[39F] Experiencing severe weight loss, hair loss, and fatigue

Patient Description

A 39-year-old female reports experiencing severe weight loss of 42 lbs over the past 6 months, accompanied by significant hair loss affecting both head and body hair. The patient notes a lack of appetite, primarily eating in the evening and night to ensure protein intake, and skips meals once a day. Additionally, she experiences fatigue, joint pain in the hands and hips, and sleeps for long periods. The joint pain in the hands is described as stiffness with pain upon bending fingers, while the hips have an aching sensation. The hair loss began approximately 5 years ago but has worsened significantly in the last year. No known alleviating factors for the joint pain have been identified.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, there are a few potential explanations for what might be happening:

Nutritional Deficiencies or Malabsorption: Severe weight loss, lack of appetite, and hair loss can sometimes be linked to nutritional deficiencies or malabsorption issues. Conditions like celiac disease or other gastrointestinal disorders can lead to poor absorption of nutrients, resulting in weight loss and hair thinning.
Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis could explain the joint pain, fatigue, and hair loss. Autoimmune disorders can cause systemic symptoms, including those affecting the skin and joints.
Thyroid Disorders: Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can lead to symptoms like fatigue, hair loss, and weight changes. Thyroid function tests can help determine if this is a contributing factor.
Chronic Stress or Depression: Psychological factors can also contribute to physical symptoms like fatigue, changes in appetite, and hair loss. It's important to consider mental health as a potential factor.

What you can do

Weight Loss and Lack of Appetite:

It's important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of your weight loss. They may recommend blood tests or imaging studies to assess your nutritional status and rule out any serious conditions.
In the meantime, try to maintain a balanced diet with nutrient-dense foods. Eating small, frequent meals may help increase your caloric intake.

Hair Loss:

Consider seeing a dermatologist to evaluate the cause of your hair loss. They may suggest treatments such as topical minoxidil or other therapies depending on the underlying cause.
Gentle hair care practices, such as avoiding harsh chemicals and heat styling, can help minimize further damage.

Fatigue and Joint Pain:

Keep a journal of your symptoms, noting any patterns or triggers. This information can be helpful for your healthcare provider.
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen may help alleviate joint pain, but it's important to discuss this with a healthcare provider, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.

General Health:

Ensure you are getting adequate rest and managing stress through relaxation techniques or activities you enjoy.
Consider using MDandMe to track your symptoms, which can provide insights and help you communicate effectively with your healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

It's important to seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

Rapid or unintentional weight loss continues
Severe or worsening joint pain
New or worsening symptoms, such as fever or swelling
Any signs of depression or significant changes in mood

Remember, while I can provide information and suggestions, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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1 mo ago

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