[51F] Experiencing excessive sweating, fatigue, and depression

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, there are several possibilities:

• Hyperhidrosis: This is a condition characterized by excessive sweating that's not necessarily related to heat or exercise. You might sweat so much that it soaks through your clothes or drips off your hands. Besides disrupting normal daily activities, this type of heavy sweating can cause social anxiety and embarrassment.

  • Treatment options include prescription antiperspirants, nerve-blocking medications, and even surgery in severe cases.

• Menopause: Although you mentioned you are past menopause, some of the symptoms you described such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes can persist in the postmenopausal period.

  • Treatment options include hormone therapy, medications to alleviate specific symptoms, and lifestyle modifications.

• Hypothyroidism: This is a condition in which your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough of certain crucial hormones. Hypothyroidism may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Over time, untreated hypothyroidism can cause a number of health problems, such as obesity, joint pain, infertility, and heart disease.

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

• Depression: This is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems.

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

Please note that these are only possibilities and you should consult with a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis.

What you can do

1. For the excessive sweating, try using over-the-counter antiperspirants. If these don't help, a doctor can prescribe a stronger antiperspirant.
2. Keep a symptom diary. This can help you notice patterns and triggers for your symptoms, which can be useful information for your doctor.
3. Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep can help manage some of your symptoms.
4. Reach out to a mental health professional. They can provide strategies to cope with depression and improve your quality of life.

What you should look out for

Reasons to see a doctor more urgently:

• If your symptoms worsen or if you develop new symptoms
• If you have thoughts of harming yourself or others
• If your depression is interfering with your ability to function in daily life

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've given me. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and treatment.