[26F] Experiencing headache, fatigue, body aches, and missed periods

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, here are some possibilities:

• Pregnancy: Missing your period for 3 months, fatigue, and body aches are common symptoms of pregnancy. Even though you've mentioned that you're not pregnant, it might be worth taking a pregnancy test to rule it out, especially if you're sexually active and not using contraception.

  • A pregnancy test can be done at home or at a doctor's office.

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): This condition causes extreme fatigue that doesn't improve with rest and may worsen with physical or mental activity. Other symptoms can include headaches and joint pain.

  • There's no single test to confirm a diagnosis of CFS. Your doctor will have to rule out other health problems that have similar symptoms.

• Fibromyalgia: This is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues. It's often triggered by a stressful event, including physical stress or emotional stress.

  • There's no specific test to diagnose fibromyalgia. Your doctor may want to rule out other conditions that could have similar symptoms.

• Anemia: This is a condition in which your blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin. Fatigue is a leading symptom, and headaches and body aches can also occur.

  • A complete blood count (CBC) can test for anemia.

• Hypothyroidism: This is a condition in which your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough of certain crucial hormones. Hypothyroidism may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages, but over time, untreated hypothyroidism can cause a number of health problems, such as obesity, joint pain, infertility, and heart disease.

  • A simple blood test can determine your body's level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), the hormone that tells your thyroid to make and release the thyroid hormones into your blood.

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. Stay hydrated: Dehydration can sometimes cause headaches. Make sure you're drinking enough fluids throughout the day.
2. Rest and relax: If you're feeling fatigued, make sure you're getting enough sleep at night and taking breaks to rest during the day.
3. Over-the-counter pain relievers: For your body aches, you might find relief from over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Remember to always follow the package instructions.

What you should look out for

Reasons to see a doctor more urgently:

• If your symptoms persist or worsen
• If you develop new symptoms
• If you experience severe pain

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor. Please consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.