[47F] Experiencing significant arm muscle weakness

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Myasthenia Gravis: This is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in the skeletal muscles, which are responsible for breathing and moving parts of the body, including the arms and legs. The weakness tends to get worse with activity and improve with rest.

  • Treatment typically involves medications to help improve muscle strength and reduce the body's immune response.

• Polymyositis: This is a type of muscle disease called an inflammatory myopathy. It can cause muscle weakness, particularly in the muscles closest to the trunk of your body. Polymyositis can make it hard to climb stairs, rise from a seated position, lift objects, or reach overhead. In some cases, muscles may ache and be tender to the touch.

  • Treatment often involves medications to help control inflammation and improve muscle strength.

• Hypothyroidism: This is a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough of certain crucial hormones. Hypothyroidism may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages, but over time, untreated hypothyroidism can cause a number of health problems, such as obesity, joint pain, infertility, and heart disease. Symptoms can include fatigue, muscle weakness, and pain, stiffness, or swelling in your joints.

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

What you can do

It would be best to consult a doctor about your symptoms so that they can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary. In the meantime, you can try the following:

1. Rest and avoid overexertion to help manage your symptoms.
2. Maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated.
3. Keep a symptom diary to track when your symptoms are worse or better. This can help your doctor make a diagnosis.

What you should look out for

Reasons to see a doctor more urgently:

• If you notice difficulty swallowing or changes in your voice.
• If you develop difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
• If your symptoms worsen or you develop new symptoms.

Remember, 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.