[42F] Experiencing shoulder pain, hair loss, and fatigue

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, here are some possible explanations for your symptoms:

• Hypothyroidism: This is a condition in which your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones. Symptoms can include fatigue, depression, hair loss, and sensitivity to cold. It's more common in women over 40. A blood test can confirm this diagnosis.

  • Treatment typically involves daily use of the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine, which restores adequate hormone levels and reverses the symptoms of hypothyroidism.

• 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 (psychological) stress. There's no specific test for diagnosing this condition. Instead, doctors make a diagnosis by conducting physical exams and ruling out other conditions.

  • Treatment often involves a team approach, including your doctor, a physical therapist, and possibly other health professionals. Medications, therapy, and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms.

• Depression: This is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You've mentioned feeling sad and experiencing episodes of depression.

  • Treatment often involves psychotherapy (talk therapy), medications, or a combination of both.

• Anxiety: This is a mental health disorder characterized by feelings of worry or fear that are strong enough to interfere with one's daily activities. You've mentioned feeling more anxious over the past two years.

  • Treatment typically involves psychotherapy, medication, or both. Lifestyle changes, like improving diet and increasing physical activity, can also help.

• Pre-diabetes: This is a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. It often has no symptoms, but it does increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. You've mentioned that you were diagnosed with pre-diabetes last year.

  • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes like diet and exercise to help lower your blood sugar levels.

What you can do

1. Schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms and possible causes. They may want to conduct tests to rule out certain conditions.
2. Keep a symptom diary. This can help you and your doctor identify patterns that might provide clues about what's causing your symptoms.
3. Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, ensuring you get enough sleep, and managing stress.

What you should look out for

If you notice any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:

• Severe pain, especially if it's sudden or accompanied by chest pain or shortness of breath
• Thoughts of harming yourself or others
• Any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've provided. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your symptoms and condition in person.