[31F] Experiencing unintentional weight loss and night sweats

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, there are several possibilities:

• Hyperthyroidism: This condition occurs when your thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. Symptoms can include unintentional weight loss, increased perspiration, difficulty sleeping, and anxiety. Elevated liver enzymes can also occur in hyperthyroidism.

  • Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to check your levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine.
  • Treatment usually involves medication to reduce the production of thyroid hormones or to block their effects.

• Anxiety disorder: Chronic anxiety can lead to physical symptoms such as weight loss, night sweats, and difficulty sleeping.

  • Diagnosis is typically made based on a thorough clinical interview and diagnostic guidelines.
  • Treatment can involve psychotherapy (cognitive-behavioral therapy or CBT is often effective), medication, or both.

• Liver disease: Elevated liver enzymes can indicate inflammation or damage to cells in the liver. Inflamed or injured liver cells leak higher than normal amounts of certain chemicals, including liver enzymes, into the bloodstream, which can result in elevated liver enzymes on blood tests.

  • Diagnosis typically involves further blood tests, imaging studies, and sometimes a liver biopsy.
  • Treatment depends on the specific type of liver disease.

Please note that these are just possibilities, not a definitive diagnosis. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

1. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms. They may want to perform further tests to determine the cause of your symptoms.
2. Continue to monitor your symptoms and take note of anything that makes them better or worse.
3. Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can help manage some of your symptoms.

What you should look out for

• If your symptoms worsen or you develop new symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
• If you experience severe anxiety or panic attacks, seek immediate medical attention.
• If you notice yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, pain in your upper right abdomen, or unusually dark urine, these could be signs of a serious liver condition and you should seek medical attention immediately.

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for accurate information.