[42F] Experiencing frequent urination, hormonal issues, and numbness in extremities

What might be happening

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

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Given your frequent urination and previous diagnosis of a UTI, it's possible that you might have a recurrent UTI. UTIs can cause a strong urge to urinate but only a small amount of urine to be passed.

  • Treatment typically involves antibiotics prescribed by a doctor.

• Kidney Stones: Your doctors have mentioned this as a possibility. Kidney stones can cause frequent urination and blood in the urine. However, they typically also cause pain, which you have not reported.

  • Treatment can range from pain management and drinking lots of water to medical procedures to break up or remove the stones.

• Hormonal Imbalances: Your heavy or absent periods, hot flashes, and use of an estrogen patch suggest that you might be experiencing perimenopause, the transition phase before menopause. This can cause a variety of symptoms, including changes in menstruation and hot flashes.

  • Treatment can involve hormone therapy, like the estrogen patch you're using, and other symptom management strategies.

• Peripheral Neuropathy: This condition, which involves damage to the nerves in your hands and feet, could explain your numbness and tingling. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, including hormonal imbalances like those seen in PCOS.

  • Treatment typically involves managing the underlying condition and may include medications to relieve symptoms.

What you can do

It would be best to consult a doctor about your symptoms so that they can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary. In the meantime, you can try the following to relieve your symptoms:

1. Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine, which can irritate the bladder and exacerbate your urinary symptoms.
2. Continue to use your estrogen patch as directed by your doctor.
3. Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet, which can help manage symptoms of perimenopause and PCOS.
4. Try to get enough sleep. If you're having trouble sleeping, speak to your doctor about possible solutions.

What you should look out for

Reasons to see a doctor more urgently:

• If your urinary symptoms worsen or you develop pain in your lower back or sides
• If your periods become even heavier or more irregular
• If your hot flashes become more frequent or severe
• If the numbness in your feet worsens or spreads

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm an AI and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and treatment.