serious conditions.

Cramps and Abdominal Pain

• Hydration and Diet: Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to help manage gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Over-the-Counter Medications: Consider using over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen for cramps, but consult a healthcare provider if the pain persists.

General Tips

• Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep.
• Limit Substance Use: Try to reduce or eliminate the use of substances like tobacco, alcohol, or recreational drugs, as they can exacerbate anxiety and other symptoms.
• Use MDandMe: Use the MDandMe app to journal your symptoms, track your progress, get insights, and share longitudinal medical notes with your healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

Given the severity of some of your symptoms, you should seek medical care if you experience any of the following:

• Severe or Worsening Chest Pain: Especially if it is accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting.
• Persistent or Severe Abdominal Pain: If the pain becomes severe or is accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting or fever.
• Unusual Bleeding or Discharge: Any unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
• Severe Anxiety or Panic Attacks: If your anxiety or panic attacks become unmanageable, seek help from a mental health professional.

Remember, while I can provide information and suggestions, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to continue the conversation.