[28F] Experiencing fatigue, night sweats, and weight gain

Patient Description

A 28-year-old female presents with a 2-week history of fatigue, night sweats, and significant weight gain of 15 pounds within a month. The fatigue is severe enough to limit the patient's ability to stay awake for longer than 3 hours at a time, with a temporary energy boost midday followed by a crash. Caffeine provides some relief. The patient reports night sweats severe enough to soak through clothes. Additionally, there is nausea rated 6/10 in severity that occurs after eating or drinking anything. The patient also mentions sleep disturbances, with difficulty maintaining a regular sleep pattern and staying awake during the day. No other symptoms, medical history, or medications were disclosed during the encounter.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

  • Hypothyroidism: This condition occurs when your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones. Symptoms can include fatigue, weight gain, and feeling cold.

    • Treatment typically involves taking a daily hormone replacement tablet called levothyroxine to raise your thyroid hormone levels.
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): This is a long-term illness with a wide range of symptoms, the most common of which is extreme tiredness.

    • Treatment can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a structured exercise program called graded exercise therapy (GET), and medication to control pain, nausea and sleeping problems.
  • Sleep Apnea: This is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person's breathing is interrupted during sleep. Symptoms can include excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue.

    • Treatment can include lifestyle changes, use of a device to keep your airway open while you sleep, and in some cases, surgery.
  • Depression: Depression is more than simply feeling unhappy or fed up for a few days. It's a serious condition that can cause a variety of symptoms, including persistent sadness, loss of interest in things you once enjoyed, and fatigue.

    • Treatment typically involves a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.

Please note that these are possible conditions and it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

  1. Try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
  2. Limit caffeine and alcohol, especially in the hours leading up to bedtime.
  3. Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet to help promote better sleep.
  4. Try to get regular exercise, but avoid strenuous activity close to bedtime as it may interfere with your sleep.
  5. Consider keeping a symptom diary to track your symptoms and identify any patterns or triggers. This can be helpful information to share with your doctor.

What you should look out for

Reasons to see a doctor more urgently:

  • If your symptoms continue to worsen or if you start to experience other symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache, or confusion.
  • If your symptoms are causing significant distress or are interfering with your ability to function in daily life.
  • If you have thoughts of hurting yourself or others.

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've provided me. It's always important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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10 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of hypothyroidism?

Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, hair loss, and constipation. It is diagnosed through blood tests that measure thyroid hormone levels.


How is chronic fatigue syndrome diagnosed and treated?

Chronic fatigue syndrome is diagnosed based on a combination of symptoms and ruling out other conditions. Treatment often includes cognitive behavioral therapy, graded exercise therapy, and medications to manage symptoms like pain and sleep disturbances.


What lifestyle changes can help manage sleep apnea?

Lifestyle changes to manage sleep apnea include losing weight if overweight, avoiding alcohol and smoking, sleeping on your side, and using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine during sleep.


What are the signs that depression might be affecting my physical health?

Depression can manifest physically through symptoms like persistent fatigue, changes in appetite or weight, sleep disturbances, and unexplained aches and pains. It's important to seek help if these symptoms are affecting your daily life.


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