extreme fatigue?

Question

Have had extreme fatigue for 2 years, must take naps. Lost alot of hair (all over my head) last year. The hair regrowth is about 3 inches. This also happened 3 years ago. I am 48 years old. The doctor did tests for iron level, thyroid and basic blood chemistry last year and the levels were great. Then they did a sed rate because of my migraines and headaches, that was fine. Lately I am extremely hungry and am eating too many calories. I am not overweight. I weigh 138 and am 5 ft 4 inches.

Answer 1

Time to see the doctor again for another work up. On the subject of thyroid, the truth is, if you have not had a thyroid test or any blood work in a year, it is time to have it all done again. Another truth is that you can have a hypothyroid and not have it show up in testing. Sometimes, it can take up to 10 years for a blood test to show it and, for some unfortunate people, it will never show! Many doctors will do thyroid blood work yearly on any woman over 35.

Unfortunately, a blood test is the only current testing for a hypothyroid (for hyperthyroid a scan can be done in addition to the blood work but a scan won't pick up a hypothyroid)...and even doctors admit, it leaves a lot to be desired and leaves a lot of cases undiagnosed. Another unfortunate fact is that most doctors won't treat it even if you have ALL the symptoms when your blood test is normal.

I suggest you have your blood testing redone and also ask your doctor to order a cortisol level. A low cortisol level will have the same symptoms as a hypothyroid! Please see your doctor for a complete physical and complete bloodwork...maybe you will have some results this time leading to a diagnosis of your problem and successful treatment. Good luck!