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Suggest Treatment For Lower Back Pain And Stress
Question: I am almost 48 and female...for the past 5 years I have noticed my hair is thinner and I always had too much hair! in the last two years I have noticed my skin tone thinning...and in the last year my vision a little foggy at times.
I have been under prolonged stress from a divorce and coparenting issues that I have no help with...and that is something I focus on ...my finances are such that it effects all life decisions and even seeing a doctor. I am otherwise a healthy female with no history of any issue except for low back pain after two children..and I have been a long distance healthy competitive runner for years...could my recent sedentary choices cause ALL symptoms above...or the prolonged stress....I have never had abnormal hormone levels.
I have been under prolonged stress from a divorce and coparenting issues that I have no help with...and that is something I focus on ...my finances are such that it effects all life decisions and even seeing a doctor. I am otherwise a healthy female with no history of any issue except for low back pain after two children..and I have been a long distance healthy competitive runner for years...could my recent sedentary choices cause ALL symptoms above...or the prolonged stress....I have never had abnormal hormone levels.
Brief Answer:
Stress, nutrition, may be cause.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,
I am sorry you are having so much stress. And yes, stress can definitely cause hair thinning. It can happen after a sudden shock or sudden stress and then continue, or it can happen from prolonged stress.
Visual changes can happen naturally and I am not sure what to make of that.
Skin thinning can happen after or around menopause, but you mentioned that your hormone levels are normal. Thyroid abnormalities can also affect hair and skin, so if and when you can, getting a basic blood test for thyroid function (TSH and thyroxine levels) would be a good idea.
Hair loss or thinning can also be due to a hereditary pattern.
My thoughts, based on all you described, are that you aren't taking care of your self as you used to, and may not have as good nutrition as previously, combined with a lot of stress.
If you are able, work on returning to some of your previous healthy lifestyle. Eat whole foods, exercise, and consider meditation or mindfulness practices. I know you don't have much spare time, but even 5 minutes can be helpful.
One very easy short practice to learn is "4 by 4 breathing". To do this, you will need 5 minutes of uninterrupted time. Sit in a relaxed position, close your eyes, and breath in counting to 4 then exhale also counting to 4. Repeat this 4 times, then start over. Focus on the counting and your breathing. Your mind will wander - when you become aware of this, gently acknowledge this and return to focusing on your breathing. Do this for 5 minutes. In time and with practice, focusing will become easier.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Stress, nutrition, may be cause.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,
I am sorry you are having so much stress. And yes, stress can definitely cause hair thinning. It can happen after a sudden shock or sudden stress and then continue, or it can happen from prolonged stress.
Visual changes can happen naturally and I am not sure what to make of that.
Skin thinning can happen after or around menopause, but you mentioned that your hormone levels are normal. Thyroid abnormalities can also affect hair and skin, so if and when you can, getting a basic blood test for thyroid function (TSH and thyroxine levels) would be a good idea.
Hair loss or thinning can also be due to a hereditary pattern.
My thoughts, based on all you described, are that you aren't taking care of your self as you used to, and may not have as good nutrition as previously, combined with a lot of stress.
If you are able, work on returning to some of your previous healthy lifestyle. Eat whole foods, exercise, and consider meditation or mindfulness practices. I know you don't have much spare time, but even 5 minutes can be helpful.
One very easy short practice to learn is "4 by 4 breathing". To do this, you will need 5 minutes of uninterrupted time. Sit in a relaxed position, close your eyes, and breath in counting to 4 then exhale also counting to 4. Repeat this 4 times, then start over. Focus on the counting and your breathing. Your mind will wander - when you become aware of this, gently acknowledge this and return to focusing on your breathing. Do this for 5 minutes. In time and with practice, focusing will become easier.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
how important is a sexual partner to all of this? I find I have felt abandoned and also have met someone i like...just as my ex husband attorney seized custody...and its a very stressful story which I have no problem outlining..he is an alcoholic...I took better care of myself...before I met him..ofcourse...and as we dated we ran road races and I promptly beat him...he is a well rounded athlete with control issues..and he competed with me and his mother in some ways for years...thus our divorce was unlike anything I have ever seen even watching war of the Roses....he raced me pregnant....so when he found ways to take the children..this only added more stress and I am not sure how I have survived all of this...but the legal situation has taken my life from me...and I think your answer that I am not taking care of myself as I once did is correct...
I am not an imoral person..I take no medication...and I was formerly a teacher...however this single life...I do not get out at all..and I feel a sex partners is key to a woman health...that being said...I do not have one..and recently became more sedentary...that is when i noticed bones popping...joints popping..it was all over my body..even in my head I could hear things....I did become severely dehydrated...and I have been to the Er to get fluids...I do not restrict my diet...but I do eat on the go..and this is not whole foods as you suggested...
I hate to say this but I think i need hydration...excersize...and a sex partner...but I do not know how to do this..if I am conservative...I have watched my body change..and I fear so much for a woman is about her relationships with others...and all of that suffered with my ex attacking me in the community...I was very popular and well liked before my divorce....any advice what so ever would be appreciated....and is the bone and joint popping something I can carefully deal with nutritionally and with hydration> ? could you point specifically to what nutritionally will target that....callagen building...and skin tone...and bones and joints...thanks..
i just responded to your response and hit submit...with a couple of other points...sorry if this is one too many submissions
Brief Answer:
Thoughts on this.
Detailed Answer:
No worries - you can respond with additional information. I was taking other questions so sometimes it takes awhile to get back to answering.
It sounds like you are in a small community if your divorce is affecting your social standing? In time, the social aspect of what people think will likely heal.
Are there any ways you can get out and about with people? Social isolation and rejection is very hard on humans. Perhaps a runner's group, a church or other religious organization, or other interests you might have? Even showing up every now and then will help reestablish you. Regarding not having a sex partner - this is frustrating for sure, but finding some intimate non-sexual relationships first, is a place to start, whether male or female. And it may take some time to build up these relationships but any association with people will be helpful.
Regarding the joints making cracking sounds, this might be due to lack of hydration, but gently getting back into a healthier lifestyle (sleep, healthy food, gradually increasing exercise) may help return your body to better shape overall.
It does sound, from your description, like your husband has issues with control and competition. I hope you and he can work this custody issue out so that you are not plagued by it for a long time.
Thoughts on this.
Detailed Answer:
No worries - you can respond with additional information. I was taking other questions so sometimes it takes awhile to get back to answering.
It sounds like you are in a small community if your divorce is affecting your social standing? In time, the social aspect of what people think will likely heal.
Are there any ways you can get out and about with people? Social isolation and rejection is very hard on humans. Perhaps a runner's group, a church or other religious organization, or other interests you might have? Even showing up every now and then will help reestablish you. Regarding not having a sex partner - this is frustrating for sure, but finding some intimate non-sexual relationships first, is a place to start, whether male or female. And it may take some time to build up these relationships but any association with people will be helpful.
Regarding the joints making cracking sounds, this might be due to lack of hydration, but gently getting back into a healthier lifestyle (sleep, healthy food, gradually increasing exercise) may help return your body to better shape overall.
It does sound, from your description, like your husband has issues with control and competition. I hope you and he can work this custody issue out so that you are not plagued by it for a long time.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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