[34F] Experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms with menstrual uncertainty

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, you may be experiencing:

• Gastroenteritis: This is inflammation of the stomach and intestines, usually due to a viral or bacterial infection. It can cause diarrhea, cramping, nausea, and sweating. If the diarrhea is severe, it can sometimes contain blood.

  • Treatment typically involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies. If symptoms persist or worsen, a healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics or other medications.

• Food poisoning: This occurs when you eat contaminated food. Symptoms can include diarrhea (sometimes bloody), cramping, nausea, and sweating.

  • Treatment usually involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies. If symptoms persist or worsen, a healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics or other medications.

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): This is a term for two conditions (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) that are characterized by chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. Symptoms can include diarrhea (often with blood), abdominal pain, and nausea.

  • Treatment typically involves medication to reduce inflammation and other symptoms. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of possible conditions, and these conditions can have serious complications if not treated promptly.

What you can do

You should seek immediate medical attention, especially because you're seeing blood in your diarrhea. In the meantime, try to stay hydrated. Dehydration can occur quickly when you have diarrhea, especially if you're also sweating and feeling nauseous. Drinking water or rehydration solutions available at pharmacies can help. Avoid food and drink that can make diarrhea worse, such as alcohol, caffeine, and foods high in fat or sugar.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you:

• See a lot of blood in your diarrhea or if your diarrhea is black and tarry
• Have severe abdominal or rectal pain
• Have symptoms of dehydration, such as dry mouth and throat, feeling very thirsty, not peeing very often, or feeling lightheaded when you stand up
• Have a high fever (over 101°F or 38.3°C)
• Have diarrhea for more than a few days

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've given me. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your symptoms in person.