[28F] Experiencing leg swelling, pain, emotional changes, and missed menstrual period

What might be happening

Based on the information provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Hormonal Imbalance: Hormonal imbalances can cause a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms. The emotional instability you're experiencing could potentially be due to a hormonal imbalance. Hormonal imbalances can also cause changes in menstrual cycles, such as missed or irregular periods.

  • Treatment typically involves hormone replacement therapy or medications to regulate hormone levels.

• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): PMS can cause a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the days or weeks leading up to a menstrual period. Symptoms can include mood swings, tender breasts, food cravings, fatigue, irritability, and depression.

  • Treatment can include lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and a healthy diet, as well as over-the-counter medications for pain relief.

• Pregnancy: Given your missed period, breast sensitivity, nausea, and emotional instability, it is possible that you could be pregnant.

  • Confirming pregnancy typically involves a home pregnancy test or a blood test at a doctor's office.

• Edema: The swelling in your legs and feet could be due to edema, which is a condition characterized by an excess of watery fluid collecting in the cavities or tissues of the body. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, including heart, liver, or kidney disease, or it could be a side effect of certain medications.

  • Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying cause of the edema.

What you can do

1. Consider taking a home pregnancy test if there's a chance you could be pregnant. If the test is positive, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider to confirm the pregnancy and discuss next steps.
2. Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can help regulate hormone levels and reduce symptoms of PMS.
3. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help alleviate physical symptoms such as leg and back pain.
4. Elevate your legs when possible to help reduce swelling. Avoid standing or sitting in the same position for long periods of time.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if:

• Your leg or foot swelling becomes severe or is accompanied by chest pain, difficulty breathing, or other alarming symptoms. This could be a sign of a serious condition, such as heart disease.
• You experience severe emotional instability, such as thoughts of harming yourself or others.
• Your physical symptoms become severe or do not improve with over-the-counter treatments.

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you provided. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment options.