[39F] Experiencing fatigue and cold extremities

Patient Description

A 39-year-old female presents with a history of fatigue and cold feet with purple toenails, persisting for over a year. The fatigue is intermittent, worsens in the mid-afternoon, and is somewhat alleviated by sleep. She has been experiencing sleep disturbances and has noticed her hair thinning and increased hair loss. The patient was diagnosed with high blood pressure one year ago and is currently on lisinopril, adderall xr, rosuvastatin, metformin, allegra, and vitamin supplements. There have been no recent changes in weight or skin appearance, and she has no known allergies to medications.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, possible diagnoses include:

  • Hypothyroidism: This is a condition where your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones. Symptoms can include fatigue, cold intolerance (which might explain your cold feet), hair loss, and sleep disturbances. Your age and sex also put you at a higher risk for this condition.

    • Treatment typically involves taking a daily hormone replacement pill to restore normal levels.
  • Anemia: This is a condition where your body lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body's tissues. This can cause fatigue and cold hands or feet.

    • Treatment depends on the cause of the anemia, but could include dietary changes, supplements, or medications.
  • Side effects of medication: Some of the medications you are taking, such as Adderall XR and Metformin, can cause fatigue as a side effect.

    • If this is the case, your doctor may be able to adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication.

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 help manage your symptoms:

  1. Maintain a regular sleep schedule to help manage your fatigue.
  2. Keep your feet warm by wearing thick socks or using a heating pad.
  3. Eat a balanced diet rich in iron and vitamins to help prevent anemia.

What you should look out for

Reasons to see a doctor more urgently:

  • If your symptoms worsen or you develop new symptoms
  • If your fatigue becomes so severe that it interferes with your daily activities
  • If you notice any other changes in your body, such as unexplained weight loss or gain, changes in your menstrual cycle, or a rapid or irregular heartbeat.

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I am not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.

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11 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 depression. It can also cause muscle weakness and joint pain.


How can anemia affect your daily life?

Anemia can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, pale or yellowish skin, irregular heartbeats, shortness of breath, dizziness, or cold hands and feet. These symptoms can affect your ability to perform daily activities and reduce your overall quality of life.


Can medications like Adderall XR and Metformin cause fatigue?

Yes, medications like Adderall XR and Metformin can cause fatigue as a side effect. Adderall XR, a stimulant, can lead to fatigue when its effects wear off, while Metformin can cause fatigue due to its impact on blood sugar levels.


What lifestyle changes can help manage fatigue and cold extremities?

To manage fatigue and cold extremities, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, eating a balanced diet rich in iron and vitamins, staying hydrated, and keeping warm with appropriate clothing can be helpful. Regular exercise and stress management techniques can also improve energy levels.


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