[44F] Experiencing extreme fatigue, brain fog, and other symptoms

What might be happening

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

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): This condition is characterized by extreme fatigue that can't be explained by any underlying medical condition. The fatigue worsens with physical or mental activity, but doesn't improve with rest. The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is still unknown.

  • There's no single test to confirm a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome. You may need a variety of medical tests to rule out other health problems that have similar symptoms.

• Hashimoto's Disease: This is an autoimmune disorder that can cause hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid. With this disease, your immune system attacks your thyroid. The thyroid becomes damaged and can’t make enough thyroid hormones. Hashimoto's disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States. It primarily affects middle-aged women but also can occur in men and women of any age and in children.

  • Treatment of Hashimoto's disease with thyroid hormone replacement usually is simple and effective.

• Depression and Anxiety: These are two different medical conditions, but they often have similar symptoms, such as fatigue, irritability, and problems sleeping and concentrating. However, each condition has its own causes and its own emotional and behavioral symptoms.

  • Many people with depression also experience some degree of anxiety, which includes excessive worry.
  • Treatment typically involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy.

• Cushing's Syndrome: This occurs when your body is exposed to high levels of the hormone cortisol for a long time. Cushing's syndrome, sometimes called hypercortisolism, may be caused by the use of oral corticosteroid medication. The condition can also occur when your body makes too much cortisol on its own. Too much cortisol can produce some of the hallmark signs of Cushing's syndrome — a fatty hump between your shoulders, a rounded face (moon face), and pink or purple stretch marks on your skin. Cushing's syndrome can also result in high blood pressure, bone loss and, on occasion, type 2 diabetes.

  • Treatment for Cushing's syndrome can return your body's cortisol production to normal and noticeably improve your symptoms. The earlier treatment begins, the better your chances for recovery.

What you can do

1. Consult a doctor about your symptoms so that they can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary.
2. Try to maintain a balanced diet and regular exercise routine. This can help manage symptoms of fatigue and improve overall health.
3. Practice stress management techniques, such as yoga, meditation, or mindfulness, to help manage your anxiety.
4. Get plenty of sleep. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night.
5. Stay hydrated. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.

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 is so severe that it interferes with your ability to perform daily activities
• If you have thoughts of harming yourself or others

Please remember that 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 appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.