[45F] Experiencing widespread pain and temperature sensitivity

What might be happening

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

• Fibromyalgia: This is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. It amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain and spinal cord process painful and nonpainful signals. Your body aches, especially in the evening, and the numbness in your hands and fingers could be related to this condition.

  • Treatment often involves a combination of medications, exercise, stress-management measures, and healthy lifestyle habits.

• Hypothyroidism: This is a condition in which your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough of certain crucial hormones. Symptoms can include fatigue, increased sensitivity to cold, constipation, and dry skin. Given your constant feeling of cold and constipation, this could be a possible explanation.

  • Treatment typically involves daily use of the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine.

• Menopause: Around the age of 45, many women begin the transition to menopause. Some of your symptoms, such as the increased pain around menstruation and the itching skin, could be related to hormonal changes associated with this transition.

  • Treatment can include hormone therapy, medications to help with specific symptoms, and lifestyle changes.

• Tinnitus: This is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears, which you mentioned experiencing. It's a common problem that affects about 1 in 5 people. Tinnitus isn't a condition itself — it's a symptom of an underlying condition, such as age-related hearing loss, ear injury or a circulatory system disorder.

  • Treatment can involve addressing any underlying conditions and using sound therapy or other treatments to help you ignore the noise.

Please note that these are just possibilities and not a definitive diagnosis. It's important to see a healthcare professional for a formal evaluation.

What you can do

1. Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule and practice good sleep hygiene. This can help manage some of the fatigue and pain associated with conditions like fibromyalgia.
2. Regular exercise can help manage pain, improve your mood, and promote better sleep.
3. Try to eat a balanced diet to help manage constipation and promote overall health.
4. Keep a symptom diary. Noting when your symptoms occur, what you're doing when they happen, and what foods you've eaten can help your doctor determine what's causing your symptoms.

What you should look out for

• If your symptoms worsen or you develop new symptoms, you should seek medical attention.
• If you experience severe pain, have trouble breathing, or have changes in your mental status, seek immediate medical attention.
• If your symptoms are affecting your quality of life or ability to function, you should see a healthcare professional.