[45F] Experiencing fatigue, hair shedding, and occasional headaches

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, possible diagnoses include:

• Hypothyroidism: This is a condition where your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones. Symptoms can include fatigue, hair loss, and cold intolerance. This condition is common in women over 40.

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

• Iron Deficiency Anemia: This is a common type of anemia — a condition in which blood lacks adequate healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body's tissues. As the name implies, iron deficiency anemia is due to insufficient iron. Without enough iron, your body can't produce enough of a substance in red blood cells that enables them to carry oxygen (hemoglobin). As a result, iron deficiency anemia may leave you tired and short of breath.

  • Treatment for this condition may include iron supplements and changes to your diet.

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): This is a complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that can't be explained by any underlying medical condition. The fatigue may worsen with physical or mental activity, but doesn't improve with rest.

  • 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. Treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome focuses on symptom relief.

What you can do

Here are some things you can do to help manage your symptoms:

1. Consult with a healthcare professional: They can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary. Blood tests can check for hypothyroidism and iron deficiency anemia.

2. Monitor your symptoms: Keep track of when you feel fatigued, when you notice hair shedding, and when you have headaches. This information can help your healthcare provider make a diagnosis.

3. Rest and take care of your health: Make sure you're getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and managing stress. These can all help reduce fatigue and improve your overall health.

What you should look out for

Here are some signs that you should seek medical attention immediately:

• If your fatigue becomes so severe that you can't perform daily activities
• If your hair loss continues to worsen
• If your headaches become more severe or frequent

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.