[18F] Experiencing fatigue, headaches, and increased hunger
Patient Description
An 18-year-old female reports feeling very exhausted, particularly since school started, occurring about three to four times a week. Despite attempting to get 8 hours of sleep, she still feels tired. She experiences significant stress due to her homework load, impacting her energy levels. Additionally, she has frequent headaches, occurring at the front or back of her head, often triggered by stress. The headache intensity is rated at 4.5 out of 10, with occasional relief from Advil. Recently, she has been feeling unusually hungry, craving sugar, and snacking more than usual, even after full meals. This began last week. No changes in thirst or urination frequency have been noted. There has been a weight loss from 155 to 145 pounds over approximately two and a half months, likely due to gym activity. She has a history of anemia and Chiari malformation type 1, diagnosed this summer. She takes daily vitamins, including iron, potassium, ashwagandha, and magnesium. No medication allergies, but experienced adverse effects with Nortriptyline and Effexor.
Show More
Arora's Assessment
What might be happening
Your symptoms could be related to several factors:
-
Fatigue and Exhaustion:
- Anemia: This condition can cause fatigue and exhaustion as your body may not be getting enough oxygen. It's important to manage your iron levels.
- Stress and Sleep: Stress from school and irregular sleep patterns can contribute to feeling tired. Even with 8 hours of sleep, stress can impact sleep quality.
-
Headaches:
- Chiari Malformation: This condition can cause headaches, especially when triggered by stress. Managing stress is crucial.
- Caffeine and Diet: High caffeine and sugar intake can also contribute to headaches and energy fluctuations.
-
Increased Hunger and Sugar Cravings:
- Dietary Changes: Changes in your diet and exercise routine might be affecting your hunger levels and cravings.
What you can do
Fatigue and Exhaustion:
- Manage Anemia: Continue taking your iron supplements as prescribed. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider can help monitor your condition.
- Improve Sleep Hygiene: Try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine to improve sleep quality.
- Stress Management: Practice stress-reducing techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
Headaches:
- Limit Caffeine and Sugar: Gradually reduce your intake to see if it helps with headaches and energy levels.
- Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you're staying hydrated and eating balanced meals to support overall health.
Increased Hunger:
- Balanced Diet: Focus on a balanced diet with whole grains, proteins, and healthy fats to help manage hunger and cravings.
- Mindful Eating: Pay attention to hunger cues and try to eat mindfully to avoid unnecessary snacking.
Consider using MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track progress, and share insights with your healthcare provider.
What you should look out for
- Worsening Symptoms: If your fatigue, headaches, or hunger worsen, or if you experience new symptoms, seek medical advice.
- Severe Headaches: If headaches become severe or are accompanied by other symptoms like vision changes, consult a healthcare provider.
- Changes in Weight or Appetite: Significant changes in weight or appetite should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Remember, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
Show More
1
Hugs
0
Comments
Save
3 mo ago